Only ¥8,250 / $55!? 🏨 Explore Tokyo’s Sumo District – Tower Hotel Near Asakusa & SkyTree ✨

Only ¥8,250 / $55!? 🏨 Explore Tokyo’s Sumo District – Tower Hotel Near Asakusa & SkyTree ✨

Today, I stayed at the APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku-Eki Tower. This is the Ryogoku area, which was one of the liveliest districts during the Edo period. I enjoyed traditional ukiyo-e, tried some chanko hotpot, and soaked in the deep-rooted sumo culture of the town! Arrived at JR Ryogoku Station. The station sign font at the west exit looks just like a sumo ranking chart! (laughs) As you can see, the station is full of sumo vibes. There’s even a full-size sumo ring—about 4.5 meters in diameter—illustrated on the floor. Once outside the station, the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo arena is the first thing you see! And just beyond that—you can spot the hotel I’m staying at tonight. Looks like the evening rush hour. Lots of people heading toward the station. Turns out it was the crowd leaving after the September Grand Sumo Tournament! The Ryogoku Kokugikan—a sacred spot for sumo fans—is still bustling with people. Though sumo gives off a very traditional vibe, it’s actually gaining popularity among younger women known as “sūjo” these days. On this channel, I mainly introduce hotels in Tokyo, along with local sightseeing spots and Japanese food. If that sounds interesting, please consider subscribing to the channel—I’d really appreciate it! Heading toward the hotel, with Tokyo Skytree in view on the left. It’s about a 3-minute walk, around 400 meters from the JR Sobu Line Ryogoku Station West Exit. The hotel is just behind the Kokugikan, and the area is pretty well-lit even at night, which is reassuring. This time I’m staying at APA Hotel & Resort. Unlike regular APA Hotels, these resort-type locations feature pools, restaurants, and other shared facilities—designed as new urban resorts. The 3-digit number under the hotel name indicates the order in which it was built. They start from 101, so No.316 likely means it was the 216th APA Hotel constructed. One more APA trivia fact for you! …And this is the price for a single room with no breakfast included. This 31-story tower-style hotel is definitely impressive! Let’s head inside—the building is decked out in black, orange, and gold. That dazzling entrance is a signature look of APA Hotels across Japan. Check-in starts at 3:00 PM, and check-out is by 10:00 AM. Once again, I used the dedicated machine—just scan your QR code and you’re all set. Even non-members can check in easily using the self-check-in machines. There’s a multi-language foreign currency exchange machine in the lobby—supports 15 languages—and you can rent phone chargers too. Very convenient services for international travelers. As I walked further in, I found a peaceful space tucked away. The spacious lobby is dotted with sofas and chairs—perfect for relaxing while you wait. Tonight’s room is 2639. I took the elevator for the higher floors and headed up to the 26th floor. Since it’s a high floor, I’m excited to see what the view looks like from the room. The hotel has 1,111 rooms. With so many doors, it’s easy to get a little lost! I followed the signs carefully—and made it to my room! Tap the card key to open the door. Oh wow… This is classic APA style—bold patterns on top of patterns! It’s a compact 11m² single room, but everything you need is here—very functional. There’s a little origami crane placed by the pillow. Such a nice touch—it really shows the spirit of Japanese hospitality. The headboard panel has everything—light switches, AC controls, and outlets all in one place. Super convenient for charging your phone and winding down before bed. You get two types of pillows: one with a 3D structure to support your neck, and one that’s softer and more cushiony. Next to the desk, there’s a universal power outlet and the switch for the mini fridge. Designating a spot for your watch and accessories helps avoid a last-minute scramble when checking out! The fridge is compact-sized. And don’t worry—taking your key card out when you leave won’t cut the fridge’s power. Even in the summer, your ice cream will survive! There’s a traditional yukata robe placed on top of the fridge. The hair dryer is tucked away inside a drawer. If you can’t find it in the bathroom, check around the desk area. The season’s shifting slowly into autumn. With chilly mornings and nights, it’s nice to have some hot tea or coffee in the room. I’ll pop this bottle of spring water into the fridge to chill. A quick spritz of this deodorizing and antibacterial spray… It works on both clothes and in the air. Under the bed… There’s space to store your suitcase or luggage. The bed is elevated to make the most of the room’s space. Two types of slippers are provided. You’re allowed to walk around the hotel in your yukata and slippers—even to the public bath. There’s a large TV with screen mirroring. You can even check the bath’s crowd level from here! Six hangers are neatly lined up on the wall-mounted rack. They’ve even provided a light jacket to wear over your yukata. Let’s go ahead and check the emergency exit route too. There’s a stairwell pretty close to the room—good to know. The built-in air conditioning unit is fairly new and looks sleek and modern. Now, let’s check out the bathroom! Since the hotel opened in 2020, the unit bath feels clean and modern. Everything is white—this might be the one place that *doesn’t* scream APA Hotel style! 