Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret: Toyoko Inn Asakusa Kuramae No.2!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret: Toyoko Inn Asakusa Kuramae No.2! And trust me, as a seasoned traveler who's seen more hotel rooms than I've had hot dinners, this one's a keeper. Forget the hyped-up luxury, the over-the-top "experiences," this is real-world, practical, and surprisingly charming Tokyo. And if you want affordable (emphasis on affordable), clean, convenient, and surprisingly well-equipped – you’ve stumbled onto a goldmine.
Accessibility: A Breeze for Everyone (Seriously!)
Right off the bat, let's talk about getting around. Finding a hotel that actually cares about accessibility in Tokyo can be a Herculean task. But ding ding ding! Toyoko Inn Asakusa Kuramae No.2 actually gets it. The elevator is spacious enough even with luggage and a wheelchair. The entrance is surprisingly flat, so you don’t need a sherpa to get you inside. I even saw a family with a baby stroller navigate the halls with ease.
Wheelchair Accessible: Absolutely. Check! Elevator: Huge! Good for the bulky luggage.
Rooms: Compact, but Clever (and Clean!)
Now, here's the deal. The rooms are Tokyo compact. Don't expect palatial suites. But before you start hyperventilating, let me tell you: they’re brilliantly designed. They’ve somehow crammed everything you actually need – a comfortable bed (extra long, even!), a desk, a mini-fridge, a TV with a surprising number of channels (including, yes, some in English), and surprisingly good free Wi-Fi – into a surprisingly small space.
Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Cleanliness & Safety: My OCD Heart Says "Yes!"
This is where Toyoko Inn really shines. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and even I was impressed. The rooms are SPOTLESS. And I mean, sparkling. The sheets are crisp, the bathroom is immaculate, and you can actually see your face in the mirror without squinting. Bonus points for the daily housekeeping – they practically jump in and make your room spotless. And I'm talking about daily disinfection of common areas, hand sanitizer galore and all the bells and whistles.
Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Safety/security feature: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Surprisingly Convenient!
Okay, so you're not going to get a Michelin-starred dining experience here. But for what you need, it's ideal. Breakfast is included (!!) and it's a simple buffet, but it's free food in Tokyo! And they have Asian cuisine in restaurant or western breakfast. It’s not the best breakfast ever, but it’s good fuel for your explorations. I didn't venture into using the room service [24-hour] or the bar. Dining, drinking, and snacking: Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Restaurants, Snack bar, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi Nirvana!
Free Wi-Fi? Yes, please! And actual, reliable, functional Wi-Fi. You know, the kind you need to actually get stuff done – like, you know, check emails, plan your next adventure, and annoy your friends with a million photos of temples.
Internet access: Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost!)
They have a convenience store right there! Talk about a lifesaver. I swear, I lived on onigiri and Pocari Sweat from that place for a week. They have luggage storage (essential!), a doorman, a laundry service, and the front desk is staffed 24/7. Also, there is a car park [free of charge].
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace.
What's Missing (And Why It Doesn't Matter):
Okay, let's be real. This isn't a spa resort. There is no gym, no pool, no fancy spa. I was a little bummed about not having a pool with a view. But honestly, I was so busy exploring Tokyo that I didn’t even notice. Things to do, ways to relax: On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: For the kids: Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
My Quirky Experience: The Onsen Dream (Almost!)
So, one evening, after a brutal day of walking, I was desperate for a good soak. I’d read online about a public onsen (Japanese bath) a short walk away. I imagined myself, relaxed and revitalized, after a long soak. Turns out, it was a bit further away than I thought, and the whole onsen experience was terrifying since I was a total onsen Newbie. But hey, the good news is, Toyoko Inn Asakusa Kuramae No.2 was a perfect basecamp for recovery.
The Bottom Line: Why You Should Book Now!
Toyoko Inn Asakusa Kuramae No.2 isn't glamorous. It's not trendy. But it is a ridiculously good value. It's clean, convenient, and surprisingly comfortable. It's perfect for the independent traveler who wants to explore Tokyo without breaking the bank.
Here's My Pitch: The "Tokyo Freedom Fighter" Package!
