Posted: 5/18/2019 | May 18th, 2019
Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
But there are still amazing and affordable hostels in Tokyo where you can stay and lower your costs!
Like Tokyo itself, the hostels here are clean, arty, and have lots of charm. A lot of them are super trendy with beautiful décor. Wi-Fi is standard, and many will have cooking facilities too. Beds generally cost between 2,000 and 5,000 JPY ($18-45 USD) per night. They host events, serve a ton of tea, and have little cubbies you can sleep in.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stay or to party the night away, the city has something for everyone!
Tokyo does hostels right!
To help you plan your trip, here is my list of 13 hostels in Tokyo that I like the most.
1. Khaosan Tokyo Origami
This hostel is in Asakusa and only a five-minute walk to Senso-ji Temple and the Asakusa station. The hostel is clean and there’s air-conditioning. The rooms are pretty spacious, which is uncommon in most Tokyo hostels. The beds are comfy and cozy, and there are privacy curtains.
There’s also a nice common lounge with free coffee and tea, and you can use the kitchen 24/7. You’ll also enjoy some extra comforts, such as the slippers they provide, and the free, simple breakfast of toast and coffee/tea. The lounge on the eighth floor is a great place to hang out, play video games, and take in the views over Tokyo!
Beds from JP¥ 3,200/$29 USD, privates from JP¥ 8,800/$80 USD.
—> Book your stay at Khaosan Tokyo Origami
2. Sheena and Ippei
Sheena and Ippei is a small hostel located in downtown Tokyo, near the Ikebukuro station. The décor here is quite unique, as the owners have used beautiful Japanese fabrics to line the walls. The place is very homey, and the staff are really helpful when it comes to suggesting things to do around the area. There is no kitchen, but you can use the microwave and refrigerator.
The first floor is actually home to a café equipped with sewing machines that customers can use (local people make handicrafts and hold events here every week). It turns into a hostel lounge in the evenings, and you can have appetizers and sake on the weekends.
Beds from JP¥ 4,104/$37 USD, privates from JP¥ 15,120/$138 USD.
—> Book your stay at Sheena and Ippei
3. Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo
Chapter Two is a small, family-run hostel not far from Skytree Station in Asakusa. I really like the shared kitchen and common room, as there’s a real social feel to it. The dorms are modern, immaculate, and nicely equipped. You can book a deluxe pod, which gives you a partitioned-off bed with a privacy curtain, which is a nice change from the open-concept dorm.
There’s also a great view of the Sumida River — try to get a bed facing it! The rooftop patio comes with a co-working area, and it’s a terrific option for relaxing and hanging out. The owner is super friendly!
Beds from JP¥ 3,900/$36 USD, privates from JP¥ 9,200/$84 USD.
—> Book your stay at Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo
4. Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki
This hostel’s location in Asakusa is stellar: just a one-minute walk to Kaminarimon (the gates to Senso-ji), Asakusa Temple, and the Asakusa station. The rooms are a little dull, but they are comfy and clean, and all have en suite bathrooms. Try to get a room upstairs so you’re not right next to the common room (which can get rowdy at night). If you can get a view of the Skytree Tower, you’re in luck!
The common kitchen offers free coffee and tea, plus you get free shampoo and conditioner. The staff is really nice, and they have takoyaki (snack) parties where you can learn all about Japanese culture and nightlife.
Beds from JP¥ 2,700/$25 USD, privates from JP¥ 1,2750/$116 USD.
—> Book your stay at Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki
5. Hostel Bedgasm
Located in East Tokyo, Hostel Bedgasm has a lively bar, and guests get a free drink every night. It’s a small gesture, but it’s a great way to meet other travelers and to socialize. The bathrooms are clean, and there’s a common kitchen and a quiet rooftop patio area. There’s plenty of storage for your items, and the staff is very helpful!
The neighborhood is not too noisy and has great food options — especially the nearby ramen place and bakery (the staff will point you in the right direction). You can get to Ueno, Ginza, Roppongi, and the Tsukiji fish market direct by metro from here.
