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 cups on the coffee table with chairs sat just to the side of the tatami area. Ample room for cases and clothes.
We had our own bathroom but very much enjoyed the 2 traditional but private baths downstairs. You did not share with others which was great if you are modest.
Breakfast was delicious and always served with a smile.
It was great not to be in the jungle of the city, but the quaint old area of Taito yet only a 5 min walk to the great subway system.
We loved our stay and have recommended it to others.

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 'occupied' so they aren't really communal - more shared (you do have a sink with your room as well). A great experience that I would highly recommend - the baths themselves are super hot and look out over the pretty courtyard garden. The breakfast is a bargain and very good. The room itself was very relaxing, with green tea making facilities (a little short on storage space). While we were there they also made us aware of a sushi making evening - that was a bargain and I would highly recommend. A great introduction to Japan.

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 on the "beds" and the tea-making facilities. A special mention has to be made to their in-house ofuro (baths): they were so good we didn't use the facilities we had in our private room.

Don't let the slightly off-centre location put you off - Ueno has plenty to do and see, great food options and offers easy access to the many wonders of Tokyo (about 20 minutes away on the underground to places such as Tokyo station and Ginza). When we return to Japan we will definitely stay there again!

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 you get out of the train station at Nezu, make a LEFT.
2. if you arrive late (after sunset), the road down can (at first) look shady (since it's dark up to the ryokan), but it's actually very safe once you know the area.
3. Nezu is so quiet no crime occurs. literally everyone knows everyone! i had a hard time finding the ryokan at first, so i just asked a shopkeeper...."Ryokan wa doko deska?" and she even walked me to it!!

they have wi-fi!
use google's JPN / English translate. it was a very human experience as the owner of ryokan sawanoya and I talked via my android phone!!! =)