Welcome to Tokyo’s busiest neighborhood. If you didn’t already know, Tokyo is split up into 23 different wards, each with its own unique personality and cultural attractions.
Not only is Shinjuku the busiest ward in the city, but it’s also a business, shopping, and entertainment hub.
While Shinjuku is child friendly by day, by night it becomes a mature nightlife location with a very ‘adult’ atmosphere. Among cultural and historical attractions, Shinjuku is home to many of Tokyo’s tallest skyscrapers, as well as Japan’s wildest red-light district, stacked with bars and nightclubs.
With a bustling nightlife, unique cultural scene, and shopping metropolis, it’s no wonder you’ll find a bunch of top hostels in Shinjuku Tokyo. We have found the top 5 hostels in Shinjuku – from those for digital nomads, to the best hostels for a party atmosphere.
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in Shinjuku Tokyo
- Best Overall Hostel in Shinjuku Tokyo – UNPLAN Shinjuku
- Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Shinjuku Tokyo – Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku
- Epic Hostel for Digital Nomads in Shinjuku Tokyo – Hotel CEN
- Best Female-Only Dorm Room in Shinjuku Tokyo – Imano Tokyo Hostel
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What to Expect from Hostels in Shinjuku Tokyo
Why should you consider booking a Shinjuku hostel? Well, backpacking Tokyo ain’t cheap. You’ll be saving a great deal of cash setting up in a hostel – and trust me, you will want that money to spend elsewhere!
Accommodation is always the biggest expense on a vacation, and picking an affordable Japan hostel is a great way to limit your spending as much as possible.
Shinjuku has a thriving nightlife and party scene, and naturally, many of the hostels have their own vibey bars and cafes where you can grab a drink and get your night started. Most of the spots have some sort of social atmosphere, whether an in-house bar or a cozy cafe.
One of the unique parts of staying in a hostel in Shinjuku is the hygiene and cleanliness of each property. It’s no secret that Japan takes incredible pride in its efficient work ethic, and even the cheapest hostels reflect that quality. You can expect super clean rooms and updated interiors. Housekeeping is daily, and all the common spaces are kept spotlessly clean. Of course, you’ll need to respect the space and keep it as clean as you possibly can, too.
Shinjuku is a pretty large area spanning about seven square miles. You can find accommodation in a central location, where you can either walk the neighborhood on foot or be close to public transport lines. Luckily, most of our best hostels are located in super central parts of the ward and are close to transit centers that can quickly get you from A to B.
Research before you stay in Shinjuku, to make sure you base yourself around the attractions and sights you’re most interested in seeing.
There are a few additional benefits that most hostels offer, including:
- Laundry services
- Private dorm beds with privacy curtains
- Complimentary toiletries and towels
- Tour desk services
- Friendly and multilingual staff
- Personal desk spaces in each room
- Complimentary tea and coffee services
- Communal lounges and kitchenettes
The Best Hostels in Shinjuku, Tokyo
That feels like enough information to get us going. There’s a lot to know about these hostels, and even more to explore when you arrive. I’ve picked out the five best hostels in Shinjuku Tokyo, taking location, quality of accommodation, and price into account.
Best Overall Hostel in Shinjuku Tokyo – UNPLAN Shinjuku
- $$
- A few blocks from the Gyoen National Gardens
- Shared kitchen and living spaces
- Rooftop deck with city views
Topping off our list as the best overall hostel in Shinjuku Tokyo, UNPLAN offers superb accommodation for a super low price. UNPLAN believes that unplanned travels lead to unexpected adventures, and has designed this hostel to help keep the mystery alive.
It’s located right in the center of Shinjuku, where the bustling urban center meets cultural diversity. It is within walking distance to a bunch of great restaurants, local shops, bars, nightclubs, and major public transportation lines that can get you just about anywhere you need to go in Tokyo.
While this hostel has private rooms as an option for couples (or anyone who wants more privacy), my favorite thing about this spot is the dorm rooms. Each bed is super private and separated by wooden walls and drawstring curtains. When you’re inside your pod/bed, it almost feels like you’re in a tiny private room, for a fraction of the price of one!