Beds from JP¥ 3,500/$32 USD, privates from JP¥ 8,500/$77 USD.
—> Book your stay at Hostel Bedgasm
6. Kaisu Hostel
Kaisu used to be a ryotei, a traditional Japanese restaurant with performing geishas. The building has kept a lot of its original architecture, like tatami-style private rooms with large windows and a high ceiling; the dorms have bunk beds with curtains for more privacy. This hostel is a bit more expensive, but it feels more like a hotel than a hostel and is spotless. It’s not a party place, but you can meet a lot of fellow travelers at the café.
Plus, guests get two free shots of sake on Tuesdays, and free breakfast every morning! Roppongi, Aoyama, and the National Art Center are within walking distance.
Beds from JP¥ 4,300/$39 USD.
—> Book your stay at Kaisu Hostel
7. Backpackers Hostel K’s House Tokyo
This hostel chain has several branches across Japan. The Tokyo location in Kuramae (next to the Kuramae station on the Oedo line) has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. There’s a sunny, comfortable common area near the entrance, and a regularly scheduled sushi-making class, where you can make some new friends. Breakfast isn’t included, but there’s a full kitchen with free coffee and tea. It’s not exactly in the center of Tokyo, so plan on spending at least 30 minutes to get to and from the hostel. Still, it’s a nice neighborhood and a good place to stay if you’re feeling overwhelmed by Tokyo’s craziness.
Beds from JP¥ 2,900/$26 USD, privates from JP¥ 4,600/$42 USD.
—> Book your stay at Backpackers Hostel K’s House Tokyo
8. Unplan Kagurazaka
This hostel is only a few years old, so it’s still very clean and stylish, with wood floors and minimalist décor. Unplan has a variety of room styles, ranging from dorms to private rooms with four beds, making it a good fit for everyone from solo travelers to families. There’s a public café on the first floor that serves excellent coffee and turns into a bar at night, with plenty of sake and local beers to choose from.
Breakfast is free and hearty. You have to pay extra for the rentable pocket Wi-Fi (JP¥ 400/$4 USD), though. Unplan is a pricier hostel than most, but its location at the center of the city and its quality rooms make it worth it.
Beds from JP¥ 4,200/$38 USD, privates from JP¥ 18,500/$168 USD.
—> Book your stay at Unplan Kagurazaka
9. CITAN Hostel
CITAN is a hipster paradise in the Nihonbashi area, and what I would call a “boutique” hostel. The building is seven stories, with 130 beds, everything is kept clean, and the showers have strong water pressure. The common area on the first floor is a relaxed hangout, and there’s a good kitchen for cooking.
There’s also an amazing coffee shop (Berth Coffee) on the first floor, and a bar and restaurant in the basement. This bar is packed on weekends, and not just with hostel guests; there is also usually a DJ on Saturday nights.
Because of this, it doesn’t have that much of a hostel vibe. But the neighborhood is peaceful, so you’ll get a good night’s sleep.
Beds from JP¥ 3,000/$27 USD, privates from JP¥ 9,000/$82 USD.
—> Book your stay at CITAN Hostel
10. Space Hostel Tokyo
This is a cozy, chill hostel in the Kitaueno area, close to the Skytree Tower and just a three-minute walk to the Iriya station. The rooms are super clean and the beds are comfy, with down quilts. I love the rooftop lounge, and there’s a small but decent kitchen and common area.
But the best thing about this hostel is its events: you can choose from sushi-making parties, calligraphy classes, origami experiences, and Japanese language lessons. Bring cash, as payment is due at check-in.
Beds from JP¥ 2,700/$25 USD, privates from JP¥ 13,200/$120 USD.
—> Book your stay at Space Hostel Tokyo
11. Book and Bed Tokyo
If you’re a book lover, you have to check this place out! This hostel is also a bookstore, where you sleep among the shelves. You can also read the books, magazines, and manga, many of which are in English. You can choose from a compact or standard bunk bed; each room has a shared en suite bathroom, and you’ll get free slippers.
