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Tokyo is a sea of high-rise hotels – it makes for some great views over the city, but it’s not so great if you don’t like using lifts/elevators, so here are some hotels where stairs rule, or that have dedicated ground-floor units for you to book.
Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Petals Hotel
Rated 9.8/10 – Exceptional – with 50+ reviews on Booking.com
Let’s start with something so special you won’t feel like you’re missing out staying in a skyscraper if you book it – a luxury floating hotel where you don’t have to share space with anyone.
The huge individual houseboat-type rooms at Petals Tokyo offer spacious, luxurious accommodation for couples, and if you book breakfast, it comes served in your room with champagne!
Every jewel-toned room is different, but they all have amazing waterfront views.
If you’re here for an anniversary, honeymoon or another special occasion, this is perfect.
The location is a little bit under the radar. It’s an area called Tennozu Isle, which is an emerging new destination near Shinagawa. You’ll find an art gallery, some shops and a few cafes and restaurants around the hotel – and the nearby monorail station will whisk you anywhere else you want to go.
2. The Barn
Rated 9/10 – Wonderful – on Booking.com with 300+ reviews
This 16-room, two-storey boutique hotel is located in the bustling Ueno area, a short walk from Ugusidani Station.
They do have a lift, but they have also confirmed to me by email that all their rooms are also accessible by stairs.
It’s cosy-looking with white and grey shades in the room, creating a gorgeous modern look.
All the rooms are non-smoking and have double or queen beds. They mostly sleep one or two, although some rooms have space to accommodate a futon on the floor for a third person if you contact them before booking.
Some of the people leaving reviews for this hotel online are returning guests, which is always a good sign.
3. Ryokan Sawanoya
Rated 4.8/5 on Google with 350+ reviews
This family-run, traditional Japanese inn is located in the Yanaka area, famous for its small shops and local vibe.
The building is three storeys and rooms are on the second and third floors, with stair access confirmed via a telephone call. The whole hotel is non-smoking.
Rooms are Japanese-style with tatami-mat floors and futon beds. Some share a bathroom, but they have two small public baths and a shower on the premises.
If you’re travelling with children with stuffed toys, you might get an adorable surprise, and it’s just one example of the personal touches and example of Japanese hospitality that you’ll find staying at this hotel that’s been serving guests for over 70 years.
4. Mimaru Tokyo Hatchobori
Rated 9/10 – Wonderful – on Booking.com with over 1300 reviews
One of the most trusted brands for families travelling in Japan; you can’t go wrong with a Mimaru.
While you will find lifts here, the team at Mimaru confirmed that this particular property also has an external staircase accessible 24 hours a day.
They have rooms and apartments that can sleep up to six, with everyone having their own single, double or bunk bed. This is also one of the branches with a Pokémon-themed room.
Rooms have kitchens, and there is a laundry on site. The whole property is non-smoking.
Hatchobori is located on the east side of Tokyo, and the property is close to two train stations – including one on the Keiyo line, making this a convenient option if you’re visiting Tokyo Disney Resort.
Some of the other Mimaru properties around Tokyo have ground-floor units available to guests; if there’s another branch you’d like to stay at, contact the hotel directly via their website and enquire about this. Bookings must be made directly to ensure they know you need the ground floor.
5. Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa
Rated 9.4/10 – Wonderful – on Booking.com with 600+ reviews
This ten-room property offers traditional Japanese rooms, and, if you would like it, a full ryokan meal service, which is rare to find in Tokyo. If you’d prefer to be a bit more independent, you can also book plans just with breakfast.
The low-rise property has a lift, but they told me by email that rooms are also accessible via stairs.
Rooms sleep up to three adults, on futon-style beds, with some also allowing one child.
Each room’s facilities are different, so check descriptions carefully. There is no television or fridge in any of the rooms. There is also a public bath on the rooftop that has a gorgeous view of Tokyo Skytree. This is open to guests in any room with a reservation.
The location is excellent – right behind Asakusa Shrine and Senso-ji.
6. Hotel New Tohoku
Rated 7.8/10 – Good – on Booking.com with 400+ reviews
If you’re looking for a budget option in a great location, this could be it. It’s located just a few minutes’ walk away from Ueno Station.
They actually warn guests on their website listings that they don’t have a lift, so you know you’re going to be okay here. The hotel has three floors.
Some rooms are compact – but that’s not unusual in Tokyo – and sleep one or two people. One trick to get a little more space is to book a twin room instead of a double; it’s 3 square metres larger.
People say the staff are super friendly.
One important thing to note about this hotel is that they don’t open bookings very far in advance – just one month ahead.
7. Banrai Hotel Asakusa
Rated 8/10 – Very Good – on Booking.com with 240+ reviews
This three-storey property has rooms on its second and third floors. There is a lift, but the property have confirmed to me by email that rooms are also accessed by stairs.
Rooms are all in a modern Japanese style using futon-style mattresses, but these are mostly placed on wooden bed bases. Touches such as low tables and chairs, and shoji screens, add to the traditional feel.
Rooms vary in size, but some can sleep up to six on futon beds.
As the name suggests, the property is located in Asakusa and is a short walk away from the train station and Senso-ji.
People like the little touches on offer here, like area tours and Calligraphy classes.
An Extra Trick to Try
If none of these quite work for you, then you can also search on Booking.com and filter for ‘Units only on the Ground Floor.’
This will pinpoint units in hotels like the My Stays Hammatsucho or the Mustard Hotel in Shimokitazawa that are located on the ground floor, or state that they are accessed via stairs, and that can be specifically booked.
It’s not foolproof, so if you see an apartment or other hotel using this filter, and the room doesn’t specify ground floor, stair access or no elevator, message them to check.
Thanks to the team at Tokyo Tourism Australia, who helped with some of the research in this piece.
Who Writes This Blog?
My name is Helen Foster, and I’m a journalist and author. My travel articles have appeared in publications including The Australian, Escape, RAC Horizons, Jetstar Magazine, Sainsbury’s Magazine, and more.
I’ve traveled to Japan eight times before – solo and with my partner and visited over 25 towns and cities. My last visit was November 2024 so, everything here is pretty up to date.
