Take photos in Slam Dunk jerseys & discover 6 great youth hostels near Tokyo

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots / Chen Wenlin, compiled and reported
 
Accommodation during travel isn’t just a place to rest on the move—it’s also a key spot to meet new friends, have unique experiences, and embark on new journeys. Whether you’re doing beach yoga, enjoying an onsen, joining an okonomiyaki party, trying on a kimono, or chatting over drinks in the common area and making friends who love traveling in Japan. These six distinctive youth hostels, with their diverse styles, overturn the conventional image of hostels. Here, you can enjoy different experiences and find the lodging that suits you best.

1. Odawara Youth Hostel “Samurai Ryokan”

During the Edo period, samurais or merchants would rest and recover from long journeys at waystations, and Odawara City in Kanagawa gradually flourished due to its role as such a stop. Built in 1922, “Samurai Ryokan” still retains the charm of a traditional inn, beloved for both its architecture and exterior. It’s just a 3-minute walk from the popular sightseeing spot Odawara Castle and 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 Sakaemachi, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Access: A 8-minute walk from Odawara Station’s East Exit
 

2. HAKONE TENT Youth Onsen Hostel

Just a 90-minute drive from central Tokyo, HAKONE TENT is a youth hostel with a natural hot spring located in the hot spring resort town of Hakone. The warm shared spaces feature a wooden interior design, with clean, minimalist decor—perfect for couples or girls’ trips. Its stylish, high-quality interior is definitely Instagram-worthy.