Hatchi Share Hostel

One of the trendiest options in the city, Hatchi is the hostel counterpart of the very fancy Kumu Hotel, which is a little further in town.

Offering capsule-style dorms and some private rooms, it is a good choice for groups, couples or solo travelers and is designed to fit pretty much any combination.

The beds are very comfortable, the bunks come with a locker inside and a decent amount of space too. The private rooms are a mix of bunks and Japanese-style rooms (that still have a Western bed)—some have private bathrooms and some are shared. The group rooms have their own seating space and tea/coffee making facilities and are fairly spacious (for a Japanese hotel)

There are some odd design choices. For example, the dorm showers are in the basement, meaning you have to take the elevator down (with potential stops in the cafe along the way), but there are sinks and bathrooms on the upper floors (and showers for the private rooms).

There’s a kitchen in the basement too with plenty of cooking space, toaster ovens and microwaves along with everything you need to cook and serve a meal. The cafe upstairs means they don’t offer any tea or coffee which is a tad mean as it’s becoming standard these days, but if you pick up your own there’s at least a kettle.

They do offer a Japanese-style breakfast which requires a reservation the day before (they’ll ask when you check in) and has a limited number, with some dinner options available in the cafe too.

Luggage can be stored (in a proper storage room) either before you check in or after you check out. While it’s a bus ride (or a long walk with luggage) from the station, he hostel is right next to the Higashi Chaya and Kazuemachi Chaya Districts along with a decent smattering of museums.

It’s a 10-minute walk to the castle park and gardens but is a bit of a trek to the downtown area where most of the restaurants are. Luckily it’s close to a couple of Loop bus stops and a Machinori bike station though so you can see which transport option suits you best!