The 10 Absolute Best Hostels In Tokyo for 2026
- Oct 1, 2025
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 5
An expert analysis showcasing the best hostels for 2026 based on customer reviews and knowledge of Tokyo
A rainy night view of Tokyo Tower
Introduction
Finding the right hostel in the world's biggest city can be pretty tough. Which area is best? How much should you expect to pay? And which hostels have the best reviews? Another point to consider is how different are hostels in Japan compared to those in other countries? Mostly the news is very good, the standards for cleanliness and privacy are much higher in Japan, so hostel experiences here are very nice. For solo travellers however, good reviews are especially important because hostels in Japan are often missing the social aspect that is common in most other countries.
So to make things easier, we've combined our expert knowledge of this megacity with a thorough analysis of customer reviews to determine the absolute best backpacker hostels in Tokyo.
So sit back and enjoy, this is not a generic article with a random top ten list ;) there is no sponsored content and no Google Ads.
The only filters we've personally applied are:
A minimum average review rating of 8 out of 10.
A minimum of 100 reviews.
Locations must be convenient for sightseeing and be located in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, and Akihabara.
Our listing for each place has a convenient summary including a:
Curated Gallery
Description
Highlights
Price Range
Review Score
Review Example
But where should you stay?
We've focused on the four best areas for hostels in Tokyo:
— Shinjuku and Shibuya are renowned for their nightlife
— Asakusa is renowned for its temples and traditional atmosphere
— Akihabara is renowned for its anime and video game culture
The 7 Best Hostels In Tokyo
The 3 Honourable Mentions
1.
The Citan
Akihabara
The Citan Hostel is centrally located and within a 5-minute walk from two train stations, making it easy to travel around Tokyo. It receives a lot of praise for its social atmosphere and lively bar. This is ideally suited for travellers who like to meet people and have a few drinks while staying in a central location for easy travelling. They provide a variety of rooms, so it can be a great option if you're travelling with a group of friends.
Highlights
A social atmosphere with a lively bar.
Central location convenient for travelling.
Great for groups, with a variety of room options.
Price Range
$30 - $100 per night
Review Score
8.8 ★ (2500+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Nice and clean hostel. When I arrived I immediately got a nice sparkling sake in the basement bar. They have a cool mixture of craft beers and sake to choose from. On my first night I got to meet some nice fellow backpackers. Would stay here again, but bring some ear plugs."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Glamping Hostel
Asakusa
A truly unique hostel in an awesome location, the Glamping hostel in Asakusa (officially named Glamping Tokyo Asakusa) is a memorable place to spend a few days, or weeks, exploring Tokyo. The location is right next to the famous Sensoji Temple, which is surrounded by awesome restaurants, and becomes quiet and peaceful at night. You're also only a 10-minute taxi from Ueno Station, which makes airport transfers super easy, plus convenient for travelling around the rest of Japan using the Shinkansen. The rooms and decor are gorgeous, with free amenities like tea and coffee, and super kind and friendly staff.
Highlights
4 minutes' walk from the Senso-ji Temple.
Awesome vibe and decor, lots of restaurants on your doorstep, plus a peaceful atmosphere at night.
Super convenient with a 10-minute walk to Asakusa Station, where you only need 1 train to get to Shibuya and Akihabara, and easy airport transfers with a 10-minute taxi from Ueno Station.
Price Range
$30 - $100 per night
Review Score
8.6 ★ (700+ reviews)
Review Quote
"One of a kind! Finding such a calm, cosy place a few steps away from Senso-Ji is a miracle, we are so glad we chose this special place over regular hotels for a few nights of our trip. Glamping Asakusa really stands out. The rooms are nicely maintained, and so are the bathrooms and toilets. All amenities provided (even face masks!), the noise levels were not an issue either. What is special about this place are the staff, so kind and helpful."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3.
The Unplan
Shinjuku
The Unplan is one of the most popular hostels in Shinjuku, it's only a 5-minute walk from the Shinjuku Golden Gai. The Golden Gai is a tiny district filled with bars and izakayas and is a famous drinking spot for both locals and tourists. It's a very social hostel, perfect for anyone looking to make new friends, and it's only a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station.
Highlights
5 minutes' walk from the Shinjuku Golden Gai.
Has its own Shisha bar.
Social events perfect for making new friends.
Price Range
$50 - $70 per night
Review Score
8.3 ★ (3000+ reviews)
Review Quote
"This hostel is the best choice for solo travelers like me who don't have any friends and aren't sure where to go next. The hostel provides opportunities to socialize with many people through events like happy hours and movie nights. They also have a game console in the common kitchen where you can play games like Mario. The beds are very comfortable, and towels are included, which many hostels don't provide. The friendly staff is always ready to help."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
4.
The Cocts Hostel
Akihabara
The Cocts Akihabara is a super stylish capsule hotel with some classy hostel vibes. It has a charming wooden interior, thoughtfully designed pods, private rooms with tatami mats, and beautiful organic decor. Both the capsule beds and the private rooms receive glowing reviews from guests. One of the amazing features is the Complex Room – an indoor glamping room that sleeps up to 8 people, featuring tents, sleeping bags, a large projector, and a balcony.
Highlights
Only a 6-minute walk from Akihabara Station.
A glamping room for up to 8 people.
Very clean and comfortable.
Price Range
$40 - $100 per night
Review Score
8.2 ★ (1000+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Absolutely loved my stay here! Ive been to plenty of hostels, but this was by far the best I've ever stayed at. All the staff were really helpful and friendly. I was in a 12 bed shared dorm and the lockers fit my carry-on luggage. It also came with their own key that they give you at check in. There is a small privacy screen for each bed, as well as a personal light and outlet for charging your devices. Everything was kept extremely clean, and the beds were comfy too!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
5.
