Are you looking for a way to visit Tokyo without paying a fortune? Tokyo, like most other countries around the world, has a pretty active hostel scene. Hostels here are generally meant for younger travelers who want to enjoy cheap accommodations.

In Tokyo, you can get a hostel reservation for under $50 per night in most locations. The question is, do you know where to go for the hostel that comes with a lifestyle you like?

Let’s dive into this topic and help refer you to some seriously great hostels, plus information on the Japanese hostel scene.

What Are Party Hostels?

Party hostels are a specific subset of hostels. These are hotels that are meant to let you meet new people, network, and actually party. Most of the time, party hostels offer you an onsite bar or common room where you can meet people. They may also offer you a free drink or free breakfast, too.

Since party hostels are fairly laid back compared to ryokan and onsen sites, these tend to be good for extroverts. If you want to party like a true traveler, we suggest snuggling up to the bar to meet other travelers curious about Japanese culture.

The Best Party Hostels In Tokyo

Realistically, any hostel that you want to book will have decent amenities. They are meant to be the perfect place for students and younger businesspeople to go when they want to unwind. With that said, these tend to be particularly fun to stay at.

Bedgasm

Bedgasm is generally seen as the best party hostel in Tokyo, at least by veteran travelers. Hostel Bedgasm has become famous for being great for students and solo travelers in need of a relaxed, upscale venue.

Dorm beds start around $20 USD, and yes, you can get a private room for around $27. Most people tend to go to the bar to meet fellow travelers and maybe grab a drink. Every visitor gets a free drink at the bar, every night they are here.

When you see the Instagram-worthy bar and cafe, you’ll understand why this is one of the best hostels to use while traveling. Hostel Bedgasm remains one of the best party hostels for people who want affordable but elegant lodging.

UNPLAN Shinjuku

Unlike most of the party hostels in Tokyo, UNPLAN is not a single hostel. It’s actually the second location of an UNPLAN hostel. After the breakout success of UNPLAN Kagurazaka, UNPLAN Shinjuku opened up to great fanfare.

Like the original UNPLAN, this party hostel is meant to be comforting, spontaneous, and lively. Free breakfast is available, but if you want a nightcap, don’t worry. Like much of Shinjuku’s nightlife scene, UNPLAN features a lively bar with great service.

Oh? Feeling peckish? There’s an on-site restaurant and cafe that features great food. UNPLAN’s mellow and hyper-friendly ambiance makes it one of the best party hostels in Japan, let alone Tokyo. When you factor in its walking distance to Golden Gai, it’s a perfect venue to enjoy.

Wise Owl Hostel Shibuya

Shibuya’s own Wise Owl Hostel knows how to throw down when it comes to hospitality. This smartly-decorated hostel is one of the coolest party hostels in Shibuya, not to mention one of the best cheap hostels in the Tokyo area.

Wise Owl is a good choice for people who want to have a high degree of safety. Key card access, security lockers, helpful staff, a complimentary towel, and a pool area make this a really awesome place to meet up. The first floor has a cafe where you can meet up with others, if you need a more “open” venue.

What most people love about Wise Owl is the views. It’s a very aesthetic hostel. Dorms are around $28, while private rooms are between $50 to $90 a night.

Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel

Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel is not like most of the other party hostels in Japan. This hostel, while it is just as popular as Nui Hostel or Bedgasm, takes a much more “vintage” take on the concept of a party hostel.

In other words, Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel is a hostel designed to make it feel like you’re rooming at a Japanese friend’s house. This hostel has been around since the 1920s, and recently got mild updates in 2010.

Toco has a common area that’s perfect for striking up a conversation, a bar area, as well as amenities that make it easy to brew a cup of tea. Free city maps are also available here. It’s chic and just a fun time all around. It’s also the only hostel to have a Koi pond and a Japanese garden.

Imano Tokyo Ginza Hostel

Are you a fan of the idea of feeling like you’re at a friend’s house, even though you’re at a party hostel? If you are looking for a more “house” feeling while still keeping a party hostel veneer up, then Imano Tokyo Ginza might be a good choice.

This party hostel has a common room on the second floor, and is modeled after traditional Japanese homes. Private rooms are available here, but if you want to get a bargain, the dorms are easy enough to book as well.

They have a cafe onsite, and also offer free luggage storage. So, if you’re a heavy packer, this is a smart pick. Imano is a little bit more modern-looking than Toco Tokyo. If you’re not sure which one you want to pick, looking at their photos can help.

Per visitors, we want to point out that both Imano Tokyo Hostel and Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel are great if you want to dip your feet into traditional Japanese suburban life. They have the ambiance of an actual home.

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Named after the most popular flower in Japan (cherry blossom), Sakura Hostel Asakusa is a great pick for people who want to have a nice place to crash. The amenities make it easy to get around Tokyo: free linens, free breakfast, a self-service kitchen, and cable TV are just a couple of the amenities to enjoy.

