Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku
Location: Shinjuku
Sink into natural hot springs amid the atmosphere of this ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn in the heart of the city, just a 20-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station or a 7-minute walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Subway Station. The experience of staying in a traditional inn is made easy in this environment that fuses traditional Japanese and modern sensibilities. The open-air bath on the top floor is only open to hotel guests – take in the sweeping view of Shinjuku skyscrapers while soaking in hot spring waters brought from the source in Hakone. The wide variety of rooms include doubles, twins, suites, and universal rooms that are wheelchair accessible.
uds-hotels.com/en/yuen/shinjuku
Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Daita
Location: Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is an area known for its unique fashion and culture as well as its popularity with international visitors. Yuen Bettei Daita opened in 2020, bringing the comfort of a countryside hot spring experience right into the city. The modern Japanese-style, beautifully appointed guestrooms have tatami and wooden flooring and Western-style beds.
uds-hotels.com/en/yuenbettei/daita
Sake Bar Hotel Asakusa
Location: Asakusa
For travellers who love sake and want to experience Japanese culture, this is the place. Check in at the sake bar and receive a ‘masu’ (a small wooden box used both as a drinking cup and measuring device) as a token of your stay. Enjoy all-you-can-drink sake, not only at the bar but also in your guest room, footbath, or private bath. Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the Kaminarimon Gate of Sensoji Temple.
Auberge Tokito
Location: Tachikawa
Opened in April 2023, this Japanese auberge (dining-focused inn) inherited part of the historic estate and garden of a famous classic restaurant on the outskirts of Tachikawa, about 30km from Shinjuku. All four guest rooms have open-air baths fed by a flowing natural hot spring. In the hotel’s dining room, Michelin-starred chefs create modern takes on menus that convey the depth and richness of Japan’s food culture.
Shubou-Tamajiman
Location: Fussa, Tama Area
A guesthouse offering hands-on experiences on the grounds of the Ishikawa Brewery, in operation since 1863. Within the warm wood interior of the hotel are capsule bedrooms divided into men’s and women’s sections, while the restaurant serves dishes made from local ingredients, and sake brewed onsite. Special stay options include a sake brewery tour and tasting seminar, as well as workshops.
Photography by: Nacasa & Partners; Yuen Bettei Daita.
