During my trip to Tokyo in 2024, I realized how much hotel prices have risen. For budget-conscious travelers like us, Toyoko Inn has always been a reliable "safe harbor." This time, I stayed at Toyoko Inn Kayabacho Station, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that this branch has already been updated with a brand-new interior design.
If your image of Toyoko Inn is still the old-fashioned floral patterns and wooden furniture, this location will completely change your mind. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience from my 2024 stay and explain why this hotel, with its "1-minute from subway" location and "modern makeover," is a top pick for your Tokyo stay.
Modern Makeover: Say Goodbye to the Old Style
As soon as I entered the room, I immediately felt the difference. The new design has shifted to a sophisticated gray and white palette with minimalist wooden accents. It feels much brighter and more spacious than the traditional layout I remember from other branches.
・Updated Bedside Design: Unlike the older rooms where outlets were often hard to find, the new design features power outlets and USB ports built directly into the headboard. This is a life-saver for modern travelers who need to charge smartphones and tablets overnight.
・Smart Space Utilization: The bed frame is designed to be high enough so that you can slide your large suitcases underneath. This clears up the floor space significantly, which is crucial in Tokyo’s compact hotel rooms. It makes the room feel much more liveable.
Transportation: The 1-Minute Subway Exit Advantage
The "1-minute walk" mentioned in my title refers to the distance from the nearest exit of Kayabacho Station. While navigating through the subway tunnels might take a moment, once you reach the ground level exit, the hotel is just around the corner. This was a blessing during my 2024 trip, especially when carrying heavy luggage or coming back exhausted after a long day of walking.
Why Kayabacho is a strategic spot:
Hibiya Line: This is my favorite line. Go south for 2 stops to reach Tsukiji Market for breakfast, or 4 stops to Ginza for shopping. Go north, and you are directly at Akihabara and Ueno.
Tozai Line: Perfect for a quick trip to Nihonbashi for souvenirs or Otemachi (Tokyo Station area) for transit. It’s only 1 or 2 stops away.
Daily Conveniences: There are several convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Lawson just a few steps away from the hotel entrance, making late-night snack runs very easy.
Daily Treats: The Classic Free Breakfast
Despite the modern look, Toyoko Inn’s famous free breakfast remains a staple. Starting from 6:30 AM, the lobby serves freshly made rice balls, miso soup, and simple Japanese side dishes. While it’s not a luxury buffet, having a warm meal and a hot soup before heading out saved me a significant amount on food costs during my Tokyo stay.
A quick tip from my experience:To support environmental sustainability, amenities are no longer placed in the rooms. After checking in at the lobby, remember to pick up your toothbrush, comb, and other items from the self-service station. There are also sterilized pajamas available in the lobby cabinet for guests to use.
A Highly Recommended Budget Choice
Toyoko Inn Kayabacho Station offers the brand's signature stability and affordability, with the added bonus of a fresh, modern interior design that I really enjoyed in 2024.
・Recommended for: Budget travelers, those who value transit convenience, and fans of minimalist design.・Hotel Name: Toyoko Inn Kayabacho Station・Address: 1-4-9 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0025, Japan・Access: About a 1-minute walk from the nearest exit of Kayabacho Station.・Google Map(Click here) 
