Ueno Touganeya Hotel

The Ueno Touganeya is located on a quiet side street, making it a tranquil home base in this busy city. The hotel has a fresher style than other two-and-a-half-pearl lodgings in Tokyo, with accents like orange-and-gold wallpaper, koi details, and neutral color schemes. The Ueno Touganeya suits a range of travelers looking for simple digs in the heart of Tokyo’s cultural district. The central location is the hotel’s greatest selling point, and guests are likely to spend most of their time exploring the local area, rather than in the hotel itself. 

This budget hotel in busy Taito is conveniently located near a five-minute walk from a main transport hub, Ueno Station. Taito is well-known for its museums and art galleries, meaning this hotel is ideal base for exploring nearby cultural attractions. It's a 10- to 15-minute walk to many of the most well-known museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Nature and Science. In fact, the museums are within Ueno Park, which is a popular destination for viewing the cherry blossoms in the spring. Sensoji Temple, in the historic Asakusa neighborhood, is only three stops away on the Ginza Line, which leaves from Ueno Station. The popular Ginza neighborhood is only 15 minutes away by train, while Shinjuku -- a major stop on the tourist circuit -- is a 25-minute train ride away. It will take about 30 minutes by subway to reach bustling Shibuya, and 40 minutes to reach Harajuku. Haneda Airport is a 30-minute taxi ride away, or 45 minutes by train. Narita Airport can be reached in 90 minutes by train or cab.

Overall, the rooms here have a fresh and bright appeal, though keep in mind that this is Tokyo and some will be quite compact (entry-level rooms start at 12 square meters, or 129 square feet). Decor includes attractive patterned wallpaper, bright soft furnishings, and clean-lined wooden furniture. The fresh white bedding and carefully folded pajamas give the rooms a cozy look. Standard amenities include small LCD televisions, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, safes, phones, and alarm clocks. Many rooms also add electric kettles and tea. There's ample hanging space, extra wooden hangers, and a folded luggage stand for suitcases. Irons and trouser presses must be rented from the hotel reception. Family Rooms are the largest options, and include a double bed and bunk beds. A leather couch, coffee table, and additional hanging space are included. Some rooms also have small private balconies. All rooms have modern en-suite bathrooms with white Japanese-style toilets, small circular sinks, and shower/tub combos. Hairdryers, towels, and toiletries are provided.

This two-and-a-half-pearl hotel has a small selection of facilities, though that's fairly typical in this category in central Tokyo. The small restaurant serves a Japanese set-menu breakfast of six different plates including steamed rice and hot baked fish (for a fee). A cup of coffee is also included. Computers, a pay phone, and a range of travel guides are available in the lobby. The hotel has a self-service laundry room, and a couple of vending machines. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.