Looking for the modern urban buzz and rich cultural history that Japanese cities are famous for? Want to avoid the insane crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto? Nagoya might just be your jam.
It’s got the perfect mix of old and new, with towering skyscrapers and ancient temples side by side. Plus, the food scene here is next level—whether it’s miso katsu or hitsumabushi (grilled eel), your tastebuds are in for a treat if you’re feeling adventurous enough for it. With quirky spots like Osu Shopping District, and iconic landmarks like Nagoya Castle, all within easy reach, it’s a solid pitstop for those wanting a taste of Japan’s big-city life on a budget.
But because it is a bit off of the backpacker route, there aren’t many hostels in Nagoya. Picking out your digs here might prove to be a bit more of a challenge than the rest of the country. Worry not—allow me to introduce you to my ultimate guide to the best hostels in Nagoya.
Because the sooner you book that hostel, the sooner you can throw yourself into exploring this quirky lil city. Let’s get into it.
Photo: @audyscala
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Nagoya
- Best Overall Hostel in Nagoya – Cafe & Guest House Nagonoya
- Best Hostel in Nagoya Solo Travellers – Trip & Sleep Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Nagoya – Hostel Wasabi Nagoya Ekimae
- Best Party Hostel in Nagoya – Glocal Nagoya Backpackers Hostel
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Nagoya – Usatsuno Osu
The 5 Best Hostels in Nagoya
Whether you’re here to party hard, unwind in style, save some yen, or find the perfect pad for digital nomad-ing, this list has got you covered. Let’s check em out.
1. Cafe & Guest House Nagonoya – Best Overall Hostel in Nagoya
- Dorm (mixed): From $52
- Private Room: From $27
- Address: Aichi, Nagoya, Nishi-ku Nagono 1-6-13, Japan
Cafe & Guest House Nagonoya hits the sweet spot for budget travellers backpacking in Japan. With affordable prices, great facilities, and a chill, sociable vibe, it’s a top pick. You’ve got your choice of sleeping arrangements—private “box beds” with a reading light and power socket, or more traditional Japanese rooms with tatami mats for that authentic touch.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- City Centre Location
- Pod-style Beds
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
If you’re in the mood to mingle, the shared kitchen is the place to be, whether you’re whipping up something yourself or swapping stories and tips for your Japanese adventure. Not feeling like playing chef? The on-site restaurant and bar on the lower floor has got your back. Other perks include a tour desk, free Wi-Fi, bike parking, laundry facilities, and luggage storage—basically, everything you need to feel at home.
Sure, the communal spaces might not be the most inspiring, but it’s got a killer location. Tucked in a great neighbourhood, you’re just a hop from JR Nagoya Station and other metro stations and are surrounded by plenty of cafes, restaurants, and grocery stores.
2. Trip & Sleep Hostel – Best Hostel in Nagoya Solo Travellers
- Dorm (mixed): From $29
- Private Room: From $48
- Address: 3-27-29 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Japan
The only thing you’ll regret about Trip & Sleep Hostel is not booking a longer stay. The atmosphere is spot on—laid-back but still social enough to meet people without trying too hard, making it one of my favourite hostels in Japan.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Bunks With Curtains
- Free Tea and Coffee
- Chill but Social
The staff are absolute gems, especially Mari, who goes out of her way to make you feel welcome. Everyone here is easygoing and friendly, and the staff aren’t just helpful—they can basically double as your travel planners, dishing out hidden gems and sick recommendations for Nagoya and beyond.
The location couldn’t be better, right in the centre of the city with buses and subways nearby to get you to Nagoya Castle. A shopping street is next door, and most of Nagoya’s must-sees are an easy walk away. Security is solid, with a door code after 10pm and unique key codes for the rooms, so there are no worries about feeling safe here. The whole place is spotless, and the beds are easily some of the comfiest I’ve come across in Japan.
