Andon Ryokan's hospitality || Tokyo's first designer hotel, best hotel near Ueno and Asakusa

Hospitality of Andon Ryokan

Our staff at Andon Ryokan are fluent in both Japanese and English, and we make daily efforts to be able to introduce our guests to Tokyo's new charms. We are alert to latest dining and event news, and we also serve as travel consultants for our guests to enjoy Tokyo sightseeing all the more.

When encountering an unknown, we utilize resources such as the Internet to search for the solution. Our system is structured to correspond with guest request at all times. Upon arrival, please inquire about dining, phone reservations, sightseeing, hotel reservations in other prefectures and travel advice. Let us know how we may accommodate you.

We cannot help but love our fascinating metropolis Tokyo where one can travel in peace. We wold love to send out Tokyo's such beauty to all travelers of the world. Sharing culture, customs and lifestyle, we hope our visitors hold compassion for the constant beauty of Japanese people as member of our international community.

One great thing about traveling is meeting new people, another new experiences. If we could assist in making Andon Ryokan a place where guests from overseas and of Japan meet, exchange travel tips, or talk about the loveliness of Japan, we'd be honored. Our dream is for Tokyo to become the best tourist resort in the world someday.

Antique Obsession

I have been an antique collector for about 15 years. I started collecting antiques when I first thought of opening a ryokan in Tokyo. When large antique fairs are in Tokyo or Kyoto, I visit to discover my new favorite. I would also make it a rule to visit the local antique shops whenever I travel. I enjoy talking to the local shop owners, it's a priceless learning experience for me. All of my antique pieces are filled with such wonderful memories of my trips.

Antiques are known to be expensive, however that is only a myth. I choose pieces that our guests can touch, feel, and utilize without apprehension. The tableware are of Meiji and early Showa era, and I believe the mismatching colors and missing pieces to a set add warmth and a sense of history in each pieces. I am not an antique expert, so I probably will not be able to answer questions regarding their exact origins. Nonetheless, the number one requirement of a hobby is for you to find pleasure in it. I hope our guests will join me and enjoy my antique collection.

: Night Lamp; My antique collection started with an absorbing little saucer. The first expensive piece I purchased was the night lamp. This night lamp has been lighting bedsides since the Edo period. I love the casual shape of the moons roundabout the lamp.

: Fukusuke Doll of Stone; Fukusuke are dolls traditionally associated with good luck in Japan. I purchased one made of stone at an antique shop in Machida. I used to place it outside the entrance door of my home always taking great care of it. After relocating it to display at Andon Ryokan, one night I skipped the routine of bring in the stone doll for the evening, and found it stolen the next morning. In a desperate search I handed out countless flyers for its return with no luck, until antique shopping in Asakusa I was reunited with my stone doll. This is a very important piece to me. This piece and I are connected.

: Mizuya Chest; This chest of drawers is to be from Ohmi region. I purchased it at a fair in Takeda, Kyoto as part of my collection prior to establishing Andon Ryokan. I found it at the entrance to the fair with the first vendor, truly love at first sight. Perfect size and color so I wanted to place it in the alcove. I requested a wooden pedestal custom designed by architect Mr. Irie to show this piece.

The Antique Photo Gallery

Flower Arrangement - Ohara School of Ikebana

When Andon Ryoan first opened, we entrusted a florist to arrange all of our flowers. I suddenly got the urge one day to try it myself. As I have worked at Andon being busy with the everyday Ryokan responsibilities, it has now become essential that I take the time to relax and quietly focus on flowers, and even try to remember the names of in season flowers. All of my hobbies; flower arranging, tea ceremonies, and antique collecting are the purpose of my life. Thanks to Andon Ryokan I'm able to share my passions. I hope our guest enjoy and appreciate my seasonal floral arrangements.

September 2005 - Initiation of Ohara School of Ikebana
January 2007 - Associate professor
June 2008 - Rank 4 head professor of school
May 2009 - Rank 3 head professor of school
May 2012 - Rank 2 head professor of school

Flower Arrangement Photo Gallery

Flower Arrangement 2012

Flower Arrangement 2011

Flower Arrangement 2010

Flower Arrangement 2009

Our Staff

Owner: Toshiko Ishii

Profile: Born in Sumida Ward, Tokyo. Raised in Shitamachi (east of Sumida River where Edo period's merchants atmosphere still remains.)
Languages: Japanese, English
Hobbies: travel, sampling foods, antique collection, hiking, sports, golf, running, swimming, yoga
Qualifications: Hotel and restaurant business license, motorcycle license, automobile license, small boat license, food preparer's license, fire prevention supervisor, diving, titles in flower arrangement and tea ceremony
Travel history: Morocco, various regions in Europe, various cities in the US, various Asian countries
Place on my wish list: Cape Town and other cities in Africa (I'd like to see big animals.)
My dream: I have only lived in Tokyo, so I dream about living in Kyoto to visit all of the shrines and temples, and go on a pilgrimage if possible.
Motivation for life: Talking with our guests at Andon serves as a stimulus to my daily growth.
Lately on my mind: I've lived my life for one reason or another, but life has a limited time. I am going to live to its fullest.

Ryoko Kawano

Languages: Japanese, English
Travel history: Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, France, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea
Hobbies: travel, sampling foods
Mottos: appreciation, smiles
Message: Andon Ryokan is where people from various regions of Japan, from all over the world, and even our neighbors meet and share wonderful times and smiles. I love trying different types of foods and taking tours of art museums. When it comes to Tokyo's gourmet and art information, please leave it to me! I am once again appreciative of Andon Ryokan for finding me in 2009. I'm looking forward to your visit.

Yukari Kurihara

Languages: Japanese, English
Travel history: France, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, US, Germany, Switzerland, England, Norway, South Korea
Hobbies: Listening to music, sweets, travel, animals
Message: I am happy when not only Japanese customers but also foreign customers get together at the lounge and I see their conversations become more and more lively. If time allows, please enjoy meeting other guests. I would like all of our guests at Andon Ryokan to make themselves at home. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your stay more pleasurable.