Lodging in Tokyo: 10 Unique Budget Hotels for an Unforgettable Stay
Friday, November 18, 2016
Tokyo is a city of innovation, and this is also reflected in the metropolis' variation of accommodation alternatives. In recent years there has been a surge in the number of modern and creative types of accommodations you can find both in and in the vicinity of Tokyo, and to make an overview of the alternatives out there I have taken the time to list up 10 fancy Tokyo budget hotels below. I have also made two additional short lists with hostels outside of Tokyo and a list of honorable mentions.
If you want to make all parts of your trip to Japan an unforgettable vacation, make sure to choose to stay at a place that will be an experience in itself!
1. BOOK AND BED TOKYO
171-0021 Tokyo Prefecture, Toshima-ku Ikebukuro 1-17-7 Lumiere Buld. 7F, Japan
Situated in Ikebukuro this 2015 hostel already has gained international attention for its unique library concept where the whole hostel area is designed as bookshelves filled with books you can enjoy till your heart’s content. With only a couple of minutes’ walk to the Ikebukuro Station you’re within easy reach of all major tourist destinations in Tokyo, and Ikebukuro is also a fun area where you for instance can visit an owl café, a penguin bar or go shopping at the Pokémon store in Sunshine City.
Situated in Ikebukuro this 2015 hostel already has gained international attention for its unique library concept where the whole hostel area is designed as bookshelves filled with books you can enjoy till your heart’s content. With only a couple of minutes’ walk to the Ikebukuro Station you’re within easy reach of all major tourist destinations in Tokyo, and Ikebukuro is also a fun area where you for instance can visit an owl café, a penguin bar or go shopping at the Pokémon store in Sunshine City.
2. BUNKA HOSTEL TOKYO
111-0032 Tokyo Prefecture, Taito-ku, Asakusa 1-13-5, Japan
“Bunka” means culture, and this hip 2015 hostel offer a chance to try out traditional Japanese stuff in new wrapping. The first floor of the hostel is used as a common area café/bar, and throughout the year the staff host various culture events here. Situated just within minutes from Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensō-ji, and with great access to the metro you’re almost guaranteed a memorable stay. If you’re lucky enough to book at a day their one-and-only private room is available you’ll also be able to see the Tokyo Skytree from your room.
“Bunka” means culture, and this hip 2015 hostel offer a chance to try out traditional Japanese stuff in new wrapping. The first floor of the hostel is used as a common area café/bar, and throughout the year the staff host various culture events here. Situated just within minutes from Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensō-ji, and with great access to the metro you’re almost guaranteed a memorable stay. If you’re lucky enough to book at a day their one-and-only private room is available you’ll also be able to see the Tokyo Skytree from your room.
3. WISE OWL HOSTELS TOKYO
104-0032 Tokyo Prefecture, Chuo-ku Hatchobori 3-22-9, Japan
Tokyo is the home to numerous cat, dog and owls cafes, but as the name suggests Wise Owl Hostels is Tokyo’s only owl hostel (Although rumors has it that they are opening up a new branch in 2017). You can greet Ms. Hachi the owl in the lobby of the hostel, where she ready to welcome the hostel’s guests. Wise Owl opened in the autumn of 2016 so it is new and shiny, and comes with a lot of smart solutions (there is for instance a light in the bedrooms that turns on when all the showers are occupied, so you don’t have to go back and forth to check the availability). With a café and a fancy odenrestaurant on the ground floor and a bar/club in the basement you are guaranteed a fun stay with the chance to meet international travelers from all over the world.
Tokyo is the home to numerous cat, dog and owls cafes, but as the name suggests Wise Owl Hostels is Tokyo’s only owl hostel (Although rumors has it that they are opening up a new branch in 2017). You can greet Ms. Hachi the owl in the lobby of the hostel, where she ready to welcome the hostel’s guests. Wise Owl opened in the autumn of 2016 so it is new and shiny, and comes with a lot of smart solutions (there is for instance a light in the bedrooms that turns on when all the showers are occupied, so you don’t have to go back and forth to check the availability). With a café and a fancy odenrestaurant on the ground floor and a bar/club in the basement you are guaranteed a fun stay with the chance to meet international travelers from all over the world.
