
Tokyo/Ekōin Temple Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Step into Kōkō-in, and instantly leave the city behind—quiet temples, gentle gongs echoing through ancient halls, each step echoing centuries of wisdom. This sacred space isn’t just a shrine; it’s a living story of compassion and enlightenment. Sit beneath the eaves, listen to the wind chime through the bell tower, and feel time slow down. For travelers seeking inner peace, this is more than a temple—it’s a sanctuary for the soul.















Everything you need to know about Ekōin Temple
For a serene stay near Kōshō-in Temple, consider the Tokyo Skytree Tower Marriott Hotel, just a 15-minute ride away. The hotel features modern Japanese-style rooms with panoramic views of Skytree and the city skyline. It also offers exclusive traditional tea ceremony experiences, allowing guests to immerse in Japanese Zen culture—perfectly complementing the tranquil atmosphere of Kōshō-in. With free shuttle service to the nearest subway station, access is seamless for exploring eastern Tokyo’s hidden gems.
Beyond visiting the serene gardens and statues at Kōshō-in Temple, explore a traditional washi paper workshop near Asakusa's Senso-ji. Learn ancient paper-making techniques and craft your own handmade washi paper. Stroll along the Sumida River promenade at dawn to see the Tokyo Skytree's reflection shimmering on the water, then enjoy local treats like Obaku Mochi. These experiences blend nature, heritage, and craftsmanship, offering a peaceful contrast to Tokyo’s urban pace—ideal for mindful travel.
The most convenient route is taking the Tokyo Metro Hanzōmon Line to Asakusa Station, then transferring to the Toei Mita Line to Oshiage Station, followed by a 10-minute walk to Kōshō-in. The journey takes about 30 minutes and connects seamlessly with Tokyo Skytree, allowing you to visit both sites in one trip. For convenience, use Google Maps navigation—the temple’s location is somewhat secluded. Alternatively, book a private transfer service via travel platforms, ideal for families or travelers with mobility needs, ensuring a stress-free arrival.
Yes! The Skytree Night View Plaza offers stunning contrasts between the glowing Tokyo Skytree and the quiet garden of Kōshō-in, perfect for dramatic evening shots. During spring, the Sumida River cherry blossom path bursts into pink blooms, framing ancient temple rooftops in soft light—a dreamlike scene for photographers. For candid moments, capture early-morning silhouettes of monks chanting at the temple entrance, where natural light enhances depth and mood—ideal for professional and enthusiast shooters alike.
Near Hōkō-in Temple in Tokyo, the Tokyo Okura Hotel is highly recommended. Located just a 10-minute walk from the temple, this luxury hotel blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern sophistication. Its rooms feature serene Zen-inspired interiors, offering guests a tranquil retreat rooted in Edo-period culture.
The hotel also offers exclusive tea ceremony experiences, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in authentic Japanese traditions. Conveniently located near subway lines, it provides easy access to major attractions like Asakusa and Ginza.
Hōkō-in itself is a historically significant Pure Land Buddhist temple, renowned for its masterfully designed garden that employs "borrowed scenery" techniques, seamlessly integrating natural landscapes into its spiritual ambiance. For an unforgettable visit, plan your trip early in the morning to enjoy peaceful views without crowds and fully appreciate the temple's meditative atmosphere.
The most convenient route from Tokyo Station to Hōkō-in Temple is via the Ginza Line to Asakusa Station, then transfer to the Toei Shinjuku Line and ride to Nishi-Ohkubo Station, followed by a 15-minute walk. The journey takes about 35 minutes and passes through key shopping districts, perfect for quick stops or street food sampling.
For comfort and speed, especially with luggage or traveling in groups, taking a taxi is ideal—approximately 20 minutes and costing ¥1,800–¥2,500. The temple area features clear signage and is easily navigable using smartphone maps.
Hōkō-in is located in the historic Ohsaki district, known for its academic heritage and quiet streets surrounding Waseda University. Along the way, you may glimpse students in uniforms walking through old alleys, adding cultural charm to your journey. Consider combining your visit with a stop at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden nearby for a rich blend of history, architecture, and nature.
Near Hōkō-in Temple, visitors can participate in several distinctive traditional Japanese cultural experiences. One highlight is the daily morning bell ritual, open to the public, where the resonant sound of the temple bell creates a profound sense of peace and mindfulness.
The annual Jōdo Sect Flower Festival in spring is another must-attend event, showcasing exquisite ikebana arrangements and sacred floral offerings, reflecting reverence for nature and spirituality.
Just steps away, a local ceramics workshop offers hands-on sessions to craft Zen-inspired tea bowls and incense burners—each piece uniquely yours to take home. For deeper insight, guided tours led by experienced monks explore the temple’s founding history and religious significance, delivered with wisdom and authenticity.
Hōkō-in’s garden embodies the shakkei (borrowed scenery) principle, thoughtfully incorporating distant hills and trees into its design. Ideal for photography and meditation, visiting during early morning or golden hour reveals stunning light effects and serene atmospheres—perfect for creating lasting memories.
Near Hōkō-in Temple, the hidden gem Tsuboi-an café stands out with its garden terrace nestled within a preserved Edo-era residence. Guests can enjoy panoramic views of a meticulously maintained karesansui dry landscape garden while sipping handcrafted matcha lattes, evoking the tranquility of a traditional scholar’s study.
The menu blends Wagashi sweets with modern light fare—try their matcha cheesecake or fern-flour sandwich—made with locally sourced organic ingredients. Visiting in the late afternoon is highly recommended; as sunlight filters through stone arrangements and moss-covered rocks, the scene transforms into a living ukiyo-e painting.
The café hosts regular tea ceremony workshops and haiku nights, inviting guests to engage deeply with Japanese aesthetics of wabi-sabi and ma. Due to limited seating, reservations are strongly advised to secure a private garden view.
See what other travelers say about Ekōin Temple

