7 best hostels in Tokyo

Tokyo is the biggest and capital city of Japan and is one of the world’s most popular destinations. Situated in the head of Tokyo Bay, this bustling metropolis serves as the gateway to Japan; it's also the seat of the Japanese government and the economic and cultural center of Japan. Tokyo is also a major tourist draw for the country, welcoming an average of 30 million tourists every year; it's known for its world-class culinary scene, historic attractions, upscale shopping and so much more.

Because of its popularity as a tourist spot, it’s no surprise that there are numerous accommodation options available in the city. Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for business or pleasure, you’re spoiled for choice when picking where to stay — from five-star hotels and luxury bed and breakfasts to budget motels and homestays. Another option that won’t break the bank is a hostel.

Despite Tokyo having a reputation for being expensive, there are a variety of accommodations that fits any budget, including hostels. Not only are hostels a cheap accommodation option, but they also allow you to meet new travelers and use amenities such as a shared kitchen and common areas. In case you didn’t know, Bounce partners with several hostels so that you can take advantage of our luggage storage services. In case you choose a non-Bounce partner, you can still store your stuff in one of our luggage lockers around Tokyo.

Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge

Located in the trendy area of Kuramae, Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge is one of the most popular hostels in Tokyo — and for good reason. The hostel not only boasts a central location (it's within walking distance from the famous Asakusa Sensoji temple), but it also offers an array of room options that cater to all budgets, from bunk beds in mixed and female-only dorm rooms to a private room with en suite bathroom.

They offer free WiFi as well as towels, linen and toiletries; guests may use the hostel’s amenities, such as the common room, laundry facilities, shared kitchen and library space.

What makes Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge unique

Apart from the affordable pricing and modern amenities, this hostel is also popular for its in-house bar and lounge located on the ground floor. In fact, the spot is frequented by both the guests checked in at the hostel as well as locals that are looking to have a good time and socialize. The bar is renowned for the array of drinks that they serve, including craft beers, specialty coffee and creative cocktails.

Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge pricing

The hostel has an accommodation option for all ranges of budgets; the price for a bed in the mixed dormitory room starts at $22.00 per night while the private rooms start at $49.00.

Citan Hostel

Citan Hostel is one of the coolest hostels in Tokyo and an excellent choice if you want to stay somewhere quiet without being too far away from all the action. The hostel is located in the Nihonbashi district and is just a short distance away from Tokyo Station; this makes it accessible to the city’s major districts, famous attractions and even the Tokyo Haneda International Airport.

This cozy hostel is comprised of seven floors and has 130 beds available spread across six different types of rooms; the rooms start from mixed and female-only dorms to private rooms of varying sizes — from single and twin to queen and king deluxe rooms. They also have free WiFi across the hostel, a shared kitchen for cooking and a common room where you can mingle with other guests. The hostel is an ideal choice for both male and female solo travelers as well as digital nomads that need to get work done while away.

What makes Citan Hostel unique

The hostel is popular not just for its affordable, quality accommodation but also for its first-floor café, called BERTH Coffee. This hip coffee shop is frequented by locals and tourists alike for its artisan coffee and pleasant atmosphere. The hostel houses a basement lounge, with a DJ playing music regularly during the weekend. It's a great place to meet people and unwind, making it one of the best party hostels in Tokyo.

Citan Hostel pricing

They offer a wide range of accommodation options, including dormitory-style rooms and private rooms — some of which have their own private bathroom. The price of a dorm bed starts at $27.00 while private rooms start at $65.00.

UNPLAN Shinjuku

Often considered the best Tokyo hostel by travelers, as well as one of the cheapest hostels in the city, UNPLAN Shinjuku boasts a convenient location in the heart of the city. As its name suggests, the hostel is found in the Shinjuku area and is a short distance from some of Tokyo’s most renowned attractions, including the Taiso-ji Temple and the Shinjuku Eastside Square.

Colorful, modern and clean, this busy lodging option has offers four types of rooms: dormitory rooms, semi-private rooms, private family rooms, and private double rooms. Additionally, the hostel offers laundry service and a phone with a SIM card that guests can use before buying their own. Other amenities include an on-site bar in the hostel’s basement as well as a function room that can be rented out for meetings and other events. UNPLAN Shinjuku is an ideal choice for male and female solo travelers that are looking to network.

What makes UNPLAN Shinjuku unique

Like most hostels in Tokyo, UNPLAN Shinjuku offers free WiFi that you can use throughout your stay. However, what sets this hostel apart from other Tokyo hostels is its exceptional service and hospitable staff. For instance, the hostel offers free breakfast for guests as well as free city maps at the reception in case you want to do a self-guided walking tour of Tokyo city. The staff also organizes a weekly night out in Shinjuku, giving guests the chance to socialize and meet new people.

UNPLAN Shinjuku pricing

The hostel has air-conditioned rooms with “capsule pods”, which are essentially private bunk beds with curtains, offering you complete privacy. If you're traveling with a group, they also have private rooms that can accommodate up to five people. Bunk beds start at $44.50 a night while private rooms start at $120.50.

