Welcome to Tokyo’s busiest neighbourhood. If you didn’t already know, Tokyo is split up into 23 different wards, each with its own unique personality and attractions.
Not only is Shinjuku district the busiest ward in the city, but it’s also a business, shopping, and entertainment hub. Shinjuku hostels are just a short walk from everything this sub-city has to offer. Among cultural and historical attractions, Shinjuku is home to many of Tokyo’s tallest skyscrapers.
While Shinjuku is child friendly by day, by night it becomes a mature nightlife location with a very ‘adult’ atmosphere. Japan’s wildest red-light district, stacked with bars and nightclubs is in Shinjuku district. These late night joints will have you missing the last train and STOKED your bunk bed is only a short walk away.
With a bustling nightlife, unique cultural scene, and shopping metropolis, it’s no wonder you’ll find a bunch of top hostels in Shinjuku Tokyo. The choice between Shinjuku hostels can be overwhelming!
I have found the top five hostels in Shinjuku – from those for digital nomads, to the best hostels for a party atmosphere.
So sit down and see what these hostels offer. Let’s get into it!
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Shinjuku
- Best Overall Hostel in Shinjuku – UNPLAN Shinjuku
- Best Hostel in Shinjuku for Solo Travelers – Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku
- Best Cheap Hostel in Shinjuku – Imano Tokyo Hostel
- Best Party Hostel in Shinjuku – UNPLAN Kagurazaka
- Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Shinjuku – Hotel CEN
Photo: @audyscala
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The 5 Best Hostels in Shinjuku
Wondering where to stay in Shinjuku district? There’s a lot to know about these hostels and even more to explore when you arrive. I’ve picked out the five best hostels in Shinjuku Tokyo, taking location, quality of accommodation, and price into account.
1. UNPLAN Shinjuku – Best Overall Hostel in Shinjuku
- Dorm (mixed): From $32
- Private Room: From $70
- Address: Shinjuku 5-3-15, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Topping off my list as the best overall hostel in Shinjuku Tokyo, UNPLAN offers superb budget accommodation. UNPLAN believes that unplanned travels lead to unexpected adventures, and has designed this hostel to help keep the mystery alive.
This centrally located Shinjuku hostel with air conditioning welcomes you to the Shinjuku district, where the bustling urban centre meets cultural diversity. It is within walking distance of a bunch of great restaurants, local shops, bars and nightclubs. Major public transport (the Shinjuku Station) is within a short walk and can get you just about anywhere you need to go in Tokyo.
Peep my Tokyo travel guide for inspo.
While this hostel has private rooms as an option for couples (/anyone wanting more privacy), my favourite thing about this spot is the dorm rooms. Each bed is super private and separated by wooden walls and drawstring curtains, Capsule hostels in Tokyo are a unique but epic experience. When you’re inside your pod/bed, it almost feels like you’re in a tiny private room, for a fraction of the price of one!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Continental breakfast included
- Air Conditioning
- Private enclosed dorm pods with privacy curtains
You’ll be greeted by smiling staff who will be happy to go above and beyond to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible. They’ll provide information about the area, weird things to do, free maps, luggage storage, and even the option to rent a bicycle for your stay.
This Shinjuku hostel has its own restaurant, cafe, and bar, it even has a sunny rooftop terrace where you can enjoy time with new friends. There are loads of common spaces where guests can relax and socialize. The shared lounge even has a PlayStation, Wii, and a bunch of board games to keep you busy.
Meals are available at the restaurant for an extra fee. However, guests can use tea and coffee facilities for free at any time during their stay. There’s even a basic kitchenette with a microwave, dishwasher, fridge and cooker, so you can heat up a meal or store your leftovers.
2. Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku – Best Hostel in Shinjuku for Solo Travelers
- Private Room: From $54
- Address: 160-0021 Tokyo-to, Shinjuku Kabukicho 1-27-5 Kabukicho APM Building 8F, Japan
Book and Bed is undoubtedly one of the most aesthetically pleasing hostels I’ve come across. The entire space is decorated to look like a library, stacked floor to ceiling with books and posters. Even the dormitory bunk beds double as bookshelves, which are both beautiful to look at and great for browsing some of the classic books.
This hostel has super modern interiors with welcoming wooden tones and warm lighting. You can choose between private rooms, or a bed in the large dorm room. The private rooms are simply decorated with a traditional Japanese-style mattress on the ground, conveniently located plug points, and a walk-in closet.
The dorm rooms are equally as impressive, and if you’re travelling solo, they’re a super comfortable and private space, considering you’ll be sharing a room. Each dorm bed is more like a pod, built with soundproof walls and privacy curtains. Each pod has its own personal safe box (even though Tokyo is pretty safe), reading light, air conditioning, and power outlet.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Breakfast available for a small cost
- Complimentary slippers, toiletries, and towels
- Private rooms available
A great spot for solo travellers as it is centrally located in the centre of the Shinjuku district, near Shinjuku station, great for day trips. Book and Bed is just a quick walk from the Tokyo Mystery Circus and Seibu Shinjuku PePe Shopping Mall. As well as the Shinjuku Subnade Shopping Mall, Okubo Park, and Shinjuku SanPark Shopping Mall!
