The spaceWe offer you casual comfort in Otsuka, on the doorstep of Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s most exciting neighborhoods; an easy walk to transport, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and a short ride on the main JR Yamanote loop line to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Ueno.
YOUR LOCATION
Just 500m (6 min.) walk to Otsuka JR train station and the local shopping district, this apartment is in a quiet neighborhood next to leafy Sugamo Park. Steps away from friendly neighborhood eateries and 24-hour convenience stores. The JR Yamanote Line train takes you to exciting Ikebukuro (3 min), and also to Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ueno on the same line (10-20 min).
YOUR HOSTS
All guests receive personalized, attentive service from the host, a long-term resident of Tokyo. We communicate with you before and during your stay, and offer guidance on transportation, tourism, and local restaurants. We can also arrange private transporation to/from Narita or Haneda airports.
YOUR HOME
After a busy day experiencing the city, relax in this charming and comfortable apartments, sized 42 sqm/450 sqft. This unit is on the third floor. This unit is ideal for couples, groups, or families of up to five people. There is air-conditioning throughout for the summer, and the same system ensures you are heavenly-warm for the winter. Wireless Internet is provided free for your use. The windows of the apartments look out on the trees of next-door Sugamo Park.
MAIN BEDROOM
The sunny main bedroom adjoins the living/dining area and has a double sized bed. Lots of comforters and blankets are provided for your comfort. The room has two large windows and two balconies, facing the park and the the quiet street, and sliding doors separating it from the living/dining area. There is plenty of storage in the closet. The TV is located in this room.
SECOND BEDROOM
The cozy second bedroom adjoins the living/dining area and has 1 semi-double sized bed and 1 single sized bed. Lots of comforters and blankets are provided for your comfort. The room has two windows and one balcony, facing the park, and sliding doors separating it from the living/dining area. There is plenty of storage in the drawers under the beds.
YOUR LIVING/DINING AREA
In the middle of the apartment, there is a large living/dining/kitchen area. It has a window facing the park.
The large dining table has comfortable seating for five guests.
The well-equipped kitchen has all the equipment that you are likely to need, such as a fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, china and glassware. Coffee and tea is provided. If you are not in the mood to cook, why not buy deli food from the nearby gourmet food store (Otsuka Station basement) and enjoy having it at home?
YOUR BATHROOM
The bathroom offer you the comfort of a Japanese style deep bath (furo) and shower, and comes with complimentary travel necessities such as shampoo, conditioner, body soap and a hair dryer. The restroom is separate from the furo. Your laundry needs are also covered with a washing machine near the entrance to the unit, complete with detergent and softener liquid. A clothes iron is also provided.
ASK US!
More importantly, your hosts are always on hand to offer personalized advice on transportation, sightseeing, or tips on the best places to eat in town. You're visiting the city with the most Michelin-starred restaurants in the world! The casual dining options are also fantastic value.
Note: This apartment is on the third floor of the building. There is an elevator from the second floor up. There are stairs from the street to the building entrance on the second floor.
Guest access- Depending on our schedule, we may meet you at the apartment for check-in, or during your stay with prior arrangement.
- Guests have private, exclusive and unlimited access to the apartment unit.
- The building's common areas are not for guests' use. Please do not loiter in the building hallways or lobby.
- Please note there are stairs from the street (ground level) to the building entrance (2nd floor).
- Check-in time is after 4PM and check out is by 11AM.
Additional notes- If you need any assistance during your stay, please send us a message.
- Please note that the neighbors, building security or cleaning staff are unable to provide you with services.
- We may ask that you show your ID (a driving licence is fine) for our records.
- In the unlikely event of an emergency, please contact us immediately.
- Please note there are stairs from the street (ground level) to the building entrance (2nd floor).
- Wifi is unlimited but only usable inside the apartment (not a portable unit).
- Please make sure you are available to contact upon arrival in Japan and during your stay. Don't turn off your phone, and check your messages.
Guest interactionMessage us if you would like to know more details.
Neighborhood overviewIt may be right next to bustling Ikebukuro, but Otsuka has its own unique charm. What you’ll find in this unpretentious neighborhood is quiet backstreets, an atmosphere of 70's-era nostalgia, and an impressive supply of excellent izakayas, bars and eateries, some of which trace their histories back to pre-war times. Just take a walk along the shopping arcades at night and you’ll be sure to feel Otsuka’s old-time charm.
OTSUKA TOP 10 DINING AND DRINKING SPOTS
Ask us for directions!
1. While away the hours at Totoru
This supremely relaxed café is perfect for long lunches and lazy afternoons.
2. Wash down your yakitori with sake at Souten
This upscale yakitori eatery is sure to satisfy. It really stands out from the the crowd thanks to the quality of both their chicken and their craft sake.
3. Feel an Atlantic breeze at Leandro
A bar and café specialising in wines from the Atlantic island of Madeira, Leandro actually holds the Guinness World Record for the greatest variety of such wines available in a single place.
4. Take in a tea ceremony at Gokokuji
This 17th century temple is one of the most impressive religious buildings in all of Tokyo. The Japanese tea ceremony is held regularly at its many teahouses.
5. Feast on oysters and craft beer at Bakushuan
This gem of an izakaya boasts 10 domestic craft beers on tap, along with a selection of s oysters sourced directly from fishermen across Japan.
6. Get your daily bread at Mahl Zeit
A European-style neighbourhood bakery selling quality whole grain bread, along with a range of pastries like muffins, pies and quiche.
7. Join the geezers at Edoichi
This down-to-earth, traditional izakaya has remained a neighbourhood fixture for decades. Many older locals take their seats around the counter almost every day.
8. Shop for crisp sweets at Kashiwaya
This innovative confectioner from Fukushima Prefecture sells fruit-flavoured goodies like lemon pies, apricot-filled rice cakes and peach manju, and they’ll also wrap your purchases in elaborate gift packaging.
9. Trade travel stories at Speakeasy
Residents and travelers of many nationalities gather at this friendly bar in front of Otsuka Station.
10. Go for an exclusive sushi lunch at Takase
Reservations are essential at Takase, a traditional sushi shop open for lunch only on Fridays and Saturdays.
Getting aroundThe apartment is an easy six-minute walk from Otsuka Station (JR Yamanote Line).
From Narita and Haneda airports speedy express trains and buses run direct to Ikebukuro Station - just one stop away (3 minutes) on the JR Yamanote Line, or 10-15 minutes cab ride to the apartment.
The JR Yamanote Line also connects Otsuka with the Shinkansen bullet train stops of Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station.
Transport:
Otsuka Station (大塚駅 JR Yamanote Line, North Exit) 6 min. walk
Sugamo Station (巣鴨駅 JR Yamanote Line & Subway Mita Line) 10 min. walk
Ikebukuro Station (池袋駅 JR Yamanote Line / Narita Express / Airport Buses) 1 stop on the Yamanote Line, or 10 min. taxi
Also walkable to:
Otsuka Station (Arakawa Toden streetcar line)
Shin-Otsuka Station (Marunouchi Subway line)
