Ryogoku Area/Hotel Information

[Jonosuke 27]

In the quietness of pre-basho days, this may as good

as any other to present my list of Ryogoku area

hotels. Now there are many others that are cheaper

and nicer but there is no denying the benefits of

staying in Ryogoku for a night or two. You feel the

atmosphere and you certainly don't need to suffer the

rush hour train hell to make your morning geiko.

Caveat is the prices could change any time. If you can

get someone with Japanese ability, you can try booking

on internet or Japanese hotel sites like Ikkyu.com and

you probably save some money.

Anyway before I digress too much, here it is in its

entirety.

=================================

First and foremost,

The Kokugikan

=============

1-3-28 Yokoami Sumida-ku Tokyo 130-0015 Japan

Tel: (81) 03-3623-5111

Capacity seating: 11,098

Next to the Edo Tokyo Museum, just north of JR Sobu

Line Ryogoku Station.

From JR Ryogoku Station - 1 minute walk, West

Exit/Entrance, located north of the station.

Metro Subway Oedo Line Ryogoku Station 5 minute walk

(located west of the station)

Directions:

-----------

From JR Yamanote Line Tokyo and Ueno Stations -

Change to the Sobu Line at Akihabara Station),

10 minutes.

From JR Shinjuku Station - 17 minutes.

From Haneda Tokyo International Airport -

Use the Monorail, change at Hamamatsucho Station to JR

Yamanote Line, change at Akihabara Station to JR Sobu

Line, 40 minutes.

Area Sumo Beyas

================

Within Walking distance:

Tatsunami Beya

Takekuma Beya

Kasugano Beya

Izutsu Beya

Dewanoumi Beya

Tokitsukaze Beya

Oshima Beya

Nishonozeki Beya

Michinoku Beya

Close-by:

Hatachiyama Beya

Mihogaseki Beya

Azumazeki Beya

Tomozuna Beya

Kataonami Beya

Kokonoe Beya

Hakkaku Beya

Magaki Beya

Hanakago Beya

Miyagino Beya

Takasago Beya

(I may one day upload the maps of where the heyas

are located.)

Other Attractions Nearby

------------------------

- The Edo Tokyo Museum (next to the Kokugikan,

1 minute walk )

- The old Yasuda Teien Garden

(north of the Kokugikan, 5 minute walk,

free admission)

- The Ekoin Temple Cemetery (a historically well known

temple for sumo and other events,

south of the Kokugikan 5 minute walk)

- Theater X (X is pronounced with Greek letter X)

Presents a series of original and unique drama with

the old downtown Sumida-ku atmosphere.

South of the Kokugikan, just east of the Ekoin Temple

about 6 minute walk)

- Tokyo Dome (10 minutes train ride,JR Suidobashi

Station)

- Tokyo Mizube Line (River cruising - 1 minute walk to

the dock, a variety of courses, highly recommended,

west of the Kokugikan)

- Akihabara Electric Town (5 minute train ride - JR

Akihabara station)

- Ueno (15 minute train ride, many museums).

- Asaskusa (15 minute train ride, the famed Sensoji

Temple and other Tokyo downtown activities)

Ryogoku Area Hotels

====================

(Rating is my own based on location and amenities, so

milage will vary.)

===============================

1. THE Hotel Bellegrande - 150 rooms (***Plus)

JR Ryogoku Station - one minute walk

http://www.hotel-bellegrande.co.jp/english/index.html

Tel: (81)3-3631-8111 Fax(81)3-3631-8112

2-19-1 Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0026 Japan

Located immediate south of the Kokugikan,

the Ryogoku Station Beer place, JR Ryogoku station,

West Entrance.

Rooms:

------

Single 9,450 Yen per person

Single (with twin beds)

13,750 Yen per person/16,800 per two

15,950 Yen Per person/18,900 per two

17,000 Yen per person/19,950 per two

DX-Twin 31,900 Yen per person

42,400 Yen per person

Double 12,700 Yen per person/14,700 per couple

14,800 Yen per person/16,800 per couple

Suite 84,400 per two people

Sales Tax/Service: 5%

Tokyo Hotel Occupancy Tax: 100 Yen for 10,000 to

15,000 Yen, 200 Yen over 15,000 Yen

Package: Weekend Stay, Special Plan for ladies,

Tokyo River Cruise Plan, Edo Museum Ticket Plan,

Ozumo Package, Foreign Businessmen Plan, House

Renovation Plan

Restaurant:

Cafe Rosa - Casual Italian and French.

