Konnichiwa, and welcome to Tokyo! Home to the Tokyo Skytree and Shibuya Crossing, cherry-blossom-lined streets, Harajuku culture, and the best ramen in the world.
Tokyo is possibly the coolest, most futuristic travel destination in the world, and on the bucket list for most travelers. However, Tokyo is absolutely HUGE, and choosing where to stay can be tough. The city can also lean on the more expensive side.
This is where we come in to help you! We have gone through all the options and listed out the 5 best hostels in Tokyo. This handy guide we’ve created will help you to preview all the best Tokyo hostels and pick the one that best suits your travel style.
So whether you are looking to party like a rockstar, or get some much-needed sleep, there is something for everyone. So let’s not waste any more time and dive into this ultimate guide to to the best and cheapest hostels in the megacity of Tokyo, so you can focus on what matters – exploring!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Tokyo
- Overall Best Hostel in Tokyo – UNPLAN Shinjuku
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Tokyo – Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel
- Best Cheap Hostel in Tokyo – Hostel Bedgasm
- Best Party Hostel in Tokyo – NUI. Hostel & Bar Lounge
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Tokyo – CITAN Hostel
What to Expect when Staying in a Tokyo Hostel
Backpacking Japan can get expensive quickly, which is exactly why staying in hostels is so essential to stick to a tight budget. Booking a Tokyo hostel might not be for everyone, but it definitely comes with a lot of perks. The most obvious one is the incredibly affordable price. You’re paying around half as much for a bed in a hostel than you would for a basic room in a hotel.
But the main reason why you’ll want to stay at a hostel while traveling in Tokyo is the super friendly and social vibe. You can meet new people, connect with other travelers and share travel tips and experiences which might make your trip to Tokyo even better.
Japan also offers a unique hostel style that you can’t really find anywhere else in the world. The so-called pod hostels or capsule hostels in Tokyo offer private beds instead of private rooms. So forget the idea of boring old bunk beds because Tokyo hostels offer much more! Think of it as a bunk bed, just more modern and with a blind or door that you can close completely so it creates a small but private space. Since these hostels are relatively new, you can expect individual amenities like private TVs, charging stations, air conditioning, or built-in lockers. They’ve now become part of Japanese culture!
The general rule is: the bigger the dorm, the lower the price. Private rooms are often twice as expensive as a bed in a dorm, but they come with great amenities and are still cheaper than a hotel. You can always check out Tokyo’s Airbnbs if you want some more privacy.
Check out the average price range for hostels in Tokyo below:
- Private rooms: $28–42 USD/night
- Dorms (female-only or mixed): $14–19 USD/night
- Sleeping Pods: $16–22 USD/night
When looking for a hostel, you’ll find most hostels on HOSTELWORLD. There you can check out photos, detailed information about the place, and even reviews from previous guests. Just like other booking platforms, each hostel will have a rating, so you can easily pick out the hidden gems!
Though Japan can be expensive, you can still manage some affordable accommodation. Tokyo can be quite expensive too. And is a massive city, but luckily, it’s very easy to get around. The public transport system is super reliable and efficient, but you still have to figure out where to stay in Tokyo before you book your hostel. To make the decision a little bit easier for you, we’ve listed the top three neighborhoods in Tokyo here:
- Shinjuku – In the heart of the city, this area is especially great for first-time visitors. This is as close to the city center as you’ll get.
- Asakusa – Perfect for low-budget travelers, this area is suitable for anyone who has to watch their expenses when visiting Tokyo.
- Roppongi – Pulsating, vibrant, and electric, this is one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for a diverse, fun, and cool night scene. Great for solo travelers.
Once you’ve decided on what you want to explore in Tokyo and where you’ll base yourself, it’s time to have a look at the best hostels in Tokyo.
The 5 Best Hostels in Tokyo
With endless items waiting to be checked off your Tokyo itinerary, it makes sense to finalize your accommodation first. These are some of the top-rated hostels in Tokyo for backpackers. I’ve separated them into different categories based on your preferred travel preferences so you can choose the best hostel in Tokyo based on what you need.
Whether your preference is being close to Narita International Airport or the city center, there’s a Tokyo hostel for you! Let’s get right into it!
1. UNPLAN Shinjuku – Overall Best Hostel in Japan
UNPLAN Shinjuku is our number-one best Tokyo hostel and one of the best hostels in Shinjuku, thanks to its convenient location and great value for money. It’s flashy, modern, and pimped out for everything a Tokyo backpacker needs. The bar area is beautiful, the on-site restaurant serves great food, the staff are friendly, and the hostel is located right next door to Senso-ji temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Capsule dorms
- Rooftop
- Free breakfast
UNPLAN Shinjuku is actually a copy of the original hostel. Since the first one was such a success, the owner decided to open another one exactly like the first one. The hostel has been an epic option for travelers ever since. The doors opened in 2019, so you can still find brand-new amenities inside.
All the rooms are bright and spacious. The dorms offer capsule bunk beds with private curtains so you can enjoy quite a bit of privacy. You can also find a charging station and a little hanger for your clothes in your capsule.