The &And Hostel
Akihabara
The &AND hostel is one of the best-valued hostels in Akihabara. It's only a 5-minute walk from Akihabara Station and is surrounded by all the sights and attractions of this vibrant neighbourhood. It has a large lounge perfect for relaxing or socialising, and a variety of room options.
Highlights
Prime location, only a 5-minute walk from Akihabara Station.
Renowned for easy access to all the attractions in Akihabara.
Great value for money.
Price Range
$25 - $40 per night
Review Score
8.2 ★ (800+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Very clean and comfortable room. Friendly and helpful staff. Great location with good connections to the rest of the city. Plenty of restaurants and a craft beer bar minutes away."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
6.
Hostel DEN
Akihabara
The Hostel DEN in Akihabara is an awesome hostel that's become famous for its social vibe, a feature which is often missing from Japanese Hostels. It's ideal for solo travellers or people looking to make new friends, with one free beer for every guest and happy hour every evening. The location is perfect, close to train stations and all the attractions in Akihabara.
Highlights
Prime location in Akihabara.
One free beer for every guest.
Sociable environment.
Price Range
$25 - $40 per night
Review Score
8.2 ★ (1000+ reviews)
Review Quote
"Best hostel I’ve stayed at in Japan. The vibe they managed to create in the common areas is unique, great place to socialise and meet people. Beds are pretty comfortable and the location is sweet, next to stations and an awesome area of Akihabara. There's happy hour everyday between 7-8 pm and you also get one free beer."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
7.
The Wise Owl Hostel
Shibuya
The Wise Owl Hostel in Shibuya offers comfortable dorm beds with high-quality mattresses and privacy-enhancing blackout curtains. It's conveniently located within a 12-minute walk from Shibuya Station, making it perfect for sightseeing and bar hopping. There's a nice social space, a café for morning coffee, a basement bar for nightlife, and a restaurant serving traditional Japanese dishes. The friendly staff are comfortable speaking English, which helps you feel at home after exploring Tokyo.
Highlights
An awesome bar.
A nice cafe and restaurant.
Great value, 12 minutes' walk from Shibuya Station.
Price Range
$25 - $50 per night
Review Score
7.9 ★ (1500+ reviews)
Review Quote
"It's got pretty much everything a backpacker needs. Good beds, luggage space, airconditioning, private showers, storage boxes, small kitchen, bar and social space, laundry, enough bathrooms, cheap pricing, and cool staff. It's about 15 minutes walk to shibuya crossing."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
Honourable Mentions
These three hostels don't meet our normal criteria, but make our list due to their highly sought-after popularity and unique features.
1.
The Book And Bed
Shinjuku
Do you want to feel like you're living inside a charming fairy tale? The Book And Bed Shinjuku has become famous for invoking this feeling with its incredible design and decor. Your bed is literally part of the bookshelf, it's an experience like no other. Along with the beds, you'll find various couches and chairs all seamlessly integrated into the books and bookshelves. The hostel has become an attraction in itself. And its location is unbeatable, in the heart of Shinjuku, everything is on your doorstep.
Highlights
One of the most unique hostels in the world.
In the heart of Shinjuku.
A lovely cafe offering free breakfast for all guests.
Price Range
$50 - $100 per night
Review Score
7.0 ★ (2500+ reviews)
Review Quote
"The rooms are capsules, so expect them to be cozy. That said, my stay was PHENOMENAL. The ambience is very chill and the design was beautiful, and the staff were incredibly helpful and kind. Breakfast was also delicious!"
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
2.
The Imano Tokyo Hostel
Shinjuku
The Imano Tokyo Hostel, Cafe, & Bar in Shinjuku is one of the most popular hostels in Tokyo. It's only a 3-minute walk from the Golden Gai and a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. What makes this hostel so popular is the price and location, hostels in this area are typically more expensive, so this is an easy choice if you're on a budget and looking for a no-frills hostel close to the Shinjuku nightlife.
Highlights
3 minutes' walk from the Shinjuku Golden Gai.
Great value for money for Shinjuku hostels.
10 minutes' walk from Shinjuku Station.
Price Range
$35-50 per night
Review Score
8.0 ★ (1500+ reviews)
Review Quote
"If you are traveling solo, or with a couple of friends, I would definitely recommend staying here. Both times I stayed, I was in one of the 10 bunk rooms. Beds were good for what they were. The location is top notch with the Golden Gai only a 3 walk to the east, as well as other various bars to the south. The staff were very kind and helpful throughout the entire time."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
3.
The Grids Hotel & Hostel
Ueno
The third honorable mention is the outstanding Grids Hostel in Ueno. This hostel is located on the doorstep of Ueno Station, which is super convenient for travelling anywhere in Tokyo or Japan. Ueno is known for its vibrant restaurants, beautiful parks and gardens, and museums. It's the perfect location for those wishing to avoid the crowded energy of Shinjuku or Shibuya, while still being really convenient.
Highlights
Only 1 minute walk to Ueno Station.
Great value for money.
Great private room options.
Price Range
$35-50 per night
Review Score
8.1 ★ (3000+ reviews)
Review Quote
"I stayed for 7 nights and it was great. The price was very good and the room was clean. They also have laundry and a lobby to sit and get some drinks. Staff were very nice and helpful. Wifi was fast."
Rooms often sell out fast, you'll find the best prices on Booking.com
Summary
So there you have it, the best hostels in Tokyo based on customer reviews. Personally, the top 2 on my list for my next visit are the Wise Owl and the Book & Bed. Whichever one you choose, all the hostels on this list offer something unique and receive consistently high reviews, so you won't be disappointed.
