Here’s the truth about Japan – it might not be the most wallet-friendly place, especially if you’re planning to visit Tokyo. But that doesn’t mean you should forego seeing the gorgeous cherry blossoms, experiencing the anime culture, and indulging in delectable ramen – you just need to be smart about your expenditure.
One such way is by staying in a hostel, instead of splurging on a fancy hotel. We’ve done the work for you and rounded up hostels in Tokyo you can consider for your upcoming trip.
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Various airlines do direct flights from Singapore to Tokyo. This includes Singapore Airlines, ZIPAIR, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and budget airlines like Scoot and Air Japan. The flight duration is about 7 hours, and Japan is 1 hour ahead of Singapore.
The most popular months for tourists to visit Tokyo are the end of March to April, as this is the sakura season. This period is also when the weather is pleasant and there are tonnes of things to do during the cherry blossom season. Avoid June and July as the city generally experiences heavy rainfall during those months.
Tokyo has some local laws that might be unknown to us, so it’s best to research before flying over. For example, smoking is prohibited in most restaurants and bars, and it’s frowned upon to walk and smoke, or even eat and drink, on the streets. Tattoos are also considered “unacceptable”, so you may need to cover your ink when entering public baths or gyms.
Not every hostel offers individual rooms. Most, in fact, have mixed-gender dormitories where you’ll be allocated a bunk bed in a room shared with others. For female travellers who may be concerned about safety, opt to book female-only dorms or hostels. There’s also the option of capsule hostels which provide more privacy.
Since you’ll be sharing a room with other hostelites, be considerate and keep the noise to a minimum when entering and leaving the room. Take phone calls in the living area instead, and use an earpiece when watching videos in bed.
Pack as little as possible and avoid bringing big pieces of luggage. Hostels are typically smaller in space so there will not be much storage for personal belongings. Most amenities are provided, such as towels, shampoo, and body wash. Some hostels even provide skincare products and pyjamas.
While some hostels provide a small locker to store your belongings, bring a lock in case an empty locker isn’t available. A waterproof bag to store your toiletries, especially those which you can hang on a door, will come in handy too since bathrooms are usually shared. If you’re easily affected by noise and lights, pack earplugs and an eye mask.
Image adapted from: @bnbt_shinjuku via Instagram
Bookworms will feel right at home at Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku, located 10 minutes away from Shinjuku Station. As the name suggests, the entire hostel is filled with books – and guests are more than welcome to borrow a copy to read.
It’s a mixed gender dormitory situation here and the hostel staff will assign you to either the top or bottom bunk. There’s a common area with cushy sofas too, plus free earplugs so you can fully immerse yourself in your latest read, sans noise distractions.
Image credit: @grids_tokyo_euno via Instagram
Those who value convenience will appreciate Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel&Hostel – it’s located right next to Ueno Station, so a quick stroll out will take you to the beautiful Ueno Park and the National Museum of Nature and Science.
Each bed comes with a locker that fits your smaller personal items, such as your laptop or toiletries. Similar to most Tokyo hostels, they don’t have storage systems for large items like luggages but you can request for the counter staff to safekeep your luggage. Remember to bring your own towel too as the hostel charges ¥200 (~S$1.69) per piece.
The economy double room.
Image credit: @japanese_hotel_rooms via Instagram
&AND HOSTEL MINAMISENJU proves to be a great cost-saving solution for those travelling on a budget. At just S$40/night, you’ll be able to get a comfy bed plus free coffee from the 1st level. You can also check the availability of the double rooms – they come at the same price and are equipped with a TV.
The Minami-Senju Station is just 5 minutes away, and there are 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart outlets nearby too. Should you need any help, you’ll be comforted by the fact that the hostel staff can converse fluently in English.
Image credit: Mustard Hotel
Gather round, all ye hypebeasts and hypebaes. The Mustard Hotel will be right up your street, with its urban theme that is reminiscent of streetstyle. We’d even go as far as saying that this hostel looks really similar to a certain On Black brand that Virgil Abloh founded – no prizes for those who guessed correctly.
Image credit: Mustard Hotel
The vibes are immaculate here as the lobby sports a record player that croons tunes by local artists – this curated playlist is made by hostel staff and refreshed every month. You can easily travel to the main shopping districts as the hostel is just a 6-minute walk to Shibuya and Ebisu Station. Or, you can also rent skateboards or BMX bikes from them to get around the city.
The hostel is a 2-minute walk to Bakuroyokoyama and Bakurochō Station.