3. Hostel Wasabi Nagoya Ekimae – Best Cheap Hostel in Nagoya
- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Address: Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura-ku Tsubaki-cho 13-5, Japan
Coming in again with another Japanese capsule-style hostel, this place is an absolute cracker. Hostel Wasabi Nagoya Ekimae is one of the cheapest beds to crash in in Nagoya. If you’re really looking to stretch your precious yen, make sure you booking a bed in the 16-bed dorm, as they’re the cheapest. No matter what you book, all beds have curtains for privacy and all guests have a locker.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Capsule-style dorms
- Modern Amenities
- Free Tea and Coffee
It’s got a great location for exploring as it’s close to Nagoya Station (Taiko-dori Exit) and is within walking distance to the oh-so-trendy Nakamura-ku ward. It is also near Lawsons and there are nearby restaurants. The hostel offers free drinks like coffee, tea and water throughout the day to keep you fuelled.
Not only do you have even more privacy when you sleep but your cosy capsule has a TV, reading light, power outlet, safe, and clothes hangers. The modern bathrooms have hairdryers and towels are available to rent. There are also chill social areas and laundry facilities so you could kick it back for a while quite easily here. Easily the best hostel in Nagoya if you’re trying to keep to your hardcore Japanese budget.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI4. Glocal Nagoya Backpackers Hostel – Best Party Hostel in Nagoya
- Dorm (mixed): From $63 (2-night stay)
- Private Room: From $289 (2-night stay)
- Address: Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura-ku Noritake 1-21-3, Japan
Party hostels might be a bit scarce in Nagoya, but Glocal Nagoya Backpackers Hostel nails it with its onsite bar and a friendly, sociable atmosphere for solo travellers in Japan. It’s the best spot to let loose in the Nakamura-ku ward and the surrounding city centre. Plus, you’re just a stone’s throw from Nagoya’s bars and restaurants for even more nighttime shenanigans.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Friendly Staff
- Chill but Social
- City Centre Location
Dorms come with privacy curtains, a personal reading light, a power socket, while one floor is dedicated to female guests. The shared kitchen’s there for when you want to cook up your favourites, and the hostel also offers laundry facilities for convenience.
The staff, especially the hostel host, are top-tier—super accommodating, helpful, and always up for a chat. They speak fluent English, so there’s zero stress when it comes to communication. The owner’s also your go-to guide for local food spots and things to do, ready with his best recommendations.
5. Usatsuno Osu – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Nagoya
- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Private Room: From $44
- Address: Aichi, Nagoya, 1-17-6 Osu, Naka-ku, Japan
No matter what time of year you’re coming to Japan, Usatsuno Osu is a solid choice in the city. The staff here are friendly, patient, and won’t bat an eye at your questionable attempts at Japanese. The whole place is sleek, spotless, and effortlessly elegant. Breakfast is an absolute treat, and the owners are the kind of people who actually care—chatty, welcoming, and always happy to help. They’ll even give you a full tour when you arrive, let you check in early, and store your luggage late without charging a yen extra.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Fast and Free Wi-Fi
- Tons of Communal Spaces
- Chill Vibes
Perfect for digital nomads looking to slow down, the vibe is as relaxed as it gets, with loads of space to crack on with work—including desks in every room. Everything is well thought out, from freely accessible amenities to spacious, stylish rooms with ridiculously comfortable beds and pillows.
The location is spot on—an easy walk from Nagoya Station, with bus stops, the Osu shopping area, Nagoya Castle and the Nagoya City Science Museum all close by. Staff are upfront about the thin walls, but noise is barely an issue, and the atmosphere stays peaceful.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Nagoya Hostels
Still looking for the right Nagoya hostel for you? Unfortunately you’re outta luck! The hostel scene in Nagoya is pretty thin but don’t sweat it, I’ve rounded up the best budget stays in the area so you can keep within that backpacker budget of yours.
Ryokan Meiryu
- Private Room: From $37
- Address: Aichi, Nagoya, Naka-ku Kamimaezu 2-4-21, Japan
If you’re looking to dive into traditional Japanese life while in Nagoya, Ryokan Meiryu is where you want to be. The owners are a delight—helpful, kind, and the third generation running this family business that’s been around for over 70 years. The rooms are perfect for one or two people, with tatami mats for that authentic Japanese sleeping experience.
It’s not a hostel, but it’s got all the essentials, plus a price tag that makes it a steal. Shared bathrooms are available, along with laundry facilities too to stay fresh on the road. You can catch Wi-Fi in the lobby when you need to stay connected, meaning you get a well-needed respite from the online world once you go to your room.
