Arriving after dark alone at the Tokyo JR station was all I imagined. The throngs of commuters increased to a crush as I neared the street level after ascending the 5 or so escalators rising from deep underground. Knowing no Japanese was a concern, but Japanese and English were both on many signs and maps in the station and on the streets. After a long look at the station map to orient myself to adjacent streets, I finally ventured out into what appeared to be a Times Square like cityscape. My goal was to find my lodgings for the night, a ryokan, less than ten blocks from the station. Walking in Tokyo was pleasant even at night. I felt perfectly comfortable. I found the Sumisho Hotel without much difficulty. It is a lovely Japanese-style, small hotel, although it has some small Western-style rooms too. I wanted a Japanese-style room, and I stayed only in ryokans throughout my 2-weeks in Japan, expect when I enjoyed homestays in Nagoya, Aomori and on Hokkaido. I returned to the Sumisho at the end of my trip for a final night and half day in the city. While I had little time at the start and end of my trip I enjoyed many of the most beautiful places in Tokyo. Every aspect of this visit was rewarding. Here is a sampling of the places I visited. Tokyo destinations: Ueno Park and its museums, the Ginza shopping area, the Imperial Hotel and its shops and restaurants (the Viking celebrated its 50th year), Emperor's Palace, Asakusa Temples and Meyoko market. All of these destinations were reached by foot or subways.

I felt compelled to visit Japan and Tokyo. My great-aunt traveled alone around the world in 1959 and she spent 2-weeks in Japan, so I wanted to retrace her trip 50 years later, hence the need to go in 2009. I also wanted to climb to the top of Mt. Fuji, and the closer offer to go, was to head north once there to help a friend build a strawbale guesthouse on Hokkaido near Ahasikawa. All of my goals were reached, and every destination was more beautiful and rewarding that the last. Even though this was my first trip to Japan and Tokyo, it will not be my last.

We stayed 2 nights at the Sumisho Hotel and found it a very friendly place. The level of English at the Hotel was quite sufficient for our requirements. They staff made every effort to understand and accomodate us. We opted for the Japanese Style accommodation, just for the experience. This entailed rolling out your Futon mattress each night - this can be somewhat hard on the hips unless you have ample padding. The rates were quite reasonable. We didn't get to use their Japanese Baths, nor did we use the restaurant, so can't comment on these aspects.

Getting there from Tokyo Airport was not as difficult as I had imagined. We caught a Limousine Coach to the Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT) and a Taxi from there.

We had a very enjoyable stay and would recommend it.

The room was clean, but we made the mistake to take the smallest western style room (12,9 m2 - seemed to be measured including bath ;-)). As there was no cupboard, there was no space at all to store our stuff, but we had a look into the bigger rooms and they were very nice. Fridge in the room.

Internet was for free (but you need to stand whilest surfing). Unfortunately we didn' t use the tub as we were too tired because of our sightseeing program.

The staff was very friendly.

All main metros are close (about 5 minutes away) and many small supermarkets are around the corner. Only restaurants are not that many in this area.

While touring around Japan, we used Tokyo as our base. We had orinally only booked 4 nights with Sumisho Hotel but we were very pleased so we kept returning. The staff are so friendly and helpful, even though they do not speak much enlglish, we never had an issue communicating. Western rooms are small but all we needed as we only went back to the room to sleep, we also experienced the Japanese style room which are a little bigger. They also have men and women's baths, this is very relaxing after a long day of sight seeing. Location is great, 2 minute walk from Ningyocho station, (Hibiya Line) which really is very easy access to everywhere in Tokyo.This is a Japanese guest house and not a high rise business hotel. I would recommend this hotel. When we return to Tokyo I will be booking with Sumisho hotel again!