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Continental breakfast included
- In-house bar with a social atmosphere
- Private enclosed dorm pods with privacy curtains
From the moment you walk through the front entrance, you’ll be greeted by smiling staff who will be happy to go above and beyond to make sure your stay is as comfortable as possible. They’ll provide information about the area, free maps, luggage storage, laundry facilities, and even the option to rent a bicycle for your stay.
Not only does this hostel in Shinjuku have its own restaurant, cafe, and bar, but it even has a sunny rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with new friends. There are loads of common spaces where guests can relax and socialize. The shared longe even has a PlayStation, Wii, and a bunch of board games to keep you busy.
Meals are available at the restaurant for an extra fee. However, guests can use tea and coffee facilities for free at any time during their stay. There’s even a basic kitchenette with a microwave, fridge, cooker, and dishwasher where you can heat up a meal or store your leftovers.
Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Shinjuku Tokyo – Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku
- $$
- Around the corner from the famous Robot Restaurant and Godzilla Head
- Wheelchair accessible
- In-house bar and restaurant
Book and Bed is undoubtedly one of the most aesthetically pleasing hostels we’ve come across. The entire space is decorated to look like a library, stacked floor to ceiling with books and posters. Even the dormitory bunk beds double as bookshelves, which are both beautiful to look at and great for browsing some of the classic books.
This hostel has super modern interiors with welcoming wooden tones and warm lighting. You can choose between private rooms, or a bed in the large dorm room. The private rooms are simply decorated with a traditional Japanese-style mattress on the ground, conveniently located plug points, and a walk-in closet.
The dorm rooms are equally as impressive, and if you’re traveling solo, they’re a super comfortable and private space, considering you’ll be sharing a room with others. Each dorm bed is more like a pod, built with soundproof walls and privacy curtains. Each pod has its own personal safe box, reading light, air conditioning, and power outlet.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Breakfast available for a small cost
- Complimentary slippers, toiletries, and towels
- Private rooms available
It’s a great spot for solo travelers as it has a super convenient location in the center of the city. Book and Bed is just a quick walk from the Tokyo Mystery Circus and Seibu Shinjuku PePe Shopping Mall, as well as the Shinjuku Subnade Shopping Mall, Okubo Park, and Shinjuku SanPark Shopping Mall. Tokyo Haneda Airport is less than 20 miles away!
This epic hostel in Shinjuku has shared living spaces where guests can mingle and relax, and the Wi-Fi connection is strong throughout the entire property. There is an in-house bar and restaurant that serves breakfast for an additional cost, and delicious drinks in the evening.
Even though this hostel can be booked for a super low price, it offers a bunch of hotel-like amenities, including daily housekeeping, a 24-hour front desk and reception services with multilingual staff, and 24/7 security.
Epic Hostel for Digital Nomads in Shinjuku Tokyo – Hotel CEN
- $$
- Located three minutes from the nearest train station, between two parks
- Inclusive community hostel
- Private rooms with personal desk space
Being a digital nomad might just be the most rewarding lifestyle. It can also be very expensive, especially if you’re traveling in a pricey country like Japan. If you’re traveling with your laptop and need some silence to focus on your work during the day, Hotel CEN has all the facilities you could wish for.
For starters, the entire property is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi. Not only does the property have an on-site bar and restaurant, but it also has quiet common rooms with desks and plug points where you can set up your computer.
The private rooms are all equipped with personal desks and lights. In fact, all 44 rooms at this Shinjuku hostel are private with ensuite bathrooms. Styled with tiles, glass finishes, and modern wooden furniture, but they also equipped with everything you might need for a quick stay.
You’ll find complimentary toothbrushes and toiletries in the bathrooms, as well as hotel slippers! Each room has personal coffee and tea-making facilities, personal safes, spacious closets, and drawer space to unpack your belongings and feel right at home.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Modern bathrooms with complimentary toiletries
- Spacious open-air terrace with restaurant and bar
- Laundry facilities on site
When you need a break from your work or have finished up for the day, head down to the common area and grab a drink at the in-house bar. There is even a spacious outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a bite to eat from the restaurant.
Any longterm backpacker will love the on-site laundry facilities.
Hotel CEN embraces diversity and inclusivity, labeling itself as Japan’s first ‘Diversity Hotel’, striving to create an environment where every guest can be their true selves.
It is super well located, only a three-minute walk from the nearest train station, between two lush parks, and surrounded by a bunch of restaurants, bars, and shops that are well worth exploring. All in all, it’s a great spot to base yourself as a digital nomad.