Hotel Trusty Nagoya Shirakawa
- Private Room: From $71
- Address: Aichi, Nagoya, Naka-ku Sakae 2-7-13, Japan
If you’ve got the cash to splash while in Nagoya, why not treat yourself to Hotel Trusty Nagoya Shirakawa? It’s still ridiculously affordable by Western standards and, let’s be real, it’s seriously swanky. The hotel boasts an onsite restaurant serving up mouthwatering European cuisine, plus all the essentials like laundry and dry cleaning services, paid private parking, meeting rooms, and 24-hour reception.
Need to recover from all that sightseeing? Go ahead and book yourself a massage. There are single and double rooms, with standard and deluxe options to choose from. Every room’s en-suite and comes with a fridge, kettle, and TV. If you’re craving a bit of luxury without breaking the bank, this is the place to do it.
Kyoya Ryokan
A recommended hostel in Nagoya, Kyoya Ryokan is a prime place to unwind. Hop in the hot tub or sweat it out in the steam room to feel energised; the onsen is perfect for experiencing traditional Japanese bathing habits. The peaceful garden is situated in one of the most beautiful spots in Japan and is a great place for a stroll. There are spacious four-bed mixed and ladies-only dorms. You can prepare your own meals with the self-catering facilities or, for an extra fee, you can be totally spoilt and have meals home-cooked for you. With free Wi-fi and laundry facilities all part of the deal here, it’s a pretty sweet one.
Nagoya Travellers Hostel
Nagoya Travellers Hostel has the unusual distinction of being both the best hostel for solo travellers in Nagoya and also the best hostel for couples in Nagoya! The wide choice of rooms suits all, with private rooms for one, two, four, and seven, and dorms for six, seven, and eight. Female-only dorms are available. You can mingle if you want to, with a comfy lounge and communal kitchen with a large dining area. You can also hang out on the terrace. Breakfast is free each morning. Other handy and cool features include free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, luggage storage, bike rentals, a book exchange, a hot tub, and hairdryers. Lockers and 24-hour security keep this Nagoya backpackers hostel safe and sound while you are out exploring Nagoya’s sights.
Kyoya Ryoka
A recommended hostel in Nagoya, Kyoya Ryokan is a prime place to unwind. Hop in the hot tub or sweat it out in the steam room to feel energised; the onsen is perfect for experiencing traditional Japanese bathing habits. The peaceful garden is a pleasant place for a stroll. There are spacious four-bed mixed and ladies-only dorms. You can prepare your own meals with the self-catering facilities or, for an extra fee, you can be totally spoilt and have meals homecooked for you. This awesome youth hostel in Nagoya offers free Wi-Fi and there are laundry facilities too.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Nagoya
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Nagoya.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Hostels in Nagoya
Here are some questions backpackers ask about hostels in Nagoya.
What to Pack for your Nagoya Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
How much does a hostel cost in Nagoya?
Hostel prices on average in Nagoya can range from $17 – $29+ per night. Of course, the private rooms are on the higher end of the scale than the dorm beds.
What are hostels like in Japan?
Hostels in Japan are a mixed bag, from quirky, compact capsule setups to cosy, traditional tatami rooms, but they all bring the convenience you’d expect from a hostel. They’re not the most social spaces compared to their South East Asian counterparts but expect clean, no-frills spaces where you can dive into local life.
What are the best hostels in Nagoya for couples?
Nagoya Travellers Hostel is an ideal hostel for couples in Nagoya. It has a comfy lounge and a communal kitchen with a large dining area.
Final Thoughts on Nagoya’s Hostels
So, whether you’re in it for the food, the sights, or just a bit of downtime before your next big adventure, Nagoya should definitely be on your radar for where to stay in Japan. The city’s got a vibe that’s all its own—nothing too overwhelming but still buzzing with enough to keep you on your toes.
Don’t let the lack of hostels scare you off—there’s always a spot to crash if you know where to look. My go-to? Trip & Sleep Hostel—it’s social, central and I do love me a good dorm bed with curtains.
Time to book and get exploring! Happy travels friends 🙂
Photo: @audyscala
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Japan for a wealth of info!
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Japan if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Japan before you arrive.
- Remember to grab yourself an international sim card for Japan to avoid any issues.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