Tired of overpriced, pretentious hotels that leave you feeling like you're being nickel-and-dimed? Then ditch the fancy frills and embrace real Tokyo with the "Tokyo Freedom Fighter" Package at Toyoko Inn Asakusa Kuramae No.2!
What You Get:
- Spotless Room: A comfortable, surprisingly spacious room with everything you need. Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning you can actually control, and a bed you'll actually sleep in.
- Fuel for Your Adventures: A free, simple, but satisfying breakfast to kickstart your day.
- Effortless Exploration: Convenient access to public transport (the subway is practically on your doorstep!), making it easy to explore all of Tokyo's hidden gems.
- Budget-Friendly Bliss: Unbeatable value for money, leaving you with more cash to spend on ramen, quirky souvenirs, and epic experiences!
Act Now and Get:
- Bonus: A complimentary "Tokyo Cheat Sheet" with insider tips on the best local eats, hidden temples, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
- Peace of Mind: Know that you're staying in a hotel that prioritizes cleanliness and your safety.
(Click here to book your Tokyo Freedom Fighter package!) Trust me, you won't regret it. This is the real deal. This is Tokyo. This is Toyoko Inn Asakusa Kuramae No.2. And it's waiting for you!
Unbelievable Xi'an Luxury: Xana Hotel's Zhonglou Secret Revealed!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-packaged itinerary. This is the real, raw, possibly disastrous, and definitely hilarious account of my attempt to conquer Tokyo, all while based at the glorious (and let's be honest, slightly cramped) Toyoko Inn Tokyo Asakusa Kuramae No.2. Get ready for chaos.
Tokyo, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Vending Machines (and Maybe, Possibly, Not Get Lost)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Ramen Catastrophe
Morning (or, More Accurately, the Bleary-Eyed Aftermath of a 13-Hour Flight): Landed in Narita. Immigration? Smooth. Bags? Miraculously arrived. Getting to the hotel? Well, that's where the fun began. Trains are…complicated. Let's just say I spent a solid hour and a half staring at the "Local vs. Express" signs, feeling the primal urge to just… scream. Found the hotel eventually. The Toyoko-Inn? Clean, efficient, and the size of a shoebox. My first thought? "Where do I put my stuff?!" Second thought? "This vending machine is a godsend."
Afternoon: Asakusa Temple and the Unintentional Michelin Star Attempt (Spoiler: It Failed): First stop, Senso-ji Temple! Breathtaking. Seriously, the scale of the temple is insane. People everywhere, the incense swirling, the colors popping… felt a wave of peace, then got brutally elbowed by a toddler with a very determined mission. Worth it. Then, food. Oh, the food. Determined to have authentic ramen, I wandered into a tiny, dimly-lit place recommended by a blog I vaguely trust. Translation was…a challenge. I ended up with a bowl that looked suspiciously like something that crawled out of a swamp. The broth tasted like disappointment, the noodles were suspiciously slimy, and the "pork" probably wasn't what I had envisioned for lunch. I choked down half. The only thing worse than the food was the post-ramen indigestion. I almost burst into tears. My emotional reaction? Overwhelmed, and then "That was $15 USD I will never get back!"
Evening: Vending Machine Symphony and the Quest for Sleep: Back at the hotel, defeated. The vending machine was my lifeline. I swear, those things are like Japanese robots from the future, stocked with everything from coffee to mysteriously flavored green… things. I tried to sleep, but the jet lag was a cruel mistress. Tossed. Turned. Briefly considered moving into the vending machine. Finally, passed out, only to be woken by a construction crew at 5 AM.
Day 2: Shibuya Crossing and the Untamed Karaoke Beast
Morning: The sun rose, I did not. Dragging myself out of bed was a monumental effort. Coffee from the vending machine (thank you, sweet automated jesus!) was my only friend. Subway ride was much easier today!
Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing and the Puppy Dog Effect: Shibuya Crossing! The iconic scramble crossing! It was mind-boggling and chaotic and absolutely thrilling! I stood there for a good ten minutes, just watching the human river flow. It was like being in a movie. I even took a photo in the Hachiko statue. I'm basic, I know. Then, Starbucks. Because, you know, routine.
