12 Best Hostels In Tokyo For Budget Travelers
Tokyo is big, busy, and packed with amazing things to see. But with so many neighborhoods and places to stay, it can be hard to figure out where to start.
If you’re looking for hostels that are clean, affordable, and full of character, you’re in the right place. Some are stylish and modern. Others are quiet and homey, hidden in little backstreets or traditional buildings. Whether you want a social vibe or a calm place to crash, there’s something here for you.
Keep reading to find the best hostels in Tokyo!
Citan Hostel
Looking for a stylish Tokyo hostel with a coffee bar and buzzing nightlife? Citan Hostel is a standout in Higashi-Nihonbashi, a quieter corner of Tokyo that’s still incredibly central.
The space blends clean, modern design with a laid-back, social vibe. It’s perfect if you like hostels that feel more like creative spaces than basic bunk rooms.
The building itself is seven stories tall, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming. On the ground floor, there’s a specialty café that serves some of the best hand-drip coffee around.
Head downstairs, and you’ll find a moody, underground bar where DJs spin jazz, funk, and indie sets on the weekend. It’s a popular hangout for both locals and travelers.
The rooms are simple and well-designed, with big windows, cozy beds, and blackout curtains for restful sleep. There’s also a shared kitchen and a sunlit lounge for slower mornings.
You’re close to the Kanda River, and just a few minutes from Bakuroyokoyama Station. Stroll to Jisshi Park or explore Nihonbashi’s old merchant streets. It’s Tokyo with a slower pace, and it’s lovely.
Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel & Hostel
Grids Tokyo Ueno is ideal if you want easy access to Tokyo’s museums, markets, and public transport without giving up comfort.
It’s located just around the corner from JR Ueno Station, making it one of the most convenient hostels for backpackers arriving from Narita Airport or hopping around the city.
This hostel is clean, efficient, and well thought out. The dorms are bright and comfortable, and private rooms feel almost like hotel suites, especially those with city or train views.
You’ve got fast Wi-Fi, a quiet coworking space, laundry machines, and a helpful 24/7 front desk.
The vibe isn’t party-heavy. It’s more peaceful, but not boring. There’s a bar and café, plus a small shared kitchen if you want to cook your own meals.
You’re steps away from Ueno Park, home to cherry blossoms, museums, and Tokyo Zoo. Ameyoko Market is just down the street too, packed with street food, discount shops, and secondhand sneakers.
Nui. Hostel Bar & Lounge
If you’re looking for a Tokyo hostel with a cool design, strong coffee, and room to breathe, Nui. is it.
It’s an old toy warehouse turned design-forward hostel with an industrial edge. It’s easily one of the best hostels in Tokyo for solo travelers who enjoy a relaxed, artsy vibe.
From the outside, you might miss it. Inside, it’s all high ceilings, raw wood, and exposed concrete. There’s a full-service café that turns into a buzzing neighborhood bar after dark. People actually come here just to hang out, even if they’re not staying overnight.
Upstairs, things are quieter. The dorms have thick curtains for privacy, soft duvets, and thoughtful touches like bedside lights and storage. The shared kitchen and cozy lounge make it easy to settle in.
Kuramae isn’t Tokyo’s busiest neighborhood, and that’s exactly why it’s great. You can walk to Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree, but you’re also near small artisan shops and peaceful riverside paths.
Guesthouse Toco
Toco is one of those rare finds that feels more like a home than a hostel. The building is a restored 1920s Japanese house, with creaky wood floors, sliding doors, and a little garden that turns magical in autumn.
Inside, the dorms are simple and cozy, with soft lighting and shared bathrooms. There’s a small bar up front that opens to the public in the evening. Locals often drop by, so you might end up sipping a cocktail next to a Tokyoite who knows the neighborhood inside out.
There’s also a kitchen, and the staff keep everything tidy and peaceful.
Toco is in Iriya, just one stop from Ueno. It’s a calm, lived-in area with shrines, bakeries, and residential streets. If you’re looking for a traditional Japanese guesthouse in Tokyo with a real community feel, Toco delivers.
Imano Tokyo Hostel
Want to be right in the middle of Tokyo without spending a fortune? Stay here. Imano Tokyo Hostel is just off the main streets of Shinjuku, so you’re close to the action but not stuck in the chaos.
The vibe is easygoing and clean. Rooms are simple but comfy, with bunk beds that have privacy curtains, reading lights, and outlets.
You’ve got both dorms and private options, so it works whether you’re solo or traveling with friends.
There’s a small café and bar on-site that serves coffee in the morning and drinks in the evening. You can hang out there, meet other travelers, or just relax after a long day. Laundry machines, luggage storage, and a 24-hour front desk keep things convenient.
