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The Best Hostels to Book in Tokyo, Japan

Budget-friendly stays in Tokyo dont mean you have to compromise on style and quality
Budget-friendly stays in Tokyo don't mean you have to compromise on style and quality | © Sean Pavone / Alamy

Thanks to an influx of international guests, Tokyo has quickly transformed itself into a haven for budget travellers. Here’s our pick of the best hostels in Tokyo, Japan.

Nui Hostel & Bar Lounge

Hostel

Street view of Nui Hostel Tokyo
© Nui Hostel Tokyo / Hotels.com | © Nui Hostel Tokyo

Nui Hostel proves that price doesn’t dictate taste. This hostel, bar, cafe and live music space combination is one of the trendiest accommodation options in Tokyo. Featuring a variety of rooms, the hostel’s stylish design even draws locals to its popular ground floor bar. Be warned, though, that this place is so nice you’ll have to motivate yourself to actually leave and go explore the outside world.

Sakura Hotel Nippori

Hotel

VIew of a simple, traditional Japanese room at Sakura Hotel Nippori, Tokyo.
Courtesy of Sakura Hotel Nippori / Expedia

When it comes to guesthouses in Tokyo, no name is more ubiquitous than Sakura House. The friendly team here has been helping guests secure short and long-term accommodation in Tokyo and in the wider Japan area for years. Though many people know about Sakura’s long-term share-house-style options, not many are aware of their recently opened “hotel” (which is technically more of a private style hostel). Located in Nippori, the old-style pocket of Tokyo, the rooms here feature traditional Japanese interiors (think tatami mats and futon bedding) but with all the modern-day hotel amenities you’ve come to expect. Prices vary depending on the room, but they also offer budget bunk bedrooms for those travelling on the cheap.

Kaisu

Budget Hotel

Street view of KAISU
© Kaisu/ Booking.com | © Kaisu

Sitting in the trendy central suburb of Akasaka is Kaisu, the anti-hostel hostel. Feeling more like a high-end hotel with its on-site cafe, restaurant and lush interior, Kaisu is the perfect place to stay if you want to treat yourself but are also limited to a budget. This property offers both private and dorm rooms and in terms of location and amenities, you probably can’t get much better than this.

Citan Hostel

Hostel

Group of travellers sitting outside CITAN
© Citan Hostel/ Booking.com | © Citan Hostel

The team at Citan is the same crew behind guesthouses Toco and Nui, so you know you’re onto something good. Arguably the biggest kings and queens in the Tokyo guesthouse game, Citan is another jewel in their hostel crown. Combining affordability, comfort, meticulous design and great dining into one tidy package, Citan is all about living well for less. They even have an impressive wine list on site.

Wired Hotel Asakusa

Budget Hotel

Stylish, dark grey lobby and sitting space of Wired Hotel in Tokyo
Courtesy of Wired Hotel Asakusa / Expedia

Part high-end hotel, part budget hostel, part designer cafe, the team behind this property has never been known to do anything by the book and Wired Hotel Asakusa is no different. Situated in the hostel hub that is Asakusa, Wired Hotel’s dorm rooms all look and feel like you’re hanging out in your own little private room. Featuring a bar and a killer location right next to Sensō-ji Temple, staying here is for those who want to live a high-end lifestyle on a low-end budget.

Tokyo Hutte

Budget Hotel

French bulldog relaxing on a chair at Tokyo Hütte.
Courtesy of Tokyo Hütte / Expedia

If you’re a digital nomad or love dogs, then Tokyo Hutte is set to become your new favourite hangout. Located just around the corner from the famous Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Hutte is a tastefully understated hostel, cafe and co-working space ideal for those travelling on the cheap. They offer bunk and traditional-style rooms as well as a resident canine mascot. They also offer a work exchange program for those wanting to stay a little longer.

Obi Hostel

Hostel

Leather couches at Obi Hostel as well as a view of the bar and elevator in the background.
Courtesy of Obi Hostel / Airbnb

Tokyo’s hostel game is one of the best in the world, thanks in large part to places such as Obi Hostel. This style-focused hostel features a communal first-floor bar, cafe and kitchen, which guests are more than welcome to use. Situated in the bustling suburb of Chuo, a night here will guarantee designer taste on a thrift store budget.

GrapeHouse Koenji

Hostel

GrapeHouse Koenji communal kitchen and shelves filled with books, magazines and decorations.
Courtesy of Grapehouse Hostel / Airbnb

Founded specifically for female travellers, GrapeHouse hostel is a home-away-from-home in the vibrant neighbourhood of Koenji. Complete with a modern Japanese-style living room and open-plan kitchen space, it’s the perfect atmosphere for making new friends and relaxing after a long day exploring.

Guest House Denchi

Hostel

View of Guest House Denchi sitting space that is a long light wood table and black chairs.
Courtesy of Guest House Denchi / Airbnb

Situated in the popular tourist hangout of Asakusa, Guest House Denchi is a stylish accommodation choice with options to suit a broad range of travellers. The complex features handmade wooden beds, original graphics and plenty of open space. You can book a bed in a dorm or capsule-style room, or a private guest room with beds for two, if you’re after something with a little extra privacy.

About the author

In 2016, Lucy left her job as a magazine editor in Melbourne to live in Tokyo and write full-time. Having fallen in love with Japan, she’s never looked back.

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