Thanks for the reports and photos! Hotel New Ueno did look small, but to be honest if I were traveling by myself (without wife and kid) I'd be perfectly happy with rooms like these.

Booking with the chains (Toyoko Inn or APA) usually gives me peace of mind too with what the rooms are going to look like.

By the way, this video (Japanese) is an inspiration on what to do to enjoy these hotels:


In this video he's in a Saga business hotel and even eats whale. But the best part is the beer drinking.

This guy is hilarious. He does videos riding trains, eating at home, etc. too.