From 7:00 - 22:00

Chinese Restaurnat Yohkihi - Buffet as well a la

carte. From 11:30 - 22:00.

Japanese Restaurant Sakura-Tei - Shabu Shabu Buffet,

chanko. From 11:30 - 22:00.

Bakery Cafe Coup de Pates - next to Cafe Rosa,

From 8:00 - 20:00.

Cafe Jardin - Cake and tea. From 11:00 - 19:00.

Bar Etoile (on 11th Floor). Night View of the Sumida

River. From 18:00 - 24:00.

Checkin: 14:00 Checkout: 11:00

2. The Dai-Ichi Hotel Ryogoku - 333 Rooms (Rating:

***Plus)

JR Ryogoku Staion 7 minute walk (Take East Exit)

Oedo Subway Rygoku Staion 1 minute walk

http://www.dh-ryogoku.com/english/index_english.html

E Mail: daiichi-hotel@dh-ryogoku.com

TEL +81-3-5611-5211 FAX +81-3-5611-5212

1-6-1 Yokoami Sumidaku,Tokyo 130-0015 Japan

Located north east of the Kokugikan, north of the Edo

Tokyo Museum and Metro Subway Ryogoku Station, Exit A1

connects to the hotel.

Ozumo Room Package (with Ozumo ticket):

Chair A Seat

25,000 Yen per person for single bed room

24,000 Yen per person for twin bed room

23,000 Yen per person for triple bed room

(includes one night accomodation, breakfast, Sumo

souvenier)

Chair B Seat

22,000 Yen per person for single bed room

21,000 Yen per person for twin bed room

20,000 Yen per person for triple bed room

(includes one night accomodation, breakfast, Sumo

souvenier)

Masu seat A

100,000 Yen for up to four people

Masu Seat B

90,000 Yen for up to four people

Masu Seat C

80,000 Yen for up to four people

For Masu Seat customers the cost for accomodation is:

Single is for 10,600 Yen,

9,450 Yen for twin bed room,

8,400 Yen for triple bed room

(Includes one night accomodation, breakfast and sumo

souvenier)

Restaurant:

Cafe Azelea - Breakfast, lunch and dinner, casual.

Japanese Restaurant Sakura - Buffer Breakfast and

lunch, formal setting dinner on 25th Floor with views

of Sumida River and surroudings.

Chinese Restaurant Toh-Ten-Koh - lunch and dinner.

Check-in: 14:00 Check-out: 12:00

3. The Ryogoku Pearl Hotel - 301 rooms

(Rating ** plus)

(including 60 rooms with the highest internet speed

among Japanese hotels of 100 Mbps! I wonder if it's a

typo here with an extra 0.)

JR Ryogoku Station - one minute walk

http://www.pearlhotel.co.jp/ryogoku-e/index.html

E-Mail: ryogoku@pearlhotel.co.jp

Tel 03-3625-8080 Fax 03-3626-2080

1-2-24,Yokoami,Sumida-ku,Tokyo130-0015 Japan

Located west of the Kokugikan across the street,

next to the Lion Company Building, north of the

Ryogoku station).

Rooms:

Single (254 Rooms)

S1 : 7,875 Yen

S2 : 8,190 Yen

S3 : 8,400 Yen

S4 : 8,610 Yen

Twin/Double (28 Rooms) 14,280 Yen

Family (3 Rooms) 28,875 Yen

Japanese Style (2 Rooms)

J1 - 37,800 Yen

J2 - 27,300

Restaurant:

Japanese style beef Shabu-shabu chanko "Youraku"

Coin laundry : 100 yen, Vending machines.

Check-in : 15:00 Check-out: 10:00

4. The Ryogoku River Hotel - 97 Rooms

(Rating: **)

JR Ryogoku Station - 1 minute walk

http://www2.ocn.ne.jp/~river.h/top.html

E-mail: river.h@themis.ocn.ne.jp

Tel: 03-3634-1711 Fax: 03-3635-2874

2-13-8 Ryogoku Sumida-ku Tokyo 130-0026 Japan

(No English webpage, however a English speaking person

is at Front Desk)

Located south west of the Kokugikan,

west of the Hotel BellGrande across the street.

