OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka by Hoshino Resorts — Hotel in Tokyo

I ended up staying here after taking a hard look at my itinerary for a recent solo trip and wondering if it would be possible to forego the nicer hotels I had stayed at in Tokyo last November (and which, as part of Japan’s excitement about welcoming tourists again, have since quadrupled in price) and instead experience a cheap, clean, cute place for the more budget-minded traveler. ||For the most part, I was right. The OMO hotels (the higher the number, the nicer it is) are owned by Hoshino, so it is still stylish and trendy, and even when corners are cut, it’s done in a way that feels modern and cool. For instance, the hotel lobby - on the fourth floor abutting a Sizzler - is decked out in a theme that references the old cable cars in Otsuka, and there are manga, vintage city pop albums and souvenirs for sale everywhere you look. Check-in is mostly automated, though staff are there to help guide you through the process. On the way to the elevators you can grab some amenities like toothbrushes/toothpaste, combs, etc and rent pajamas. In these ways - and many others, mentioned below - the hotel feels a bit like a hostel, albeit a super cute one. ||The rooms themselves are as quirky as the lobby, with a weird but hyper-designed layout: storage is along the walls to maximize the tiny space, the sink takes up half the hallway, and the majority of the room is built out like a large bunk bed: there’s a large futon style sofa on the bottom and a narrow set of steep stairs up to the loft with two small futons for sleeping, with signs urging you to be careful not to hit your head. Indeed I spent my four days there walking around bent over and trying not to accidentally die when I had to gingerly climb downstairs to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. ||The layout may have contributed to the noise above me that I suffered throughout my stay. But the heavy stomping around felt explainable when I climbed up to my own bed and had to collapse down onto the bed from the stairs in the cramped space. ||There was unfortunately also a lot of yelling and running through the hallways but that’s likely attributable to just the kind of tourists looking for a cheap place to stay in Tokyo (of which I guess I was one). ||There doesn’t seem to be a cleaning crew. So if you need anything - from new towels to dumping the tiny trash can, which is likely to fill up in a couple days due to the absence of public trash cans in Tokyo - you’ll need to ask the front desk, who pull double duty here. In fact, when my heated Toto washlet wasn’t working, two separate front desk staff came up with tools to try and fix it. Unfortunately they never were able to. However they were very helpful when I accidentally forgot my room card and were able to provide a temporary one without needing to charge me. ||Breakfast is terrific, if simple. You get a choice of an American breakfast or a variety of hearty Japanese breakfasts like salmon ochazuke and you get a small onion soup and salad, there are several teas and juices (the yuzu and honey drink was my favorite) and there were always enough tables in the small eating area. ||Each night from 8:30pm - 10:00pm, there is a “DJ Night”, which sounds more lively than it actually is. It’s really just one of the staff who plays some vintage songs from a sort of pretend DJ booth and you can dig in the “crates” for your favorite deep cuts. The crowd is mostly a few families with the kids looking confused through the record bins. But it’s really cute nonetheless. I ate my Fami-Chiki at a table one night waiting for the lobby to be transformed into a little club and finally asked the girl at the front desk politely “when does the DJ Night start?” to which she replied “this is it!”. ||The laundry situation is a throwback to college when you had two floors of students sharing two washing machines and the phenomenon of people not bothering to retrieve their clothes right away is present here so you get the whole experience. ||All in all, the OMO5 is totally worth the cheap prices and is a pared down but really cute, cool, and interestingly designed hotel. It isn’t the easiest to get back to in a taxi, as none of the drivers seem to be familiar with where it is, but the location is convenient; there’s a Family Mart across the street (of course), you’re caddy corner from the most famous onigiri place in Tokyo, and just a few blocks from the subway. Highly recommended if you’re looking for an economical and friendly...

