I visited Tokyo on business and decided that I'd spend a couple of days beforehand adjusting to the jet-lag and being a tourist. My wife had said I should consider a traditional Ryokan for a sample of traditional Japanese hospitality. I chose Homeikan on the basis of the reviews here and was not at all disappointed.

The staff were always very helpful and had good English. The rooms (different rooms for the 2 nights but they had told me in advance this would be the case) were spacious and airy. On returning in the evening a flask of hot water was in the room for making tea and the bed was made up. Breakfasts were traditional Japanese and served in the room and an experience in themselves. The communal bath was a very pleasant and relaxing experience even though the water was so hot.

At the end of the 2 nights I had to transfer to a regular business hotel more convenient for the office I was visiting and quite honestly on arriving there I instantly felt nostalgic for the Ryokan. I'm so glad I chose to stay at Homeikan as it made what would have been a wonderful first trip to Japan (earthquake excepted) a really special experience. If you are obsessed with having en-suite facilities and can;t cope with the idea of sleeping on the floor then this isn't for you, if however you're prepared to forego those frills to experience something different then I would thoroughly recommend Homeikan.

It was my first trip to Japan. I just want some special Japanese stay in the trip, so I chose Homeikan, coz of its not-so-expensive rate and its location. Can easily reach there by Tokyo Metro, walk along the road that pass Tokyo Uni.'s famous Aka-Mon, and then walk few min. by little street through neighborhood area, nice stroll!

The building is a beautiful traditional Japanese house, with koi pond and little court garden. The interior is bit too dark (give me 'lil creepy feeling at night!) but all was preserved in its traditional way. The room was decorated in old style, that included oh-so-small sized TV too :P But the best is its private 'Ofuro'. You can use this hot bath tub privately with lock on door, very soothing after all-day-long walking, I bet!

The staff here was veryyyyyyyy nice. I met one who ever came to Thailand, she can speak English and little Thai too. We had talked a lot, and she gave some advise about transportation in Tokyo and some interesting Japanese TV drama :D

This time I didn't book room w/ breakfast nor dinner, but will try it next time. It'll surely superb, I dare say after noticed that nice smell floating all over the lobby!

When organising our 12-day trip to Japan, the group leader's guiding principles were "cheap and cheerful" and "reasonably authentic Japanese experience". We stayed in the Homeikan for 7 nights at the end of January 2011. I hadn't been to Japan before and didn't know what to expect at all. The staff at the Homeikan were very pleasant, formal and gracious (one of the managers took a shine to my son and gave him a present when we were leaving). I am glad I had the experience of staying in this inn. It was a convenient base from which to go sight-seeing, but not a place for rest and relaxation.

We stayed only one night at the homeikan as the price is a bit higher than most hostel but we think the place worth the money. The feeling you have when you are welcome in this place is great, they take good care of customer and they remember you well. The room we had was big and really nice. You feel like traveling time to geisha time. We were scared of the sleeping mat on tatamis but they are really comfortable. We liked the fact that you can go to the public bath or you can choose to take the family bath and be alone. The outside pound with fish is well presented and give a charm to the place.