Rooms:

Single:

6,930 Yen weekday,

6,240 Yen (Friday, Saturday)

5,780 Yen Sunday.

Twin A:

7,350 Yen per single person

11,660 Yen for two (weekday)

10,500 Yen for two (Friday, Saturday)

9,450 Yen for two (Sunday)

Twin B:

7,560 Yen per single person

12,600 Yen for two (weekday)

10,920 Yen for two (Friday, Saturday)

9,870 Yen for two (Sunday)

14,700 Yen for three ( weekday)

14,120 Yen for three (Friday, Saturday)

13,860 Yen for three (Sunday)

Japanese style rooms:

7,560 Yen per per person (weekday)

7,350 Yen per per person (Fri, Sat and Sun)

12,600 Yen for two (weekday)

10,500 Yen for two (Fri, Sat, Sun)

16,800 Yen for three (weekday)

14,120 Yen for three (Fri, Sat, Sun)

19,950 Yen for four (weekday)

16,800 Yen for four (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Internet rooms, Non-smoking rooms, ladies only rooms

require prior reservation.

Half Price for Children (12 and younger, excluding the

single rooms).

Coin laundry: 200 Yen for 40 minutes.

Check-in: 15:30 Check-out: 10:00

=====================================================

[Takanorappa 64]

The Ryogoku Pearl isn't bad. A bit spartan, but definitely liveable. Right next door is Kirishima Chanko and the famous meal-for-a-win giving McDonalds. I was sure eyeing the Hotel Bellegrande, though. It's definitely a nicer establishment than the Pearl.

Here's a map of the immediate Kokugikan area. I snapped the picture off of a info stand outside the JR station. Several nearby heyas are noted.

Edited September 8, 2004 by Takanorappa

[Mark Buckton 0]

(Blushing...)

Great info for those coming in to watch sumo - any way the mods can keep this forever from vanishing from the screens - 'useful info' kind of thread?

[Kintamayama 33,148]

4. The Ryogoku River Hotel - 97 Rooms

(Rating: **)

JR Ryogoku Station - 1 minute walk

I stayed here 4 days. Spartan, tiny but very clean room with cable TV that shows ALL bouts, from Jonokuchi onwards. Very handy. Also, "mosaic" porno of the sleaziest kind, 24 hours a day. Free. 1 minute walk from the KKan entrance, the same building as Chanko Kirishima and the McDonalds. Nice owners, pay cash up front for all nights. Get someone from this forum to walk over and book a room in your name. Nice small restaurant on the premises, but there are many others around, real close.

Edited September 8, 2004 by Kintamayama

[Mark Buckton 0]

You feel the atmosphere and you certainly don't need to suffer the rush hour train hell to make your morning geiko.

If you are on the rush hour train you'd more often than not be too late for asageiko wouldn't you? (Blushing...)

[Jonosuke 27]

Area Sumo Beyas

================

Within Walking distance:

Tatsunami Beya

**Takekuma Beya**

Just a correction. Doreen pointed out that Takekuma Beya is no longer. Sorry the list was from my previous visit to t he heya. I believe Takekuma oyakata is now with Tomozuna Beya.

If I recall the heya sort of had a natural death when his son, Haguronada, quit a couple of years ago. Speaking of Haguronada who used to have his own web site was arrested for selling faked luxury goods through internet by Japanese police six months ago or so. Apparently he used his technical expertise to be an e-commerce businessman but perhaps not had an expertise in law.

I don't know if he was convicted and spent some time in prison or not but Doreen reports she saw one of his sons (she did not mention which as there are two) bycycling towards Oshima Beya a couple of days ago, now with his hair dyed blond and permed.

I read somewhere Haguronada was studying to go into acupuncture.

[Manekineko 200]

Pinned, I'll leave it to rijicho's discretion what to do with it in the future.

[Jonosuke 27]

While at it, I can recommend a Ryogoku restaurant you may want to visit for your diet - High protein, Low Cal and said to be bring you radiant beautiful skin!

Not that I think of you in any ill will but of couse I am talking about Blowfish. This place is just off East Exit of JR Ryogoku station, a minute walk. The restaurant is called "Tarafuku Ryogoku". It's a well known Fuku chain (in Western Japan they pronunce Fugu as Fuku as the best fish comes from Shimonoseki area).

They have their head store in Ginza and is very very popular. Their Fugu course goes around 5000 yen or so but with a web coupon (see I help you here as well), you can get it for something like 4,000 Yen. But if you can't go for the fish, they have low cal beef dish too.