I ended up staying here after taking a hard look at my itinerary for a recent solo trip and wondering if it would be possible to forego the nicer hotels I had stayed at in Tokyo last November (and which, as part of Japan’s excitement about welcoming tourists again, have since quadrupled in price) and instead experience a cheap, clean, cute place for the more budget-minded traveler. ||For the most part, I was right. The OMO hotels (the higher the number, the nicer it is) are owned by Hoshino, so it is still stylish and trendy, and even when corners are cut, it’s done in a way that feels modern and cool. For instance, the hotel lobby - on the fourth floor abutting a Sizzler - is decked out in a theme that references the old cable cars in Otsuka, and there are manga, vintage city pop albums and souvenirs for sale everywhere you look. Check-in is mostly automated, though staff are there to help guide you through the process. On the way to the elevators you can grab some amenities like toothbrushes/toothpaste, combs, etc and rent pajamas. In these ways - and many others, mentioned below - the hotel feels a bit like a hostel, albeit a super cute one. ||The rooms themselves are as quirky as the lobby, with a weird but hyper-designed layout: storage is along the walls to maximize the tiny space, the sink takes up half the hallway, and the majority of the room is built out like a large bunk bed: there’s a large futon style sofa on the bottom and a narrow set of steep stairs up to the loft with two small futons for sleeping, with signs urging you to be careful not to hit your head. Indeed I spent my four days there walking around bent over and trying not to accidentally die when I had to gingerly climb downstairs to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. ||The layout may have contributed to the noise above me that I suffered throughout my stay. But the heavy stomping around felt explainable when I climbed up to my own bed and had to collapse down onto the bed from the stairs in the cramped space. ||There was unfortunately also a lot of yelling and running through the hallways but that’s likely attributable to just the kind of tourists looking for a cheap place to stay in Tokyo (of which I guess I was one). ||There doesn’t seem to be a cleaning crew. So if you need anything - from new towels to dumping the tiny trash can, which is likely to fill up in a couple days due to the absence of public trash cans in Tokyo - you’ll need to ask the front desk, who pull double duty here. In fact, when my heated Toto washlet wasn’t working, two separate front desk staff came up with tools to try and fix it. Unfortunately they never were able to. However they were very helpful when I accidentally forgot my room card and were able to provide a temporary one without needing to charge me. ||Breakfast is terrific, if simple. You get a choice of an American breakfast or a variety of hearty Japanese breakfasts like salmon ochazuke and you get a small onion soup and salad, there are several teas and juices (the yuzu and honey drink was my favorite) and there were always enough tables in the small eating area. ||Each night from 8:30pm - 10:00pm, there is a “DJ Night”, which sounds more lively than it actually is. It’s really just one of the staff who plays some vintage songs from a sort of pretend DJ booth and you can dig in the “crates” for your favorite deep cuts. The crowd is mostly a few families with the kids looking confused through the record bins. But it’s really cute nonetheless. I ate my Fami-Chiki at a table one night waiting for the lobby to be transformed into a little club and finally asked the girl at the front desk politely “when does the DJ Night start?” to which she replied “this is it!”. ||The laundry situation is a throwback to college when you had two floors of students sharing two washing machines and the phenomenon of people not bothering to retrieve their clothes right away is present here so you get the whole experience. ||All in all, the OMO5 is totally worth the cheap prices and is a pared down but really cute, cool, and interestingly designed hotel. It isn’t the easiest to get back to in a taxi, as none of the drivers seem to be familiar with where it is, but the location is convenient; there’s a Family Mart across the street (of course), you’re caddy corner from the most famous onigiri place in Tokyo, and just a few blocks from the subway. Highly recommended if you’re looking for an economical and friendly...

Spending five days and four nights at OMO5 Ōtsuka by Hoshino Resorts was an outstanding experience, one that perfectly combined comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm.

Rooms & Facilities

Although the rooms are not particularly large, the design is clever and efficient. Every inch of space is thoughtfully planned, making the room feel cozy rather than cramped. The bed was soft and comfortable, ensuring restful nights after long days exploring Tokyo. The bathroom was spotless and well-equipped, with all the essentials neatly provided. From high-quality amenities to practical storage, the attention to detail made my stay feel both easy and relaxing.

Neighborhood & Convenience

One of the greatest advantages of staying at OMO5 Ōtsuka is the neighborhood itself. Ōtsuka is quiet and calm, offering a refreshing contrast to Tokyo’s busier districts such as Shinjuku or Shibuya. Despite its tranquility, it doesn’t lack convenience. Right nearby, there’s a supermarket, perfect for picking up drinks, snacks, or even fresh fruit. Local restaurants, ramen shops, and cozy izakayas are scattered around the area, making it easy to enjoy authentic Japanese meals without the crowds.

Most importantly, the hotel is located directly in front of Ōtsuka Station, which is served by the JR Yamanote Line—Tokyo’s most essential loop line. This made traveling around the city effortless. Within minutes, I could be in Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, or Ueno, and even Shibuya was just a short ride away. Having such easy access to transportation while staying in a quieter neighborhood felt like the best of both worlds.

Service & Atmosphere

The hospitality at OMO5 was exactly what one would expect from a Hoshino Resorts property—warm, thoughtful, and attentive. The staff were always welcoming, whether assisting with directions, offering local recommendations, or simply greeting guests with a smile. The hotel also offers guided walking tours around Ōtsuka, which give visitors the chance to discover the hidden charms of this often-overlooked neighborhood. It was a wonderful way to connect with the local culture.

Overall Impression

My five-day, four-night stay at OMO5 Ōtsuka was truly enjoyable and exceeded expectations. The hotel provided a perfect balance: quiet surroundings, modern comfort, and unbeatable access to Tokyo’s most important train line. Having a supermarket and plenty of dining options nearby made daily life simple and convenient, while the calm atmosphere gave me a place to recharge after exploring the bustling city.

For travelers who want to see the very best of Tokyo but also appreciate a peaceful retreat at the end of the day, OMO5 Ōtsuka is a hidden gem. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this hotel offers not just accommodation, but an experience that makes your Tokyo trip feel both comfortable...