Thanks so much to Kyoko and Bambi for hosting us at the Setagaya Guest House. We had a great time and loved the house!

Yes, this place is as gigantic (by Tokyo standards) as it looks in the pictures. Three western bedrooms downstairs, a tatami room upstairs, plus huge living area and well equipped kitchen. Each bedroom is outfitted with keys, hairdryer, portable wifi, a very firm mattress with sparse bedding, and air conditioner. And with everything from an espresso maker and washer/dryer to foot massagers and a ukulele, it feels more like a real home than most Tokyo Airbnbs.

We loved being so close to Shimokitazawa, which is a very hipster area of Tokyo with lots of coffee shops and boutique stores, and narrow walkable streets. Our favorite bars were Mother and Petit Garden. Favorite restaurants were... well we loved every restaurant we ate at, but Magic Spice stands out as the most fun. The neighborhood near the house is quiet and residential, but everything you need is within walking distance.