If you are new to eating this stuff, they have a lady manager as well as a bevy of her assistants to teach you how.

The coupon is in Japanese just above the map on this web page so print ant take it with you. Enjoy.

The page at

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g023605/map1.htm

Tel number is 03-3632-2917. They also have private rooms available as well in case you have some clandestine meeting to attend to. And they do take major credit cards.

I don't have any financial interest in this place nor personally know them but just for your info.

[Sasanishiki 57]

Can you recommend any good chanko restaurants with discounts, willing staff etc?

[Jonosuke 27]

Here's Part I of my Ryogoku restaurants . This one is all focused on Chanko and similar dish. I've been to all of them one time or another in the last ten years and one in particular almost broke my bank account which I never seemed to recover from it since (I let you guess which one it is).

I can personnally vouche for the quality of each. They are all well known in Ryogoku and sumo affectionados. If you are not considering serious sit-down chanko stuff I especially recommend Momotaro as it's so close and some dish are pretty cheap and a good place to drink and meet.

(Coupons are provided by PIA and please note restrictions.)

1. Rikishi Ryori Kotogaume

---------------------------------

Authentic Sumo Beya style Chanko

A restaurant by former Kotogaume, Onaruto Oyakata

03-3624-7887 (Tel/Fax)

3-4-4 Kinshi Sumida-ku Tokyo 130-0013

JR Sobu Line Kinshicho Station North Exit 3 minute walk

Hours: 17:00 - 23:00 (Sundays, holidays closed except during

the Tokyo bashos opened all 15 days)

Average: 5,000-6,000 Yen (no credit cards)

50 to 60 seats, very popular (note: no smoking section I recall)

A very popular between 6 - 9PM.

All kinds of chanko, a good selection regional sake, shochu, beers

Coupon page :

http://g.pia.co.jp/shuto/shop_service/cpif...o=1&jldiv=&OID=

2. Chanko Terukuni

-----------------------

Traditional Chanko using top rated Yamagata beef and chicken.

A restaurant by the eldest son of the 38th Yokozuna Terukuni

Tel: 03-3631-1356

Terukuni Building First Floor, 1-17-6 Ryogoku Sumidaku Tokyo

Jr Ryogoku Station West Exit 1 minute walk (across the street

from the station towards the river, behind McDonalds)

Hours: 17:00 - 23:00 (weekends, holidays from 16:00),

Closed Monday except during the Tokyo bashos, Jan and December.

A very popular hangout between 6 to 9 PM.

Average: 4,000 - 10,000 Yen (Both Terukuni and Tokusen course

include chanko both around 6,000 - 7000 Yen)

Asahi beer, original Shochu "Terukuni" - 4,000 yen a bottle.

Seats: 66

Coupon page: http://g.pia.co.jp/shuto/shop_service/cpif...o=1&jldiv=&OID=

3. Izakaya Chanko Momotaro

------------------------------------

Chanko dish and a variety of daily selection. Open till 2 AM.

Tel: 03-3631-2877

1-3-12 Yokoami Sumidaku Tokyo

JR Ryogoku Station West Exit 1 minute walk

Hours: 11:30 - 02:00, 11:30 - 24:00 (Sunday/Holiday)

Open every day.

Average: 2,000 - 4,000 Yen. Major credit cards.

Recommends K-1 Kimchi Chanko for two (2,600 Yen per person).

Shochu, Regional sake, Itailian wine, draft (Asahi).

Seats: 70 Very popular between 7-9 PM and after 11 PM.

Coupon page: http://g.pia.co.jp/shuto/shop_service/cpif...o=2&jldiv=&OID=

One medium bottle of beer for four or more people after 16:00.

Expires October 10.

http://g.pia.co.jp/shuto/shop_service/cpif...o=3&jldiv=&OID=

One free sashimi dish for two or more people

when ordering three or more one dish entree after 16:00.

Coupons cannot be combined.

** Recommended.

4. Kappo Kariya

------------------

Authentic Fugu fish and Chanko Cuisine with tatami rooms.

Very expensive but the first class restaurant with 60 years of history.

Yokozuna tegatas lined the store. A very well known among sumo

people and arguably the place in Ryogoku. Especially popular among senior set.

Food, decor and ambience (very quiet) is superb make sure you carry

enough Yen as they do not take a credit card.

