Tokyo is often seen as an expensive city, but budget travelers know a secret: some of the best hostels in Tokyo offer incredible value, stylish design, and unbeatable locations that make exploring Japan’s capital affordable and enjoyable. Whether you’re a solo traveler, backpacker, digital nomad, or a student on a tight budget, Tokyo’s hostels provide comfort and convenience without sacrificing quality.
From capsule-style sleeping pods to social hostels with coworking spaces, the best hostels in Tokyo have evolved far beyond the old-fashioned dormitory. Many include free amenities, modern interiors, privacy curtains, secure lockers, and lounges perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
Below are the 10 best hostels in Tokyo — based on location, cleanliness, comfort, traveler reviews, and value for money.
1. UNPLAN Shinjuku
One of the best hostels in Tokyo for nightlife lovers and solo travelers, UNPLAN Shinjuku offers clean dorms, a stylish lounge, and great access to the city’s entertainment district.
Best For: Solo travelers & backpackers who want a social atmosphere.
2. Book and Bed Tokyo (Shinjuku / Ikebukuro)
A famous “library hostel,” Book and Bed Tokyo is an Instagram favorite. Guests sleep behind bookshelves surrounded by novels and manga — making it one of the most unique, most photogenic hostels in Tokyo.
Tip: Stay in Shinjuku branch for convenience.
3. Hostel Bedgasm (Taito Ward)
Located between Asakusa and Ueno, this hostel is clean, friendly, and perfectly placed for sightseeing. The rooftop bar is a highlight, making it one of the best hostels in Tokyo for social travelers.
4. Citan Hostel (Nihonbashi)
A favorite among digital nomads, Citan features a spacious café, coworking-friendly lounge, and even a basement bar with live music. Its modern aesthetic ranks it high among the best hostels in Tokyo for long stays.
Pro Tip: The coffee here is excellent.
5. Khaosan World Asakusa Ryokan & Hostel
A hybrid ryokan-hostel offering tatami rooms and large dorms. Khaosan is known for reliability, affordability, and great access to temples and traditional streets. A strong contender among the best hostels in Tokyo for culture lovers.
6. Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel
Located near Ginza and Tokyo Station, this stylish hostel stands out for its prime location. The clean common areas and friendly staff make it a great base in central Tokyo.
Best For: Shoppers and first-time visitors.
7. Wise Owl Hostels Tokyo (Hatchobori)
A trendy, music-themed hostel with comfortable dorms, an on-site café, and a bar that transforms into a nightlife hub. Great for young travelers who want energy and convenience.
Highlight: Owl-themed interior design.
8. Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge (Asakusa)
Nui. is one of Tokyo’s most famous boutique hostels, known for its cozy industrial-style café, stylish décor, and excellent social environment. Truly one of the best hostels in Tokyo for meeting people.
9. First Cabin (Kyobashi / Haneda / Akihabara)
A “premium capsule hotel” offering airplane-themed compact cabins. First Cabin is incredibly clean and comfortable.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for travelers who want capsule style with hotel-level facilities.
10. Kaisu Hostel (Aoyama)
Once a former geisha house, Kaisu merges Japanese heritage with minimalist design. Its café-lounge is popular among creatives and digital nomads, making it a standout among the best hostels in Tokyo for design lovers.
Tokyo proves that traveling on a budget doesn’t mean compromising comfort or style. These best hostels in Tokyo offer the perfect blend of affordability, design, and location — ideal for solo travelers, backpackers, and anyone who wants to experience the capital without overspending.
Whether you want a capsule-style pod, a social hub, or a boutique hostel with coworking spaces, Tokyo’s hostel scene has something for every type of traveler.