If you’re traveling with more people, you can book a private room. The hostel offers private rooms with the capacity for up to 4–5 hostel guests.
To socialize, you can head up to the rooftop and enjoy the afternoon sun with a tasty drink in your hand. Since you’ll be staying in Shinjuku – the heart of central Tokyo – it’ll be very easy to get around and explore the area. Grab one of the free city maps from the reception before you head out as well!
Overall, UNPLAN Shinjuku is one of the best hostels in Japan for its great location, social atmosphere, and awesome bar area. It’s also perfect for solo travelers visiting Tokyo and those wanting to experience Japanese culture.
2. Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Tokyo
Toco Tokyo is our pick for the best hostel for solo travelers in Japan – not just Tokyo.
Want to experience the local culture by staying in a traditional Japanese-style room? Toco Toyko Heritage Hostel allows you to do just that! The hostel features a unique design that you won’t find anywhere else in the city, and both wooden bunk beds and serene private rooms are available.
Aside from its incredible design, this Tokyo hostel also has a bar lounge. Built in 1920, and located in the Iriya area of the city, there’s nowhere else in Tokyo where you’ll find a cultural and social atmosphere quite like this one!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Koi pond
- Japanese garden
- Convenient location
Choose between a standard mixed-bed dorm or a female-only dorm and mingle with fellow travelers over a drink. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the hostel prices aren’t too bad for a city like Tokyo!
The grounds are yet another incredible aspect of Toco Tokyo: you will find a Japanese garden complete with a koi pond! The hostel also offers an incredibly elaborate map that travelers consistently rave about. Further keeping in mind the free drink offered to guests every night, Toco Tokyo is no doubt one of the coolest hostels in Tokyo, and definitely one of the most interesting places to stay in Japan!
3. Hostel Bedgasm – Best Cheap Hostel in Tokyo
Yes, Japan is expensive, but don’t worry, there are still many cheap Tokyo hostels available, like Hostel Bedgasm which make it a lot easier to stick to a backpacker’s budget. The best cheap hostel in Tokyo is definitely Hostel Bedgasm. Despite being one of the most affordable hostels in the city, Bedgasm still has all the essentials backpackers want and need. A rooftop, on-site bar, and colorful design are just a few reasons to book yourself a bed here!
Previously voted as Tokyo’s best hostel, Bedgasm is located in Shitamachi and is within walking distance of cheap public transit.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Air conditioning
- Social vibe
- Free drinks
The fantastic bunk beds are kitted out: you’ll have plenty of storage space, privacy, and lighting! The hostel has both 8-bed female dorms and 10-bed mixed dorms, in addition to a few different types of private-room options.
The rooms and bathrooms are super clean, and Bedgasm is conveniently located close to Iriya station, meaning it won’t be too hard to get anywhere in the city. And all this for less than virtually any other Tokyo hostel!
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View on Osprey View on REI4. NUI. Hostel & Bar Lounge – Best Party Hostel in Tokyo
A weekend in Tokyo is something else. If you want to stay at the best party hostel in Japan, get yourself a bed at NUI Hostel. NUI is a trendy space where you’ll be able to meet both fellow travelers and locals. Located right in front of the Sumida River, the hostel is only a short walk away from Asakusa station.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Social atmosphere
- Cafe/bar
- Modern aesthetic
Featuring earthy tones and a minimal feel, NUI boasts a social atmosphere and an epic cafe that turns into a bar at night. You can choose among the various types of double rooms, and both mixed and female-only dorms are available. The sixth floor of the building houses a more relaxed common room so you can retreat there for some quiet time and chills.
This amazing hostel is also close to the famous Asakusa Senso-ji temple, as well as many other amazing restaurants and bars. There’s also a bar inside the hostel building, you can keep your night going (and also get it started) easily!
5. CITAN Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Tokyo
CITAN Hostel is a 7-story hostel located in the Nihonbashi area of Tokyo. The hostel retains its original coffee shop, Berth Coffee, on the first floor, with a bar and restaurant on the basement floor. CITAN is a great hostel for digital nomads and those on a working holiday in Japan because of its fast, free Wi-Fi and superb cafe.
The staff at CITAN are amazing, and the rooms and washrooms are extremely clean. The hostel is not in the most convenient neighborhood nor as close to the nightlife scene and other accommodations in Shinjuku, but it is close access to multiple public transport lines. This is a great benefit as metros run until 12.30 am.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Basement lounge
- DJ nights at the bar
- Edgy, industrial design
There’s really no reason why you wouldn’t love CITAN Hostel. The modern design is super welcoming and the minimalistic industrial design in the dorms really gives the space a timeless vibe. If you’re looking for a bit of an edgy place to stay, you’ve just found the right one here!
The basement lounge at CITAN offers a great bar, and regular DJ performances, and boasts a very mature and grown-up vibe. So if you want to enjoy some tasty drinks and dance your feet off without getting squished by sweaty strangers, you’ll love this hostel!