This epic Shinjuku hostel has shared living spaces where guests can mingle and relax, and the Wi-Fi connection is strong throughout the entire property. There is an on-site bar and restaurant that serves breakfast for an additional cost, and delicious drinks in the evening.
Even though this hostel can be booked for a super low price, it offers a bunch of hotel-like amenities. Including daily housekeeping, a 24-hour front desk and reception services with multilingual staff, and 24/7 security.
3. Imano Tokyo Hostel – Best Cheap hostel in Shinjuku
- Dorm (mixed): From $33
- Private Room: From $136
- Address: Shinjuku 5-12-2, Tokyo, Japan
Imano Tokyo Hostel is located close to major railway stations and has a range of private rooms and shared dorm rooms. The whole look of the place is very industrial and rugged, with exposed concrete and ceiling piping running across the building. This gives the hostel an upbeat modern appeal with a stylish Japanese edge and all for a cheap price!
In fact, the hostel also has traditional tatami futon private rooms, for an authentic cultural experience. Female only dorms can be best for solo female travellers, and this hostel has them! There are separate dorms for males and females, ranging from six to ten bunk beds in each shared room.
Each dorm bed is fitted with cosy linen, a personal reading light, a plug point, and a privacy curtain. You will have air conditioning, and access to shared bathrooms that provide soap, shampoo, and conditioners. As a heads up, bring your own towel, or if you don’t have the luggage space, you can rent one from reception for a small fee.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Comfortable mattresses and bedding
- Complimentary shampoo, conditioner, soap, and linen
- Communal areas
Imano Tokyo Hostel has a shared bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy tasty meals. Breakfast is not included in the nightly rate but can be added to your reservation. There is a microwave and coffee and tea facilities in the common room to make your own snacks.
For a hostel in Shinjuku Tokyo, this property has some pretty impressive modern amenities that you would usually expect from an overpriced hotel. Which broke backpackers love to see, especially if you’re travelling in a pricey country like Japan. I’m talking about daily housekeeping, laundry, and the option to store your luggage at reception if a late check-out isn’t available. Arigatou!
To add to all of this, there are family rooms available, great for the fam (obviously) or the crew. The staff at the 24-hour front desk are super friendly and more than happy to help with anything you might need during your stay. Who knows, maybe they could give you some insider tips and information about the neighbourhood!
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View on Osprey View on REI4. UNPLAN Kagurazaka – Best Party Hostel Shinjuku
- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Address: 23-1 Tenjin-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Staying at UNPLAN Kagurazaka puts you in the heart of Party Central in Shinjuku. Just far enough off the main party strip to ensure you can get a good night’s sleep (if you decide to sleep). But close enough to be within walking distance to get home if you miss the last train, or if you’re tight on cash.
UNPLAN Kagurazaka has a lounge bar on the first floor which is open to everyone, making it a fun place to mingle and meet crew. If you’ve got friends in other Tokyo hostels or budget accommodation, it’s nice to be able to freely invite them around for drinks. Try the Japanese beer and Japanese whisky they have in-house, enjoy it with a homemade meal and get ready to hit the town!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Breakfast
- Bicycle Hire
- Luggage Storage
In the sister hostel to Unplan Shinjuku, you get the same modern amenities, free continental breakfast and tea and coffee-making facilities. As well as a microwave and a cooker alongside a fridge to keep your food on form if making your own meals is your buzz. Otherwise, make the most of the onsite cafe, restaurant and bar this hostel offers.
There are female only dorms as well as mixed dorms, with capsule-style beds rather than your typical bunk bed. With air conditioning and included linen, this centrally located hostel offers good shit for party people. A cool, cosy sleep is invaluable after a night out in the Shinjuku district and UNPLAN Kagurazaka has you sorted!
5. Hotel CEN – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Shinjuku
- Private Room: From $105
- Address: 1-5-19 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
This is not a hostel, this is a budget-friendly hotel that I’ve put on this list purely for the benefit of my fellow digital nomads. Being a digital nomad might just be the most rewarding lifestyle. If you need some silence to focus on your work day, Hotel CEN has all the facilities you could wish for.
For starters, the entire property is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi. Not only does the property have an on-site bar and restaurant, but it also has quiet common rooms. These are furnished with desks and plug points where you can set up your computer. If you need a change of scene, you’ll be surrounded by a bunch of restaurants, bars, and shops that are well worth exploring.
