Passport · JapanKanto
Kanto · Japan
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OverviewPage 2
Party hub
Tokyo is one of the world's most fascinating cities for backpackers — a place where ancient temples sit metres from neon-lit skyscrapers, and a $5 bowl of ramen can rival any fine-dining experience. Despite its reputation as an expensive city, Tokyo is surprisingly accessible on a backpacker budget thanks to cheap transit passes, affordable street food, konbini (convenience store) meals, and a growing hostel scene with dorm beds from around $20 a night. The city is also one of the safest major cities on earth, making it ideal for solo travellers and first-time backpackers in Asia. English signage is widespread on the metro system, and locals are genuinely helpful even when there's a language barrier. From watching sumo wrestlers train at dawn to losing yourself in the electric chaos of Shibuya Crossing at night, Tokyo delivers experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else. Whether you're using it as a gateway to explore wider Japan by bullet train or spending a full week diving into its countless neighbourhoods, Tokyo rewards curiosity. Harajuku's fashion subcultures, Akihabara's anime wonderland, Asakusa's traditional charm, and Shinjuku's jaw-dropping nightlife each feel like entirely different cities packed into one.
Tap a hostel for the details, or + Plan to save it for the planner.
9.5 · US$20–40 dorm · An iconic backpacker spot in Kuramae (east Tokyo) housed in a converted warehouse. The ground-floor bar is one of the best hostel bars in Asia, drawing both guests and locals. Craft beer on tap
9.2 · US$20–40 dorm · Seven-storey design hostel in Nihonbashi with Berth Coffee on the ground floor and a lively basement bar and restaurant. Five-minute walk from two train stations. Popular with digital nomads and social travellers
9.2 · US$20–40 dorm · Located in bustling Shinjuku, this well-run hostel offers clean dorms, an on-site bar and cafe, and even a hot tub. Known for a welcoming atmosphere and easy access to Shinjuku's nightlife
8.2 · US$20–40 dorm · Budget-friendly option in Asakusa, close to Sensoji Temple. Part of the Khaosan chain popular across Southeast Asia. Lively common area and regular social events
8.0 · US$20–40 dorm · Stylish hostel in the heart of Shinjuku with a standout bar area, on-site restaurant, modern communal kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with city views. Strong social atmosphere and excellent location near Shinjuku Station
7.9 · US$20–40 dorm · Minimalist, beautifully designed hostel steps from Shibuya Crossing. Pod-style dorms with privacy curtains, power outlets, and reading lights. The ground-floor cafe is a top spot for coffee and people-watching
7.8 · US$20–40 dorm · Another excellent Asakusa option right near Sensoji, with a stylish Japanese-modern design. The ground floor izakaya (Japanese pub) serves craft beer and bar snacks. Clean, quiet dorms above the social spaces
Hostel · Tokyo
An iconic backpacker spot in Kuramae (east Tokyo) housed in a converted warehouse. The ground-floor bar is one of the best hostel bars in Asia, drawing both guests and locals. Craft beer on tap.
Hostel · Tokyo
Seven-storey design hostel in Nihonbashi with Berth Coffee on the ground floor and a lively basement bar and restaurant. Five-minute walk from two train stations. Popular with digital nomads and social travellers.
Hostel · Tokyo
Located in bustling Shinjuku, this well-run hostel offers clean dorms, an on-site bar and cafe, and even a hot tub. Known for a welcoming atmosphere and easy access to Shinjuku's nightlife.
Hostel · Tokyo
Budget-friendly option in Asakusa, close to Sensoji Temple. Part of the Khaosan chain popular across Southeast Asia. Lively common area and regular social events.
Hostel · Tokyo
Stylish hostel in the heart of Shinjuku with a standout bar area, on-site restaurant, modern communal kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with city views. Strong social atmosphere and excellent location near Shinjuku Station.
Hostel · Tokyo
Minimalist, beautifully designed hostel steps from Shibuya Crossing. Pod-style dorms with privacy curtains, power outlets, and reading lights. The ground-floor cafe is a top spot for coffee and people-watching.
Hostel · Tokyo
Another excellent Asakusa option right near Sensoji, with a stylish Japanese-modern design. The ground floor izakaya (Japanese pub) serves craft beer and bar snacks. Clean, quiet dorms above the social spaces.
Tap one to see it, or + Plan to add it to your trip.
Nightlife
AkihabaraCulture
Meiji Jingu ShrineNightlife · Tokyo
Akihabara (Electric Town) (Free to explore) — The anime, manga, and gaming capital of the world. Multi-storey arcades, retro game shops, and maid cafes. Even if you're not into anime, the sensory overload is an experience in itself
Food · Tokyo
Day trip to Nikko or Kamakura (~$15-30 transport) — The Great Buddha of Kamakura (1 hour south) or the ornate Toshogu Shrine in Nikko (2 hours north) make excellent day trips from Tokyo
Tours · Tokyo
Harajuku & Takeshita Street (Free) — Tokyo's youth fashion epicentre. Wild street style, quirky shops, crepe stands, and themed cafes. Explore the quieter backstreets of Ura-Harajuku for vintage shopping and independent boutiques
Culture · Tokyo
Meiji Jingu Shrine (Free) — A tranquil Shinto shrine set in 70 hectares of forested parkland in the heart of Harajuku. A peaceful contrast to the surrounding urban energy
Nature · Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple & Asakusa (Free) — Tokyo's oldest temple, dating to 645 AD. Walk through the iconic Kaminarimon thunder gate and browse Nakamise-dori shopping street for traditional snacks and souvenirs
Nature · Tokyo
Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue (Free) — The world's busiest pedestrian crossing is mesmerising to watch and walk. Head to the Shibuya Sky observation deck (~$15) or the Starbucks above the crossing for the best views
Food · Tokyo
Shinjuku Golden Gai (Free to explore; drinks $5-10) — A labyrinth of over 200 tiny bars crammed into six narrow alleys. Each bar seats 5-10 people. Some charge a small seating fee (¥500-1000), but the atmosphere is unmatched
Tours · Tokyo
Sumo Wrestling (Tickets from ~$30; morning practice free) — Catch a tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in January, May, or September. Between tournaments, some stables allow free morning practice viewing — arrive by 7am
Water · Tokyo
TeamLab Planets (~$25) — An immersive digital art experience where you wade through water, walk on mirrors, and lose yourself in kaleidoscopic light installations. Book tickets online in advance — it sells out
Food · Tokyo
Tsukiji Outer Market (~$10-20 for grazing) — The original fish market moved to Toyosu, but the outer market remains a street food paradise. Graze on fresh sushi, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), grilled seafood skewers, and matcha treats
Tours · Tokyo
Yoyogi Park & Sunday Performers (Free) — Adjacent to Meiji Shrine, this sprawling park comes alive on weekends with musicians, cosplayers, and performers. Prime cherry blossom viewing spot in late March/early April
No transport routes listed for Tokyo yet.
Getting here in fullComing soon · The Tokyo wall
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