Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo Review – Garden View 4-Star Hotel for Couples (2025)

Located in the Waseda area of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo is a quiet and elegant 4-star hotel that embraces the Waseda University campus and Okuma Garden instead of a bustling entertainment district. Known among Korean travelers for its ‘classic elegance’ and ‘refined service,’ a recurring highlight mentioned by visitors is the garden view from the lobby and the ever-changing seasonal scenery. The garden is especially beautiful during autumn foliage season, when window seats in the first-floor café fill up instantly.

With its classic atmosphere enhanced by years of history, this hotel is surrounded by a university district and parks, making it perfect for those seeking a relaxed urban retreat. It is particularly well-suited for travelers who prefer a quiet stay over easy access to Tokyo’s main attractions, couples planning a Waseda University visit or an anniversary stay. It is often compared with the nearby Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo as one of Tokyo’s premier garden view hotels.

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📍 Basic Information

Property Name	Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo
Address	1 Chome-104-19 Totsukamachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo
Postal Code	169-8613
Phone	+81 3-5285-1121
Check-in	3:00 PM
Check-out	11:00 AM
Wi-Fi	Free
Accommodation Tax	Tokyo accommodation tax applies separately (charged based on room rate)

🚃 How to Get to Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo

Free Shuttle Bus (Recommended)

• A free shuttle bus runs from Takadanobaba Station (高田馬場駅) (served by JR, Tokyo Metro, and Seibu-Shinjuku Line) to the hotel.
• The bus operates approximately every 30 minutes. A common point in guest reviews is that access would be considerably inconvenient without this shuttle.
• We recommend checking the shuttle stop location and timetable on the hotel’s official website in advance.

On Foot

• About a 7–10 minute walk from Exit 3 of Waseda Station (早稲田駅) on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.
• Walking from Takadanobaba Station takes over 10 minutes, so the shuttle is recommended if you have luggage.

Taxi or Car

• About a 10–15 minute taxi ride from Shinjuku Station.
• At check-out, ask the front desk, and the staff will come outside to hail a taxi for you.

🛏️ Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo Rooms & Amenities

As a classic hotel with a long history, Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo maintains a calm and dignified room concept throughout. A common point noted by past visitors is the serene atmosphere of the garden view rooms and the well-maintained condition of the rooms despite the hotel’s age.

Standard Twin (Max 2 Guests)

Approximately 30 square meters, with twin beds and a choice of city or garden views. Commonly mentioned in guest reviews is that the beds are well-spaced even in a twin layout, and the bathroom is separate. Garden view rooms often sell out early, so early booking is recommended.

Junior Suite (Max 3 Guests)

More spacious than standard rooms, with a separate living area and bedroom, suitable for friends or small group travel. A common highlight from reviewers is the generous sofa space and the green views through garden-facing windows. Many reviews say it offers ample space for three people.

Garden View Room (Max 2 Guests)

These rooms face the hotel’s pride—a Japanese garden—offering the most unique view at Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo. Many guest reviews mention that the garden view from the room is stunning, especially during autumn foliage season. This is the most recommended room type for couples or anniversary travelers.

Amenities

• Free Wi-Fi
• Bathroom amenities (shampoo, conditioner, body wash set)
• Slippers
• Yukata
• Hair dryer
• Mini-bar

🏊 Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo Facilities

Rihga Health Club Waseda

An on-site fitness club that includes an indoor pool, spa, and sauna. A frequently mentioned caution in guest reviews is that even hotel guests must pay an additional fee (around 5,500 yen) to use these facilities. Please note that facility access is only available after check-in.

Esthetic & Body Care

The hotel offers separate esthetic and body care services. This is an option for guests looking for body care after a long journey. We recommend inquiring in advance about detailed menus and reservations.

Garden

The Japanese garden in front of the hotel is Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo’s most distinctive asset. It connects to the nearby Waseda University Okuma Garden, allowing guests to enjoy a stroll through the university garden, especially after 9:00 AM. Please note that the hotel garden may have restricted access hours, so check with the front desk upon arrival.

🍳 Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo Breakfast & Dining

Breakfast Guide

• A breakfast buffet is available at the hotel’s restaurant.
• The buffet focuses on Japanese-style side dishes, and a common point from reviewers is that the quality of individual items takes priority over the sheer variety.
• Breakfast incurs an additional charge (inclusion varies by room plan).

Restaurants & Bar

• The hotel operates a total of 4 restaurants, covering Japanese, Chinese, and Western cuisine.
• The first-floor Chinese restaurant is frequently mentioned in guest reviews as a great place to eat, earning praise for both service and food quality.
• The first-floor café offers garden views, making it a great spot to relax with a meal or drink before or after check-in.

💡 Pro Tips for Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo

1. Make the most of the free shuttle bus from Takadanobaba Station. It runs about every 30 minutes, and Takadanobaba Station itself is a convenient transfer hub for JR, Tokyo Metro, and Seibu lines, making it easy to get to Shinjuku and Ikebukuro.
2. Garden view rooms sell out early. Competition is especially fierce during autumn foliage season, so if you want a room with a garden view, book early on the official site.
3. The pool and spa (Rihga Health Club Waseda) require an additional fee even for hotel guests, and access is only available after check-in. If you plan to use them, complete check-in as soon as you arrive.
4. Waseda University’s Okuma Garden opens at 9:00 AM. Since it’s within walking distance from the hotel, it makes a great morning stroll after breakfast, letting you experience a unique university campus atmosphere in Tokyo.
5. For family gatherings or small groups, we highly recommend the first-floor Chinese restaurant. Frequent mentions in guest reviews highlight the friendly service and food quality, making it especially suitable for those who want a satisfying meal without leaving the hotel.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)