Konnichiwa, and welcome to Tokyo! Home to the Tokyo Skytree and the famous Shibuya Crossing, cherry-blossom-lined streets, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, 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 travellers. However, Tokyo is absolutely HUGE, and choosing where to stay in this vibrant city can be tough. The city can also lean on the more expensive side.
This is where I come in to help you! I have gone through all the options and listed the 5 best hostels in Tokyo. This handy guide I’ve created will help you to preview all the best Tokyo hostels and pick the one that best suits your travel style. I’ll show you the best dorm rooms in this city and how to get around it.
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
- Best Overall Hostel in Tokyo – UNPLAN Shinjuku
- Best Hostel in Tokyo for Solo Travelers – 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
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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 centre, there’s a Tokyo hostel for you! Renowned for its major train stations to get you where you want to be, whether that’s major attractions or secret spots, Tokyo has it all. Let’s get right into it!
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1. UNPLAN Shinjuku – Best Overall Hostel in Japan
- Dorm (mixed): From $28
- Private Room: From $68
- Address: Shinjuku 5-3-15, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
UNPLAN Shinjuku is my 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 and 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 travellers ever since. The doors opened in 2019, so you can still find modern amenities inside.
All the rooms are bright and spacious. The dormitory rooms offer capsule bunk beds with private curtains so you can enjoy a bit of privacy or a lot of privacy with private rooms. You can also find a charging station and a little hanger for your clothes in your capsule.
If you’re travelling with more people, you can book private rooms for a peaceful retreat. The hostel offers private rooms with the capacity for up to five 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 travellers visiting Tokyo and those wanting to experience Japanese culture.
2. Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel – Best Hostel in Tokyo for Solo Travelers
- Private Room: From $36
- Address: 2-13-21 Shitaya Taitouku, Tokyo, Japan
Toco Tokyo is my pick for the best hostel for solo travellers in Japan – not just Tokyo.
Want to experience the local culture by staying in a traditional Japanese-style room? Toco Toyko Heritage Hostel has a welcoming atmosphere that allows you to do just that! The hostel features a unique design 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, all the modern amenities! Built in 1920, in the Iriya area of the city, nowhere else in Tokyo will you find a cultural and social atmosphere 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 travellers 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 travellers consistently rave about, never 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
- Dorm (mixed): From $21
- Address: Iriya 2-29-2, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Yes, Japan is expensive, but there are still many cheap Tokyo hostels, like Hostel Bedgasm making it easier to stick to your 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 colourful 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 a short walk from 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, plus 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 you can get anywhere in the city. 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
- Dorm (mixed): From $33
- Private Room: From $66
- Address: 2-14-13, Kuramae,, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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 travellers 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, so you can keep your night going (and also get it started) easily!
5. CITAN Hostel – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Tokyo
- Dorm (mixed): From $30
- Private Room: From $63
- Address: 15-2 Nihonbashi Odenmachou, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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 neighbourhood nor as close to the nightlife scene and other accommodations in Shinjuku. No drama though, major train stations are close by and the 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 Tokyo Hostels
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
- Dorm (mixed): From $35
- Private Room: From $113
- Address: Shinjuku 5-12-2, Tokyo, Japan
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. Plus you’ll still be right in the mix, front and center for the action and the local shops.
You will have access to free Wi-Fi, and all cosy 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
- Private Room: From $51
- Address: 3-39-5 Ryuusen Taito-ku Tokyo Japan
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 travellers with superb comfort for less.
Plat is perfect for travelling couples or anyone who loves private rooms for 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
- Private Room: From $27
- Address: 2-15-3 Kiyokawa Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Juyoh Hostel boasts two common areas and several very reasonable private rooms – amazing considering the steep hostel prices in Tokyo. This cosy 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
- Dorm (mixed): From $30
- Private Room: From $137
- Address: 23-1 Tenjin-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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 city centre and is one of the best Tokyo hostels because of its excellent location. It will take you only eight 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, I recommend taking a Japanese cooking class so you can come back and blow your new mates’ collective minds!
10. Sakura Hostel Asakusa
- Dorm (mixed): From $27
- Private Room: From $70
- Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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 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.
Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Tokyo
Everyone needs good travel insurance, especially if you’re not staying in private rooms, get yours before you travel.
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 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.
I’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions on hostels in Tokyo here below so booking will be a breeze for you.
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!
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 cosy and affordable, has private rooms and a superb location.
What are the best hostels in Tokyo near the airport?
Unplan Kagurazaka is 17 km from Tokyo Haneda International Airport in the city centre. It is an amazing hostel with a central location in Tokyo.
Photo: @audyscala
Final Thoughts on Tokyo’s Hostels
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, I have to recommend UNPLAN Shinjuku as my favourite standout Tokyo hostel. Combine its unbeatable design and location – a worthy addition to my curated list of the best hostels in the world!
By now I hope my epic guide to Tokyo’s backpacker hostels has helped you choose the perfect pad for your adventure. If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments!
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags for Tokyo and explore!
Photo: @audyscala
- 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.
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