Hotele z: breakfast w Saitama Prefecture, Japan

4 Senior backpackers in Japan ”stumbled” onto this gem of a Japanese inn next to the Arakawa River. Less than 10 minute walk from the Kami-Nagatoro station and 10 minute walk to Nagatoro Station. We chose location due to proximity to river and start of river boat downstream river ride-sites. We were pleasantly surprised by the hospitality shown throughout our two-day stay. We were late in coming out of the mountains of Gunma prefecture (2 hour plus train ride away) and called the inn to notify and were subsequently told that this was no problem for check-in and supper. Fortunately we made up time lost and got to the inn earlier that expected and enjoyed the serene tree-lined river and men's and women's communal furo (shower/bath also in rooms) with outdoor views before dining. Then...we were overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of the dinner! A real treat to get a 7+ course Japanese meal featuring the specialty vegetables and protein of the region! Upon departure we chose to walk with packs back to Kami-Nagatoro Station, along the river, but the proprietor had the Inn van ready and waiting to take us to the train station. The included breakfast's were also multi-course Japanese style, with regional specialties. Granted, the hotel is somewhat time-worn, probably seeing its zenith in the 80's and 90's but all the facilities were cleaning, usable and safe. All staff went made a great effort to ensure that we were enjoying the locale and the Inn. This location, in our opinion is much more serene and ”touristy” than the main area surrounding Nagatoro station but is only 10 minutes walking from that action. If opportunity arises, we will return. The Saitama Museum of Natural is just across the street but this large and modern facility was not open on our late arrival and on Monday. We left on Tuesday morning, but wanted to visit this place also.

The room was spacious overall with excellent natural light, making for a very comfortable stay. The bedding was soft and clean, ensuring a restful sleep. The staff were friendly and responsive. Breakfast offered a good variety and tasted delicious. The only minor drawback was that the air conditioning was a bit noisy. Overall, it was a great experience and definitely recommended!

This is the third time I've stayed at Toyoko INN. I can only say that the hotel is really amazing. Whether you are traveling alone or with friends and family, I highly recommend this hotel. The location is convenient, the hotel is clean and tidy, and you can get a comfortable rest safely. The front desk staff is also very good and can help at any time with any questions. The hotel has a luggage storage service. Although the check-out time is early, it is really convenient to store the luggage until you go out and come back to pick it up. The hotel also provides breakfast, and the self-service bathroom products at the front desk are also very thoughtful. I highly recommend this hotel.

Having stayed at three Dormy Inn hotels – Wakayama, Oita, and Omiya – this one, in Omiya, was the least impressive overall. However, it still surpasses most Japanese hotels in the 600 JPY price range. The main issue is that half the rooms face a wall and a large cemetery. Also, the Sky Onsen can't really be considered a true open-air bath. Perhaps because of the diverse clientele here, the onsen's cleanliness wasn't particularly great. One thing worth mentioning is that they accommodate guests with tattoos; as long as you cover them with two 10x10 cm tattoo stickers, you can use the onsen. This is quite welcoming, as judging people based on their appearance is outdated and impolite. Finally, there are many convenience stores downstairs, and a very clean and well-stocked drugstore (though prices are slightly higher). It's also very close to the station, so the value for money is still excellent. I would choose to stay here again when visiting Omiya.

Highly recommend! We had 2 rooms, one with a private bath, the other was the special room on the 6th floor. The special room appeared to have the original materials and fixtures, which we appreciate. Everything was maintained very well. If I could suggest one thing, it would be having the carpet replaced in the room, as well as in the public spaces. Breakfast had a good variety of western and Japanese foods. The fixed course dinner was exceptional, from the presentation to the taste. One memorable experience for us was the table tennis. Our whole family had such a good time! Last but not least, the service was top-notch. From the moment we stepped in the hotel, Kitabori was there to welcome us and ensured that we had everything we needed. His professionalism and attention to details truly enhanced our stay! We would definitely stay there again.

The location near Tokorozawa Station was very convenient. When I made my reservation, I requested a lower bunk, but the young man at the reception desk told me that the lower bunk was fully booked and I would have to stay in an upper bunk. When I replied, ”I requested that when I made the reservation,” an older staff member immediately changed me to a lower bunk after seeing my age (71) on my booking slip. I stayed on a Saturday, but there were actually plenty of vacant rooms, and several lower bunk rooms were still available. The capsule was much more spacious and comfortable than other places, but I had some drawbacks: I was bothered by noise from the neighboring rooms and the upper bunk, the mattress was thin, which caused some back pain, and the air was very dry, leaving my lips chapped when I woke up in the morning. Relatively speaking, I'd rate it a fourth out of five.

Room is tiny, but the bathroom is of a nice size. If you have a suitcase, there would be no space to open it up. I was staying only for a night and luckily only had a backpack. The TV volume is loud even at the minimal. Love the controls on the pad next to the bed. Room is clean, with nice view of the city. Service at check-in was very friendly, but early check-in is not allowed. Sufficient amount of amenities provided, including pyjama. There is a small fridge and safe in the room. Breakfast is provided in a restaurant outside of the hotel (but same building) the spread is small but tasty enough. I would stay again for short work trips to this part of town. Also there is a combini and some restaurants in the same building as the hotel.

The advantage of a tatami room is that it makes the space feel larger. The downside is having to make your own bed, which feels a bit low-class for a room costing nearly 1000 RMB a night. The outdated facilities also made everything seem unclean. Breakfast was okay, the taste was acceptable, but there wasn't much variety.

We knew the hotel was near the train station but didn't know how close it was! The building it was in and around it had many food options with a really delicious bakery on the 2nd floor. Not far from the Cocoon City Mall and the Saitama Super Arena, it has easy access to travel within and outside of the Saitama area. We were lucky enough to catch the Art Aquarium Exhibit at the arena which was a delightful treat. The hotel staff were courteous and attentive and the rooms were comfortable with all the necessities for our group. Would definitely recommend and return whenever we want to visit Saitama or Tokyo again!

I stayed with Wakoshi Tobu last year (long stay with friends) and 2 nights stay solo this time. My favorite hotel in Japan as I can rest very well in their very comfy bed and pillows (4 for solo), big bathroom and bathtub, and purifier and sofa in room. Front desk staff are always friendly and welcoming and housekeeping is perfect. I transited from Shizuoka to Wakoshi Tobu to Seibo hospital (for wounds check yesterday before flying home today) due to a serious fall in Mochimune Shizuoka seaside park. Wakoshi Tobu is the perfect location with an attached mall, for the hospital visit and Haneda airport.