Best Female-Only Dorm Room in Shinjuku Tokyo – Imano Tokyo Hostel
- $
- A five-minute walk from Shinjuku San-Chome station
- Bunk beds with private reading light, a power outlet, and a privacy curtain
- Options for private suites and family rooms
Female-only dorm rooms are best for solo female travelers, and this hostel has them! Imano Tokyo Hostel is located close to major railway stations, and has a range of private rooms and shared dorm rooms. There are separate dorms for males and females, ranging from six to ten bunk beds in each shared room.
Each dorm bed is fitted with cozy linen, a personal reading light, a plug point, and a privacy curtain. You will have access to shared bathrooms that provide soap, shampoo, and conditioners. As a heads up, bring your own towel, or if you don’t have the luggage space, you can rent one from reception for a small fee.
The whole look of the place is very industrial and rugged, with exposed concrete and ceiling piping running across the building. This gives the hostel an upbeat modern appeal with a stylish Japanese edge. In fact, the hostel also has traditional tatami futon private rooms, for an authentic cultural experience.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Comfortable mattresses and bedding
- Complimentary shampoo, conditioner, soap, and linen
- Communal areas, an in-house bar and cafe
Imano Tokyo Hostel has a shared bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy tasty meals. Breakfast is not included in the nightly rate but can be added to your reservation. There is a microwave ,and coffee and tea facilities in the common room to make your own snacks.
For a hostel in Shinjuku Tokyo, this property has some pretty impressive amenities that you would usually expect from an overpriced hotel. I’m talking about daily housekeeping, laundry facilities, the option to store your luggage at reception if a late check-out isn’t available, and last but not least, 24-hour front desk service!
The staff are super friendly and would be more than happy to help you with anything you might need during your stay. Who knows, maybe they could give you some insider tips and information about the neighborhood!
Best Hostel with Private Rooms in Shinjuku Tokyo – Tokyo House Inn
- $
- A short walk from Shin-Okubo and Higashi Shinjuku Station
- Shared lounge and restaurant with complimentary breakfast
- Laundry facilities on site
If you’re a seasoned backpacker, you’ll know the value of having your own private room. For a bit of extra space in the big city, we have the perfect spot for you. Tokyo House Inn is located just an eight-minute walk from Shin Okubo Station (which services the famous JR Yamanote Line) and five minutes from the Higashi Shinjuku Station.
Not only is this hostel in Shinjuku surrounded by fun activities, interesting shops, restaurants and bars, it’s also a quick train ride from the incredible Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Although you can rent a bed in a dorm room, we want to rage about the private rooms. Depending on who you’re traveling with, guests can choose from basic double rooms with shared bathrooms to four-bed family rooms with an ensuite bathroom.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- High-speed internet
- Airport shuttle available for an extra cost
- Multilingual staff and express check-in options
The hostel is designed with a traditional Japanese interior aesthetic, with lots of small rooms, eclectic wooden walls and beams, and stone floors. There is also a spacious common room fitted with couches and chairs.
Although many of the bathrooms are shared, they come with all the necessities you might need, including hairdryers and towels. It also has laundry facilities and ironing equipment, which is a super convenient feature for any on-the-go adventure.
A basic breakfast is included in the nightly rate and served in the common lounge. For an extra fee, the reception will organize a roundtrip airport shuttle for guests at any time of the day or night. They will also organize luggage storage for you on arrival or departure, as well as help you hire a bicycle or book any tours in the area.
Tokyo House Inn is one of our favourites in Shinjuku but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
FAQ about Hostels in Shinjuku, Tokyo
Travel Safety Tips for Shinjuku, Tokyo
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Final Thoughts on Hostels in Shinjuku, Tokyo
From its lively nightlife to cultural attractions, Shinjuku Tokyo is packed with exciting things to do and places to see. As you might expect from an extraordinary place like Japan, this popular Tokyo neighborhood plays host to some seriously high-quality, affordable hostels.
In my humble opinion, UNPLAN Shinjuku and Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku are the best. Both hostels have modern furniture and fittings, and are well maintained to the highest hygiene standards. Not to mention, the vibes are high in these hostels in Shinjuku Tokyo. If it’s a night out on the town you want, it’s a night out on the town you’ll get!
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
