Ryokan Katsutaro in Tokyo

We went as a family of four and we couldn't love this place more !
The place really makes you feel the japanese culture, hosted by a very nice family living in the same house, everything was lovely and quaint.
Nothing extraordinary, just simple but comfortable, quiet and traditional. Everything you could look for in going to Japan.

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 isn't packed.

beautiful cosy ryokan! we booked the room with private toilet and bath, and it was so spacious for us, especially since rooms in japan tend to be small. the room and ryokan was very clean. the owners are very kind and hospitable, everything went smoothly. i am so thankful and would love to stay again if i am back in tokyo!!!! the only thing to note is that the walls are thin so small sounds from next rooms can be heard, but i think that it is very normal and didnt bother us! the ryokan also had a coin washing machine and free dryer for use, so it was very convenient. the owners are so kind, they helped us to store our luggage before and after checking in/out as well. thank you!!

I stayed here twenty years ago as a teen travelling on my own, and I stayed again this year. The ryokan is simple and charming, but the real gem is its owner, who is as friendly and hospitable now as he was all those years ago. The location is also excellent, opposite a convenience store, within walking distance of Ueno, and just five minutes from a metro station. I can heartily recommend this location, and will stay here again next time I am in Tokyo as well.

Great hotel and japanese experience. Service is on point, the owners are really great people and kind and the hotel have everything needed to rest and be clean. I truly enjoyed the stay.

Peaceful traditional Ryokan. Enjoyed it as a one night stay, and would stay again. Room we had was big enough for 3 - 4 people, bathroom's also big and not squishy. Both room amd bathroom was clean and neat. Overall enjoyable stay

The two who run this place are very nice. The man speaks very good English, the woman does not, but they are both very good at responding to requests as quickly as possible. The room we booked didn't have a bathroom attached, but the common areas are always very clean and neat, and it wasn't as inconvenient to share with others as I thought it would be. If I return to Japan, I'm definitely trying to stay here again.

Nice place. Not too far fron the subway, though it feels a lot farther when you're draging heavy suitcases! If you're looking for a Western style hotel, go somewhere else. Be prepared to take off your shoes; it's Japanese custom to leave your shoes at the front door. The staff/owner is very helpful; he (I'm assuming it's the owner or manager) speaks English, though some staff do not. Basic rooms have a shared bathroom and shower; you share the facilities with all guests that have basic rooms. There's also a public bathhouse nearby if you prefer. We went during a slow month, so we got a free room upgrade - bigger with a private toilet/shower. Laundry is available, but is costs ¥300 and you have to do it yourself. Overall, a nice place to stay if you want an inexpensive place and a more traditional Japanese feel.

Nice neighborhood. Clean place and very typical Japanese style accommodation but the place need some freshen up. Some rooms have shared bathroom, some ensuite. No breakfast available, but there are cafes and a cosy hotel with cafeteria nearby