As you can imagine, it’s a low-key place but a really unique experience! It’s also just a three-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station, which will take you just about anywhere you need to go.
Beds from JP¥ 3,800/$35 USD.
—> Book your stay at Book and Bed Tokyo
12. Hostel & Café East57
This little guesthouse is located in Asakusabashi, next to Asakusabashi Station and is a great value. There are lots of beds, so you can usually find a spot. There are several different types of rooms, including dorms, capsule spaces, family rooms, and private Japanese-style rooms. The biggest room has 21 beds, but privacy curtains separate each one.
This is also a newer hostel, so everything is in great condition and very clean. The Wi-Fi is strong, and there’s a fully equipped laundry room. Hang out at the café/bar area (with local beer on tap); it’s sociable and you will end up having great conversations with the staff.
Beds from JP¥ 2,200/$20 USD.
—> Book your stay at Hostel & Café East57
13. IRORI Hostel & Kitchen
This is a unique hostel located in Nihonbashi that focuses on the joy of cooking! There are a lot of shared kitchen spaces, and they are very well equipped. You can visit the market, bring your finds here, and make a delicious meal. And there are always other travelers around who are willing to help out, so you’ll likely find yourself in the middle of a communal meal.
They have an irori (a traditional Japanese fireplace), which you can cook in as well! You can pay JP¥ 500/$4.50 USD for a traditional Japanese breakfast of dried fish grilled over a charcoal fire in the irori, with rice, miso soup, and a side. The dorm beds have privacy curtains, making this a nice option for those who aren’t looking to party. If you’re wondering what to do in Nihonbashi, the staff has tons of great recommendations!
Beds from JP¥ 3,000/$27 USD.
—> Book your stay at IRORI Hostel & Kitchen
***
While Tokyo isn’t the most budget-friendly destination in the world, you can definitely save a lot of money by staying in these amazing hostels in Tokyo when you visit.
Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. They’re the best booking site out there.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!
Looking for more travel tips for Japan
Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money, costs, tips on what to see and do, suggested itineraries, reading, packing lists, and much, much more!
Photo credit: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
The post The 13 Best Hostels in Tokyo appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
Posted: 1/18/2020 | January 18th, 2020
With its historic colonial buildings, die-hard sports fans, and lively nightlife, Boston is one of my favorite cities in the US (and I’m not just saying that because it’s where I grew up!).
Boston has been a commercial hub since the 17th century and holds an important place in American history. After the Boston Tea Party in 1773, it became a pivotal bastion of support for the US War of Independence. Even today, the city is brimming with history and has lots to offer. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to understand the roots of modern America.
Since it isn’t the most affordable destination, budget-conscious travelers and backpackers are probably going to want to save money however they can. That means finding budget-friendly accommodation.
Like most US cities, Boston doesn’t have many hostels. But the ones it does have are modern, clean, safe, and social for the most part.
To help you save money during your visit, here are the best hostels in Boston:
HI Boston is the best hostel in town. It offers both same-sex and mixed dorms, and each bed comes equipped with a shelf, outlets, and a locker. The private rooms are modern and have more of a hotel feel to them; they also come with TVs and a bathtub (which is largely unheard of in a hostel).
The hostel also has a free continental breakfast, a kitchen to cook your own meals in, and a common room complete with TV, pool table, and a piano. They also organize free city tours and host dinners, among other activities. It’s a very social hostel.
HI Boston is located close to the Freedom Trail, the Boston Common, and Chinatown. More attractions, like the campuses of Harvard and MIT, are a only few T (subway) stops away.
Beds from $25 USD, private rooms from $101 USD a night.
—> Book your stay at HI Boston!
The Boston Fenway Inn is the cheapest hostel in town. But you get what you pay for, so expect basic accommodations. The rooms here can get cold in the winter, and the windows let in a lot of sound from nearby restaurants and bars. Bathrooms aren’t plentiful, and sometimes there are lines. And if you’re not one of the first to shower, you may miss out on hot water.
Breakfast is included but is quite basic (toast and coffee) unless you wake up early and grab pastries before they’re gone. It also doesn’t have a full kitchen, and the common room is set up with tables and chairs, so it’s not super comfy.
