Imano Tokyo Hostel

We stayed here at the end of a three-week backpacking trip across Japan, after trying several hostels. Sadly, it was our least favorite stop before leaving. I'd rate it around 3 to 3.5 stars, a decent enough option if the price is right. The helpful front desk team, good entrance lounge, and convenient location near much of Shinjuku, with plenty in walking distance, earn it some credit. The mattress and pillow were comfortable, the sheets were clean, the sink area had enough room, and the toilets worked. Showers usually had good pressure and hot water, though water-heater problems could send a sudden blast of cold, as the signs warned, depending on the floor. If you're young, party a lot, and don't mind grime or noise, this might suit you. For me, the dirt and smells made it hard to enjoy the place. I've backpacked for many years in different countries, including two trips to Japan far apart, and hostels have generally improved in cleanliness, comfort, and looks. This one's grime reminded me of bare-bones dives in Southeast Asia and Mexico from years ago, before hostels started improving. The walls were especially filthy, and a fresh coat of paint in each floor's common area would help a lot visually, unless the dirt is meant to be part of the look. The shoe boxes beside the elevator were probably the worst-smelling spots in the building. Opening one nearly made me throw up, though we ended up laughing about it. I kept my shoes under my bunk instead. The toilets smelled like vomit even after cleaning. It was faint at first, but didn't seem to go away. They were a bit gross, though they worked. Each floor's common space has concrete floors and walls that don't absorb sound, so you hear every conversation there from bed, and can hear everything in the bunks from the common area. Someone leaving in the night or early morning can be heard fumbling with bags, knocking into furniture, and coughing. Carpet or other noise reduction could help, though carpet probably wouldn't last. There are only two washers and dryers for the whole building, which wasn't enough, and drying a load took two hours. There was a long queue, so using a laundromat down the road may be better. The bunks have no shelves or personal storage and aren't pod-style. Pods elsewhere, including at another hostel up the road, have room for luggage, clothes, and shelves, so you can unpack and settle in. Here, it was hard to feel at home, and I wouldn't want to stay longer than necessary. When you're traveling on a shoestring or need a bed in a pinch, this place will do. It's a shame because a little more cleaning, fresh paint, more laundry machines, and more attention to comfort in both the shared and sleeping areas could make it a much better place. The staff, lounge, and location still helped its overall rating.

I was here on a group trip. The location was good, the beds were surprisingly comfortable, and the showers were good too. The dorms are really narrow with little room for luggage. You also have to make your own bed, which seems especially awkward on a top bunk and would be the last thing I wanted to deal with after arriving late. They provide just one towel and charge for another, which is inconvenient as a woman traveler who needs a towel for washing her hair. I probably wouldn't choose this hostel on my own and would look for a nicer one, but it works as a budget option.

The beds were surprisingly cozy, and the price is pretty reasonable for a budget stay. The location near Shinjuku Station also makes getting around Tokyo easy, with plenty of train and subway lines nearby. The big problem is luggage storage. There are no lockers, so everyone has to leave their bags in the shared dorm, where they end up spread around and make the room feel cluttered. Even though Japan is generally considered very safe, I didn’t feel comfortable leaving my things unattended while I slept. It’s a real drawback if you have valuables or a larger suitcase. This could work if location and price matter most, but the lack of storage affected my sense of order, personal space, and peace of mind.

Really clean and comfortable place, with attentive, friendly staff. The beds were great, and the bathrooms and kitchen were all well maintained. The location is excellent, too, so I’d happily stay again. One small issue: on our floor, there was just one men’s bathroom and one shower serving several rooms.