😄 Of course, the toilet comes with a washlet. Toiletries like toothbrush sets, razors, and hairbrushes are all provided in the bathroom. You’ll also find cotton swabs and a body towel. In the basement-level public bath “Genyo-no-Yu,” they provide lotion, emulsion, and cleansing products. Don’t forget to bring your own towel and yukata from the room when you go! The cups provided are disposable paper ones. The bathtub has APA’s signature egg-shaped design. It uses an auto-stop system that shuts off the water once it reaches your selected amount—super handy! It saves about 20% more water than regular tubs, and the shape is really comfy for soaking. The showerhead is also eco-friendly—it mixes air into the water for better efficiency. And no worries, the water pressure was totally fine. Now that we’ve finished checking out the room, let’s go explore the rest of the hotel! We’re back down on the lobby floor now. Looks like there’s a convenience store and café space on the 2nd floor. You can take the stairs or escalator up to the second floor. At the top, there’s… a display of traditional portraits of sumo champions! Carefully selected Yokozuna (grand champions) from the Showa era to today are on display. Wow… APA’s bold interior style somehow blends well with these traditional ukiyo-e artworks. Are those… the Wind God and Thunder God on the wall? Wait—nope! They have sumo wrestler faces! That’s some next-level detail! 😄 Right next door is a Lawson convenience store with a Machi Café seating area. There are plenty of seats, so it’s a nice spot to relax with a drink. It’s open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM. This hotel is located in Ryogoku, part of Sumida City. Ryogoku has been known for fireworks festivals and sumo wrestling since the Edo period—it’s always been a lively area. And here’s a museum dedicated to the world-famous ukiyo-e artist Hokusai, who was born and raised right in this neighborhood. I’m definitely curious! Wait… is that a mini UFO catcher?! I did *not* expect to see one here! 😂 There were also a few capsule toy machines nearby. Well, since I’m here… let’s give it a try! ♪ Looks like this little game corner only accepts cash (coins). A fun surprise for both kids *and* adults! Farther in, there’s a Lawson that’s open 24 hours. And even *inside* the convenience store… another crane game! 😄 Even if you’re jet-lagged, here’s a spot where you can play in the middle of the night! Just walking around the hotel is surprisingly entertaining. This kids’ play area was newly added this year, and it’s open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Alright, time for dinner! When in sumo town… you already know what I *have* to try, right?! I’ve actually stayed in Ryogoku before, at THE GATE HOTEL—but I couldn’t find any hot pot restaurants that welcomed solo diners… And when it comes to meals made in sumo stables, you *have* to try… chanko nabe! This time, I did my homework. I found this place with a huge sumo belt sign that you can even spot from the station platform! It’s called **Chanko Sakaba Edosawa – Ryogoku Sohonten Annex**, and yes—they allow solo diners! The main restaurant is also just a 2-minute walk from the station, but the annex is right across from Ryogoku Station’s East Exit. With 280 seats in total, they offer everything from counter seats to private rooms. The second floor has a more casual vibe—perfect for a laid-back meal. Aside from their signature hot pot, they also have izakaya favorites like sashimi and grilled dishes. A great spot for drinks too! Even if you’re alone, it’s super easy to pop in and enjoy a meal. People often think “chanko” just means hot pot—but it actually refers to any meal eaten by sumo wrestlers. Whatever the *chanko-ban* (the wrestler in charge of cooking) makes is called chanko. Even ramen becomes “chanko” if it’s made by the chanko-ban! Hot pot became popular in sumo stables because it’s easy to make in large batches and feeds everyone. Oh! Here’s the solo-size chicken chanko hot pot I’ve been waiting for. Let’s start with a highball and the appetizer of the day. Cheers to another great day! Feeling good now… might have to order another dish 😄 Next up: tofu with white scallions and sea lettuce (aosa). So generous with the toppings! The ocean aroma and flavor are totally addictive ♪ This second floor with the counter seating really has an amazing lineup of izakaya-style dishes that pair perfectly with drinks. Here’s the chicken chanko hot pot! It’s packed with ingredients—12 in total—including chicken thigh, napa cabbage, and mizuna. The bubbling sound and delicious aroma instantly make you hungry. Time to add the chicken meatballs ♪ Chanko hot pot can include all kinds of meat or fish, but chicken is the most preferred. Why? Because four-legged animals like cows and pigs remind wrestlers of losing—“falling to the ground.” Chickens stand on two legs and don’t touch the ground with their “hands,” so they’re considered lucky. Imagining sumo wrestlers eating chicken for good luck before a match… it’s kind of heartwarming, isn’t it? Each sumo stable has its own signature chanko soup recipe passed down through generations. One of the best parts of chanko is how it brings people together—coaches and trainees all sharing one big pot. Better eat while it’s hot! ♪ The broth is made by simmering whole mature chickens—rich in umami but still light thanks to its soy sauce base. Wait… is that folk music playing in the background? Folk music and solo chanko dining… now *that’s* a unique combo! 