Calmer and quieter that the city proper, East Tokyo is where you’ll find some of Tokyo’s most traditional neighbourhoods, including Asakusa, which is where you’ll find Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, and the Yanaka district, one of Old Tokyo’s best preserved regions: an atmospheric area of beautiful temples, winding lanes, kimono shops and teahouses. You’ll find many of the best hotels in East Tokyo in Ryoguku, which is also where you’ll find many of the area’s main sights. It’s also a great part of town to stay in if you don’t mind a bit of a walk.
East Tokyo is where the Sea Life Park is, the famous, but lovely and uncrowded, Kiyosumi Gardens, and the fascinating Fukagawa Edo Museum. East Tokyo is also a great place to shop, with Shibamata being a particular highlight, a lively street with a fairly authentically Japanese collection of shops. East Tokyo is also a great place to try monja-yaki, which is very like the pancake-y-omelette-y okonomiyaki but with a slightly different range of ingredients.
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon is a sophisticated contemporary hotel in a great location with 137 rooms and fabulous views. There’s a hip cocktail bar and a slick French fusion restaurant too.
For around £90 per night you could stay at the Wired Hotel in Taito-ku, which is just a short distance from Tokyo’s main sights. The decor is smart, dark and muted, and there’s a range of accommodation, from dormitories to family rooms to luxurious penthouses.
The Andon Ryokan is a traditional guesthouse in a quiet neighbourhood with 24 simple rooms with roll down futons and large windows. There’s a more contemporary lounge. If you’re looking for good value this is one of the best locations in town. Rooms start from around £70 per night.
Tokyo (Taito-ku, Kaminarimon 2-16-11)
A sophisticated hotel in the atmospheric eastern Asakusa district, moments from the iconic iconic Kaminari-mon Gate. Contemporary rooms boast fabulous views of either Sensoji or Tokyo Skytree. A slick French fusion restaurant, hip cocktail bar and excellent price tag make this hard to beat.
Tokyo
A traditional guesthouse in a quiet neighbourhood. Simple rooms have roll down futons, tatami matting, large windows and almost nothing else. Bathrooms are shared. The lounge area is a more contemporary affair with new-age furniture and bold colours. A friendly base for travellers on a budget.
Tokyo (2-16-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku)
Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel is set in Tokyo's Taito district, a short distance from the city's main sights. The property features dark, muted tones & smart interiors as well as a range of accommodation (penthouses, family rooms and dormitories). Japanese cuisine served. A splendid all-round stay.
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