9 cheap and chic places to stay in Tokyo
Sleep next to shelves of books, go for a cosy ryokan (Japanese inn) experience or spend a night in one of the quirky rooms of a former love hotel — check out these stylish and affordable accommodation in the city.
Where: 1-17-7, Lumiere building 7th floor, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan 171-0021
Prices: Room rates from ¥1,500 for a day stay (from 1pm to 5pm) to ¥4,500 for a bed during peak periods.
If a cosy nook filled with shelves of books is all that you need, this hostel might just be your dream stay; it’s also conveniently located near Ikebukuro station. The sleeping spaces are truly ‘compact’, in the style of a capsule hotel. You’ll have just a bed, pillow, a bed light and shelves of books you can read until the wee hours. There’s also free wi-fi, to keep you connected to more reads online; all the better to share your snapshots of your Instagram-able stay.
Where: 4-2-4 Akasaka, Minato 107-0052
Prices: From ¥1,000 for a 1-hour foot bath to ¥5,500 for a 21-hour stay.
It can be hard for female travellers to find cheap accommodation if they’re travelling solo. Head to this women-only capsule hotel if you’re looking for a stay with a spa-like settings. It’s equipped with facilities such as a sauna, a communal bath, massage chairs, a small fitness corner and a foot bath section. The sleeping area though compact, do come with a television screen each for every guest; perfect for those late night movie marathons.
Where: Multiple locations including Akihabara, Tsukiji and Asakusa
Prices: From ¥5,800 for Business Class accommodation to¥ 6,800 for the First Class accommodation.
Styled like an airline lounge, each room in this capsule hotel chain is fitted with a bed, television, side table, a power supply outlet, safety box and free Wi-Fi. Toiletries and free earplugs (request for these at the reception if you can’t stand the sounds of snores!) are provided. Besides the shared washrooms and shower booths, there’s also a large communal bath that you can use at its capsule hotels in Tokyo.
Khaosan World Asakusa Ryokan & Hostel
Where: 3-15-1 NishiAsakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0035
Prices: From ¥2,800 for a bed in a mixed dormitory to ¥20,000 per night for the party maisonette
Once a love hotel, this accommodation has since been refurbished into a vibrant backpackers’ hostel. Part of the original furnishings have been kept — the signages remain and some of the rooms have kept its original theme as well as zany features such as a see-through bathtub and mirrored walls. It also features a shared kitchen, a bar for guests and a common room.
Where: 2-3-11 Yanaka, Tokyo, 110-0001
Prices: From ¥5,040 for a single traveller to ¥13,932 for a room for three
Head to this family-owned inn to enjoy the shitamachi (downtown) feel of old Tokyo. Located within Yanaka, this guesthouse is equipped with small but cosy rooms as well as Japanese-style public baths. It also caters to foreign tourists; it offers cheap bicycle rental, instructions in English and regular shi shi mai (Japanese-style lion dance) performances at the reception.
Where: 2-26-11 Taito-ku, Kitaueno, Tokyo 110-0014
Prices: From ¥3,000 for a bed in the mixed room dormitory to ¥19,000 for a four-bed private room
Situated in the outskirts of Tokyo, this new hostel is a cosy respite from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. While its decor may be decidedly modern and minimalist (the fail-safe look for most hostels), the furnitures handmade by local craftsmen do add a homely touch. Be sure to stick around the rooftop terrace in the evening, to catch views of the sunset. Another tip: Ueno park, which is a short walk away from this hostel, is a popular go-to during cherry blossom season.
Where: 4-18-16 Narihira, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan 130-0002
Prices: From ¥3,200 for a bed in the mixed dormitory to ¥7,500 for a twin room.
Going on a budget doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on the basic comforts. This backpackers’ hostel features modern and minimalist furnishings, with curtain partitions for each bunk bed to give you some privacy as you sleep. Hang around the hostel’s cosy co-working space and you might just meet a few like-minded travellers too. What’s more, the city’s iconic Tokyo Skytree is just a 5 minute walk away.
Where: 2-13-21, Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan 110-0004
Prices: From ¥2,800 for a bed in the 8-bed mixed dormitory to ¥8,700 per night for the triple room.
Get away from the skyscrapers of Tokyo’s city centre and opt for a cosier stay, amidst the city’s heritage buildings. This cosy backpackers’ spot may be a little off the beaten track, but that adds to its nostalgic appeal too. It’s housed in a traditional wooden building that dates as far back as the 1920s, with an accompanying bar that’s open to guests and locals.
Where: 2-19-1 Nishiasakusa, Taito, Tokyo 111-0035
Prices: From ¥2,600 per bed in the mixed dormitory to ¥3,000 per bed in the female dormitory
This hostel is a popular option if you’re looking for a cosy stay while getting to meet other travellers. Everything from the furnishings to the decor were made by hand by the owner and friends, which just adds to its welcoming atmosphere. If you’re still in need of more souvenir shopping, check out Kappabashi street (also known as kitchenware town) which is just a short walk away from the hostel.