😄 I ended up nicely tipsy thanks to the highball and sake combo. 🍶 (lol) It was actually a sumo match day, so arriving a little later turned out to be a great move. I had a spacious seat and was able to enjoy my meal at a relaxed pace ♪ That was such a satisfying dinner. Thank you for the meal! The restaurant is just a one-minute walk back to Ryogoku Station’s East Exit. Their private rooms are designed like traditional sumo stables, and can be reserved for parties of two or more. The area around the station stays lively at night, so it feels safe walking back to the hotel. Back at the hotel! Time to continue exploring the facilities. 😄 I headed down to the basement floor. First stop: the coin laundry and vending machine area. I wonder how many laundry machines there are…? I counted… and there are seven machines! Plus, two more inside the women’s public bath dressing room. This is the fitness area, exclusively for hotel guests. Usually, gyms and pools are on the same floor, but here they’re separate. They’ve got a nice range of dumbbells too. If you want to keep up your training during your stay, this spot is for you! Now for the fun part—let’s open that capsule toy I got earlier♪ What will I get…? It’s the Tokyo Skytree! It lights up in Pikachu yellow. ⚡ It’s the tallest tower in the world, but in capsule form… …it’s about half the size of a TV remote. 😂 Time for bed—good night. Good morning! I opened the curtains and—what a stunning view from this high floor! I can see the Sumida River flowing beyond the buildings. No Skytree view from this room, unfortunately, but depending on the room, you might get a view of the Ryogoku Sumo Hall or even Skytree. I originally booked without breakfast, but changed my mind at check-in and added it on♪ It was ¥2,750 for adults (tax included). Prices differ between weekdays and weekends—on the pricier side. Breakfast is served on the 4th floor at the restaurant “La Veranda.” The breakfast buffet is open from 6:30 AM to 9:45 AM. As you’d expect from a tower hotel, the dining area is really spacious! Once you’ve got your table, just place a “seat in use” sign and head over to grab your food. Drawn by the delicious aroma of clams, I lifted the lid of the rice pot… It was “Fukagawa-meshi,” a traditional Edo dish! Fukagawa-meshi is made by simmering clams and green onions in miso. It’s named after Fukagawa, a fishing town that thrived during the Edo period. Fukagawa is located in Koto City, Tokyo—probably around Monzen-Nakacho Station if you’re nearby. There are plenty of utensils and plates for kids too. By the way, breakfast is free for kids under 3, and ¥1,760 for ages 4–11 on weekdays. Over 60 Japanese and Western-style dishes are laid out, starting with a fresh salad bar. APA Hotel breakfasts often include both signature staples and regionally inspired dishes. Let’s check out their top 5 recommended menu items according to the hotel’s website♪ First up, the Chanko-style hot pot made with “Sakura Miso.” If you’re staying in Ryogoku, you’ve got to try Chanko at least once! Next is the clam rice dish we just talked about—Fukagawa-meshi. That sizzling sound is irresistible… Another favorite is the freshly made omelets at the live kitchen. You can enjoy them hot and fresh with your choice of four sauces. The live kitchen also features rotating dishes like French toast and dessert pizza! Two items left in the official top 5. Not the famous APA President Curry, though… It’s the Tuna and Grated Yam Rice Bowl! Marinated tuna and shredded yam are served over a bowl of rice. Light yet flavorful. They also have a great selection of tsukemono (pickles) and simmered side dishes. And for the kids, fluffy little pancakes! The Chanko-style hot pot is served in small bowls, perfect for sampling. But if you want a full-on solo Chanko hot pot experience, I recommend the Chanko Sakaba Edosawa I visited last night♪ What’s this one here…? It’s freshly made house tofu! Tofu is packed with nutrients like protein, soy isoflavones, and calcium—great for starting your day. Eating enough protein in the morning helps regulate your body clock and boosts metabolism. A great way to kickstart the day! The restaurant “La Veranda,” which serves breakfast, also offers buffet lunch and dinner. On the top floor of the hotel—the 31st floor—you’ll find the teppanyaki restaurant “THE Nanami.” It’s open from lunch through bar time, so you can relax and enjoy the view both day and night. There’s also a swimming pool on the same floor as the restaurant. There’s an extra fee for pool access, but swimming with a panoramic view is one of the perks of staying at a tower hotel. One of the recommended drinks is the pineapple and orange smoothie. It’s only available on weekends, but it’s packed with fruity sweetness and a refreshing citrus twist. Over at the dessert station, I found the final item in the top 5 recommended breakfast dishes. The “Rich Egg Pudding!” It’s made with premium eggs from Okukuji in Ibaraki Prefecture—known