Tel: 03-3631-2851

1-2-8 Ryogoku Sumidaku Tokyo

JR Ryogoku Station West Exit 7 minute walk.

Walk straight towards the Ekoin, cross the road and then turn to

the right and then turn left at Ryogoku 1-Chome Light.

Hours: 11:00 - 14:00, 17:00 - 22:00 (but last order by 20:30)

Average: 7,000-25,000 Yen (serive 15% dinner, 5% lunch)

No credit card. Require a reservation for lunch.

Seats: 75

Coupon page:

http://g.pia.co.jp/shuto/shop_service/cpif...o=1&jldiv=&OID=

For a group of four or more, a free medium bottle of beer. Please hand in the coupon at the time of seating.

Not applicable for lunch.

Edited October 2, 2004 by Jonosuke

[Guest Watashi]

A bit late perhaps, but might be interesting nonetheless:

3. The Ryogoku Pearl Hotel - 301 rooms

(Rating ** plus)

(including 60 rooms with the highest internet speed

among Japanese hotels of 100 Mbps! I wonder if it's a

typo here with an extra 0.)

JR Ryogoku Station - one minute walk

    http://www.pearlhotel.co.jp/ryogoku-e/index.html

E-Mail: ryogoku@pearlhotel.co.jp

Tel 03-3625-8080 Fax 03-3626-2080

1-2-24,Yokoami,Sumida-ku,Tokyo130-0015 Japan

Located west of the Kokugikan across the street,

next to the Lion Company Building, north of the

Ryogoku station).

If you book the hotel through the Japanese website (Pearl Hotel), the room rates are much cheaper (I don't know about the English site).

E.g. the cheapest single (either smoking or non-smoking):

7300 Yen on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

6100 Yen on Friday and Monday

5600 Yen on Saturday and Sunday,

a room with internet connection (own computer needed, I think):

7500 Yen, 6300 Yen and 5700 Yen (depending on the day)

For those without a laptop etc., there are two computers with internet connection in the lobby, which can be used by the guests.

I don't have experiences with the other Ryogoku hotels, but booking through the internet service often is much cheaper. Unfortunatelly this sometimes is only available in Japanese, but writing an email in English might lead to the same effect. And since most Japaneses only travel for a few days some Japanese hotels are happy if you book for a longer period (e.g. 10 days etc.) and might offer you discout rates if you ask (I don't know about the Ryogoku hotels though).

PS: On the Japanese language page it says 100 Mbps for the highspeed internet connection, too. Probably not a double typo, I guess.

[Jonosuke 27]

Part 2 - Ryogoku area Chanko Restaurants

============================

5. Chanko Kappo Tomoegata

----------------------------------

A legendary Tomozuna Beya chanko started by the 9th Tomozuna oyakata, Tomoegata after his Toshiyori retirement at the same place once housed Tomozuna Beya. Currently run by his son, Kenji Kudo.

From JR Ryogoku Station, West Exit walk towards Ekoin, 5 minute walk.

Tel: 03-3632-5600

17-6 2-chome Ryogoku, Suumida-ku Tokyo

Hours: 11:30-14:00, 17:00-22:30

Closed during Mondays from June to August. holidays.

The Tomozuna "Sopp Taki" was once known as the ultimate of its kind throughout the sumo world.

Four types of chanko are "Tachiyama" (Soppu taki),"Kuniyama" (flavored by sardines), "Yahazuyama " (fish), "Tomoegata" (miso paste flavor).

All 2,600 Yen per person.

Accept major credit cards.

Parking: five (free)

6. Kappo Chanko Ouchi

---------------------------

Opened by Ouchiyama, a 202 cm tall Ozeki. Tokitsukaze Beya style chanko ("I used to go over there as my father was there so I naturally picked up the flavor," his son Akira Ouchi says.) Basically "Soppu taki" with chicken with lots of vegetables.

From JR Ryogoku Station West Exit. Walk towards Ekoin, about five minutes walk.

Tel: 03-3631-8747

9-6 2 chome Ryogoku Sumida-ku Tokyo

Hours: 11:30-13:30 (requires a reservation for "Nabe" dish)

17:00-22:00

Closed Sundays and holidays except during the Tokyo bashos.

On menu: "Tori Soppu Nabe" (chicken) 2,300 Yen

"Buta no Miso daki" (pork) 2,000 Yen

Evening menus starts from 4,500 Yen.

