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Sakura Ryokan

Located near the Sensoji Temple; English-speaking owners; Japanese and Western-style rooms available (Western-style have private baths); breakfast available (add'l charge).

Rates:

Japanese Style w/o Bath ($53 for 1 person, $97 for 2 persons, $128 for 3 persons); Japanese Style with bath for add'l charge

Western Style w/ Bath ($64 for single room, $107 for twin)

Reader Comments:

October, 1999

I am in contact with the owner of the Sakura Ryokan. He has become aware of the harsh comments about his inn and he would like to convey his apologies to the writer. He greatly regrets the fact that the writer and his family had a negative experience. Further, he assures that as a family hotel, they are always making improvements and it has been 2 and a half years since that stay.

I personally have been staying at the Sakura Hotel for about 6 years on and off whenever in Japan.

Sakura Ryokan is a family owned hotel which has as its primary clients, blue-collar Japanese laborers that are working away from home. These are not rich, pampered Japanese princes or even sarariman. That is why prices are cheap. However the place is NOT dirty. Although I admit if

you looked in the kitchen, you would find it cramped and greasy, the rooms, linens, dishes, etc. are cleaned/changed everyday and they have a grade-A ofuro set-up.

The owners recently added a second, woman's bath, in the basement that is beautiful and modern. Furthermore, the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Sato always go out of their way to help guests find their way in Tokyo, providing free maps and hits from their voluminouis experience as old Shitamachi Edo-ko types.

I find it a wonderful, homey kind of a place. The owners are warm and friendly and as for the kitchen smell...one must remember that when you leave your own country, you have to open your mind and get off your American high horse for a while, After all, if you wanted to stay in Howard Johnsons, you should go to Toledo, not Tokyo.

P.S. Next to Sakura Ryokan is a realy delicious ramen place called "Iriya Ramen". Try the "Jya-Jya men" or their delicious chashu!