Hostels in Tokyo - thought they'd be gross but wow was I wrong

I was super skeptical about staying in hostels during my trip to Tokyo last April. Always figured they'd be dirty and loud with no privacy. But my budget was tight so I booked a 4-bed dorm in Asakusa for $22 a night. Place was spotless, had free slippers and a private locker for my stuff. Met a guy from Australia who showed me a ramen spot that cost 600 yen and was incredible. Honestly changed my mind about shared rooms completely. Has anyone else had a hostel experience that surprised them?

3 comments

3 Comments

uma_johnson1mo agoTop Commenter

Can I ask which ones you've seen bedbugs at? I've stayed in maybe a dozen Tokyo hostels and haven't had that issue once, so it might depend on the place.

lunakim1mo agoMost Upvoted

You say it was spotless but I've seen bedbugs in two Tokyo hostels so far.

alice3361mo ago

But are we sure it's just hostels though? I stayed at a mid-range hotel in Shibuya last year and woke up with bites on my arm, so it might be spreading to regular places too. I guess with so many tourists coming through it's probably just a matter of time for any budget spot, but it still grosses me out.