If you plan to stay in Ginza, you can check out Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel.
UNPLAN Kagurazaka
UNPLAN Kagurazaka is a great pick if you want something quiet and a little more grown-up. It’s in a peaceful, hilly part of Tokyo that still feels local, but you’re only minutes from busy train lines.
The interiors are bright and minimal. You can book a private room or stay in a dorm with capsule-style bunks, which actually feel pretty private.
Bathrooms are shared, but always spotless. What I love most is the ground-floor café. It’s part coffee shop, part chill workspace, and it’s a nice spot to sit with a latte or get a bit of work done.
Kagurazaka itself is a treat. You’ll find narrow alleys, old geisha houses, and cute bakeries tucked between French cafes and small shrines.
&And Hostel Asakusa Kappabashi
If you’re looking for a Tokyo hostel near Sensoji Temple that’s clean, affordable, and close to everything, &And Hostel Asakusa Kappabashi is worth a look.
Rooms are compact but smart. You get everything you need: air conditioning, fast Wi-Fi, your own bathroom in most rooms, and even a little fridge.
Some rooms come with a desk and a giant TV, which is great if you want to chill after a day out. There’s also a shared kitchen if you’re the type who likes to make their own breakfast or heat up late-night snacks.
What I like most? The location. You can walk to Sensoji Temple in five minutes, and you’re surrounded by ramen shops, old kissaten cafés, and tons of craft stores.
You can also find &And Hostel in other locations in Tokyo:
Cocts Akihabara
Cocts Akihabara is a calm little hideaway in one of Tokyo’s busiest neighborhoods. It’s just a few blocks off the main drag, which means you’re close to all the action, but can actually get a good night’s sleep.
The rooms are modern and surprisingly roomy. Some have tatami mats, others come with balconies or desks.
Downstairs, there’s a shared kitchen and lounge where you can cook, eat, or just scroll in peace. They also have laundry machines and a chill little snack bar.
If you’re into anime, games, or electronics, you’ll love this spot. Akihabara’s Electric Town is about 10 minutes away on foot.
Sakura Hostel Asakusa
For something simple, social, and easy to get to, Sakura Hostel Asakusa might be your best bet. It’s right in the heart of old Tokyo, and the energy is friendly without being overwhelming.
You’ll find all the basics here: spacious dorms, comfy bunk beds, and a big shared kitchen that actually feels like a real kitchen.
There’s a huge common area where you can meet other travelers, charge your phone, or plan your day.
The hostel hosts community events sometimes too, which makes it a good place to stay in Tokyo if you’re traveling solo and want to meet people without feeling awkward.
You’re just a short walk from Sensoji Temple, Hanayashiki Amusement Park, and the Skytree. Plus, the area around the hostel is filled with cheap eats and quirky shops.
Wise Owl Hostels Shibuya
Want to stay somewhere with a bit of edge? Wise Owl is one of the best hostels in Shibuya if you want a cool social space, good food, and still get some peace when you need it.
This place has a friendly, energetic vibe. Downstairs, there’s a bar and restaurant where you can grab Japanese whiskey, local beer, and seasonal meals made with fresh ingredients. It’s a fun space to meet other travelers or hang with locals who pop in for drinks.
The dorms and private rooms are simple, with comfy beds and blackout curtains. Each floor has a small kitchen, plus a laundry area if you’re on the road for a while. I like that everything feels new and well-kept.
Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo
Hostel Chapter Two sits near the Sumida River and has a calm, creative feel. It’s small, personal, and surprisingly well designed.
Rooms are simple but smart. Some have balconies with river views, others come with kitchenettes and reading lights.
The rooftop terrace is a highlight! You can sip a beer on clear evenings while watching the Skytree light up.
Downstairs, there’s a tiny bar that serves Japanese whiskey and local beer. The staff treat you like a returning guest, even if it’s your first time.
Location-wise, you’re in Asakusa but slightly off the busy tourist streets. You can walk to Sensoji Temple, Sumida Park, and the Skytree.
Book And Bed Tokyo Shinjuku
This one’s for the bookworms. Book And Bed Tokyo Shinjuku is a reading-themed capsule hostel where you literally sleep inside a bookshelf. It’s quirky, clever, and great for solo travelers who want a quiet place to chill.
The layout is fun! There’re rows of open-faced bookshelves with cozy little bunks hidden between them. Each capsule has a light, an outlet, and a curtain for privacy.
You won’t find fancy services here, but you will get a comfy place to crash with hundreds of books at your fingertips. There’s a common area with lounge chairs and a small bar, and the mood stays pretty mellow.
You’re right in central Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest and most exciting districts. That means you can grab ramen at midnight, wander Kabukicho, or hop on the Yamanote Line within minutes.
