ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU, Tokyo

The hotel is situated in a peaceful residential area, about 15-20 minutes on foot from Shinjuku's main entertainment and shopping districts. The nearest subway stations are roughly a 10-minute walk, providing direct access to Tokyo Station (7 stops) and Meiji Jingu Shrine (2 stops). A 24-hour convenience store is directly opposite, and several restaurants are within a few blocks. The walk to the station involves a slight incline, which can be challenging with heavy luggage. Haneda Airport is 23 km away.

Rooms range from standard double to spacious twin options, all with tatami floors, yukata, an electric kettle, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with bath, shower, bidet, and hairdryer. Standard double rooms are extremely compact - there is minimal floor space for opening luggage, and carrying two large suitcases is impractical. Room temperature is centrally controlled; a fan can be requested if the room becomes too warm. Light sleepers may find rooms above mid-level quiet, while road-facing rooms on lower floors can be affected by street noise. The twin room offers two separate beds and slightly more space. A suite is also available.

The on-site restaurant, 夏下冬上, serves a set Japanese breakfast with a bento-style platter, highly recommended for its quality and presentation. Breakfast must be ordered in advance, ideally at the time of booking, and costs 4000 JPY per person. The restaurant also offers lunch and dinner, with a menu focused on Japanese cuisine accommodating vegetarian and vegan options. Evening service includes a complimentary buffet of snacks, sake, and drinks offered to all guests late in the evening (around 10 pm). Dinner must be reserved, and the kitchen closes at 9 pm, with no late entry permitted. A vending machine with drinks is available on site.

The 18th-floor onsen is the hotel's standout feature, with segregated men's and women's baths. The open-air bath provides stunning skyline views - Mount Fuji is visible on clear days. The indoor bath and wash area are clean and well-maintained. After bathing, a lounge provides free ice popsicles. The onsen is open until 2:00 am, making it a relaxing end to a day exploring the city. Tattoo seal covers are available for purchase at reception for 200 yen, allowing those with tattoos to use the facility.

Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property. Daily housekeeping is included, but its thoroughness can vary; some rooms have had issues with dust and hair. A trouser press is available free of charge, and laundry service is offered at an additional charge - coin-operated washers and dryers are also located on floors 5, 10, and 15. Check-in starts at 15:00 and check-out at 11:00. The 24-hour front desk can assist with taxi calls, though English fluency among staff is limited. The lifts are the only access between floors, with two elevators serving 18 floors, which can result in significant wait times. Luggage storage is free and helpful for early arrivals or late departures.