Staying at Hanare (Review) 'Village Hotel' in Yanaka, Tokyo

On my first trip to Tokyo, I wanted to experience the city’s lesser-known nooks. So, I searched for atypical hotels in quieter neighborhoods.

That’s how I found hanare Hotel, located in Yanaka in northern Tokyo.

When I read about the unique concept of hanare and how the whole village acts as your hotel rather than a standalone establishment, I knew that’s somewhere I wanted to stay.

My cozy room with tatami floor in hanare hotel

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After three nights there, I can attest to hanare’s identity. It’s more than a hotel; it’s a gateway to experiencing local life in traditional Tokyo.

Far from Shinjuku’s neon lights or Shibuya’s bustling energy, Yanaka offers a quieter, nostalgic experience of Tokyo.

The Yanaka and greater Yanasen area (Nezu, Yanaka, and Sendagai together) are dotted with traditional wooden houses, narrow lanes, and temples that survived the Great Kanto Earthquake and WWII.

As a guest at hanare, you’ll be mere steps from local shops, artisan goods, cozy cafes, temples and shrines, and public bathhouses (sento). (The bathhouse I went to was tattoo-friendly and super retro!)

Plus, staying in Yanaka allows you to step back in time while being a short train ride away from Tokyo’s main attractions and wards. Both the metro and JR lines are easily reachable on foot.

Buddhist statue inside Tennoji Temple near Yanaka Reien, Tokyo. — Yanaka is the perfect area in Tokyo for a quiet stay

If you’re looking for a stay that immerses you in Tokyo’s local culture while offering a tranquil retreat, hanare Hotel in Yanaka might be your perfect match!

Read more below to glimpse what staying in this endearing, community-integrated boutique hotel is like.

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My Review of the hanare Hotel in Yanaka

hanare’s Unique Concept

What sets hanare apart from other boutique hotels in Tokyo is its emphasis on community and cultural immersion.

Instead of offering an in-house restaurant or spa, for example, hanare partners with local businesses to provide a community-integrated experience.

A circular diagram representing a conceptual map of a sustainable Japanese town and integrated hotel design. — credit: hanare

For example, a typical Japanese breakfast is served at their HAGISO Café, where you’ll find reception and multi-functional space for art exhibits, workshops, or just lounging and reading.

Then, your room is located in another building down the street, in a local residential home.

You also get free tickets to visit the local sento, or bathhouse.

The staff also curates personalized recommendations to ensure you experience the best of Yanaka!

A black traditional-style building in Japan with a café entrance and a small sign outside. — Hagiso, hanare reception

The Rooms

One of the standout features of hanare Hotel is its unique design.

Firstly, hanare’s rooms are located in a separate traditional wooden house just down the street from the HAGISO reception.

The house has two levels, an upper and ground floor, and five rooms featuring Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats:

Kasume (ground floor, 1-2 pax)
Yatsude (ground floor, for 3 pax)
Kumo, Konoha, Hikari (upper floor, 2 pax each)
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A minimalist traditional Japanese room with a futon bed on tatami flooring and soft natural light. — My room was so cozy!

Each room features tatami mats, futons, and subtle Japanese design touches that create a calm and cozy atmosphere.

Modern AC/heating, WiFi, and high-quality toiletries are included, along with extra complimentary gifts!

hanare’s Integrations with Local Businesses

Staying at hanare is interesting because, as per their concept, “the whole village is your hotel.”

For example, part of the hanare experience is getting a “Sento Pass” ticket to visit the local public bathhouses in the area (towelette and bag provided).

Whether visiting a traditional tea shop, exploring ancient temples, or joining a pottery workshop, hanare makes it easy to immerse yourself in the local culture.

You really feel like you’re living among residents in authentic Tokyo and can integrate seamlessly as a guest into the community here.

Dining At & Around hanare

Of course, you must go out to eat at the local eateries in the Yanasen area during your stay at Hanare.

Momo, the owner of hanare, highly recommended I try the curry udon at Shioman near Sendagai. I did, and it was one of the best style udons I tried in Japan!

As for breakfast at hanare, you’ll head to the reception building (HAGISO) where you can savor a typical Japanese breakfast.

If you are more of a sweet morning person, you can go to the nearby KohiKojo cafe for waffles and coffee or the trendy bathhouse-turned-café Miyano-Yu for matcha lattes.

Travel blogger and digital nomad (Bri), author of nomadinjapan.com blog, sitting at coffee bar inside a retro Japanese bathhouse (Tokyo). — How cute is this bathhouse turned coffee shop!?

Who Should Stay at hanare Hotel?

As a solo traveler, I really loved my stay at hanare. That said, I don’t think it’s for everyone.

hanare is ideal for couples, solo travelers, and anyone who wishes to integrate into a traditional, typical Tokyo residential area while still being in easy reach of public transport to explore greater Tokyo.

Pros: