Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Tokyo's largest backpacker hostel is as functional as you would expect. Fluent English speakers dispense tourist information 24 hours a day at the reception desk, and the early check-in (from 1pm) and late check-out times make it convenient for most travellers' schedules. The common kitchen area and 24-hour bar and café bring a little sense of community to what's otherwise a slightly impersonal (though scrupulously clean) facility, with a choice of dorms (¥2,940), twins (¥8,295) and group rooms that can sleep up to eight people. The hostel sits opposite Asakusa's creaky old Hanayashiki amusement park, a good 10 minutes' walk from the subway station.