This was my second stay at this hotel, and I’m even more impressed than the first time. The view from the room is absolutely stunning—right across the Tokyo Skytree’s nighttime lights, which made every evening feel magical. The room itself is surprisingly spacious for a Tokyo hotel, with excellent cleanliness and a very comfortable bed. The bathroom is modern and well-maintained, adding to the overall pleasant experience. Located just minutes from major transit lines, it’s super convenient for exploring areas like Asakusa and Akihabara. For the price, this is one of the best values in central Tokyo—I’ll definitely be back.

Staying at MIMARU Tokyo Station East was a fantastic experience. The hotel is just a 3-5 minute walk from both Esaki and Yaesu stations, making it super convenient for exploring central Tokyo. There are plenty of convenience stores nearby—great for late-night snacks or essentials. Right outside the front door, there’s a whole row of restaurants, including a red-sign Korean BBQ place that stays open really late. Their grilled meats were absolutely delicious and definitely worth trying. The room itself is well-designed with ample space, and the overall layout feels modern and clean. The only downside? No curtains in the room—sunlight streams in as early as 5 AM, which made it hard to sleep. Otherwise, the location, value, and amenities make this a top pick for travelers looking for comfort and convenience in Tokyo.

We stayed here with our kids and were looking for a spacious place, and this one definitely delivered. The apartment is well-equipped with everything we needed—fridge, Balmuda toaster, microwave, washing machine—no missing essentials at all. It made our trip so much more comfortable, especially with little ones in tow. The only thing to note is that it’s a bit of a walk from the station, but that’s a small trade-off considering how great the room layout and amenities are. Overall, the value for money is excellent, and the location is still convenient for getting around Tokyo by train. Highly recommend for families!.

Staying at HOTEL MYSTAYS Kameido was a great experience overall. The hotel is conveniently located near both JR Kameido Station and Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation’s Nishi-oshima Station—both are just a short walk away, so choosing either one depends on your route. What really stands out is the excellent value for money. The rooms may be compact, and you’ll need to move your suitcase into the hallway to unpack fully, but everything else makes up for it: clean facilities, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's perfect for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience over space. I’d definitely recommend this hotel for a comfortable and affordable stay in Tokyo.

Staying at Tokyu Stay Tsukiji in Tokyo Ginza was an absolute highlight of my trip. The location couldn't be better—right at the entrance to Tsukiji Market, so you're immediately surrounded by fresh seafood stalls, cozy cafes, and local eateries. In just 15 minutes on foot, you can reach Ginza's luxury boutiques, and the nearest subway station is only a 5-minute walk away. The room itself is spacious by Japanese standards, with a comfortable large bed and a nice view. I especially appreciated having a washing machine and a fully equipped kitchenette—perfect for self-catering during longer stays. One small downside: there was a faint sewer odor at times, so I had to open the window after returning from exploring. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful—when we arrived early, they stored our luggage safely, and when we came back later, it was already in our room. Daily housekeeping includes towel, robe, and trash removal (just leave a note on the door), but changing bed linens is a paid service (1,500 yen). It’s not expensive, but might catch you off guard if you’re used to free changes. Overall, this is a fantastic choice for extended stays or travelers who want to immerse themselves in Tokyo life. Highly recommended!