Image adapted from: @_aimlly_ & @ruuuka.704 via Instagram
Sometimes, plain and simple might just be what you’re looking for. If you’re seeking the minimalist life this holiday, book a stay at CITAN Hostel. Expect clean, white tiles with exposed silver piping and light bulbs, making the perfect backdrop for your newest IG post. The hostel also provides free shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel for all guests.
Image credit: @aede.h via Instagram
You can also get your daily caffeine kick at the in-house cafe located at the entrance. For something a lil stronger, head downstairs to the basement and you’ll find the hostel’s bar lounge. They serve a range of drinks, including their very own original beer – the BunkBed Session IPA. Kampai!
The place is a 3-minute walk to Shintomichō Station.
Image credit: @saki_tokyohostel via Instagram
Besides saving money, staying in hostels also comes with another perk – you get to interact with other travellers from across the globe. For those who love the social aspect, take advantage of the many social activities hosted by Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel. You can check in with the staff on upcoming events – past affairs included a fun takoyaki night.
Aside from that, the hostel’s 2nd floor also has a tonne of seating for those who are working from abroad. There’s also an in-house bar, open from 5pm-11pm every day should you need a cheeky tipple or two. The place also has washing machines (¥300/use,~S$2.53) so you don’t need to worry about rewearing sweaty clothes.
Image credit: Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge via Facebook
Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge extends beyond just being an accommodation. The 1st floor is a rustic forest-themed bar, where guests can enjoy a glass of beer or highball from ¥500 (~S$4.22). They also serve affordable finger food including fries (¥500, ~S$4.22) and garlic edamame (¥400, ~S$3.37) to pair with your drink.
Image credit: Klook
Each bed comes with a personal nightlight and charging socket. The hostel also provides luggage storage as well. And while the beds are comfy af, you’ll want to head up to the rooftop on the 7th floor for the ultimate chill vibes. Trust me, the views of the Asakusa area will be worth losing a few ZZZs.
Image adapted from: @akihabara_bayhotel via Instagram
It can be pretty daunting travelling solo as a female. This is where female-only accommodations come in, such as Akihabara Bay Hotel. A quick 4-minute walk from Akihabara Station, this capsule hotel is strict about protecting its female guests – so if you’re planning on bringing a friend who has a ding dong, know that the staff will reject his entry.
Free amenities are aplenty as the place provides pyjamas, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, shower gel, and 3 towels – you know, 1 for your face, 1 for your hair, and 1 for your body. There’s also a common area if you need a space to do some work in.
Akihabara Station is just 7 minutes away.
Image credit: @cocts.akihabara via Instagram
Cocts Akihabara brings it to the next level with their Complex Room (from ¥25,000/night, ~S$210.89/night). You’ll get 8 sleeping bags, 2 large tents, a private bathroom and balcony, and a giant projector screen to watch movies with – basically indoor camping without the nasty bugs.
Don’t let the huge price tag deter you from considering this place; it comfortably houses up to 8 pax so those travelling in large groups can go for this option. If you think about it, once you’ve split the costs between your mates, it comes up to ~S$26.25/pax which is cheaper than most hotels too.
The 2nd floor has women-only toilets – a score for female travellers looking to stay in Tokyo hostels.
Image credit: Cocts Akihabara
But if you’re a yolo solo traveller, you can consider their dorms that go from S$69/night. Or, inject a traditional spin to your vacation and book the private rooms (from ¥12,000/night, ~S$101.24/night) that come with tatami mats. Do note that the place doesn’t accept cash so you’ll need to prep a working card prior to your arrival.
Tokyo hostels like these also have a private room for rent.
Image credit: @toco_guesthouse via Instagram
Many are quick to assume that Tokyo hostels are grimy, lacklustre, and ugly. These people probably have never stayed at Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel – a quaint hostel set in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese building. From S$52/night, each bed comes with charging sockets, a personal lamp, hangers for your clothes, and a locker to store your belongings.
Image adapted from: @toco_guesthouse via Instagram
Perhaps the star of the show would be the classic Japanese garden and koi pond at the back of the hostel. Guests can sunbathe at the porch, or lounge amongst the grassy areas – it’s easy to feel zen at this private oasis. Then, complete your experience by renting a Yukata (¥2000, ~S$16.87) from the hostel.
If you thought hostels were CMI, think again. Save your wallet the agony of paying for a hotel room and opt for a bunk at one of these Tokyo hostels instead. Depending on your budget, location preference, or choice of aesthetics, you’ll be able to get an accommodation that’s affordable without having to sacrifice your comfort.
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Cover image adapted from: @bnbt_shinjuku & @cocts.akihabara via Instagram
Originally published on 26th June 2023. Last updated by Joycelyn Yeow on 28th June 2024.
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