HOME 10 Cool Hostels to Stay in Tokyo for the Budget-Conscious Traveler
10 Cool Hostels to Stay in Tokyo for the Budget-Conscious Traveler

10 Cool Hostels to Stay in Tokyo for the Budget-Conscious Traveler

Last updated: 15 December 2023

Navigating Tokyo’s many accommodation options requires a keen eye for details. Whether you’re a solar traveler prioritizing proximity to train stations or part of a budget-conscious group of travelers, Tokyo’s hostels offer a diverse array of options. In this guide, we unveil ten distinctive hostels in Tokyo that cater to various preferences. From trendy hostels that aim to provide you a home away from home, to hostels that double as hotels for those who want more privacy, here are ten options for the traveler looking for a comfortable yet affordable stay.

(Main image: Booking.com)

Pro Tips for Choosing a Hostel in Tokyo
Prioritize Location
The key to a seamless Tokyo stay is choosing the right location. If Tokyo is your primary destination, opt for a hostel near a train station to enhance mobility. For those planning to explore beyond Tokyo, select a location with easy access to Tokyo Station for convenient outbound journeys.
Consider Luggage Storage
If your Tokyo adventure involves exploring other parts of Japan, look for hostels offering luggage storage options. This allows you to travel light domestically and return to Tokyo without the burden of heavier bags.
Thoroughly Check Facilities
Before booking, delve into the hostel's facilities. Ensure it offers clean showers and bathrooms, a communal kitchen, and, if you're a solo traveler seeking companionship, common areas for socializing. For extended stays, confirm the availability of laundry services to keep things fresh.

CITAN Hostel

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Located off of Nihonbashi in the Bakurocho area in the heart of Tokyo is CITAN Hostel, where industrial chic seamlessly blends with modern comfort. Beyond its distinctive exterior, this trendy hostel boasts a dynamic atmosphere, featuring a bustling bar, a cozy café, and live music performances in the lounge during weekends – a symphony of elements that adds an extra layer to its undeniable charm.

Accommodation options at CITAN cater to a spectrum of travelers, from solo adventurers to group explorers. Choose from mixed and female-only dormitory rooms or opt for the privacy of well-appointed private rooms.

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

All guests, regardless of accommodation type, enjoy access to shared showers, bathrooms, and a communal kitchen—facilities that foster a sense of community among diverse travelers. Given its popularity, early booking is advised.

Languages Supported: English and Japanese

  • CITAN Hostel
    • Address Chuo-ku Odenmacho 15-2, Tokyo, 103-0011
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Bakuro-Yokoyama Station (Toei Shinjuku Line)
      2 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

Nui Hostel & Bar Lounge

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Nestled just a few blocks away from Asakusa and a mere 2-minute stroll from Kuramae Station, where a vibrant community of craftspeople and cafes thrives, you'll discover Nui Hostel & Bar Lounge.

Nui's lobby lounge is meticulously crafted to evoke the comfort of a living room for weary travelers, while the adjacent bar and restaurant create an ideal space for mingling with fellow explorers and swapping travel tales. Known as a favorite breakfast and lunch spot among locals, indulging in Nui's culinary offerings is a must. Additionally, the hostel offers bike rentals, providing an effortless way for visitors to combine exercise with city exploration.

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Nui's lobby lounge is meticulously crafted to evoke the comfort of a living room for weary travelers, while the adjacent bar and restaurant create an ideal space for mingling with fellow explorers and swapping travel tales. Known as a favorite breakfast and lunch spot among locals, indulging in Nui's culinary offerings is a must. Additionally, the hostel offers bike rentals, providing an effortless way for visitors to combine exercise with city exploration.

The rooms at Nui are thoughtfully designed, ranging from mixed and female-only dormitories to private accommodations with both double and twin rooms. Onsite amenities include a shared shower room, bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen, and a cozy library. A highlight awaits on the rooftop terrace, where panoramic views of the Sumida River and Tokyo Sky Tree unfold. On clear nights, marvel at the stars (or Tokyo's twinkling city lights) as you relish tranquil moments amidst the backdrop of your Tokyo adventures.

