Take photos in your Slam Dunk jersey at these six highly recommended youth hostels in the Tokyo suburbs

By MOOK Scenic Spots Chen Wenlin | Compiled and Reported
 
Accommodation during travel is not just a place to rest on the move, but also an important venue for meeting new friends, having new experiences, and embarking on another journey—whether it's beach yoga, enjoying hot springs, attending an okonomiyaki party, trying on a kimono, or chatting and drinking in the common area while making friends who share a love for travel in Japan. These six unique youth hostels, with their diverse styles, overturn the single image people often have of hostels. Here, you can not only enjoy different experiences but also find the accommodation that suits you best.

1. Odawara Youth Hostel “Samurai Ryokan”

During the Edo period, samurai and merchants would rest and recover from their long journeys at waystations, and Odawara City in Kanagawa Prefecture flourished as a key post town. Built in 1922, “Samurai Ryokan” still retains the charm of traditional Japanese inns, both in its architecture and exterior, earning widespread praise. It is a 3-minute walk from the famous sightseeing spot Odawara Castle and just a 6-minute stroll to the sparkling seaside. Enjoy free Japanese tea in the common area while playing with the hostel’s signature cat, “Gorokichi”—a true delight.

[Info]
Samurai Ryokan
Address: 1-19-14 Sakae-cho, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: An 8-minute walk from Odawara Station East Exit
 

2. HAKONE TENT Youth Hostel

Just a 90-minute drive from central Tokyo, you’ll reach the hot spring resort of Hakone. HAKONE TENT is a youth hostel with natural hot springs. Its warm common areas feature a wooden design, and its clean, minimalist decor makes it highly recommended for couples or girls’ trips. With its stylish and high-quality interior, it’s perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.