During my trip to Tokyo in February 2024, accommodation prices had risen noticeably. For budget-conscious travelers like us, Toyoko INN has always been a reliable and reassuring choice.
This time, I stayed at Toyoko INN Kayabacho Station, and what surprised me most was that this branch had quietly undergone a complete interior makeover! Compared with the older, somewhat dated design that many people may remember, with its signature yellow floral patterns, the new style is much more modern and minimalist.
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at the Kayabacho branch, known for its excellent subway connections and freshly renovated interior, and find out whether it’s really worth staying here.
Newly Renovated: Say Goodbye to the Old-Fashioned Look and Welcome a Modern, Minimalist Style
If you’ve stayed at an older Toyoko INN before, you’ll immediately notice the difference when you step into this room. The colorful bed linens and carpets from the past are gone, replaced by a calming combination of gray and white tones with warm wood accents.
Visual Space: The walls have been refreshed with clean, light tones, complemented by more modern pendant lighting and a contemporary work desk. The overall space feels much less cramped and visually overwhelming.
Bedside Design: Finding an outlet used to be a challenge, but the newly renovated rooms now feature power outlets and USB charging ports right by the bed. It’s incredibly convenient for modern travelers who like to scroll on their phones in bed—or simply need to charge their devices overnight.
Carpet & Cleanliness: The carpet has also been replaced with a simple, darker design that looks cleaner and more modern. The overall quality and atmosphere of the room have been noticeably elevated—it honestly doesn’t feel like a typical budget chain hotel.
Transportation Guide: Why Is It a Top Budget-Friendly Choice Just 1 Minute from the Subway?
The “1-minute walk to the subway” mentioned in the title mainly refers to how close the hotel is to the nearest exit of Kayabacho Station, served by the Hibiya and Tozai Lines. While it does take a little time to walk from the platform to the station exit, once you reach street level, you can practically see the hotel after turning the corner. For travelers carrying heavy luggage, this is truly a lifesaver!
Two Major Advantages of Staying in Kayabacho:
A Prime Location on the Hibiya Line: Head south for just two stops to Tsukiji for breakfast, then another two stops to Ginza for shopping. Going north, it’s three stops to Akihabara, followed by just one more stop to Ueno. This line makes it incredibly easy to reach many of Tokyo’s top sightseeing destinations.
Quick Access via the Tozai Line: Want to pick up souvenirs in Nihombashi or transfer at Tokyo Station? It only takes 1–2 stops via the Tozai Line, making this location extremely convenient and flexible for travelers planning to explore multiple areas of Tokyo.
Free Breakfast & Self-Service Facilities
In addition to the refreshing new interior, Toyoko INN’s much-loved complimentary breakfast is still available. Starting at 6:30 AM every morning, the lobby on the first floor serves freshly prepared rice balls, miso soup, and a few simple Japanese side dishes.
While the selection isn’t as extensive as a high-end buffet, being able to enjoy a filling breakfast before heading out can save you quite a bit on food expenses throughout the day.
Things to Know Before Your Stay:
Toyoko INN has embraced more eco-friendly practices, so amenities are no longer automatically provided in the rooms. After checking in, don’t forget to pick up essentials such as toothbrushes, combs, and razors from the self-service area in the lobby.
The hotel lobby also has a microwave and an ice machine. If you grab some late-night snacks from a convenience store, you can easily heat them up back at the hotel—super convenient!
Toyoko INN Kayabacho Station – Hotel Information
Address: 1-4-9 Nihombashi-Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0025, Japan