Book Tea Bed AZABU-JUBAN

Some practical things to know: the mixed dorm beds don't lock and aren't separated from noise, just closed with a curtain. You might get a bed with the entrance at the side or at the foot, and the latter could be harder to climb into if you have mobility issues. On the second floor, one bunk ladder partly blocked the bathroom door, which was frustrating; a larger person might have trouble getting through. There's no individual AC for each bed, so you can't set your own temperature. The showers are on the ground floor by reception and the lounge, so you have to go down the outside stairs. There are toilets and sinks in each sleeping room. On the plus side, that means no one is showering right next to you late at night. I enjoyed the rest of the stay. The room was comfortable to sleep in and stayed cool during the hot days from late July to early August. Guests were considerate and quiet, so noise wasn't an issue. Each room has a keycode lock, which was convenient. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well maintained. Although the room sleeps 10, I think there were never more than about five people while I was there, so it didn't feel crowded, noisy, or unsafe, and the showers and bathrooms were always available.

The library-style room, full of books and mangas, is the one I'd suggest choosing. The place was half full when we visited in early September, but I think it would feel a little too crowded if full. It's fine for a stop of one or two nights. There are two showers for what I believe is about 18-20 people, and shower amenities cost extra, unlike at other places we've stayed. We arrived outside check-in hours and nobody might have been at the counter, so we waited 20 minutes. Eventually a staff member came to help and let us leave our luggage. She was very friendly and spoke good English, unlike the other staff, whose English wasn't as good and who weren't particularly friendly.

The staff were nice, and the room was quiet and pretty, with a comfortable bed. Only the shower on the 1st floor was working while I was there, but that was still okay. It felt a bit expensive for a hostel, though I guess that's just how it is in Japan, right in the exact center of the city.

There are plenty of books to pick up when you have some downtime, and the place has a calm feel that made it easy to unwind. The service was good, too. It’s handy for getting around, with two stations and several convenience stores within a 10-minute walk. Some rooms also have a view of Tokyo Tower.