Centurion Ladies Hostel Ueno Park (Female Only)

My first stay in a pod or capsule hotel went really well. The pod has plenty of room once you're inside. Staff were accommodating, helpful, and very friendly. The shared spaces were good, and the toilets and showers were clean and roomy. We enjoyed staying here and would recommend it.

The kitchen made my three-night stay especially useful. I didn't want to spend too much eating out or keep relying on convenience-store food, so it was nice to bring my own ingredients and cook, or shop at nearby supermarkets. The bed was really comfortable and clean, and the bathroom and powder room were clean too. There was enough room to move around freely, unlike some cramped hostels that can feel claustrophobic. I'd stay here again for a longer visit to Tokyo.

Each floor is one large shared room, with no smaller rooms holding just a few beds. People may still be moving their things around from 10 p.m. until midnight, so bring earplugs if you sleep lightly. The common room is on the 7th floor. The place is clean and comfortable, and the location is very good. If you're used to Western hostels, the quiet, keep-to-yourself atmosphere might catch you off guard. But smile and say hello, and people are friendly and happy to respond.

The staff are accommodating and speak English fluently. The hotel is clean, comfortable, and easy to reach: about eight minutes on foot from the train station, five from Ueno Park, and ten from the University of Tokyo. Guests do have to take their shoes off in the hallway, which I didn't like. It's a good way to save money, and I'd recommend it for solo travelers.