5 Ultra-Affordable Tokyo Hostels You Can Book for Just a Thousand Taiwanese Dollars — “Design Award-Winning Residences”

Reported by You T-Ru / Special Feature

Japan’s Tokyo boasts a wide variety of unique accommodations, but staying here for a few nights does require a bit more in your wallet. So how can you choose a stay that’s both cheap and full of character among so many options? ETtoday EBC has handpicked5 distinctive small hostels and guesthouses in Tokyo that you can book for just a thousand Taiwanese dollars. These include quirky old houses, bar-style lodgings, and places rich in stories connecting Taiwan and Japan — perfect references for travelers planning a summer trip to Japan.Stays range from characterful old houses and bar-style accommodations to places filled with stories connecting Taiwan and Japan, offering travelers a reference for summer trips to Japan.

Want to see more interesting accommodations? Check out — The Global Innkeeper Underground —Global Hotels underground curator

1. Toco
As one of Tokyo’s most well-known small design hostels, Toco Guest House combines Western-style bar design with traditional Japanese architecture. The bar at the entrance has been featured in numerous international design magazines, and there's a "mini Mount Fuji" in the courtyard, built from stones brought back from Mt. Fuji 400 years ago. While the entire machiya (traditional townhouse) breaks away from a purely classic look, it’s designed with a playful touch that creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for backpackers. It's filled with a blend of Japanese and Western aesthetics, and every detail is surprisingly delightful.


▲%The entrance bar has been featured in many international design magazines. (Image provided by %)


%The inner courtyard features a "mini Mount Fuji" made of stones transported from Mt. Fuji 400 years ago. (Image provided by %)


Address: 2-13-21 Shitaya, Taito City, Tokyo
Phone: +81-(0)3-6458-1686
Website:http://backpackersjapan.co.jp/
Price: 2,600–3,000 JPY per person

2. Zabutton Hostel
Zabutton Hostel was born when its owner, who fell in love with Taiwanese youth hostels, decided to return to Tokyo and open their own lodging. The first floor is a café, while the floors above house the hostel. Guests can enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee from the first-floor café. The capsule-style rooms in the hostel are full of design flair, and the coffee is quite delicious. Just step outside the building, and you’ll see the Tokyo Tower rising above.


▲ The exterior of Zabutton Hostel features clean and refreshing lines. (Image fromZabuttonofficial website)


▲ The first floor is a café where guests can enjoy free coffee. (Photo by reporter You T-Ru)
%The entire building offers stylish and cozy spaces. (Image from %)(Image source: Visit the Zabutton official website)


Address: 1-29-20 Higashi Azabu, Minato City, Tokyo
Phone: +81-(0)-3-6277-6499
Website:www.zabutton.jp
Price: 3,500 JPY per person; 8,000 JPY for a private room

3. RetroMetro Backpackers
Located in Asakusa, RetroMetro Backpackers exudes a slow and tranquil hipster vibe. With only a limited number of rooms, it fosters an intimate sense of belonging as if every guest knows each other. The lobby is designed with earthy tones to create a cave-like ambiance, giving off warm visuals that have caused many passersby to stop and take a look.


▲ %The lobby uses earthy tones to create a cozy, cave-like feeling. (Image from RetrometroBackpackers Facebook)）


Address: 2-19-1 Nishiasakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
Phone: +81-(0)3-6322-7447
Website:http://retrometrobackpackers.com/index.html
Room rate: 2,600 JPY per person

4. Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge
As one of Toco’s sister properties, Nui. is one of the larger hostels in Tokyo. Like its first location, it offers a striking blend of contrasting aesthetics. The first floor houses a bar and restaurant that mix American and European styles, occasionally featuring live music performances. The hostel accommodations are located on the upper floors. Notably, the coffee here is exceptionally smooth and delicious—even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s worth stopping by for a drink.


▲The bar and coffee shop are equally inviting. (Photo credit: Nui. Hostel Facebook page))

 
▲ The rooms are simple yet clean and comfortable. (Photo / fromNui. Hostel Facebook)

Address: 2-14-13 Matsugaya, Taito City, Tokyo
Phone: +81-(0)3-6240-9854
Website:http://backpackersjapan.co.jp/nui/
Room rate: Starts from 2,700–3,000 JPY per person; private rooms start from 68,000–70,000 JPY

5. Kangaroo Hotel
Having won the Good Design Award in 2011, Kangaroo Hotel is considered one of the most design-forward budget accommodations, offering multiple single-room options. Prices also stay under 1,000 TWD. Designed by architect Toshi Kurosaki in exposed concrete, the interior is minimal yet full of design charm—even the website is so appealing it might inspire you to book a stay.

▲ Won the Good Design Award in 2011, this design-focused budget hotel is built with exposed concrete. (Photo / fromKangaroo Hotel Facebook)



▲ Space ideal for solo travelers. (Photo / fromKangaroo Hotel Facebook)
▲ The room feels as cozy as your own home in the morning light. (Photo / from Kangaroo Hotel official site)


Address: 1-21-11 Nihonzutsumi, Taito City, Tokyo
Phone: +81-(0)3-3872-8573
Website:http://kangaroohotel.jp/access.html
Room rates: 3,600 JPY per person; 5,500 JPY for two people：3,600 Japanese yen per person; 5,500 Japanese yen for two people