Evening: Karaoke Catastrophe (and Possible Vocal Chord Damage): Okay, this. This was… a thing. My friend convinced me to go to Karaoke. I. Was. Terrified. I can't sing. At all. We ended up in a private room, which was probably a mistake. The sound system was…powerful. I chose "Bohemian Rhapsody" (I'm a masochist, I guess) and belted it out with the enthusiasm of a thousand suns and the vocal ability of a dying cat. The laughter was… intense. The feeling of abject terror? Also intense. At the end of the night, my voice was shot, my pride was wounded, and I was covered in sweat from the sheer effort of it all. Good times. (Probably.)
Day 3: My Own Adventure
Morning: The Ghibli Museum (The One I Didn't Book In Advance): So, I went to the Ghibli Museum. Without a ticket. Rookie mistake. I ended up peering longingly through the windows, feeling the crushing weight of my own incompetence. The kids inside looked like they were having the time of their lives. I sulked.
Afternoon: The Imperial Palace and Contemplation (and More Vending Machines): Walked around the Imperial Palace East Garden. Beautiful, serene, and a complete contrast to the chaotic energy of the city. Spent a good hour just wandering, thinking, and trying not to get lost. The vending machines were there for me again.
Evening: Dinner and a Small Miracle : Found a tiny little Izakaya (Japanese pub) near the hotel. The food was amazing! The beer was cold! The people were friendly (even if I couldn't understand a word they said). I think, I think, I’m starting to understand Tokyo.
Day 4: Akihabara and the Art of the Impulse Buy
Morning: Akihabara! Where the Anime Dreams Are Made: Okay, so I’m not a huge anime/manga person, but Akihabara is a sensory overload in the best possible way. Giant robots, flashing lights, and enough electronics to make your head spin. I bought a weird little robot toy that probably does absolutely nothing. Zero regrets.
Afternoon: Ueno Park and a Moment of Zen (and Possibly Getting Mugged by a Squirrel): Ueno Park was a delightful escape from the urban jungle. The museums were interesting, but I spent most of my time dodging squirrels (they are bold). I spent a good 30 minutes watching a guy try to teach a flock of pigeons to do tricks. He failed.
Evening: Last Ramen, Maybe?: Found another Ramen shop! Success! The noodles were cooked better, the broth was more flavourful, and I didn't get indigestion. I think I might be getting the hang of this food thing. On the way back to the hotel, I experienced the utter joy of walking under the street lights after having a delicious meal, feeling the breeze. The day ended well.
Day 5: Departure (and the Bitter-Sweet Taste of Leaving)
Morning: Last Vending Machine and a Final Goodbye: One last coffee from the vending machine. A tear. Okay, maybe a slight dampening of the eye. This city had challenged me, frustrated me, and utterly charmed me.
Afternoon: Airport. Plane. The End. Until next time, Tokyo. You glorious, crazy, beautiful mess. I'll be back. And I'll definitely book the Ghibli Museum in advance. And maybe, just maybe, learn some basic Japanese. (Probably not.)
Toyoko Inn Asakusa Kuramae No.2: The Underdog Hero (Maybe?) - FAQ
Okay, spill the tea. Why is this place a "best kept secret?" Is it *really*?
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Best kept secret" is a bit of travel blogger hyperbole, I'll be honest. It's not exactly a Michelin-starred experience. But for *me*, someone who's navigated the Tokyo hotel jungle multiple times and emerged battered but (mostly) unbowed... it kinda felt like one. Think: affordable, clean, and conveniently located. Asakusa, Kuramae... it's *close* to a lot of stuff. And look, in budget travel, "no nasty surprises" is practically a win. So, maybe less "secret," more "reliable friend you can awkwardly count on at 3 am when you've royally screwed up your budget planning." And yes, I may or may not have been that person. Twice.
What's the *actual* location like? The location, location, location stuff.
Kuramae! Don't go expecting the blinding neon of Shinjuku. It's… calmer. More residential, maybe? Think quiet(ish) streets, little shops, some cool cafes that attract the "I'm definitely an artist, but I also need good Wi-Fi" crowd. The hotel itself? Well, it's a Toyoko Inn. You know the drill – functional, efficient, and definitely not glamorous. But the proximity to the Kuramae subway station is clutch. Seriously. You can get anywhere you need to be. And the walk to Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori) is doable – scenic, even, if you're not already crippled with jet lag and desperately craving ramen. I walked it once. Never again. Subway's the way.
