Arguably the epicenter of Tokyo, Shinjuku is a bustling neighborhood that seamlessly integrates karaoke rooms, bars, and neon-lit streets while somehow incorporating a more traditional Japan into its texture.
Many people consider it to be one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo, which is why we’ve decided to create this guide on the best hostels in Shinjuku.
Our favorite hostels in Shinjuku are:
- Unplan Kagurazaka - best for female solo travelers
- Imano Tokyo Hostel - best for backpackers
- The Millennials Shibuya - best for solo travelers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Unplan Kagurazaka
2. Imano Tokyo Hostel
3. The Millennials Shibuya
If you’re planning on backpacking Japan, we also have a guide on all of the best hostels in Japan as well as one on the best hostels throughout Tokyo.
We also have some suggestions on itineraries and things to do in Tokyo: Fun things to do in Tokyo.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Shinjuku
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Shinjuku cost $14 – $32 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $94 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Shinjuku are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Shinjuku.
- Unplan Kagurazaka – best for female solo travelers
- Imano Tokyo Hostel – best for backpackers
- The Millennials Shibuya – best for solo travelers
These are our favorite hostels in Shinjuku. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Unplan Kagurazaka
2. Imano Tokyo Hostel
3. The Millennials Shibuya
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | The Millennials Shibuya |
| 🤑 Budget-friendly: | Imano Tokyo Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ Female Solo Traveler: | Unplan Kagurazaka |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Imano Tokyo Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | The Millennials Shibuya |
| 🏙️Nice City Views: | Unplan Kagurazaka |
1. Unplan Kagurazaka
Whether you are coming to Tokyo for the first time or are a returning traveler, Unplan Kagurazaka is a hostel we will always recommend!
It is constantly filled with a clientele that loves to talk, is kind, and is open to creating new bonds with fellow travelers.
The hostel’s name is Unplan, which stands for an unplanned journey, destination, instinct, scenery, encounters, and so much more. There is a lounge where you can sit down and have a drink or enjoy a home-cooked meal in.
This hostel is home to different types of rooms, including some private ones and dormitories.
What travelers love the most about this Shinjuku hostel is the attention to detail that goes into their stay. You can enjoy staying here so much that it might even start feeling like a second home.
The best choice in Shinjuku for
- Solo female travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. Imano Tokyo Hostel
Because of its excellent location in Shinjuku, Imano Tokyo Hostel has risen in popularity in the past few years. There is an air conditioner in all rooms, and the property offers overall excellent quality.
When you are not tucked in your bed, you can sit at the bar and enjoy a drink or two. The staff at the 24-hour reception can help you with anything you need, and is sure to give you pointers and directions of things to do in Shinjuku and around Tokyo.
The common area includes a kitchen too, and you can get some additional services for a small fee. This is an entirely non-smoking hostel in Tokyo – which isn’t always a given in Japan.
A great choice for
- Backpackers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. The Millennials Shibuya
The Millennials Shibuya: you would think that the name says it all in this one, but this is a hostel with a few tricks up its sleeve!
First of all, it is located in a different part of the city, in Shibuya.
We decided to include it here because it is such a fantastic place, and it is quite near Shinjuku.
It is a spotless hostel with a staff that is always at its best. Their location is right in the center of a lot of popular things to see and do in Tokyo, and they offer so much comfort and value that you will constantly feel like extending your stay.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
From a convenience point of view, this hostel offers amenities such as USB plugs, storage space under the bed, a soundless alarm, and so much more! They have an open lounge and kitchen as well.
If you are looking for a unique hostel experience in Tokyo set in incredible interior decor, definitely check this place out.
This is one of the best hostels in Shinjuku for
- Digital nomads
- Solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Shinjuku for Solo Travelers?
We think that the best hostel in Shinjuku is The Millennials Shibuya. It has some of the best facilities and amenities we’ve seen in a hostel in Tokyo, and we absolutely love how cozy yet modern the space feels.
It’s very well located in the center and well-connected to various transportation options. The staff is also awesome and will help you out if you run across any issues during your trip.
Alternatively, Unplan Kagurazaka in Shinjuku is also a terrific option for solo travelers.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
More Hostels worth a mention
At the moment, we think you are all set with the hostels we just shared with you. We always try to keep our guides super fresh and up to date. We might add more hostels worth a mention here in the future if we feel that it could enrich your travel and hostel experience.
What about the cheapest hostels in Shinjuku?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Shinjuku.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Shinjuku
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Shinjuku best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Shinjuku?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Shinjuku put on a map + sights
We’re listing all the three best Shinjuku hostels on a map to give you an idea of the location and distances between them.
Here are a few of the top things we like to check out in Shinjuku when we visit:
- Shinjuku Golden Gai (for drinks and food)
- Kabukicho (for drinks and food)
- Omoide Yokochō (for drinks and food)
- Metropolitan Government Building Observatory (for stunning views of Tokyo and Mount Fuji if you’re lucky)
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Samurai Museum
- Hanazono Shrine
- Yayoi Kusama Museum (make sure to reserve your tickets as early as possible!)
- Fishing Restaurant ZAUO Meguro (a restaurant where you literally fish your food!)
- NTT InterCommunication Centre (for fans of media art)
Any questions about hostels in Shinjuku? 🤔
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Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
Any questions about hostels in Shinjuku?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Shinjuku?
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
For those on a longer voyage: check out our huge guide on the best hostels in Japan with itineraries, fun things to do in Tokyo, and all our 5-Star Hostels in Asia.
We also created more guides to help you in Japan:
- best hostels in Tokyo
- coolest party hostels in Tokyo
- best hostels in Kyoto
- coolest hostels in Osaka
- best hostels in Kobe
- best hostels in Hiroshima
- best hostels in Sapporo
- best hostels in Fukuoka
- Cup of Tea Hostel in Takayama – 5-star hostel
Other counties and cities outside of Japan include:
- best hostels in Taiwan
- best hostels in Seoul
- best hostels in Busan
- best hostels in Beijing
- best hostels in Shanghai
- top hostels in Hong Kong
- 6 coolest hostels in Hawaii
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Shinjuku guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
