- 4 min read

Sawanoya Ryokan

Another home in Tokyo

Welcome to the Ryokan Sawanoya. Located in Yanaka, near the Ueno area of Tokyo, this traditional Japanese inn offers guests a soothing stay at a rustically charming home. Celebrating more than 70 years in the service industry, Sawanoya Ryokan offers cozy living in a warm, comfortable space that is welcoming to all.

With a wooden exterior that would not be remiss in an old Japanese film, the interior of Sawanoya is just as comforting. Visitors can slip into luxurious futon beds in the tatami-mat rooms to feel a taste of authentic Japan or visit the private bathing space where you can soak in two different baths.

Rooms

Feeling like a rest during the day but not ready to stop for the night, Sawanoya also rents out rooms for a short stay during the daytime. Whether you’re traveling alone or with someone, you can borrow this Japanese space for telework, an afternoon of relaxation, or a taste of Japan along your travels.

Photo: Mark Oxley Photography

When you rent a room during the day, you will also gain access to the hot springs with reservation—a great chance to rest. These day rooms are available from 9 am to 7 pm and allow guests to bring in their own food and drink while enjoying the free Wi-Fi.

Full-night stays are also available, of course.

Photo: Mark Oxley Photography

Of course, if you aren’t in the mood for a Japanese-style stay, you can use the dining room in the hotel space. With a limited number of seats rented out, you can be sure that you won’t feel cramped or crowded by other visitors.

Baths

Unlike many ryokan inns, Sawanoya has two private baths that can be reserved by phone between 2 pm and 10 pm for a 45-minute bath period. Gaze out at the private garden space and let zen wash over your body and mind as you simmer in the hot waters.

There are two bathing options, one is a cypress bath that lends a woody smell to the air and the other is a bath made of pottery, perfect for warming up. Let the warm waters of either of these baths soothe your aches and worries away. As these are not communal baths, you can have peace of mind and more comfort than at a large bathhouse. It’s the perfect stop if you’re a little bit on the shy side.

Photo: Mark Oxley Photography

Photo: Mark Oxley Photography

A word from the owner

Born in 1937, Isao Sawa is the second generation of Sawas to run this ryokan. Aided by his family members, they all work together to run the ryokan smoothly and for the sake of visitors. Sawanoya is unique in the fact that it allowed guests from abroad to stay at their ryokan long before the surrounding area adapted. Sawa also happily welcomes guests of the LGBT+ community.

Photo: Mark Oxley Photography

This twelve-room inn is a deeply personal and family-owned business venture to the Sawa family who prides themselves on their roots in the area and longstanding ryokan. The Sawa family even keeps a diary of visitors, of which 30% are repeat guests. They believe that people visiting their inn can gain a real sense of Japanese hospitality and family living.

Photo: Mark Oxley Photography

Stamp rally

Sawanoya Ryokan is currently conducting a stamp rally campaign. Guests can obtain a stamp booklet (tenugui) and collect stamps from other eligible inns. After gathering six stamps on your card (tenugui), show this to the hotel concierge for a free gift. The stamp rally and gifts vary by hotel and season and may not always be available.

Photo: Mark Oxley Photography

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Novia Mardasari 3 years ago
It’s good idea to stay with traditional’s Stuff.
Sherilyn Siy 3 years ago
I've walked the Yanaka area and missed this treasure. Will look for it next time
Elena Lisina 3 years ago
Very nice ryokan, indeed! Ryokan is one of the things that a traveller MUST try in Japan! :)
Elizabeth S 3 years ago
Yanaka is a great base to explore from and walk around. The dense neighborhood has so many little things to see. This ryokan looks so cozy and retro, a great antidote to modern Tokyo.
Sleiman Azizi 3 years ago
70 years is a solid amount of time to be in business. Well done.

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