Via Inn Higashi-Ginza

We stayed here from May 5–8, and from the beginning to the end of our stay, this hotel exceeded our expectations. The entrance can be a little confusing at first because the reception is not on the ground floor—you either take the elevator or stairs up to the 2nd floor—but once you know that, everything is easy. Check-in is technically done via a self-service machine, but the staff are so attentive and helpful that they practically handle the whole process for you anyway. The location is excellent. The hotel is in a modern, busy but very safe part of Tokyo, surrounded by restaurants, cafés, convenience stores (Lawson is basically right next door, with 7-Eleven and FamilyMart nearby), and plenty of shopping, including luxury boutiques. Public transport access is fantastic, with several metro stations and lines within easy walking distance, making it very easy to get around Tokyo comfortably and efficiently. Tokyo Station is around a 25-minute walk away, which made our arrival from Narita surprisingly manageable once we escaped the station maze. One particularly great advantage of this location is airport access. Higashi-Ginza Station, which is within easy walking distance, offers direct train connections to both Haneda and Narita airports via the through-running Asakusa / Keikyu / Keisei lines. That means no complicated transfers, reasonable travel times (up to around 90 minutes depending on airport and service), and significantly lower prices compared with options like the Narita Express. Yes, the room is compact—as expected in Tokyo—but incredibly well designed. Even with three large suitcases, we managed comfortably as a couple, which says a lot. The room felt modern, cozy, very clean, and thoughtfully arranged. The bed was comfortable for two, air conditioning worked perfectly, and there was a fridge and TV in the room. A nice bonus was that the TV was Chromecast-friendly. The only minor issue was the limited number of power outlets, so bringing a travel adapter with multiple USB ports would be a smart idea. The bathroom was honestly fantastic—one of those compact Japanese designs that make you wish your own bathroom at home were this cleverly planned. Great water pressure, instant hot water, a comfortable shower/bath setup, and of course the expected Japanese toilet features. One thing I really appreciated was how practical everything felt. Toiletries, tea, coffee, and other amenities were not left in the room but were freely available near the elevators on the reception floor, so you could simply take what you needed without having to contact staff. Breakfast was genuinely excellent. Mostly Japanese/Asian in style, but with enough Western options to keep most guests happy as well. Everything tasted fresh, healthy, and well thought out. There were fish dishes, eggs, fruit, pastries, and overall just a very high-quality selection. Not an overwhelming buffet, but exactly the kind of breakfast that feels curated rather than excessive. Seating was never a problem. For the price we paid, this hotel delivered exceptional value. Honestly, it makes you question what hotels in Europe charge for far less. I would absolutely stay here again and can highly recommend it.