Sakura Hostel might be a little more “no-frills” than a typical hostel, but the truth is that it has a very warm environment. They also sell Tokyo subway tickets in-house, making it easier for Westerners to manage.

Unlike other party hostels, Sakura Hostel takes a lot of time to create weekly events that engage visitors. It’s the best party hostel for people who want to have time to get out of their shell while staying in Tokyo.

You can choose to rent private rooms for your travel crew, or bunk at the dorms. Either way, you’ll still end up having to sleep in bunk beds if you’re here. However, that’s part of the charm.

Nui Hostel and Bar Lounge

Nui Hostel isn’t just a Tokyo hostel. It’s a great place to save money while you go backpacking through Japan. Nui Hostel is a cheap hostel that offers a ton of great amenities, including an on-site bar, a lounge, close proximity to restaurants, and helpful staff.

One thing that makes Nui a great hostel to choose is their tendency toward live music every so often. Nui’s lounge and bar seems to be happenin’ all the time. Part of the reason why Nui Hostel rocks this so well deals with its central location and its onsite bar.

However, we’d by lying if we didn’t also point out the obvious: Nui’s architecture looks incredible. Just being in that building will make you feel like you’re in one of the coolest party hostels in Tokyo.

CITAN Hostel

CITAN Hostel is another great hostel close to a wide range of different tourist attractions. Despite a very reasonable price tag, CITAN Hostel remains very affordable. It’s most commonly seen as a backpackers hostel, or a hostel for slightly long-term visits.

Going to CITAN means that you get wi-fi, housekeeping, security lockers, a cafe, and a restaurant. Because its cafe is so popular with visitors, it’s easy to find new friends by just hanging out downstairs. This is one of the better Tokyo party hostels for people trying to keep their budget under $30 per night.

Oh, and if you have a plane to catch? CITAN is close to both Tokyo airports as well as Tokyo Station. Between the convenient location and the great wifi, it’s easy to see why CITAN Hostel became a popular venue for digital nomads.

Quality Hostel K’s House Tokyo Oasis

If you’re looking for the coolest party hostels, it’s hard to ignore the pull of K’s House. As the name suggests, this is a hostel that is meant to give you a “house” feel. The warm glow inside shows a little retro Japanese styling.

The service here is great, and it’s close enough to downtown Tokyo to make most travelers totally thrilled. This party hostel is a lot more aligned with traditional Japanese hostels. The amenities make you feel like you’re in someone’s house, and there’s a small garden area you can enjoy.

In a lot of ways, this is a backpackers hostel. If you are looking for a private room, you can get one here. However, the private rooms are still fairly small compared to more Westernized options.

Hostel DEN

DEN is considered to be one of the best cheap hostel options for people who don’t want to be immediately in the center of Tokyo. This particular party hostel has two different types of private rooms as well as gender-segregated dorms.

DEN has a couple of nifty amenities that go beyond the typical “bar lounge” vibe. You can enjoy a book exchange, a prayer room, a terrace, as well as games room. Because it tends to be a hostel that people go to for life experiences, DEN really leans hard on its party hostel vibe.

If there was ever a party hostel that really prided itself on being a social hostel, it’s Hostel DEN. They also occasionally have movie nights, so you can also kick back and enjoy that fun after walking throughout the city.

Hotel CEN

Are you looking for one of the best hostels to act like a hotel? If so, you might prefer party hostels like Hotel CEN. Right in the heart of Tokyo, Hotel CEN is a hostel that has hotel-level amenities. With 44 private rooms to choose from, an open-air terrace, and close proximity to Shinjuku shopping, this is a no-brainer.

Hotel CEN is not just a party hostel. It’s a diversity hostel that is geared toward giving people a feeling of acceptance no matter who’s at the door. That’s not always easy to find in Japan. The staff is fairly friendly and you can buy a meal at the onsite restaurant.

Though it’s a very modern-looking venue, it still has the warm appeal of a cozy hostel.

The Millennials Shibuya

Yay! It’s a hostel that is named after a generation. Cool, right? Well, that’s the whole point of this particular hostel. The Millennials is just as much about ambiance as it is about being a good place to rest and meet people.

At the Millennials, every bunk has a little extra privacy thanks to rolling screen and an in-bunk safe for belongings. A fifth of the hostel is filled with common areas, including a free workspace, a kitchen, a lounge, nad more.

This is the best hostel for solo travelers who want to have a better, more social experience. It’s literally designed for it.

It’s also worth noting that the Millennials is actually a hostel chain. So, if you are traveling Japan, keep an eye out for this name. They have some of the best hostels all over the country.

Where Can You Find The Best Party Hostels In Japan?

So, there are a couple of places that are known for their party hostel scenes in Japan. Tokyo is the most obvious location, simply because everyone loves visiting Tokyo when they visit Japan. However, there are other cities that also have a long list of popular hostels. These include:

• Hiroshima
• Osaka
• Kyoto

You can also find them in places like Hokkaido, since that region is known for having a higher student population.

