Ryokan Katsutaro Tokyo — Hotel in Tokyo

Overall, this was a fairly-priced sharehouse-like stay in a decent location.

The staff were always kind and helpful, and the check-in/check-out process were quick and easy. I saw that guests were allowed to drop off luggage early before check-in, and even to store luggage here after check-out if they were leaving Tokyo later in the day, though I didn't use either of these services myself.

The room was comfortable but minimal (as one expects in Tokyo). Most importantly the futon and blanket were quite comfortable, and the table, shelving, and coat rack were adequate for my needs. There was a small TV which I didn't use. In addition to a standard Japanese AC/heater unit, the window could be fully opened for temperature control. I was in the ground-floor room next to the door, so guests using the loud after-hours door lock keypad were slightly annoying, and guests checking out in the neighboring hallway made it difficult to sleep past ~08:30 AM.

The shower room, toilet room, and fridge are all shared, and there's only one of each like in a sharehouse, which isn't necessarily suitable for everyone. Using shared facilities outside normal waking hours can cause noise issues for others. The coin-laundry washing machine was unfortunately broken during the week I stayed here, but just a 5-minute walk away there's a nice laundromat with combination washer-dryer machines and an online machine status dashboard.

The location has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it's a very short walk to Ueno Park, which includes must-see attractions like the Tokyo National Museum. And there's a decent selection of restaurants and shops in the surrounding Nezu area, not to mention the Nezu subway station. However, it's a 15-20 minute walk to the much better-connected Ueno Stations (both JR and subway - don't get them confused!), or 20-25 minutes if you're carrying luggage and/or choose to only walk along roads (instead of going partially through the park).

I'd consider staying here again as long as I don't have too much luggage and my schedule...

For a different experience we booked this family owned Ryokan for our holiday in Tokyo. The room we booked was very spacious and had its own ensuite, however some other rooms were without this facility and used shared shower and toilet. We had air-conditioning too which was very welcome as temperatures were in the high twenties during our stay. Sheets and towels were changed every day and laundry room with washer and dryer was available for guests' use at reasonable cost. Both appliances worked like a dream.A fridge was situated on the landing and complimentary coffee\tea were available in the small lobby area. Iron and board were available too on request. The proprietor also looked after our valuables for us. All in all we had no complaints and the family was very welcoming. Just one niggle: being a Ryokan the rooms do not have chairs, just cushions, and I must admit I found this a challenge. The location is a good one being near to Ueno station which is a major transport hub as well as a thriving area for shops and many many restaurants of every type. Ueno Park is the location of a number of museums and art galleries. Nezu Subway station is close by also. A neighbourhood light bus stops a few metres away which will bring you to Ueno centre but it is an easy ten...

This ryokan is pretty good. I was in a single room when I stayed there. It is the only room next to the entrance so you do get to here people coming in and checking in. A couple checked in after 11pm which I find rather late.||There is a curfew at 10pm but they give you a code to open the entrance door. There is no kitchen but a common room is available with tea and coffee and there is a fridge for guests. You get a yukata and towels for your stay and there is one common toilet and shower on the second floor.||I paid 5 500¥ a night but stayed only one night. You hear a little bit of the street noise, especially in the morning. It's around 15-20 minutes walking to JR Ueno station, which is not that close if you have a JR pass to go around Tokyo. There do is a 100¥ bus that goes to Ueno close to the ryokan. I don't recommend this bus with your luggage; it's small, rather full and stops very often. Otherwise, it's alright.||The ryokan stored my luggage for the whole day and were very accommodating. You can even leave stuff there and pick it back later after your travels around Japan if you stay again at the ryokan.||No breakfast options, but a Yoshinowa close is always good enough for some cheap natto.||So to wrap up, a good place...