Tokyo Central Youth Hostel

I stayed here on my first visit to Tokyo about 13 years ago. I probably looked it up on Lonely Planet at the time. Had no idea what’s in Iidabashi and didn’t know where to food in the area, with my 3 other non-​Japanese friends, we were totally lost in Tokyo.
2 years ago, I had a friend’s niece visiting Tokyo and was asking for cheap recommendation. I searched for youth hostel for her and found this place.
I took me a while to realise that this youth hostel was the one I stayed in yonks ago and that I actually now work only 5 mins from it!
I would go have lunch and run errands in Ramla (in the same building) and I had thought it looked familiar but it just didn’t click until I googled Tokyo Central Youth Hostel!
Now that I know Iidabashi and Kagurazaka like the back of my hand, I see how convenient this youth hostel is. It’s not the cheapest of youth hostels but it’s still only just under 4,000yen per night and it has all the facilities you’ll need.
When my friend’s niece arrived, I followed her up here just to check it out. Nothing has changed, very 80’s, with the grey carpet and beige walls. Simple common room area with colourful chairs where you can access free wifi. There are volunteers at the reception ready to help out with directions, maps and all sorts of tourist information.
It’s close to Budokan, the famous concert hall, near the Imperial Gardens and the lovely Kagurazaka.
And how many youth hostels gives you an aweseom view of Tokyo? Not many are in central Tokyo and on the 18^th floor. You might have to share a bunk bed with a stranger but you’ll get a beautiful view like any 5 star hotels.