Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku, with the concept of "an authentic ryokan experience," is located in "Shinjuku 5-chome", a residential area filled with eateries and bars.

It's not just authentic in looks: the place is furnished precisely like a traditional Japanese inn, from the entrance, the front desk to the lobby, everything is as quiet and austere as you would imagine.

The interior of Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku is constructed of bountiful materials that look similar to the Hinoki cypress, such as the timber, Japanese paper, and lacquer, giving the place a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

Even the artwork in front of the elevator and the hanging scroll is chosen with careful deliberation. Foreign staff are also widely employed, so the place has no problems with English, Mandarin, or even Korean. (*The establishment has free Wi-Fi within the building)

The biggest unique factor of Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku is its open-air bath on the 18th floor, which simulates the Hakone onsen experience. Enjoy the beautifying properties of the Hakone baths right here in Shinjuku.

The indoor bath is wide and comfortable, with seasonal baths like the yuzu bath, mikan bath and iris bath which are popular. The bathtubs are made from granite and cypress, letting you relax in a bath of luxury.

The lounge in front of the bathhouse also has a fantastic view of Shinjuku to boot. Take a respite as you enjoy the skyline of the city. They even serve free ice cream from 15:00 to 26:00 to boot, which is just icing on the cake.

Their "ryokan style" guestrooms are meant to be entered barefoot. The items provided, like the yukata, hot water baskets and sandals, also add a nice traditional touch.

Also, the long windows inspired by Yukimi Shoji offer a panoramic view of the city of Shinjuku and boasts a brilliant night view. From 5,500 yen per person (semi-double room), prices are reasonable even for a location in the city center.

As with traditional ryokans, there is a “board space” on the window side, where you can sit down or put your luggage.

At the establishment’s affiliated restaurant “Kakatoujou”, tempura and teppanyaki dishes using ingredients from around Japan are available. Applying an open kitchen, the counter uses a single plank of ginkgo biloba, making it a restaurant where you can feel the warmth of wood. (*Menu available in English)

A three-minute walk from Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku is the INBOUND LEAGUE coworking space, whose theme revolves around inbound culture. A coordinator is stationed at this location and provides tour information for foreigners visiting Japan. Here, a tour coordinator is permanently stationed, who offers helpful advice and information for foreigners here to visit.

The place has rent-a-cycles and power banks up for rent, as well as a prayer room, services that any foreigner will undoubtedly appreciate. They even sell food for take-out.
(*Visitors can use the complimentary wi-fi within the building)

Ninja workshops. traditional art workshops, and calligraphy tryouts are also available, a great experience for those looking to undertake cultural exchanges of activities you cannot experience outside of Japan.

The charm of Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku is that you can fully immerse yourself in Japanese culture with all your five senses, even in a well-accessible place like Shinjuku. The “Yuen” in its name is a word that means “the happening of things”. What do you think? Sounds like the perfect base for anyone looking to have various encounters and experiences.

(* All prices in the article are tax-inclusive)

Written by: Medium KK