Kaori's place is in Narimasu, a quiet residential neighborhood in Tokyo. Narimasu has a very beautiful temple called Jorenji, as well as some very good soba and ramen shops. It's a short train ride away from Ikebukuro, the station that connects to Tokyo's more popular bustling sections. The apartment is located very close to the train station, and travelling from this location is very easy.
Our favorite part was being included in Patina's community activities. Patina is the café downstairs that Kaori runs, and it also serves interchangeably as an art gallery for local and naitonal artists.
We will definitely look to stay here again!