7. Chanko Tomoji

----------------------

In Ryogoku for over 30 years, with specially sesame based miso paste flavoring with meat, fish and vegetable chanko. Other Japanese dishes available with a full selection of Japanese sake and wine.

From JR Ryogoku Station East exit, 2 minute walk.

Tel: 03-3631-4889

Fax: 03-3631-4857

3-24-4 Ryogoku Sumida-ku Tokyo 130-0026

Average: 5,000 Yen

Hours: 17:00-22:00

Closed Sundays and holidays (except during the Tokyo bashos).

Seats: 38

No Parking.

Coupon page:

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g122000/map1.htm

(resevation for seven and more, a bottle (720ml) of shochu.)

8. Kappo Yoshiba

-----------------------

Once Miyagino Beya, you still find a dohyo in the middle of restaurant. It means you eat chanko surrounding the dohyo. You can also enjoy Sumo Jinku singing three times a week starting 19:30. If you wear a pair of geta, you can go down

to the dohyo. A great place if you love the heya atmosphere as well as good food.

The tables next to the dohyo cannot be reserved.

From Metro Subway Oedo Line Ryogoku Station, 6 minute walk.

Tel: 03-3623-4480

2-14-5 Yokoami Sumida-ku Tokyo

Hours: 11:30 - 13:30

17:00 - 22:00

Closed Sundays and holidays.

Basically there are three types of chanko depending on the main ingredient. As well they have a special arrangement with Tsukiji Market's wholesaler so sashimi and other seafood dishes are fresh and very popular.

Menu: Tokusei Rikishi Nabe - 2,000 Yen

Miso Yoshiba Nabe - 1,700 Yen

9. Sumo Chaya Terao

--------------------------

If you ever want to meet Terao, well this is the place. Very popular with women. It's operated by former Juryo Kakureizan, an older brother of Terao and Izutsu oyakata.

From JR Ryogoku Station, walk towards Kuramaebashi Street (passed the Kokugikan and to Doai Hospital but turn right at Kuramaebashi Tori Street. About 12 minute walk.

Tel: 03-3626-7541

2-11-2 Ishiwara Sumida-ku Tokyo

Hours: 11:30 - 13:30 (only weekdays)

17:00 - 22:00

Closed: Mondays.

Menu: Three types of chanko - Soy sauce(shoyu), Miso (soy paste) and Ponzu (bitter orange).

2,000 Yen per person.

A plate of wings (600 Yen) is also popular.

10. Chanko Kawasaki (highly recommended)

-----------------------------------------------------

The oldest chanko restaurant in Ryogoku, opened in 1937 (started by Yokoteyama who retired in 1931 and actually the very first chanko restaurant in Japan).

It's so well known and popular, it's even difficult to make a reservation.

This place lives by "Soppy Taki". And no wonder, yes, it's that good.

It can even be said that this is the taste of Ryogoku. If you have not eaten a chanko at the Kawasaki, you have not eaten chanko.

From JR Ryogoku Station West Exit. 2 minute walk, across the street from Hotel Bel Grande, on River Hotel side.

Tel: 03-3631-2529

13-1 2 Chome Ryogoku Sumida-ku Tokyo

Hours: 17:00 - 21:00 (will closed if they run out of the ingredients!)

Average: 5,000 - 7,500 Yen

No credit cards.

Closed: Sundays and holidays.

11. Beer Station Ryogoku

-------------------------------

The place is the actual old Ryogoku Station and now sitting right next to JR Ryogoku Station. A great Old Edo atmosphere with three different types of beer from their own microbreweries. Two sections in the restaurant - western and Japanese style as well as karaoke rooms.

At the JR Station West Exit. 1 minute walk.

Tel: 03-3623-5252 (reservation only)

3-20 1-chome Yokoami Sumida-ku Tokyo

Hours: 11:30-23:00 (22:00 on Sundays and holidays).

Open year around.

"Tori Chanko" (chicken), "Stamina Chanko" - 2,500 Yen.

Major credit cards.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

** Not in Ryogoku BUT worth checking out if you are in Roppongi district.

12. Chanko Dining Waka

--------------------------------

Newly opened in Roppongi last March, managed by former Yokozuna Wakanohana III. Futagoyama Beya style authentic chanko by Wakanohana and emphasizing healthy food.