However, the hostel is located in a prime spot near the affluent Back Bay neighborhood, a picturesque and historic neighborhood with designer boutiques, indie shops, and some of the best spots in town to eat and drink. The hostel is close to Fenway Park, the stunning Boston Public Library, the Museum of Fine arts, and the Mapparium.
Beds from $19 USD, private rooms from $54 USD a night.
—> Book your stay at Boston Fenway Inn!
FOUND Hotel Boston Common is one of the oldest hotels in the city. Renovated in 2018, it has much more of a hotel feel to it. There isn’t a common room or kitchen, so it’s not easy to meet other travelers here, and the rooms here are small (some of the private rooms have hardly enough space for the bed).
But it’s a short walk to Boston Common and the Public Garden and has plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs nearby. It’s also just over one block from the subway, so it’s easy to get to other attractions in town.
If you want a place that’s quiet, tidy, comfortable, and not particularly social, then book your stay here.
Beds from $36 USD, private rooms from $82 USD a night.
—> Book your stay at FOUND Hotel Boston Common!
Located in an old house a few miles outside of the city center (but close to the JFK Library), Boston Homestel offers simple rooms and dorms. The rooms here are clean and bright but don’t have much to them. The beds aren’t the most comfortable, but the quiet location makes it easier to fall asleep than in other hostels in the heart of the city.
The hostel has a common room and a small kitchen, but not much more. It’s a quiet hostel, so don’t come to Boston Homestel expecting a party.
Beds from $37 USD, private rooms from $87 USD a night.
—> Book your stay at Boston Homestel!
Backpackers Hostel & Pub is a social hostel located in Everett, just outside the city. It’s not fancy by any means, but it has a lively atmosphere and free breakfast (which is a big plus for budget-savvy travelers). The dorms are large and not particularly fancy or comfortable (most are 8-10 beds), but the drinks are cheap, and it’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown by car (25 minutes by public transportation).
The staff are super friendly and helpful, and they also offer a free shuttle pickup service from the nearest T (subway) station (which is a 30-min walk away). They have a kitchen too, so you can easily cook your own meals here to save even more money. It’s a busy, social hostel.
Beds from $40 USD a night (private rooms not available).
—> Book your stay at Backpackers Hostel and Pub!
Available from June through September, this is easily the coolest place to stay in town: a functional sailing vessel, the Liberty Clipper. It’s a wooden three-mast ship with cozy cabins for rent. While the rooms are small, the experience is unlike anything else Boston has to offer.
Towels and linens are included, and the hot water is plentiful. There is no Wi-Fi, however, and you need to leave the ship during the day. But if you’re looking for a unique experience, this is hard to beat. It’s also a great choice for couples.
Cabins from $60 USD a night.
Book your stay at Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships!
Posted: 1/18/2020 | January 18th, 2020
M Montreal is huge, with nearly 500 beds. The facilities are pretty great: there’s a rooftop terrace, two jacuzzis, nightly activities in a basement bar open from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., a café, and free breakfast (though it’s not anything special). The hostel is a quick 10-minute walk from Old Montreal and also close to both the popular Latin Quarter and Festival District.
M Montreal’s super clean rooms run the gamut from female dorms to private apartments, and all have en suite bathrooms. I liked the pod feeling to the beds: they include a curtain so you can get some privacy, as well as outlets and a light. The mattresses are pretty uncomfortable (basically a gym mat), but the social vibe, plethora of activities, and friendly staff more than make up for that.
Beds from $22 USD, rooms from $83 USD a night.
HI Montreal is a pretty standard hostel but perhaps one of the best situated in town: it’s a two-minute walk from the metro, which delivers you straight to breathtaking Old Montreal. The hostel offers both spotless dorms and private rooms that are clean and comfortable.
The common room comes with a pool table, plus the hostel has a large kitchen stocked with basics so you don’t have to lug them around with you, a café, a bar, and free breakfast daily. It also offers daily activities, including bike tours, walks, a pub crawl, and even poutine tastings.
