We had the pleasure of spending 5 nights at Sawanoya at the end of our trip to Japan and it was a highlight. Our room was spotless and enough room for my family of 4. The futons were laid out and an origami bird was placed on the pillow when we arrived, and cleaned daily. Slippers, Yakuta robes, kettle and... More

The Ryokan is down a quiet street in a lovely area. The owners are friendly, speak excellent English and arm you with a map and other essential information when checking in. There were no rooms left with an ensuite so we had to use the communal bath - which was fantastic. Each bath only takes two, and you mark it... More

We stayed at Ryokan Sawanoya twice during our trip to Japan after reading the glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, and we weren't disappointed. The family who owns the ryokan were incredibly friendly and helpful, offering advice on local attractions and help where needed. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, with nice little touches such as the origami cranes waiting for us... More

Ryokan Sawanoya was the best experience I ever had! It was December 2011, so it was fairly cold, so that hot tub they have (public bathroom) is really nice! tatami mats were good. owners were very friendly. also they had a huge library of brochures on my next trip to japan! very well heated too. couple of things: 1. when... More

I stayed 4 nights at Sawanoya in December, 2011. Very pleasant and comfortable, and an excellent value. As a 57 year old woman traveling alone, I felt perfectly secure at the ryokan and in the neighborhood. I recommend it highly for any reasonably fit, moderately adventurous traveler. The bath is marvelous, and a required element of any visit to Japan.... More

I selected this ryokan for 2 nights last November based on the good feedbacks here and the pictures of the baths that i found appealing. The baths turned to be spotless and great after a tiring day of sightseeing. The room was spotless and quite small (being used to ryokans, it was not a problem for me). There was no... More

This is the second time we have stayed at Ryokan Sawanoya. Sawa san and his family are lovely and extremely professional and helpful, while still maintaining a family atmosphere. The rooms are clean and the japanese bathrooms are a real treat. The local neighbourhood is fantastic with a real village atmosphere whilst close to Ueno (15 minute walk) which is... More

We stayed here twice during our trip, at the beginning and the end. It was a lovely way to bookend our trip as although the building may not be authentic Edo style, the service and hospitality sure is. Sawa san and his family have spent a long time in the hospitality business and their experience and willingness to make changes... More

We stayed in Sawanoya Ryokan for just two nights in the beginning of march 2011. It was a nice experience and certainly more interesting than the more ordinary hotel in Shibuya, where we also stayed on our stop over in Tokyo. It is clean and the family who runs it is very friendly and helpful. We felt it provided a... More