Overview
Andon Ryokan sits in Tokyo’s Minowa neighborhood, a part of the city that still feels like old Japan. Just five minutes on foot from Minowa Station, this ryokan brings you close to the traditional charm of Tokyo’s Shitamachi district, while still offering direct access to places like Ueno, Ginza, and Roppongi. The building itself is a piece of design history, created to resemble a Japanese lantern, or andon, and has won recognition from the Architectural Institute of Japan. Step inside and you’ll find antiques from across the country, hand-painted tiles, and a welcoming space where each stay feels like coming home.
Accommodation
Andon Ryokan offers 20 Japanese-style rooms, all non-smoking. You can choose from a standard room (4.5 tatami mats) or a larger group room (9 tatami mats), depending on how you travel. Sleep on Muatsu Sleep Spa mattresses by Showa Nishikawa—designed to support your whole body. Each futon is paired with a 300g/m² feather comforter and your choice of feather or pipe pillows, helping you get a warm, restful sleep.
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, individual air conditioning, a full-length mirror, tissue paper, and a stand light. Bathrooms and showers are shared, and located on each floor.
Dining
Head to the antique teahouse Fukuandon, located on the first floor, for breakfast and dinner. Meals here follow the concept of “one soup and three side dishes,” with the owner—who holds a chef’s license—preparing dishes daily based on fresh market finds. You’ll enjoy simple but flavorful home cooking with seasonal fish, vegetables, and rice directly sourced from eco-certified farmers in Ishikawa. You can choose between meat or fish as your main dish at dinner.
Vegan and vegetarian menus are also available, using kelp or shiitake-based broths and seasonal vegetables. The kitchen can accommodate allergies too—just let the staff know in advance.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 9:00, and dinner is available from 17:00 to 19:00. Reservations are required by the day before. Outside of mealtimes, the teahouse serves drinks, including hand-drip coffee made with Andon’s original blend from Tombi Coffee in Gunma.
Onsen and Wellness
Relax in the private jacuzzi, which you can reserve after check-in. This large bath is decorated with hand-painted tile art inspired by traditional sento (public baths) from the Showa era. Artist Mie Ishii created these tiles in Arita, Kyushu, and each one tells a story. Soak in the warm water while enjoying a space filled with nostalgic charm.
The jacuzzi is available in 40-minute time slots from 15:15 to 21:55 in the evening, and again from 6:40 to 9:30 in the morning. You’ll find all necessary amenities provided, including shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and more. Just bring your own towel from your room.
Guests with Tattoos
You can use the private jacuzzi freely. There are no restrictions for tattoos.
Facilities
Each floor has separate shower rooms and toilets for men and women. The showers feature TOTO rainfall bars and are designed for efficient, full-body warmth. Toilets are decorated with tiles showing scenes from classic Japanese stories like Momotaro and Kaguyahime.
Free drinks like green tea and black tea are available on every floor. A shared refrigerator lets you store drinks or small snacks. The ryokan also offers a coin laundry with detergent available at the front desk.
On the rooftop, the Andon Terrace gives you a view over Minowa’s rooftops. Tables and benches hand-painted by the owner make it a unique place to relax, though children under 12 are not allowed for safety reasons.
Activities
While staying at Andon Ryokan, you’re surrounded by the everyday life of Tokyo’s east side. You can walk to Asakusa or take a direct train to popular spots like Ueno or Ginza. Inside the ryokan, you’ll find pieces of the past everywhere—from antique tableware and frosted glass ceilings to old Mizuya cabinets and ceramic braziers.
In the lounge, you’ll see a large vermillion-lacquered cabinet from 1934 and other antiques gathered from around Japan. The décor reflects the owner’s travels and love for traditional craft. Even the bathroom walls are decorated with original manga panels, drawn by Ryo Koshinori, a published cartoonist and the father of one of the staff.
Additional Features
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- Shared shower and toilet facilities
- Coin laundry on the 5th floor
- Antique lounge and rooftop terrace
- Vegan and allergy-friendly meal options
- Private jacuzzi with hand-painted tile art
- No children under 12 (due to building structure)
- Coffee and tea available at all times
- Flexible bedding setups for singles, couples, or groups
Stay at Andon Ryokan and discover what it’s like to live in Tokyo’s downtown heart—not just visit it. From antique treasures and handmade meals to relaxing baths and welcoming faces, every part of your stay offers warmth, comfort, and a sense of home.
