Name: A-yard
Address: 359 Mitakehoncho, Tokyo, Tokyo, Tokyo, 198-0173, Japan
Rating: 9

Smoke-free property

General

Safe-deposit box

Luggage storage

Services and amenities

Microwave oven

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

Barbecue grill(s)

Barbeque

Recreation

Free parking

Parking

Meeting and presentation facilities

Conference Hall

Business

Pets Not Allowed

Pets

Temperature control for staff

Personal protection equipment for staff

Extra decontamination measures

Temperature control for guests

Personal protection equipment for guests

Contactless check-in and/or check-out

Additional measures against COVID-19

Health and Safety Measures

Location

At the guest house

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Ueno Zoo

Tokyo National Museum

Tsukiji Fish Market

Sensoji Temple

Tokyo Sky Tree

Tokyo Disneyland

A-yard

Tokyo

Originally we were going to stay with friends at Mitake but last minute the plan went pear shaped. They recommended A-Yard since it is very close to the Mitake Station but cautioned us that it is a very basic lodging. Triple sharing Tatami room costing ¥4000 per person. 
I decided to go ahead after viewing A-Yard's website but still was quite skeptical since as you know, sometimes hotel's website's photos are very misleading. 

Reservation was done via phone by our Japanese friend and he said to call the owner for pick-up once we arrived at Mitake Station despite it being only a minute's walk away.

We Arrived at 5pm and called Shibata San. He arrived barely 2 minutes later. Very friendly young chap who has lived or visited many countries like Indonesia, Australia, South Africa, etc. (Grew up in Indonesia and traveled to the rest for white water rafting competitions, he is a member of the Japan White Water Rafting Team!)

A minute later (walking) we arrived at the Minshuku. It sits at a fork whereby the front faces 7Eleven across the main road while the back where the entrance is, you will reached by an uphill road off the main road. 

There are only 4 rooms. Simple but very clean, functional and more than adequate. Bedroom has a large window overlooking the 7Eleven. There is a cupboard. You make your own beds. Two bathrooms (Separated by gender). Sento styled, meaning you enter a small bathing area with a hot tub and 3 open showers by the side. Don't worry since you can lock for private use. Upon arrival we found the hot tub to be steaming but we didn't use until our return from dinner, when it was just lukewarm. So, Shibata San must have prepared it for us as we were the only guests since another room only arriving later. Therefore, people, if you find it steaming, don't wait, as it is not those that has heating to remain hot all the time!

Wifi is available but only in the large Tatami room, which was vacant when we were there so we could sit in and use the wifi. We even had our breakfast there. I suspect the wifi router is right below this room (Shibata san's living quarter), thus, you can still access wifi from here. 

The Minshuku has a tiny kitchen with a large fridge, microwave, hot water maker, plates and cutleries. It is fully non smoking but you can smoke right outside the entrance at their provided ashtray. There is curfew at 11pm. 

Location is really good. As mentioned, 7Eleven right at the back, next to the station and a minute away from the beautiful Mitake Gorge. 

We had a very good sleep. Pillow was a bit too soft and thin but the futon was good (we used 2 layers). No dreaded bedbugs! Initially there were no towels provided but after we asked they were delivered with no fuss.

Overall, it was a really good stay for such a low room rate. "Pleasantly surprise" is an understatement! At check-out Shibata San offered to deliver us and our heavy luggage to a ryokan 2 minutes walk away (A-Yard is only available for one night while we want to stay two nights at Mitake) since he said our luggage were too heavy! Not only that, he even offered to drive us to the cable car station 10 minutes away even though we had already checked out. Truly a nice man.. I will definitely plan to visit Mitake again because of A-Yard the next time I'm in Tokyo. 

Contact : Shibata Daigo
Mobile : 080-1097-5548
Fax : 0428-74-9453
E-mail : mail@mitakerc.jp

A-yard

Main amenities of the guest house

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