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 added 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.
111-0032 Tokyo Prefecture, Taito-ku, Asakusa 1-13-5, Japan
“Bunka” means culture, and this hip 2015 hostel offers 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 offers 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 (Update: They opened up their second hostel in Shibuya 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 oden restaurant 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 (Update: They opened up their second hostel in Shibuya 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 oden restaurant 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.
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, and every Tuesday they host a complimentary sake tasting night for staying guests. 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, and every Tuesday they host a complimentary sake tasting night for staying guests. 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 TOKYO
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 GRIDS NIHOMBASHI EAST.
6. UNPLAN KAGURAZAKA
162-0808 Tokyo Prefecture, Shinjuku-ku Tenjin-cho 23-1, Japan
A 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 travelers 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.
A 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 travelers 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.
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. First 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. First 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:
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.
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.
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.
-----------
This page contains affiliate links, and if you follow a link and make a hotel reservation through these links you help support this blog without any additional cost to you. Thank you so much for your kind support!
-----------
Related blog posts
- All blog posts from Tokyo
- Second Hand Fashion Shopping in Tokyo: Mode Off in Ueno
- Bon Odori Midsummer Festival in Ebisu (恵比寿駅前盆踊り)
- The Ultimate Secret Karaoke Place in Shibuya: Rainbow Karaoke
- Tokyo Cherry Blossom Spots: Nakameguro's Meguro-gawa River (目黒川)
- Tokyo Hot Spring Theme Parks: Back to Edo with Oedo Onsen Monogatari
- Sightseeing in Tokyo: Cruising the Tokyo Bay on a Yakatabune (屋形船) Houseboat
- Summer in Tokyo: Riverside picnick by Futako-Tamagawa (二子玉川)
- All blog posts about hotels
- Travel in Japan: Top 10 Japanese Ryokan Hotels chosen by Experts
- Tokyo Hotel Special: Brand New Tokyo Hotels 2018
- Tokyo Hotel Special: 20 Grand Opening Hotels 2016 - 2017
- Tokyo Hotel Special: 2015 & 2016 Brand New Tokyo Hotels
- Lodging in Tokyo: 10 Fancy Budget Hotels for an Unforgettable Stay
- Osaka & Kyoto Hotel Special: Grand Opening Hotels 2016 - 2017
- All blog posts about Japanese hotels/ryokan
- Chichibu: Heritage Minoyama Ryokan
- Gunma: Kusatsu Onsen Nisshinkan
- Hokkaido: New Furano Prince Hotel
- Kanazawa: The Ryokan with a Noh Stage - Hotel Motoyu Ishiya
- Nagano - Yudanaka: Aburaya Tousen Ryokan
- Nagano: Zenkoji Temple's Jizo Matsuya Ryokan
- Niigata: Shikinoyado Minoya Ryokan
- Niigata: Iwamuro Onsen - Hotel Ohashi Yakatanoyu
- Nikko: Nikko Tokinoyuu Hotel
- Nikko Astraea Hotel in Oku-Nikko - Nikko National Park
- Osaka: The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi
- Osaka: The Center of Osaka Nightlife - Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba
- Saitama: Heiseirou Onsen Health Center
- Shikoku: Rotenburo Heaven at Hotel Kazurabashi
- Tokyo: A Night at the Majestic Hotel Okura Tokyo
- Tokyo: Meeting Hachi the Owl at WISE OWL HOSTELS TOKYO
- Tokyo: Hundred Stay Tokyo Shinjuku Serviced Apartments & Hotel
- Tokyo: Remm Roppongi - A night in the Town that never sleeps
- Tokyo: A night at the upscale Centurion Classic Akasaka
- Tokyo: Futakotamagawa Excel Hotel Tokyu - A Suburban Choice
- Tokyo's First Robot Hotel - Henn na Hotel Maihama Tokyo Bay
- Tokyo: How to sleep in a Capsule Hotel - do-c Ebisu
- Yokohama: Yokohama Royal Park - The Landmark of Yokohama
- Yokohama: Hotel Edit Yokohama - A Western-style Boutique Hotel
- Smarter Hotel Booking: Agoda Secret Deal
- Getting you the Best Hotel Rates: Agoda Insider Deals
- All blog posts from Japan
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.
About Anette
Anette came to Japan as an exchange student in 2010, met the love of her life and got stuck. From her base in Tokyo she writes about her experiences as a full-time worker in Tokyo and about her travels in Japan and abroad. She's a free-spirited adventurer who enjoys both the great outdoors and her urban lifestyle.
Leave your comment
Post a Comment