Toyoko Inn Tokyo Ikebukuro Kita-guchi No.1

Stayed here during the World Athletics Championships that were held during September 2025. Before my review the last review was in 2023 so I thought I’d review it but also review it for English tourists as it was difficult to figure out before travelling out there. All things considered this is a nice hotel. Nothing special. It’s a barebones, cheap, clean and safe Japanese business hotel. For the English tourist think Travelodge standard with a slightly nicer decor. The bed was rock hard and the walls were relatively thin. A decent bathroom and shower/bath. They also only clean your room a few times during your stay. The hotel is an easy 10-15 minute walk to Ikebukuro station which is one stop from bustling Shinjuku and about 20 minutes to the main area of Ikebukuro which features camera and tech stores, McDonald’s etc. There is a family mart across the street and other outlets within walking distance. The breakfast was…. Interesting. Horse Meat was on the menu at one point. The Japanese don’t eat cereal by the sounds of it so there was a lot of meat and spaghetti!. Unfortunately this hotel is in the red light district. It does feel safe, particularly during the day. There’s lots of “love for sale” type businesses around but they seem to leave you alone and it feels very safe just a bit sketchy in parts. Like other reviews if you just want someone to sleep and clean and nothing else this is it.

This is a business hotel chain. A place to sleep and clean up. Comes with breakfast. Relatively cheap. Front the west gate, fairly close to the center of the entertainment district. Rooms are modular. Tiny with an okay bed. Walls are so thin that you can hear most conversations in the hallway like it is beside you. Breakfast is just food. But you can't complain about "free". Just reheated frozen processed mush. Gets you going and you will end up going for breakfast elsewhere.

Short walk to train station (approx 5 mins). My choice of hotel each time I visit Japan. Room is small but clean and cosy for a couple. Love their onigiri that they used to serve for breakfast but they have switched to normal jap rice with side dishes. Kettle, cups and hairdryer are provided.