The rooms? Are they shoe boxes or, you know, *slightly* less shoe-boxy?
Okay, let's be honest: they're shoe boxes. Clean, well-organized shoe boxes, mind you. The single rooms are... intimate. You could probably touch all four walls while stretching. Forget trying to unpack a full suitcase unless you enjoy living out of it for the duration. Think: space for the bed, a tiny desk, a slightly larger bathroom, and that's it. But they're clean! And they have everything you *need*: a comfy bed, a decent shower, a TV, and the all-important Wi-Fi. I once saw a couple try to share a double room. Pure chaos. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're *very* close. Or very adventurous. Or both. *shudders*
What's the breakfast situation? Free breakfast, right? Is it any good?
Yes, yes! Free breakfast! It's… what you'd expect from free hotel breakfast. Don't go expecting a gourmet experience. Think: rice balls (onigiri), miso soup, some sad-looking pastries, maybe a boiled egg or two. It's functional. It's enough to get you going. I remember one morning, I was SO sleep-deprived, I devoured three onigiri and nearly choked on a pickled plum. The memory still makes me shudder. But I survived! And hey, it’s free. And when you’re staring down the vast, bewildering expanse of Tokyo at 7 am, sometimes ‘functional’ is enough. Just… maybe avoid the plums.
Okay, I've heard Toyoko Inns are a bit… regimented. Any quirks I should be prepared for?
"Regimented" is putting it nicely! They have a *system*. Check-in is usually efficient, but sometimes, when the staff is learning English, it can take a minute. Be patient... they're trying! The keycards are super important, and the elevators are perpetually busy. I once forgot my keycard and had to beg a weary-looking cleaner to let me in (she obviously knew I didn't belong there, but she let me in any way). Embarrassing. And the whole "membership" thing? Worth it, if you plan to stay at Toyoko Inns a lot. Otherwise, it's just another card to fumble with. Oh, and there's the whole "no shoes in the room" thing. Which is fine, except sometimes my feet would get dusty from the floor. So, socks. Always pack socks.
What was your *best* experience there? Something positive?
Okay, this is where it gets weirdly sentimental. After a truly *terrible* day – lost luggage, a massive downpour, and a disastrous attempt at navigating the Tokyo Metro – I finally stumbled back to the hotel, soaked to the bone and utterly defeated. I just wanted a hot shower and to curl up in bed and cry. The staff, bless their hearts, even though they probably deal with stressed-out tourists *every day*, were incredibly kind. One lady, seeing my state, gave me an extra towel and, I swear, a comforting smile that felt like sunlight after a week of rain. That tiny moment of human kindness, right there in my little shoe-box room? It was everything. It reminded me that even in a city the size of Tokyo, and in a hotel that’s not exactly the Ritz, there can be little pockets of warmth and connection. Yeah, I actually teared up a bit. Don't judge me.
What was your *worst* experience there? Any real fails?
Oh, the wifi. Oh. My. God. The wifi. Look, it’s not *always* bad. Sometimes it's fine. But other times... it’s like trying to stream video through a dial-up modem. I once spent an entire afternoon attempting to upload a single photo to Instagram. Just one. It took *hours*. I paced the room, I swore at the router (gasp!), I considered leaving Tokyo *just* for a decent internet connection. It was a level of frustration that should be illegal. Seriously. So yeah, the wifi. Bring a portable hotspot. Or accept that you'll be digitally stranded in the 21st century's equivalent of the Dark Ages. Also, the walls are thin. I heard *everything* my neighbor was doing. EVERYTHING.
Alright, so, *should* I stay there? Give me the quick verdict.
Look, if you're on a budget, prioritizing cleanliness, convenience, and a basic level of comfort, and you're not expecting luxury, then YES. Totally. It's a solid choice. It might not be glamorous, it might not be the ultimate "Instagrammable" hotel experience, but it *works*. Just manage your expectations (especially about the wifi).Delightful Hotels
