Sheena and Ippei opened in March of 2016 and is thus one of Nishi-Ikebukuro’s rather new guest houses. It is just about 20 minutes away on foot from the bustling Ikebukuro Station and roughly a 4-minute walk from the Shiinamachi Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line.

Shiinamachi is one of Ikebukuro’s neighborhoods, known for its cozy atmosphere and lively shopping streets – and Sheena and Ippei stands right in the middle of it. The renovated building that the guesthouse is located in was a popular tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) restaurant for about 44 years, and this legacy is still maintained by the large wooden signboard just above the entrance.

The owner of Sheena and Ippei, Hikamiyama-san, is actually the manager of a furniture company and dreams of bringing his handmade curtains to Japan. He also understands the appealing experience of observing “the day to day routine of the people of Tokyo,” hence why he opened a Tokyo guest house.

Knowing this, it comes as no surprise that Sheena and Ippei’s interior is decorated generously with handmade cloth and fabric, and on the first floor is a cozy little café that follows the intriguing theme of “connecting the world with fabric, connecting the neighborhood with sewing machines.”

It serves as a wonderfully atmospheric spot for both international and intergenerational exchange. The café is also the place where regular exhibitions of Hikamiyama’s works and handicraft workshops are being held, so don’t hesitate to stop by for a cup of coffee or two. These unique experiences do play a big role in making your trip a unique and memorable one!

The first and second floors of Sheena and Ippei house the guest rooms that feature authentic and traditional lighting and paper sliding doors. In total, there are four Japanese-style rooms and one dormitory; each of the rooms is wonderfully bright and calm, emitting a retro-Japan atmosphere that you won’t be able to forget.

Toilets, showers, electric kettles, and the fridge are shared among the guests; every room offers free Wi-Fi access. Relax at the guest house and head out into Shiinamachi for some souvenir shopping and savor the delicious dishes from the many food stalls and restaurants.

Sheena and Ippei is particularly recommended to everyone who wants to get a first-hand experience of Tokyoites' daily lives while still being in the middle of the hustle and bustle of lively Ikebukuro.

Merely a one-minute walk away from the Toei Asakusa Line’s Kuramae Station, Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse opened in October 2014. Its most distinctive feature is the beautiful fusion of contemporary elements and nostalgic charm, creating a warm and cozy retro atmosphere.

The building once housed carpenters, but the owner and his family renovated it in the course of one year – almost the entire interior, including the furniture and even beds, is hand-made by the owner’s wife.

The former carpentry workshop has been turned into a cozy public room with an open atmosphere, due to the 4-meter high ceiling. It offers a wonderful space to relax with a cup of tea and a good book, and also a place for international exchange with both the staff and other guests – why not make a new friend or two?

Since the owner used to work at the Tsukiji Market, he offers a free tour of the famous market every Tuesday. Don’t hesitate to ask about it when you arrive!

Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse offers various rooms, such as dormitories for up to three people, both mixed and women-only. The toilet, shower, and kitchen are shared among guests, and every room has free Wi-Fi available.

Additionally, this Tokyo guest house is only about a 15-minute walk away from Asakusa’s major sightseeing spots, such as Senso-ji Temple and Kaminarimon, and thus is in an excellent location.

With its warm atmosphere and handmade furniture, Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse is the perfect oasis of calm in the middle of Tokyo and is sure to feel like home when you return from your sightseeing tours in the evening.

The BUNKA HOSTEL TOKYO, open since December 2015, is located in Asakusa’s Sushiya-Dori, a street that literally translates to “sushi shop street” and isn’t as crowded with pedestrians and sightseers as the rest of Asakusa. In 2016, this Tokyo guest house even won the Good Design Award in the category of regional/community development and social contribution activities.

The “Izakaya Bunka,” a traditional Japanese pub, can be found on the first floor of the guest house, allowing visitors from around the world to get a first-hand experience of authentic Japanese pub culture.

Its windowed front makes for an open and relaxed atmosphere, and not only guests of the BUNKA HOSTEL TOKYO come to enjoy the wonderful design of Izakaya Bunka. Why not stop by to experience “wa” to the fullest, the authentic Japanese spirit, in the warm light of paper lanterns?

BUNKA HOSTEL TOKYO’s guest rooms emphasize both functionality and cleanliness, which is why you’ll always find your beautifully furnished and convenient room spotless.

This also goes for the shower room, the toilets, and the rest area, of course! Besides the mixed and women-only dormitories, some featuring bunk beds, the guesthouse also offers so-called family rooms with their own shower and toilet.

Staying at BUNKA HOSTEL TOKYO will also grant you the most convenient and easy access not only to Tokyo Skytree(R) but to a whole variety of Asakusa’s most famous sightseeing spots. However, apart from sightseeing, do not miss out on the opportunity to try authentic Japanese cuisine and sake specialties from all around Japan at Izakaya Bunka on the first floor of the guesthouse.