Reservation required.

Metro Subway Hibiya Line Roppongi Station Number 6 Exit.

2 minute walk.

Tel: 03-3568-4507

03-3568-6088 (fax)

4-1-9 Roppongi Minato-ku Tokyo

Hours: 18:00 - 5:00 (weekdays)

17:00 - 5:00 (Saturdays)

17:00 - 23:00 (Sundays, holidays)

Seats: 73

Chanko dish: 2,600 Yen per person (from two people).

Chanko with meat, not mixed with seafood using fresh organic vegetables directly supplied from farms.

Flavors: salt, soy sauce, soy paste, kimchi.

10% service charge added.

URL:

http://www.dreamark.co.jp/aisatsu.html

[Takanorappa 64]

While at it, I can recommend a Ryogoku restaurant you may want to visit for your diet - High protein, Low Cal

Edited October 7, 2004 by Takanorappa

[Jonosuke 27]

Any chance this is outside the aforementioned restaurant? I had always thought it was a Fugu karaoke bar, but restaurant would work, too. :-D

Man. that's one impressive fish.

Perfect for a karaoke joint. Anyway here's the front of this place.

[Jonosuke 27]

It's been a while since I updated this section but since there is a new basho starting out at the Kokugikan, I thought I'd add a new eatery entry.

Momonja

======

Address: 1-10-2 Ryogoku Sumida-ku Tokyo

Tel: 03-3631-5596

Nearest station: JR Sobu-sen Line Ryogoku Station West Entrance/Exit (7 or 8 minute walk - walk towards the Hotel Bel Grande side until you hit Keiyo Doro 14, cross it and then walk towards Sumida river (i.e. to your right).

So you are going for a Chanko Nabe after taking in the basho at the Kokugikan. Great if you just want to be just like everyone else.

But for a change, why don't you check out something completely different like a wild pig? That's right, you can go for a wild game restaurant in Ryogoku. This isn't just another a flash-in-the pan joint. It's been around since the Edo Era. Just be prepared to be greeted by a wild pig hung upside down on the outside wall.

You get to feast on a traditional sukiyaki style dish featuring wild pig meat ("Inoshishi" in Japanese) as well as bear and deer meat. The wild pig dish is strictly prepared based on three hundred year history of the restaurant using only wild pigs hunted in Mie or Shiga Prefecure.

Momonja is open daily during the Tokyo bashos (closed on Sunday other times) between 17:00 to 21:00. It accepts major credit cards and you should budget around 7,000 Yen per person.

Menu sample:

Inoshishi (wild pig) Nabe - 4,000 Yen

Shika (deer) Nabe - 4,000 Yen

Kuma (bear) nabe - 5,000 Yen

Shika sashimi (raw) - 1,600 Yen

Japanese sake - 500 Yen

Beer - 600 Yen

Shochu (bottle) - 4,000 Yen

Wine (half bottle) - 1,000 Yen

More information (in Japanese) and pictures, check out this page on Momonja.

Edited September 10, 2005 by Jonosuke

[Takamizakura 1]

I'd like to add a few recommendations based on my recent trip. I stayed in Kuramae, which is one subway stop from Ryogoku, and roughly takes 10 minutes to reach the Kokugikan by train & foot (apologies if this is not Ryogoku enough).

Accomodations:

One place worth considering staying if you don't have a hotel budget is a hostel called K's House. This is located around the corner from the Oedo Line Kuramae station. I didn't stay there myself, but passed by it every evening. It appears it's been only been open for 2 years, and from the outside it doesn't look too shabby apart from the mountain of shoes piled in front of the entrance.

The hostel also seems to plan activities for its guests if you're into that sort of thing. Apart from the short distance to Kokugikan, it has at least 4 convenience stores, a Denny's, McDonalds, a 99-yen shop, a bento takeaway, and the Asakusa subway line all within a 5-minute walk. Lawson's is one of those stores, and you can have orders from Amazon.co.jp delivered there.

Another option is a short-stay apartment, which is what I did. You'll need someone with a Japan-based phone number to help with the contracts & payment. The apartment building opened in 2008, and it has LAN, LCD TV, large kitchen & the most awesome bathroom ever (for someone who doesn't live in Japan). And most importantly, it was very quiet! It was nice to not get woken up by Shibuya crows for once in Tokyo. (Applauding...)