for their rich and flavorful yolks. Feeling like a true sumo fan now—I went ahead and grabbed a bowl of Chanko-style hot pot too. Of course, I made sure to get plenty of high-quality protein as well. A well-balanced breakfast is served! And I even added natto for an “extra boost of protein” instead of “extra bonito flakes” (lol). I went all in with the omelet—trying all four sauces: tomato, cheese, sea urchin cream, and tuna basil mayo (lol). Looking at it now… that’s quite a hearty breakfast. Itadakimasu♪ At first I thought the breakfast was a bit pricey, but I was very satisfied with the quality at this tower-style APA Hotel. It feels like they offer more buffet options compared to other locations. The ceilings aren’t especially high, but with windows all around, the space still feels open and airy! This is the 4th floor. The view is slightly blocked by nearby buildings, but there’s still plenty of natural light. When booking, you can choose from rooms with no view, high floors (19th–28th), or Sky Floors (29th–31st). Choosing based on the view from your room might be a great way to enhance your stay! I just inserted my room key into the machine—and that’s it for checkout! APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku-Eki Tower, where I stayed this time, is larger than most APA Hotels and offers a wide range of amenities. With a pool, large public bath, and fitness center, it’s a great place to relax—perfect even for families. And of course, the convenient location is a big plus. It’s just a 3-minute walk from JR Ryogoku Station (West Exit), or 4 minutes from the Toei Oedo Line’s A3 Exit. Speaking of the Oedo Line… as of October 2025, it’s in a special collaboration with UK singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran! There are themed train cars and limited-edition merchandise available along the line. They even call it the “Oh! Ed (Oedo) Line”—props to Ed for going along with the pun! Anyway! (lol) This hotel is perfect if you want to enjoy Tokyo views from high floors and make the most of both sightseeing and hotel amenities. Ryogoku is also home to the Edo-Tokyo Museum—but unfortunately, it’s closed for renovations until spring 2026. But since we’re here, I still wanted to enjoy a taste of Japanese aesthetics! So I headed over to the Sumida Hokusai Museum—it’s about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The striking aluminum building was designed by Kazuyo Sejima, who also worked on the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa. And peeking out from behind the trees… there’s Tokyo Skytree! The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and it’s closed every Monday. You’ve probably seen Hokusai’s famous Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, including “Red Fuji” and “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” Unfortunately, during my visit, the museum was setting up for a new special exhibition—so only the permanent gallery was open. Katsushika Hokusai is one of Japan’s most iconic ukiyo-e artists. He even inspired Western painters like Van Gogh and many Impressionist artists. Hokusai is praised not only in Japan, but around the world. He was born in the Kamezawa area of Sumida Ward. It’s said he spent most of his life within the same neighborhood. You can learn more about his life and the places he was connected to through the exhibits here. Over his long career, it’s said he created more than 30,000 works. His work spanned a wide range—from ukiyo-e prints and paintings to book illustrations and manga, evolving with each era. Among them, his most iconic series is “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji,” which later expanded to 46 prints. Each piece captures Mount Fuji from a different location—but the most famous one is probably “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” It features a vivid blue pigment called “Bero-ai,” which must have looked so striking to people at the time. At the museum shop, you can pick up exhibition catalogs and original merchandise inspired by Hokusai’s art. I bought a coaster featuring Mount Fuji tucked behind the waves—such a nice souvenir! Entry to the permanent exhibition is just 400 yen for adults—and free for junior high students and younger. They also host rotating exhibitions offering fresh perspectives on Hokusai, so it’s worth checking what’s on before your visit. From the Ryogoku Station platform, you can spot the hotel I stayed at! And if you turn around… There’s the restaurant where I had chanko hotpot last night! (lol) Both are super close to the station—so getting around was a breeze! Thanks so much for watching until the end! I’ll be sharing more hotels and sightseeing spots, so don’t forget to subscribe to the channel!

Stayed at a beautiful #TokyoHotel for just ¥8,250! 🏨
Perfectly located near #AsakusaHotel and #SkyTreeHotel, and right next to the famous Ryogoku Sumo Arena.
This #APARyogokuTower is a great base to explore #SumoCulture and enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo.
Unbeatable value for a #BudgetHotelTokyo in the heart of the city!

📍Official Website
https://www.apahotel.com/resort/ryogokueki/

📍Official Website (English)
https://www3.apahotel.com/

📍Google Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5ucErEEVCntjdjxq7

👇 Check more recommended hotels in Tokyo