Sheena and Ippei - Hostel

Great owner, great neighbor, great people.

It felt like a home away from home. Located in a charming small town area minutes from bustling Ikebukuro by train, you can get a glimpse of daily life in residential Tokyo. I stayed in the bunk bed room on the upper floor. It was a comfy bed and it never got uncomfortable, though I wasn't sure whether the light in the room is supposed to be left on or not. Being that this was an old house/former restaurant, you can hear some voices from downstairs but it didn't bother me. The staff are really nice and friendly. Shota-san made sure it was a pleasant experience from before arrival though after check out. They offer you coffee each morning in the cafe/lounge space and will strike up a good conversation. I could hang out in the lounge day or night and write in my journal, chat with other guests, or eat something I bought in the many shops nearby. Water, a refrigerator and kettle are available. Since it was New Year's Eve they hosted a party so you can experience how Japanese celebrate new years at home. Although I had another engagement, on the day after they offered the same traditional Japanese new year meal which I saw them prepare the day before. Overall, it was a memorable stay and I would come back again.

Super nice neighborhood, there are lot of nice local restaurants nearby with decent price and very good traffic connection. Their traditional Japanese room is just adorable and the feeling is totally different from another standard hotel. It will be much nicer if the hostel got a few more shower rooms :-)

It felt like a home away from home. Located in a charming small town area minutes from bustling Ikebukuro by train, you can get a glimpse of daily life in residential Tokyo.I stayed in the bunk bed room on the upper floor. It was a comfy bed and it never got uncomfortable, though I wasn't sure whether the light in the room is supposed to be left on or not. Being that this was an old house/former restaurant, you can hear some voices from downstairs but it didn't bother me.The staff are really nice and friendly. Shota-san made sure it was a pleasant experience from before arrival though after check out. They offer you coffee each morning in the cafe/lounge space and will strike up a good conversation. I could hang out in the lounge day or night and write in my journal, chat with other guests, or eat something I bought in the many shops nearby. Water, a refrigerator and kettle are available.Since it was New Year's Eve they hosted a party so you can experience how Japanese celebrate new years at home. Although I had another engagement, on the day after they offered the same traditional Japanese new year meal which I saw them prepare the day before.Overall, it was a memorable stay and I would come back again.