Languages Supported: English and Japanese

Wise Owl Hostels River Tokyo

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Wise Owl Hostels River Tokyo invites you to unwind in a space where every detail is tailored to enhance your stay. The beds, fashioned from Simmons wood, offer a restful sanctuary for a rejuvenating night's sleep after a day exploring Tokyo. Ideal for group stays, the shared dormitories provide a communal experience, while those seeking privacy can choose from 23 double and twin rooms on the second floor, equipped with a shared kitchen. For larger groups, take the option to book the dormitories for a private stay.

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

On the first floor, a lounge exuding the ambiance of a coworking space transforms into a lively bar and event venue by night, hosting frequent live performances. Take advantage of the complimentary WiFi and bask in the comfort of working while overlooking the serene Sumida River. Wise Owl Hostels River Tokyo offers a monthly accommodation plan for long-term travelers desiring the flexibility of remote work.

Conveniently situated just across the river from Asakusa and within walking distance of the iconic Sky Tree, Wise Owl Hostels River Tokyo seamlessly combines comfort, functionality, and a vibrant atmosphere for an unforgettable stay in Tokyo.

Languages Supported: English and Japanese

Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel&Hostel

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel & Hostel seamlessly combines the best of both worlds, offering a unique fusion of hostel and hotel.

Catering to diverse needs, the accommodation spans from dormitories for social adventurers to private rooms ideal for solo travelers or larger groups of up to 6 people. Shared facilities include a well-equipped kitchen, a convenient powder room, a laundry facility, and shower rooms.

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Positioned as an affordable and straightforward lodging option, Grids Tokyo Ueno is strategically located, ensuring easy access to Tokyo's key sightseeing destinations. Whether you're seeking budget-friendly comfort or traveling in a group, this Ueno hostel and hotel blend provides a welcoming home base for your Tokyo explorations.

Languages Supported: English and Japanese

  • Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel&Hostel
    • Address Taito-ku Ueno 7-10-4, Tokyo, 110-0005
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Ueno Station (Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Tohoku Main Line / JR Utsunomiya Line / JR Takasaki Line / JR Joban Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
      6 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

Cocts Akihabara

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Nestled just an 11-minute stroll from Akihabara, the haven for anime aficionados, is Cocts Akihabara. Within this unique accommodation, dormitory rooms offer both female and mixed options, resembling capsule hotels where each traveler enjoys their own cozy cocoon of space.

For those seeking more privacy, there are private rooms available, ranging from twin rooms to spacious family accommodations that can comfortably host up to six travelers. Opt for the family rooms for an extra touch of whimsy—reminiscent of a camping space, complete with charming tents overlooking walls projecting a starry sky.

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Adding to the convenience, Cocts Akihabara provides a luggage storage service, allowing guests to explore the city freely both before and after checking out. This thoughtful touch ensures a seamless and enjoyable stay for travelers eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant energy of Akihabara and beyond.

Languages Supported: English and Japanese

  • Cocts Akihabara
    • Address Taito-ku Asakusabashi 5-2-7, Tokyo, 111-0053
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Asakusabashi Station (Toei Asakusa Line / JR Sobu Line)
      8 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

COGO Ryogoku

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Nestled in Sumida ward, a historic enclave famed as the birthplace of Ukiyo-e artist Hokusai Katsushika and home to the traditional Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo arena since the early 1900s, discover the charm of COGO Ryogoku.

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Just a 3-minute stroll from Ryogoku station, this hostel seamlessly marries convenience with aesthetics, boasting clean wooden finishes and traditional tatami floors. Accommodation options range from shared dormitories to private ensuite family rooms, while budget-conscious travelers can utilize the communal kitchen for self-made meals. The expansive lounge offers ample space and games for unwinding, complemented by convenient luggage storage facilities.

For those yearning for a stay away from the usual tourist haunts yet enjoying easy access to central Tokyo via nearby JR and metro lines, COGO Ryogoku stands as an excellent choice.