This stay at Designers Hotel Siesta was absolutely excellent! The location is perfect—just a short walk from Ueno Station and right next to the park, making it easy to explore the area. The room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and incredibly comfortable, especially the large, plush bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. Everything you’d expect from a well-thought-out hotel was here: free amenities including hand creams, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner—all high quality and plentiful. I also appreciated the complimentary luggage storage, which was super convenient after a long day of sightseeing. The common areas are stylish and welcoming, and the hotel felt secure throughout my stay. It’s clear they care about guest experience. Highly recommend this gem in Tokyo for both comfort and convenience.

This hidden gem of a hotel totally exceeded my expectations! The room size is just right—not too small, not too large—perfect for a comfortable stay. What really impressed me was the ground-floor amenities: an ice machine, microwave, washing machine, and dryer all available for guest use. It’s such a convenience when you’re traveling, especially if you need to freshen up clothes or quickly heat up a meal. There are tons of dining options nearby—from authentic ramen shops to casual cafes and international eateries—so you’ll never go hungry. Plus, there’s a supermarket and a drugstore just steps away for essentials. The location is unbeatable: both subway and bus stops are literally right outside the door, making it super easy to explore areas like Asakusa, Ginza, or Akihabara. With its great value, excellent service, and unbeatable convenience, I’d definitely come back without hesitation.

Absolutely delighted with the stay overall! I booked this hotel last minute, and for around ¥600 per night, it’s an incredible value. The 24-hour front desk was a huge plus—especially arriving late at night with no stress. I loved the DHC toiletries; quality is noticeably better than average for this price point. Location-wise, it's super convenient—just a short walk to Inaricho Station, making it easy to reach any part of Tokyo via subway. The room is definitely small and long-shaped, so space feels tight, but it’s clean and well-maintained. The mattress is quite soft, which might not suit everyone—those who prefer firmer beds may want to adjust expectations. One downside: no laundry facility on-site. We had to walk 400 meters to a coin laundry, which only opens until 7 PM—so timing was tricky if you're checking in late. And honestly, the lack of air conditioning was a real issue. In November, we only had central heating, and it got way too hot—felt like I was cooking in the room! It took me three days to remember to open the window for some fresh air. Despite these quirks, the price, location, and convenience far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re budget-conscious and prioritize accessibility over space, I’d definitely recommend this place.

Staying at Centurion Hotel Ueno was a great experience—located right in the heart of Ueno, it’s incredibly convenient for exploring the area. The room size is typical for Tokyo city hotels, which is perfectly acceptable for a short stay. If you're traveling as a couple, upgrading to a king or twin bed room would give you more space and comfort. One highlight is the bath tub in the bathroom—perfect for relaxing after a long day. The toilet has a bidet function, and the room comes with heating and a humidifier, which is a lifesaver during colder months. There’s also a kettle for tea or coffee, and access is secured via key card entry. Plus, there’s a FamilyMart just downstairs—super handy for late-night snacks or essentials. Everything about this hotel feels well thought out, and the location combined with good amenities makes it an excellent choice.

Staying here for four nights was a fantastic experience overall. The hotel consists of two buildings—the main building and the annex—just across the street from each other. The hot spring bath is located in the main building, but it’s only a short walk away, so no hassle at all. I stayed in the annex and found it easy to visit the baths daily. One thing worth noting: we were given just one bottle of water during our entire stay. After that, you need to bring back your empty bottle to the lobby water station to refill it. The station offers chilled and hot green tea, coffee, and water—very convenient and refreshing. The location is absolutely unbeatable. Everything you’d want—restaurants, shops, convenience stores—is within walking distance. Just a few minutes to Ueno Station and multiple subway lines, making travel around Tokyo super easy. Great value, excellent access, and a cozy atmosphere. Definitely recommend this hotel.

I absolutely love the neighborhood—quiet, scenic, and just a short walk from the subway, making it super convenient for exploring Tokyo. Though the hotel is 40 years old, the main building was well-maintained during my stay. The room had clearly been renovated recently—clean, modern, and comfortable. The staff were incredibly friendly and spoke English fluently, which made everything smooth and welcoming. It’s clear this place takes pride in its service and upkeep. I’d definitely come back again—it’s a standout choice in Tokyo.

Staying at the b asakusa was an absolute game-changer for our Tokyo trip. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to Senso-ji Temple, perfect for early morning visits without rushing. Right across the street, you'll find convenience stores like Seven-Eleven and FamilyMart, pharmacies, Don Quijote, and even Uniqlo—all within easy reach. With multiple subway stations nearby, getting around Tokyo is super convenient. But what really stood out? The hotel offers direct bus services to both Narita and Haneda Airports, which made our travel with luggage so much easier. We even walked to the nearest subway station to catch the airport express, saving time and hassle. This place combines comfort, accessibility, and practicality in a way that’s hard to beat—highly recommend for travelers who value seamless transit.
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