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Here's a place I stayed in Tokyo in 2003 which was very fun and economical:
http://www.kimi-ryokan.jp/index.html

It is located in Ikebukuro, and up and coming neighborhood with lots of entertainment. It's very close to the JR line station so getting to other places as no problem.

It's kind of a hostel but with Japanese style. Rooms are private (but small, with futons on the floor). Showers and baths are shared and there is a shared common area where I was able to meet a number of interesting people, and the manager shows his ikebana (flower arrangements).

My first night there, a Japanese TV crew filmed me for a local news program...as best as I could tell, what they ...

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