Near Akihabara! Hotel Yanagibashi: Affordable Stays by Tokyo’s Riverside

This bridge has been around since the Edo period (1603-1868) when the area around it used to be a bustling district with ryokan inns for the merchants who came from all corners of Japan for business and ryotei restaurants that offered exquisite cuisine and geisha entertainment. It came to be called Yanagibashi – the Willow Bridge – because of the willows that grew on both sides of the river around it.

Hotel Yanagibashi is a cozy business hotel located by the river near Yanagibashi Bridge. Thanks to its proximity to Akihabara, Asakusa, and Ryogoku, this hotel is ideal for those who wish to explore Tokyo’s traditional culture.

“Mother was a typical okami-san, the proprietress who oversees the staff at a ryokan, while father used to be in charge of all the business relations. As front manager, I used to help them with customer relations, especially by interacting with our foreign guests in English, and everything that is managed by computer. Now that mother is gone, her responsibilities became mine. Thankfully, my brother helps out with overseeing the cleaning staff once a week.”

Ms. Zushi explained the situation while busily answering the phone and welcoming guests. She found a moment in between and fondly showed us family pictures. They all reveal the love and dedication that the family has had for this facility.

True to its ryokan origins, Hotel Yanagibashi exudes a Japanese atmosphere. The beautiful calligraphy displayed at the reception counter, which reads “Wa,” summarizes the spirit of this facility: heartfelt Japanese hospitality, the harmony between people no matter how different, and the peaceful coexistence of past and present.

Hotel Yanagibashi has eight floors and 25 rooms of various sizes. The single rooms are ideal for solo travelers who seek simple accommodation close to Tokyo’s commercial center.

The twin rooms are spacious and cozy, inviting guests to feel at home. All the rooms are provided with bathrooms.

There is also a special room with four beds that is ideal for groups or families.

Towels, yukata (simple kimono roomwear), and toothbruses are provided for each guest. The rooms are equipped with television, electric kettles, and tea cups.

There is a spacious barrier-free restroom on the first floor. In fact, all the floors can be easily accessed by wheelchair.

Guests can also find vending machines on the first floor; the indoor machine offers beer and other alcoholic beverages, making it the ideal solution for business travelers who come to stay overnight after a busy day.

The Yanagibashi and Asakusabashi areas boast excellent restaurants where guests can enjoy a delicious Japanese dinner before resting for the night. From sushi to yakiniku grill eateries, this area lives up to its fame as district with great local food. The cafes in the area offer morning set meals, with toast, egg dishes, and coffee or tea. Last but not least, there are two convenience stores within walking distance from the hotel.

The reason why many guests choose to stay at Hotel Yanagibashi is its excellent location near some of Tokyo’s major points of interest. Asakusabashi Station, located just two minutes away on foot, offers quick access to Akihabara, a district know for its electronic appliance stores and anime goods shops.

Just two stations away on the Toei Asakusa Line is Asakusa, Tokyo’s famous historical district. Here you can visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a town with an ingenious mix of old and new.

Nevertheless, a simple walk in the area around the hotel will be full of discoveries. The portion between Asakusabashi Bridge and Yanagibashi Bridge on Kanda River is where the yakatabune pleasure boats are stationed. These boats can be seen floating on Sumida River with all their lanterns lit up in the evenings.

The entire area is home to well-established shops specialized in traditional dolls, Japanese stationery, kimono textiles, and leather goods. Some of these shops have been around since the Edo period!

We encourage visitors to take a walk around Yanagibashi Bridge itself. The bridge is illuminated at night and stands out from the distance. When crossing it, you might notice that its iron pillars are decorated with beautiful kanzashi carvings. Kanzashi are traditional hair ornaments and symbolize the past of this area as a geisha district. Songs accompanied by melodies played on the shamisen could still be heard in Yanagibashi until shortly before 2000.

The past feels very close in this charming area of Tokyo. Relish the rich atmosphere of this district at leisure by enjoying the hospitality of Hotel Yanagibashi.