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Hostels in Tokyo
Still haven’t been able to make up your mind? Worry not! Here are some more epic Tokyo hostels to choose from! Just make sure you stay somewhere close to the action: there are so many awesome places to visit in Tokyo!
6. Imano Tokyo Hostel
Imano Toyko Hostel is one of the most popular hostels in Tokyo, and with good reason! Located in the bustling and happening area of Shinjuku, Imano will provide you with safe, clean, and comfortable accommodation while ensuring you’re never too far from all the action!
You will have access to free Wi-Fi, and all cozy bunk beds (with all-new mattresses!) come equipped with their own reading lights and power outlets. You can spend your downtime blowing off some steam in the hot tub or chilling at the on-site bar, cafe, or restaurant!
7. Plat Hostel Keikyu Minowa Forest
Plat Hostel Keikyu Minowa Forest is an iconic garden-themed Tokyo hostel, and is one of the coolest in the city – it ONLY has private rooms! Amazingly, Plat has managed to keep its hostel prices affordable while providing travelers with superb comfort for less.
Plat is perfect for traveling couples or anyone who loves their personal space. The metro station is within walking distance from the property, and the entire space has a minimalist garden theme – so you can easily get your Zen on!
8. Juyoh Hotel
Juyoh Hostel boasts two common areas and several very reasonable private rooms – amazing considering the steep hostel prices in Tokyo. This cozy hostel has clean bathrooms and great facilities. The location isn’t very central (being a full 15-minute walk to the nearest station), but the area is vibrant and authentic. Do remember to factor in transport, though, if you’re headed to Tokyo Haneda International Airport.
Juyoh Hostel is a wonderful option for couples since you won’t find a more affordable private room in such a central area. Other private rooms at other hostels around Tokyo city are much pricier.
9. UNPLAN Kagurazaka
There are many great hostels in Shinjuku, so the key is to stay in and around the area. UNPLAN Kagurazaka is conveniently located in the center of Tokyo, and is one of the best Tokyo hostels because of its excellent location. It will take you only 8 minutes to Tokyo station, 15 minutes to Shinjuku, 18 minutes to Roppongi, and 20 minutes to Shibuya or Harajuku!
The dorm-room beds are extremely comfortable and in the capsule style, and the rooms have outdoor terraces too.
UNPLAN Kagurazaka also offers a nice free breakfast of bread, eggs, and coffee for guests, and there’s also a nice local cafe around. However, we recommend taking a Japanese cooking class so you can come back and blow your new mates’ collective minds!
10. Sakura Hostel Asakusa
Sakura Hostel offers clean and comfortable accommodation and boasts a staff knowledgeable about the local area. While it’s not as private as other Tokyo hostels, the Sakura common area is known to be social with a lot of friendly backpackers and a great atmosphere.
This hostel is 5–10 minutes from Asakusa station, and there are some nice places to eat and shop nearby. If you are looking for the main nightlife spots of Tokyo, however, they are about 40 minutes away. Sakura offers activities every week, including a Geisha night show, a sumo event, walking tours, and private calligraphy or sushi lessons.
What To Pack For Your Tokyo 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 our definitive hostel packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
FAQs on Hostels in Tokyo
Booking a hostel in a big city is never easy. Depending on your travel style, you’ll have different preferences so not every hostel will fit your travel needs.
We’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions on hostels in Tokyo here below so booking will be a breeze for you.
How much does a hostel cost in Tokyo??
Tokyo hostel’s average price ranges from $16–22 USD/night for sleeping pods, $14–19 USD/night for dorms, and $28–42 USD/night for private rooms.
What are the best hostels in Tokyo for couples?
Juyoh Hotel is a wonderful hostel for couples in Tokyo. It is cozy, affordable, and a superb location.
What are the best hostels in Tokyo near the airport?
Unplan Kagurazaka is 17 km from Tokyo Haneda International Airport. It is an amazing hostel with a central location in Tokyo.
Travel Safety Tips for Tokyo
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.
More Epic Hostels in Tokyo and East Asia
Hopefully, you’re now well on your way to finding the perfect Tokyo hostel for you! If not, then maybe consider a Tokyo Airbnb or a Tokyo homestay?!
Planning an epic trip all across Japan or East Asia? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! For more cool hostel guides, check out:
Final Thoughts On The Best Hostels In Tokyo
And there you have it! As you can see, given its size, the accommodation options in Tokyo are virtually endless and Tokyo’s hostel game is quite strong.
While you can’t really go wrong with any of the hostels on this list, we have to recommend UNPLAN Shinjuku as our favorite standout Tokyo hostel because of its unbeatable design and location – a worthy addition to our curated list of the best hostels in the world!
By now I hope our epic guide to Tokyo’s backpacker hostels has helped you choose the perfect pad for your adventure. If you think we’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit us up in the comments!
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags for Tokyo and get exploring!
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Tokyo for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Tokyo covered.
- Skip the dorm and find a super cool Airbnb in Tokyo if you’re feeling fancy!
- Check out the best places to stay in Tokyo 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.
- Get ready for your next destination with our ultimate Japan backpacking guide.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
