Karawaru Stay 大塚

Karawaru Stay has all the necessities for a long-term stay like ours. The house has enough space for four large suitcases and still move around freely. Basic bathroom needs and cleaning products were amply provided. They had a great stock of toilet paper which we greatly appreciate during our long stay. Appliances worked properly. The bed is comfortable and spacious enough for two people. Overall, the place is great! The highlight of this place, in my opinion, is its location. 7-Eleven right across the street, 8-10 mins walk to Otsuka Station (only has Yamanote Line, but enough to go around), high ground elevation but not tiring to walk to and from, and the station area itself has enough restaurants, bars, and shops to choose and go around. It’s also around 5 mins away from Sugamo Jizodori Shopping Street, which is a must-visit area if ever you choose to stay here. Communication is clear from start to end. An example of that is, since we stayed for almost 3 weeks, we asked the owner to help us clear out our 10-day garbage, which they did. So that deserves a special mention. This stay is a great steal for its price and location! Better book this place while it’s available.

This is more of if you plan to do laundry. They have a washing machine, but not enough space to hang clothes to dry. I suggest you dry your clothes at the nearby coin laundry that is located on the left side as you exit the building. It’s literally 30 steps away, you won’t miss it.

Great apartment for me as a solo traveler, and would also be fine for a couple or even 3 if necessary. Kitchenette has all you need to cook at home if you don’t want to go to restaurants every night. Good, clean bathroom and shower with plenty of pressure and hot water (not always the case in these little Tokyo apartments). AC works great, and there’s an elevator up to the apartment. Short 8-10 minute walk from Otsuka Station and maybe 12mins to Sugamo (both on the Yamanote Line). Ikebukuro is one stop away. Also very close to one of the only remaining tram lines in Tokyo, which is cool. I unexpectedly fell in love the neighborhood. Away from all the annoyances of Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc. Plenty of little bars and restaurants on this street and around the neighborhood. Absolutely go visit JOTO TACOS directly across the street from the apartment. I cannot stress this enough. Tell them Thomas sent you.

Genuinely no complaints. As you can probably tell I really liked this apartment.