Hotel Page: https://www.agoda.com/wise-owl-hostels-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?cid=1732488
Check out my blogpost about this hotel here
Check out my blogpost about this hotel here
4. KAISU HOSTEL
107-0052 Tokyo Prefecture, Minato-ku, Akasaka 6-13-5, Japan
Kaisu Hostel is located in the fancy Asakusa area, and this hostel has an up-class modern Japanese interior that makes it easy to relax. In the bar they serve local beer (jibiiru / 地ビール) brewed in the southern part of Izu. If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of some famous Japanese politicians who are said to be frequenting this area. The hostel is located within walking distance of both Akasaka Station (4 minutes) and Roppongi Station (10 minutes), and thus it is also a good option if you want to experience the Roppongi nightlife.
Kaisu Hostel is located in the fancy Asakusa area, and this hostel has an up-class modern Japanese interior that makes it easy to relax. In the bar they serve local beer (jibiiru / 地ビール) brewed in the southern part of Izu. If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of some famous Japanese politicians who are said to be frequenting this area. The hostel is located within walking distance of both Akasaka Station (4 minutes) and Roppongi Station (10 minutes), and thus it is also a good option if you want to experience the Roppongi nightlife.
5. GRIDS AKIHABARA HOTEL & HOSTEL
101-0031 Tokyo Prefecture, Chiyoda-ku Higashi-kanda 2-8-16, JapanGrids Akihabara is situated close to popular tourist areas like Asakusa and Tsukiji. At this hostel you can find both sleeping pods, dormitory rooms, private rooms and even Japanese style rooms all in ultramodern wrapping. The hostel host various events throughout the year such as takoyaki parties and yukata workshops. For women traveling alone it is possible to stay at their women-only floor. If you enjoy the atmosphere at Grids and want to try something similar you can also choose to stay at the GRIDSNIHOMBASHI EAST HOTEL & HOSTEL.
6. UNPLAN KAGURAZAKA
162-0808 Tokyo Prefecture, Shinjuku-ku Tenjin-cho 23-1, Japan
Modern and chic hostel that opened in April 2016. With a big lounge that has great atmosphere and decor it is easy to relax and meet travellers and locals the like. The hostel offers fun events throughout the year like takoyaki parties, sake tasting events and language exchange nights. They also have yukata rental at only 1,000 yen per person and pocket Wi-Fi rental for 400 yen/day.
Modern and chic hostel that opened in April 2016. With a big lounge that has great atmosphere and decor it is easy to relax and meet travellers and locals the like. The hostel offers fun events throughout the year like takoyaki parties, sake tasting events and language exchange nights. They also have yukata rental at only 1,000 yen per person and pocket Wi-Fi rental for 400 yen/day.
7. IRORI NIHONBASHI HOSTEL AND KITCHEN
103-0003 Tokyo Prefecture, Chuo-ku Nihonbashi Yokoyamacho 5-13, Japan
Irori (囲炉裏) is the name of a traditional Japanese fireplace, and as you might have guessed the kitchen is a central element in the theme of this hotel. The first floor has a kitchen / lounge where you can hang out or cook dinner along with fellow travelers from all over the world. The hostel is located 2 minutes away from the JR Bakurocho station for easy access to the rest of Tokyo. If you love cooking you’ll love IRORI Nihonbashi Hostel and Kitchen.
Irori (囲炉裏) is the name of a traditional Japanese fireplace, and as you might have guessed the kitchen is a central element in the theme of this hotel. The first floor has a kitchen / lounge where you can hang out or cook dinner along with fellow travelers from all over the world. The hostel is located 2 minutes away from the JR Bakurocho station for easy access to the rest of Tokyo. If you love cooking you’ll love IRORI Nihonbashi Hostel and Kitchen.
Hotel Page: https://www.agoda.com/irori-nihonbashi-hostel-and-kitchen/hotel/all/tokyo-jp.html?cid=1732488
8. ARTnSHELTER
140-0011 Tokyo Prefecture, Shinagawa-ku Higashioi 1-19-10, Japan
This hostel specializes in fancy art projects, and this is definitely the place to stay if you’re into art. If you’re lucky they might even have some special exhibition during your stay. It opened in the end of 2015. The hostel is located only a couple of minutes away from Samezu Station on the Keikyu Line, which has direct access to Haneda Airport, and you can also walk to the lively Oimachi area in just 15 minutes.