Imano Tokyo Hostel

Another popular place to stay in Shinjuku is Imano Tokyo Hostel. Situated in the Ginza neighborhood, this modern hostel has a great location in the heart of all the action; it's a short distance from upscale shopping areas and some of Tokyo’s most notable attractions, including the Tsukiji Fish Market and the Shibuya crossing — the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.

Air-conditioned rooms are available in both dorm-style and private options and guests receive free WiFi access as well as free breakfast with their booking.

What makes Imano Tokyo Hostel unique

With a strong emphasis on aesthetics and design, the hostel features a contemporary interior with touches of Japanese elements. They have an on-site “Kaku-uchi style” bar, which encourages casual conversation over Japanese sake. The hostel also hosts an array of events for its guests throughout the year, so it’s best to check their calendar for upcoming activities. Other unique amenities include a cinema room and a Japanese-style bathhouse.

Imano Tokyo Hostel pricing

Imano is a cheap hostel option, especially in comparison to other hostels in central Tokyo; the hostel can accommodate more than 200 guests at a time and they offer dorm beds with their own privacy curtains, electricity sockets and reading lights. You may also opt to book their private, Japanese-style rooms if you're looking for more peace and quiet. The price of a dorm bed starts at $25.00 per night while a private room starts at $60.00 per night.

Hostel Bedgasm

Hostel Bedgasm is up there on the list of the most affordable hostels in Tokyo and is a great hostel choice for travelers who are on a budget. Situated in Shitamachi in East Tokyo, this cheap hostel offers all the essentials that a backpacker needs, including free WiFi, clean, air-conditioned rooms, a shared bathroom, a common kitchen and a rooftop terrace.

What makes Hostel Bedgasm unique

The five-story hostel was once voted the best hostel in Tokyo in terms of value for money, and for good reason; the hostel boasts a range of amenities, including an on-site bar and rooftop patio, a common room for socializing, bicycle parking and 24-hour security. Their friendly staff is also always ready to assist you, including booking walking tours or telling you about hidden gems in the area.

Hostel Bedgasm pricing

All of the rooms at Hostel Bedgasm are air-conditioned and you have the option of booking either a bed in a mixed or female-only dormitory or your own private room. The price of a dorm bed starts at $25.00 a night while their private room starts at $60.00 a night.

Plat Hostel Keikyu Minowa Forest

Located in the Minowa district, just a 5-minute walk from Minowa Station, is Plat Hostel Keikyu Minowa Forest. Part of a chain of hostels across Japan, the Minowa location offers a comfortable and modern accommodation option for both solo travelers and couples visiting the Japanese capital.

With well-thought-out lodging geared to client comfort, the hostel has a lounge where guests can mingle as well as a shared kitchen and laundry facilities.

What makes Plat Hostel Keikyu Minowa Forest unique

One of multiple Plat Hostel locations in the country, this specific outpost in Minowa is unique because it's composed of private rooms only; this makes it different from the other locations that offer dorm-style rooms. This allows guests to enjoy all the perks of a private room but still pay hostel prices; in fact, it's one of the most affordable hostels that you'll find in the area. Additionally, you still get to meet other guests by mingling with them in the hostel’s common area.

Plat Hostel Keikyu Minowa Forest pricing

The hostel offers three kinds of private rooms — standard, superior and deluxe — that can fit a maximum of two people. The price of a standard room starts at $23.00 a night.

Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel

If you want to get a taste of authentic Japanese, you should consider staying at Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel. Situated close to the Iriya Station, this lovely and tranquil accommodation is housed within a 20th-century Japanese wooden home, known as ryokan, and offers dorm-style rooms (you can choose between mixed or female-only options) with shared bathrooms as well as private twin, triple and double rooms.

Guests also get to enjoy free WiFi throughout the property as well as access to a bar/lounge that’s frequented by both guests and locals residing in the area.

What makes Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel unique

The building where the hostel is housed was originally built in 1920 and renovated in 2010; despite the revamping of the location, the traditional design has been retained. Here, you'll find a Japanese-style garden that’s surrounded by greenery as well as a koi pond. The overall ambiance of the hostel, as well as the budget-friendly rates, make it one of the best Tokyo hostels for all types of tourists.

Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel pricing

The hostel has both dorm-style rooms (you can choose between mixed or female-only options) as well as private rooms. Dorm bed prices start at $30.00 per night while the private room starts at $160.50 per night.

The best hostels in Tokyo to suit all budgets

The Tokyo hostels mentioned above are some of the best options if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable place to stay in the city. With attractive pricing and unique features, these Tokyo hostels have all the basic amenities that you need and enable you to socialize with travelers from different parts of the world.

When making an itinerary for your trip to Tokyo, Japan, you should check out our guides on free things to do in Tokyo and which museums in Tokyo you don't want to miss. And get ready to see sights like the Tokyo Tower, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Tokyo Dome. With lots to do, resting comfortably at night is a must.