The centrally located private rooms are all equipped with air conditioning, personal desks and lights. In fact, all 44 rooms at this Shinjuku hotel are private with ensuite bathrooms. Styled with tiles, glass finishes, and modern wooden furniture, they are also equipped with everything you might need for a quick stay.
Why you’ll love this hotel:
- Modern bathrooms with complimentary toiletries
- Spacious open-air terrace with restaurant and bar
- Air Conditioning
You’ll find complimentary toothbrushes and toiletries in the bathrooms, as well as hotel slippers! Budget accommodation who?? Each room has personal coffee and tea-making facilities, personal safes, spacious closets, and drawer space to unpack your belongings and feel right at home.
When you need a break from your work or have finished up for the day, head down to the common area and grab a drink at the on-site bar. There is even a spacious outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a bite to eat from the restaurant. And any long-term backpacker will love the on-site laundry facilities.
Hotel CEN embraces diversity and inclusivity, labelling itself as Japan’s first ‘Diversity Hotel’, striving to create an environment where everyone can be their true selves. It is super well located, only a three-minute walk from the nearest train station, between two lush parks. All in all, it’s a great spot to base yourself as a digital nomad.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Shinjuku Hostels
6. Tokyo House Inn
- Private Room: From $68
- Address: 169-0072 Tokyo-to, 1-12-27 Okubo Tokyo House Inn, Japan
Tokyo House Inn is located an eight-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station (which services the famous JR Yamanote Line) and five minutes from the Higashi-Shinjuku Station. Not only is this hostel in Shinjuku surrounded by fun activities, interesting shops, restaurants and bars, but it’s close to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Although you can rent a bed in a dorm room, I want to rave about the private rooms. Depending on who you’re travelling with, guests can choose from basic double rooms with shared bathrooms to four-bed family rooms with an ensuite bathroom. The hostel offers a well-designed traditional Japanese interior aesthetic, with lots of small rooms, eclectic wooden walls and beams, and stone floors.
There is also a spacious common room (with high-speed wi fi and air conditioning) fitted with couches and chairs.
A basic breakfast is included in the nightly rate and served in the common lounge at this budget accommodation. For an extra fee, the reception will organize a roundtrip airport shuttle for guests at any time of the day or night. They will also organize luggage storage for you on arrival or departure, as well as help you hire a bicycle or book any tours in the area.
7. Ace Inn
- Dorm (mixed): From $23
- Address: 5-2 Katamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
With female only dorms, a male only dorm and a huge mixed dorm, the Ace Inn is a great place to crash. Walking distance from the party hub, this Shinjuku hostel is perfect if missing the last train to stay on that D floor sounds like you. Capsule-style beds, air conditioning and a short walk from Akebonobashi Station make this one of the top Shinjuku hostels.
Although the bathrooms are shared, they come with all the necessities you might need, including hairdryers and towels for hire. It also has laundry facilities, which is a super convenient feature for any on-the-go budget accommodation adventure.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Shinjuku, Tokyo
Be safe or be sorry amigos, get good hostel travel insurance now.
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.
FAQ about Hostels in Shinjuku
What To Pack For Your Shinjuku 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 Shinjuku?
Generally speaking, a bunk bed in a shared dorm room will cost between $15 and $40 per person per night. A private room could set you back up to $100 for two guests.
What are the best hostels in Shinjuku for couples?
UNPLAN Shinjuku is the best hostel hands down. However, if you want a bit more privacy and aren’t strict about staying in hostels, Hotel CEN has beautiful private rooms in the Shinjuku district.
What are the best hostels in Shinjuku near the airport?
Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku is less than 20 miles from Haneda Airport. Get in touch with them (or wherever you choose to stay) for the best advice on accessing the accommodation from Haneda Airport.
Final Thoughts on Shinjuku’s Hostels
From its lively nightlife to cultural attractions, Shinjuku Tokyo is packed with exciting things to do and places to see. As you might expect from an extraordinary place like Japan, this popular Tokyo neighbourhood plays host to some seriously high-quality, affordable hostels.
In my humble opinion, UNPLAN Shinjuku Hostel offers the absolute best option as far as Shinjuku hostels go. It’s the perfect mix of everything… You can tuck yourself away if you need some peace and there are enough people around to rustle up a vibe if you want to head out!
Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku is another epic option. You can rest in your bunk bed, making the most of the literature, or, use the books as common ground to mingle with other backpackers.
Both hostels have modern furniture and fittings and are well-maintained to the highest hygiene standards. Not to mention, the vibes are high in these hostels in Shinjuku Tokyo. If it’s a night out on the town you want, it’s a night out on the town you’ll get!
Wherever you stay in Shinjuku, I’m sure you’ll have an epic time and I look forward to hearing about it! Let me know what you get up to in the comments and hit me up if I’ve missed anything.
Photo: @joemiddlehurst
- 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 Shinjuku, 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.
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