UNPLAN Shinjuku – Hostel

The room itself was the main problem. We were in a shared four-pod room, and the mattresses felt very thin, with the springs more noticeable than the padding. The pillows were flat and offered little support. There was also a lot of dust, especially above the air ducts, which looked as though they hadn’t been cleaned in years. Turning on the AC sent visible dust through the room, and there was mould on the shared bathroom ceiling. Since I’m allergic to dust mites and mould spores, that made the stay uncomfortable. There were good points too. Check-in went smoothly, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the kitchen and shared areas were nice for this kind of place. The location was good, and even the people at the 7-Eleven across the road were lovely. The cleanliness and bedding really need work.

The female dorm worked so well for me that I’d happily stay there again. I spent a week there, and the whole place had a great feel. The bed area was cozy but had plenty of room for my packing cubes and other things. It felt clean and safe, and the showers always had hot water. Breakfast was convenient and nice. I wanted to be near Shinjuku, but also close to a smaller station so I wouldn’t have to cross Shinjuku every time. That worked out perfectly. The neighborhood was pleasant, with lots of cool bars a short walk away. Of the places I stayed on this trip, this was my favorite hostel.

I stayed in the mixed dorm in March 2026. There’s a removable-key safe in every bunk, and each floor uses a PIN code for access. The beds and rooms were clean, and the bathrooms spotless. Breakfast was free, with a nice variety. It’s reasonably close to most Shinjuku attractions, and I’d recommend it to travelers on a low to mid-range budget.

The bathrooms and showers were clean, and there’s a 7-11 across the street with a Family Mart a block away. The private room was spacious, but it had a musty smell, so I kept the fan running day and night. The sheets had stains, and the bedding didn’t feel very clean. For an expensive hostel, the breakfast was rather limited. I’d expected a TV in the private room, but there wasn’t one. It’s also not close to Shinjuku Station. Next time I’d rather stay in a love hotel.