Beds from $19 USD, rooms from $61 USD a night
Samesun Montreal Central is what some would consider a party hostel, thanks to its happy hour and bar getting a lot of action. Rooms here are clean and comfortable, and each features a microfridge, plus reading lights and outlets for each bed. The recently renovated private rooms are some of the best for the price and include cable, a fridge, and a desk.
There’s complimentary breakfast that includes freshly made muffins, waffles, and eggs. Located in the same area as M Montreal, this hostel is smaller and has a more community, homey feel to it. If you’re looking for something more old school and traditional, stay here.
Beds from $22 USD, rooms from $38 USD a night
Le Gîte du Plateau Mont-Royal is a five-minute walk to Rue Saint-Denis, only 10 minutes to Old Montreal, and 20 to the famous Parc du Mont-Royal.
The hostel itself is bright and colorful, and offers clean and cozy rooms and shared bathrooms. Rooms range from dorms to studios and have sinks; if you opt for a dorm, take note that there are only two bathrooms per floor, so sometimes there’s a wait. There’s a common area to chill out in, plus a rooftop terrace to enjoy when the weather warms up. Breakfast with pancakes and maple syrup is free.
Beds from $18 USD, privates from $51 USD a night
Exposed brick and stone in the rooms give Auberge Saint-Paul a historic feel, which adds to its charm. Located near Montreal’s Old Port, this hostel is clean and bright and includes a state-of-the-art (and magnificent) kitchen, free Wi-Fi, a basic complimentary breakfast, air conditioning, and a common area for mingling with others.
There’s a bar below the hostel playing loud music until late, so bring earplugs. If you don’t want to drop $5 on a lock to secure your belongings, be sure to bring your own. While the bathrooms could use a little refresh, Auberge Saint-Paul has everything you need in a hostel: cleanliness, space, a large kitchen, and a great location.
Beds from $16 USD, rooms from $58 USD a night
If you’re looking for a place with a boho feel, this is it. Located in the historic area of the city and a short jaunt to the city center, this vibrant hostel is in a restored warehouse that was built more than a century ago (1857) and has retained the quirks that make it special, like high ceilings, arched windows, exposed stone, and hardwood floors.
Besides its eclectic and artsy vibe, the hostel includes a common room, a kitchen, complimentary continental breakfast, and Wi-Fi that reaches up to its top floor. What it doesn’t have is an elevator — and rooms start on the third floor, so it’s a walk up with your gear.
Beds from $16 USD, rooms from $43 USD a night
Alexandrie-Montreal offers basic dorms on the cheap (you’ll have to go to the basement to use the bathroom, which can mean four flights of stairs), renovated dorms with en suite bathrooms, and private double rooms with shared bathrooms. It features a huge kitchen with plenty of storage (a whopping five refrigerators), a lounge in its basement that’s open all the time, and a rooftop terrace. It’s also close to many Montreal attractions, including Chinatown and the Latin Quarter, and there are tons of markets and restaurants nearby.
This is a budget hostel and it doesn’t camouflage it. Not all of the rooms have air conditioning, and the Wi-Fi is spotty at best throughout the hostel. But Alexandrie-Montreal does have some perks, like a basic free breakfast and free use of its washer and dryer.
Beds from $18 USD, rooms from $49 USD a night
Posted: 1/18/2020 | January 18th, 2020
Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, 
This is my favorite hostel in Seattle. The dorm beds have privacy curtains, and there are enough outlets to charge everything you might bring. The rooms aren’t very large though, and the luggage storage is under the bottom bunk, so if you’re sleeping there and your bunkmate needs something, you’ll definitely hear it. You’ll also hear music and people late at night, given its central location, so bring earplugs.
That said, the bathrooms here really set this hostel apart from others: they have rainfall showerheads and heated tile floors. The hostel also provides free breakfast, complete with eggs, cereal, fruit, and bread. There is a communal kitchen and common room with foosball and other games. They also run free walking tours and pub crawls and even host weekly ice cream socials!
If you like art, you’ll love 