Unusually, it is not furnished with any kitchen utensils, but has a microwave, refrigerator, and kettle. There is no key money involved, although the real estate agent my friend dealt with added an extra 1000 yen/day for each additional person staying, but we had to ask for a 2nd pillow. (Sign of disapproval...)

Apartments available:

24m² 1K

39m² 1LDK

44m² 1LDK

As a comparison, the 39m² 1LDK is roughly the same all-inclusive price as the private ensuite room at K's House. But if you don't like people, the short-stay option is definitely the winner.

[Jonosuke 27]

First I must apologize for not updating these information as many of you may be looking for an affordable accommodation in Tokyo. I think this K's place sounds pretty good.

Obviously with subway and JR lines around Tokyo, most Shitamachi areas are pretty within an easy commute to the Kokugikan especially around Kuramae, Asakusabashi, Kameido and Kinshicho.

For those who would like to stay in a friendly Japanese style ryokan, there are always Sawanoya and Katsutaro. I personally like Nezu area myself as it offers a real Tokyo shitamachi experience.

Edited January 30, 2009 by Jonosuke

[Kotoviki 16]

One thing I meant to add at the last basho!

I usually stay at my favorite hotel in Minato-ku during the basho since I live a couple hours away & want to be there every day at 8am!

Anyway last time my usual place was full & I had to stay at the Pearl for 3 nights. My friends all told me it was something like 8000 yen. I booked on line in the Japanese site and got it for about 6000 yen. I just checked and still get that option.

I was told those rates are only online booking. Of course all in Japanese but if someone is coming and can't book in Japanese online I will be happy to do it for you! Save some money hopefully!

In fact I tried to call them to add one night to my stay and they said "do it online or we have to charge you more for the extra night!"

Anyway just some updated info I wanted to pass on!

[Jodie 0]

Hi,

Thanks for the Post on Momonja, I'd really like to check it out next time I'm in Tokyo to check out some sumo action. I am really bad at interpreting Japanese addresses though, could you post a google maps link to help me find it? I;d really appreciate it!!

Cheers

Edited March 30, 2009 by Jodie

[Jonosuke 27]

Thanks for the Post on Momonja, I'd really like to check it out next time I'm in Tokyo to check out some sumo action. I am really bad at interpreting Japanese addresses though, could you post a google maps link to help me find it? I;d really appreciate it!!

Here's the link for you.

Basically once you get to JR Ryogoku Station, you will see that big street in front of the Kokugikan. You will not walk towards the Kokugikan but the other way. You just keep walking until you hit another major street. Then you turn right and walk towards the river. The place is just before you cross the bridge.

Momonja

[Jodie 0]

Arigatou Gozaimasu Jonosuke San!

[Orion 430]

Basically once you get to JR Ryogoku Station, you will see that big street in front of the Kokugikan. You will not walk towards the Kokugikan but the other way. You just keep walking until you hit another major street. Then you turn right and walk towards the river. The place is just before you cross the bridge.

Or to be a little clearer: cross the road at the T junction, turn right and walk towards the river. Momonja is on the furthest corner of the block (ignore side lanes going nowhere). Glance to your left and you will see, just before you get to the door on the corner, a great big scarey-looking wild boar hung up by its feet. Be not afraid -- it's an empty shell, and has been for years. They used to have two or three real dead boars hung up there, regularly. ;-)

Orion

[kawika 120]

Does anyone have the name and phone number of the chanko place which is located upriver from the Kokugikan, maybe a 10-15 minute walk, it used to be an actual stable, i think a Takasago stable, and there is still a dohyo in the middle of the place.

I cannot find it in our forum here.

[Orion 430]

Does anyone have the name and phone number of the chanko place which is located upriver from the Kokugikan, maybe a 10-15 minute walk, it used to be an actual stable, i think a Takasago stable, and there is still a dohyo in the middle of the place.

I cannot find it in our forum here.

Yoshiba

Yokoami 2-14-5

Sumida-ku

tel. 3623-4480

Former Miyagino

[kawika 120]

Does anyone have the name and phone number of the chanko place which is located upriver from the Kokugikan, maybe a 10-15 minute walk, it used to be an actual stable, i think a Takasago stable, and there is still a dohyo in the middle of the place.

I cannot find it in our forum here.

Yoshiba

Yokoami 2-14-5

Sumida-ku

tel. 3623-4480

Former Miyagino

YES! That is the joint, thank you very much!