This hostel specializes in fancy art projects, and this is definitely the place to stay if you’re into art. If you’re lucky they might even have some special exhibition during your stay. It opened in the end of 2015. The hostel is located only a couple of minutes away from Samezu Station on the Keikyu Line, which has direct access to Haneda Airport, and you can also walk to the lively Oimachi area in just 15 minutes.
9. THE PRIME POD GINZA TOKYO
104-0061 Tokyo Prefecture, Chuo-ku Ginza 5-13-19, Japan
Opened in September 2016 this stylish capsule hotel is located in the heart of Ginza. High class might not be the first you think about when you hear the word “capsule hotel”, but the Prime Pod’s capsule rooms come fully equipped with wide screen TVs. A great option for those who eager to experience a capsule hotel but worry about the hotel’s standards. Their lounge has a great view of the Ginza area, and the hotel is located only a minute walk away from the Ginza metro.
Opened in September 2016 this stylish capsule hotel is located in the heart of Ginza. High class might not be the first you think about when you hear the word “capsule hotel”, but the Prime Pod’s capsule rooms come fully equipped with wide screen TVs. A great option for those who eager to experience a capsule hotel but worry about the hotel’s standards. Their lounge has a great view of the Ginza area, and the hotel is located only a minute walk away from the Ginza metro.
10. TOKYO NIHONBASHI BAY HOTEL
103-0027 Tokyo Prefecture, Chuo-ku Nihombashi 3-8-13, Japan
A fancy capsule hotel in Japanese style that opened up in December 2015. You can choose between capsules with and without TV. Situated close to Tokyo Station it is a great place if you’re on a budget and want easy access to the rest of Tokyo or if you’re planning on a trip out of town with the bullet train.
A fancy capsule hotel in Japanese style that opened up in December 2015. You can choose between capsules with and without TV. Situated close to Tokyo Station it is a great place if you’re on a budget and want easy access to the rest of Tokyo or if you’re planning on a trip out of town with the bullet train.
Outside of Tokyo:
Business Inn New City - Male Only
Situated in: Yokohama
Recommendation Point: For people who want to try staying at a capsule hotel and happens to like anime/ninjas. The capsule hotel is situated in Yokohama, Kanagawa prefecture. You can get to the hotel in 3 minutes if you walk from Hinodecho Station, and the hotel is also within walking distance from the Sakuragicho Station. From Yokohama you can reach both Tokyo and Kamakura in around 30 minutes Note that this capsule hotel is for male only.
Hotel Page: https://www.agoda.com/business-inn-new-city-male-only/hotel/yokohama-jp.html?cid=1732488
Ryokan Tokyo Yugawara
Situated in: Hakone
Traditional Japanese ryokan hotel in new wrapping: The Ryokan Tokyo Yugawara opened its doors in spring 2016 and offers a wide range of things guests can experience, from anime and kimono cosplay to calligraphy, tatami-making, tea ceremony and language exchange. The ryokan has free pickup from the Yugawara train station, so make sure to contact them ahead of time to arrange.
On The Marks
Situated in: Kawasaki
Conveniently situated 15 minutes from Haneda Airport and between Tokyo and Yokohama this hostel offers a great location for travelers ready to explore different parts of Kanto. At the hostel you can choose between staying at a bunk bed in a mixed dormitory room, or private compact / standard rooms. On the first floor of the hostel they have a restaurant that among other things hosts regular live jazz events for those interested.
Hotel Page: https://www.agoda.com/hotel-hostel-on-the-marks-tokyo-kawasaki/hotel/kanagawa-jp.html?cid=1732488
Honorable Mentions:
GRIDS NIHOMBASHI EAST HOTEL & HOSTEL
Hikari House Tokyo
Zabutton hostel
TOKYOGUESTHOUSE ITABASHI-JUKU
Good Diner Inn Copain
Guest House Wasabi
Juyoh Hotel
https://www.agoda.com/juyoh-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?cid=1732488-----------
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Do you know any interesting Tokyo budget hotels that you think should be added to the list? Feel free to leave a link in the comment section below.