A1 Maison Phillippe Shitaya 101

Because there weren’t too many guests at once, the hostel stayed quiet, and I had some good conversations with people there. The staff were kind and accommodating. It’s a traditional Japanese house in a peaceful neighborhood, a few minutes from a station and fairly close to Ueno, Asakusa, and Akihabara. I was out late often and regret missing the bar, since I would’ve liked to talk with more guests and locals. I’d consider staying here again.

The place is beautiful in person, just as it looks in the photos. Everything is shared, which gives it a cozy, homely, down-to-earth feel. It works as a social hub, too. Solo travelers can connect with people in the resting area or lounge, including by having meals together. I think that’s a good thing.

Toco Guesthouse is a characterful historic building, but I found it incredibly loud. The kitchen sits right beside the dorm with almost no sound barrier, so noise carried late into the night. There were late gatherings every night during our stay, seemingly with staff, and the noise went straight into the dorm. Even with earplugs, I couldn’t sleep before midnight. We left a night early for another hostel with a separate gathering space and 10 pm quiet hours in the dorms. If you like a lively late-night scene, the atmosphere might suit you.

The hostel was spotless, from the beds and showers to the restroom, and I had a great time. The interior and inner garden are gorgeous, giving it more of a ryokan feel than a basic hostel. Every staff member was helpful and friendly, and made me feel welcome. Both a subway station and a JR station are a 5 minute walk away.