How Much Do Party Hostels In Tokyo Cost?

Hostels are generally split into two different price ranges, depending on the type of bedding you want to get. We split it into two main categories for you.

Type 1: Dorm Beds

Dorm beds are bunk beds that you share with other travelers, and they’re the cheaper option of the two. These are great for backpackers and solo travelers. Dorm beds usually run the gamut from $25 to $40 per night, depending on both the hostel and the season you go.

These are not a good pick if you want to have some privacy, for obvious reasons.

Type 2: Private Rooms

Private rooms allow you to split the room with other people if you choose to. It’s important to note that not all hostels in Tokyo will have private rooms available. This is doubly true with more traditional party hostels where you’re expected to interact with fellow travelers.

Private rooms will typically run between $60 to $150 per night, depending on the number of beds and the hostel. These will still have some level of common sleeping and you won’t get a private bathroom. Thankfully, most baths are just a short walk from the private rooms.

Other Fees

It’s important to ask what gets included with every hostel booking that you are considering. The cheapest hostels might not be that cheap when you include all the fees that can get tacked on. Meanwhile, more expensive hostels can turn into a bargain if certain fees are waived.

If you want to get the most bang for your buck, we suggest that you look for hostels that offer:

• Free wifi
• Free laundry facilities
• Free city maps
• Free luggage storage
• Free linens and a complimentary towel
• Free drinks at the bar or near their cafe
• Air conditioning

While some amenities, like free drinks, can be ignored for the right price, others can add a serious extra cost to your budget. Most hostels will offer a complimentary towel and linens. However, it’s always best to ask before you book.

Hostel prices outside of Tokyo tend to be a bit cheaper, too.

Fees can vary greatly from hostel to hostel. In most cases, it won’t exceed $10 per night, but you should always check.

What Should You Know About Booking A Party Hostel In Tokyo?

Party hostels are not for everyone, and it’s important to make a point of that. Here’s what you should be aware of before you go to your first party hostel:

Most are adults-only and will not allow you to bring pets nearby.

This is not what people want to hear, but it’s true. This is a good choice for people over the age of 18 who are traveling with friends or solo. Couples can make it work, but there’s no hanky-panky to be had here!

It can get a little hard to sleep in some of these hostels.

Because they are party hostels, there is an understanding that you will have people around you at all hours of the night. With the case of bunk beds, you might have a gassy neighbor that makes it hard to sleep.

For the most part, the hostel will do whatever they can to ensure a good night’s sleep for their guests.

You might not have much control over which bed you get if you book a dorm bed.

This can be upsetting for newbies to the world of hostel life. A private room is often a better option for travelers who have to have “me time.”

PRO TIP – If you were hoping for a place where you can “rock the casbah” with a sweetheart, it’s not a hostel.

A party hostel stay will often include you talking and networking with others nearby.

Truthfully, this is the core of the party hostel experience. If you are not looking to meet new people, getting a hotel, a motel, or even just an Airbnb might be a better choice.

Not all hostels will accept credit cards.

In Japan, it’s possible to walk into a totally modern hostel and still find out that your money is not good here because you asked to pay with a card. Always try to keep some Japanese yen in your pocket, just in case.

Solo travellers can ask for security features.

Security lockers, locks, and even gender-segregated accommodation are available at most hostels. Like with all things booking-related, it’s one of those amenities that you should inquire about before you book. By checking out all the amenities related to security, you can find the best hostel for your needs.

It’s totally okay (even encouraged) for people to strike up conversations with their fellow travelers.

That’s the whole reason for a party hostel booking. You can find a Tokyo hostel where you don’t actually meet anyone or hang out for movie night. If you want to just keep to yourself, then a party hostel won’t be the best hostel type for you.

Keep an eye on the check-in time.

While it is possible to find a hostel that has a late check-out, you won’t be likely to find one that has a late check-in. Most hostels in Tokyo have late check-in times as-is. For most people, this won’t be an issue.

If you are stuck late-night without a booking or try to check in after the latest check-in time, you might be out of luck. Hostels will typically turn you away if you arrive too late.

PRO TIP – If you are looking for a place to crash late night, love hotels tend to be a decent option if you can’t find a hostel. It’s pricey, but it’s worth it.

Don’t be afraid to network with other travelers for long-term traveling perks.

If you have a bunch of friends who are going to Tokyo for a couple of weeks, it might make sense to coordinate your trips together. Booking yourself and your friends at multiple hostels, then pooling time and amenities can make sense.

For example, let’s say that you want a full-stocked bar but you know you’ll need a workspace. You could book your own room at Hostel Bedgasm, while your friend would book at the Millennials. Your friend could visit you for drinks at Bedgasm, then you could walk over to the workspace.

Hostel life is awesome, so give it a shot!

Japan is an amazing country, and what’s better is that you don’t always have to worry about high price tags with accommodations. A hostel is always an option, so why not try it out?