Languages Supported: English and Japanese

  • COGO Ryogoku
    • Address Ryogoku 4-30-5, Tokyo, 130-0026
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Ryogoku Station (Toei Oedo Line / JR Sobu Line)
      6 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

Tokyo Guesthouse HIVE

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Welcome to Tokyo Guesthouse HIVE, a charming hostel that beckons travelers into a cozy and tranquil haven. Nestled in a convenient yet off-the-beaten-path neighborhood, this guesthouse offers a glimpse into the authentic rhythm of Tokyo living.

All lodging options feature mixed dormitories, each with its own inviting wooden enclave. Relax in the lounge or on the rooftop terrace, and take advantage of shared amenities, including a laundry room, kitchen, and bathroom.

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Just a brief stroll from Bakurocho Station, this is the ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers eager to immerse themselves in the vibrant heart of Tokyo.

Languages Supported: English and Japanese

  • Tokyo Guesthouse HIVE
    • Address 中央区馬喰町1-5-6 ツカキスクエア馬喰町Ⅱ, Tokyo, 103-0002
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Bakuro-Yokoyama Station (Toei Shinjuku Line)
      3 minutes on foot

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Nestled on the fringes of Ginza and within a stroll of the bustling Tsukiji Market, where the vibrant outer market beckons with tempting Japanese seafood delights, Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel is an ideal hub for city-centric enthusiasts.

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Accommodation options range from private ensuite rooms to family-sized lodgings and shared dormitories with communal bathroom facilities. The hostel boasts an inviting lounge, perfect for casual hangouts or remote work, complemented by a special package for digital nomads. Cycling enthusiasts can explore Tokyo intimately through a partnership with a local tour group, offering an immersive 3-hour bike tour for a truly local experience.

Languages Supported: English and Japanese

&AND HOSTEL ASAKUSA KAPPABASHI

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

In the heart of Tokyo's renowned Kappabashi kitchen district, &AND HOSTEL ASAKUSA KAPPABASHI stands within walking distance of Asakusa and Asakusa Station. As part of a network of six hostels spread across Tokyo, this establishment operates under the ethos of fostering global connections, welcoming travelers from around the world to their inviting space.

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Exclusive to private ensuite rooms, &AND HOSTEL ASAKUSA KAPPABASHI provides budget-friendly accommodations with a focus on privacy, ensuring each guest has their own bathroom. Beyond the cozy confines, the hostel offers a variety of cultural experiences that can be arranged after booking, catering to those who wish to immerse themselves in Tokyo's rich cultural tapestry. If you're seeking a starting point for cultural exploration, this hostel comes highly recommended.

Languages Supported: English and Japanese

Book And Bed Tokyo Shinjuku

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

Located in the heart of Shinjuku and just a block away from Tokyo’s vibrant Kabukicho, where the city never seems to sleep, lies Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku. This unique hostel seamlessly merges the concept of a bookstore with overnight accommodations, placing bunk beds snugly amidst towering bookshelves—a true haven for bibliophiles. Bunk beds come in various configurations, from singles to adjacent pairs and even double rooms. For an exceptional experience, secure the Superior Room early, offering an unparalleled view of Shinjuku through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows.

Photo: Booking.com
Photo: Booking.com

While the hostel's location is a tough contender, providing easy access to shopping, dining, nightlife, and entertainment, it's essential to note that the bunk beds, despite their allure in photos, may not be as plush as anticipated, as shared in reviews. However, considering its prime locale and myriad conveniences, Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku serves as an ideal short-term base for your next Tokyo escapade.

Languages Supported: English and Japanese

Written by:

Chehui Peh

Chehui Peh

With over 10 years of experience as a writer and marketer, Chehui writes extensively about travel, lifestyle, and food. Traveling is a part of her lifestyle, and she travels every chance she gets with the goal to explore all corners of Japan, no matter how difficult it is to get to. Graduated with a Masters of Anthropology from Waseda University and worked as a freelance journalist at Shanghai Daily for over 4 years, before branching out to travel journalism and contributing to Travel + Leisure and other renowned platforms. She holds certifications in Japanese Tea Ceremony, and Wine. On Instagram: @chelikestotravel.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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