Sawanoya Ryokan

One of the few ryokan in Tokyo to cater almost exclusively for foreign visitors, Sawanoya has a small library of English-language guidebooks and provides its own map of the old-fashioned Yanaka area, plus cheap bicycle rentals. Rooms are small but comfortable, and there are signs in English reminding you how to behave and how to use the bath. More expensive rooms have ensuite bathrooms (¥11,880 for a double); cheaper ones have access to the communal Japanese-style baths and shower. There’s also a small coffee lounge, and all rooms have free Wi-Fi. The couple who own the place do everything possible to make your stay enjoyable.