CITAN Hostel — Hotel in Tokyo

I recently stayed at CITAN Hostel in Tokyo for five nights, and it was easily one of the best hostel experiences I’ve had. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the warm hospitality and efficiency of the staff—they were always quick to assist with any requests, making my stay smooth and hassle-free.

Cleanliness & Comfort

One of the standout aspects of CITAN is its impeccable cleanliness. The dorms, bathrooms, and common areas were always spotless, and the attention to hygiene made the experience even more enjoyable. The beds are incredibly comfortable, with privacy curtains, individual reading lights, and ample storage space, ensuring a good night’s rest after a long day in Tokyo. The overall ambiance is calm and cozy, striking the perfect balance between social and private.

Great Location & Accessibility

Another major advantage of CITAN is its convenient location. It’s within walking distance of three subway stations, making it easy to get around Tokyo efficiently. Whether you're heading to major attractions or just exploring local neighborhoods, the connectivity is a huge plus.

Basement Bar & Atmosphere

One of my favorite parts of the hostel was the basement bar and café, which has a fantastic selection of food and drinks. A special shoutout to the bar chef, あおい, whose potato salad and fried chicken were absolutely delicious!

The weekend DJ nights add a lively touch, creating a fun but not overly chaotic social scene. It’s the perfect place to relax, meet fellow travelers, or simply enjoy a great meal with good music.

Overall Verdict

CITAN Hostel offers a perfect blend of comfort, cleanliness, and a vibrant atmosphere at a reasonable price. Whether you’re a solo traveler or visiting with friends, it’s a fantastic base for exploring Tokyo. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-quality hostel experience...

I have stayed at a few hostels and grew up going to middle of the woods summer camps so I don't mind common space living. I normally have a good experience at them, especially for the price/ranking but this one missed the mark. The downstairs area is super cute and everything is really well maintained; but that's where it ends.

I stayed in an 8 bedroom all female dorm and there was not enough room to open a suitcase. I understand that Japan has smaller rooms compared to the US, but I genuinely felt bad trying to open my luggage in the morning because I was having to maneuver around so many people and parts of the room.

The bathroom on my floor had three showers and three sinks. There were many toilet/sink combos but they weren't suitable for getting ready in the morning. As such, this led to long lines and people fighting over sinks in the morning to get ready. I feel like normally the hostels I go to there are proportional bathrooms for accommodations.

What really got me is that the bedrooms of the room felt... damp. There isn't really another way to describe it. It's not like there were wet towels and dirty people, but there was this smell if you left the room for a while that something wasn't clean, or there was mildew or something. Which was weird because nothing seemed particularly dirty, but nonetheless, it was enough to make me not want to stay there. I was supposed to stay there for two different parts of my trip and cancelled the second stay in lieu of a last minute hotel room where I felt comfortable showering. This isn't the worst accommodation I've ever stayed in by any means, but for the rankings and price I had higher expectations. Next time I...

I was a big fan of Backpackers Japan. I stayed at Nui. almost every time I visited Tokyo. It was always a pleasant stay, whether I was by myself, with friends, or even with family. I liked Nui. so much that I also chose Citan Tokyo sometimes and Len Kyoto when I visited Kyoto. I always had a good time, not just because of the vibe and the well-designed hostel, but also because of the staff, baristas, bartenders, and cleanliness. I usually felt comfortable, and the bar was set high by these amazing people. I even recommended Nui. to all my friends because I was that confident in the experience. Most of them loved it too.

I also visited Vista Brewery. You know, I was a BIG FAN.

However, my experience with Citan this time was TERRIBLE. The greetings from the staff were inconsistent. There were many times when I made eye contact with staff, but all I got in return were cold, indifferent looks. I don’t know what happened to the standards here, but for me, this was a goodbye forever. The vibe was awful.

I regret not listening to one of my best friends, who warned me that it wasn’t that good anymore—at least based on her experience with Citan.

On top of that, the complaints about the thin walls are VALID. We stayed in private rooms, but the walls were so thin that I could hear people talking in a normal tone next door, along with hairdryers and EVERYTHING. There was no privacy at all.

With so many good options in Tokyo with the great hospitality, I would strongly suggest reconsidering if you’re thinking of staying here—especially at Citan.

Not worth it, and I’m very...