A hostel within walking distance of Ueno Park in Yanaka, a popular old-style Japanese temple town, where travelers from all over the world can gather. Here we provide a clean and relaxed place to stay.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Trendy
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese, Japanese
Location
3-3-3 Negishi, Taito 110-0003 Tokyo Prefecture
Name/address in local language
Oak Hostel Zen
260 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
I booked Oak Hostel Zen due to its proximity to a Yamanote Line station (Uguisudani Station), and our stay was excellent. We actually stayed there twice - for 6 nights at the beginning of our trip and 2 nights at the end, and thoroughly enjoyed our stay both times.
My brother and I had a twin room, and it was lovely. What I really liked about it was the fact that instead of the usual bunk-beds you find in most hostel twin rooms, it actually had two separate (very comfortable) single beds. There was enough space for luggage bags without the room feeling overly cramped, and towels were provided along with a yukata and slippers. I suppose the only mildly frustrating thing was the fact that there was only one power-point in the room, but it was hardly a deal-breaker. There was a TV, and a hair-dryer was provided for free. The bathrooms and showers (for women - men's showers were on the first floor, while the twin rooms are on the second) were super close, too.
Speaking of which, the bathrooms and showers were great. Water pressure/temperature was excellent, and shampoo/conditioner/body wash was provided for free. The bathrooms were clean and of the usual level you'd find in Japan. Quite high-tech!
The location of the hostel was also fantastic. Uguisudani Station, despite being on the popular Yamanote line, was fairly quiet, and made for a excellent base to explode Tokyo (it's super close to Ueno and Akihabara, and only ten minutes from Tokyo Station). Oak Hostel Zen was roughly two minutes from the station and very easy to find if you followed the directions provided on the hostel's website. There is a 24hr Family Mart about 50m from the hostel, so if you need anything, it's right there. There are also numerous cheap restaurants on the path to the hostel, so getting dinner was very easy. I really can't think of anything negative to say about the location - it was perfect! There's also a post-box about a minute's walk away (ask the staff for directions).
The staff were super friendly, helpful and held our bags for us both when we arrived too early to check in, and had a late flight (and didn't want to lug them around while we killed time in the city). We were also able to borrow umbrellas (for free) when it rained. The internet was also really fast and quite reliable (although there was the occasional disconnection - it returned as soon as you refreshed the wi-fi page, however). Plus, it was free!
All in all, I can't recommend this hostel enough. The next time I'm in Tokyo, I fully intend to stay here again!
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Date of stay: December 2014
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed here for 9 nights in an eight bed dorm. It was the start of my visit to Japan and I think I got lucky! The dorm was spacious and comfortable and the facilities were immaculate. I spent more time in Tokyo spending a further 10 days in a place in Ginza, but I must say I missed Ueno, and the other accommodation was not quite so comfortable. Ueno has a lot to offer and is well connected. Tokyo is an incredible city and Oak Hostel Zen was a wonderful place to get comfortable and start exploring. I have great memories of this location and hostel.
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Date of stay: March 2018
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from yosuke m, Reception at Oak Hostel Zen
Responded Jul 1, 2018
Dear Mr./Ms. Elmo Putney, Thank you for your messaging. We are happy to hear about your stay experience with us at the hostel with us. Please do come back and stay with us again during your next trip to Tokyo. We are looking very forward to have you again. Thank you. Best Regards, Oak Hostel Zen
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great location, super friendly staff that will help you with everything (Kazu you're the best) and everything was extra clean. Super comfy beds with shades in every bed and AC in every room. The bathroom was perfect and they provide soap, shampoo and conditioner. I will totally recommend to rent a bike to discover the city.
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Date of stay: September 2016Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beware all who intend to stay here! I was robbed by one of the staff members here. Having stayed in backpackers and hostels for many years, it's kind of tragic that the first time I would be robbed, would be in would be Japan.
Here's the story. In your room you will be assigned a locker. It will have your number on it. Here's what could happen, to anyone. I happened to check in quite late, so because of the dark lighting I happened to use someone else's locker, 103-3, which happened to be empty, instead of my locker, 103-1. One night passes, all good. However, next morning, the guest in 103-3 checked out. I wake up, use the locker, all good. Later that evening, I return to find that 103-3 had been cleaned out, my things gone. That's when I realised, oh crap, I was using the wrong locker, and 103-3 checked out, so they must have cleaned out the locker and moved my things behind the desk.
I check at the service desk, and as expected the person behind the counter finds my things in the office. By the hammer of Thor! I'm so lucky I think! The staff here are great! I get back to my room, check my passport wallet, and bam. All my Yen had been stolen. Everything else was untouched. They even left the Australian Dollars in there. I go back to the desk and the person behind the counter gets in touch with the staff member who moved my things.
They text back, "no, there wasn't any money in the wallet". But there was still Australian money in there. Now any shifty hostel housemate would have taken all the money. Australian Dollars, Yen, it doesn't matter, you could change it to your local currency if you were checking out and heading home.
I understand that I did use the wrong locker, but the fact is, the staff here have the master key, and can open the locker in your room at any given time you're not there. And there have been other reports of people who have had their personal belongings moved in their locker.
So that's why, no matter how clean, and how good the facilities are in this place, I can't recommend it to anyone. Because of one staff member who felt they could get away with stealing a guests money, because they thought the guest had left already.
The next morning, police arrive from the closest police box, and I spend two hours giving a statement. The day after, I have to head to the nearest police office to retrieve a police report. Staff at both places are bewildered that someone actually took my money. And they're going to get a detective involved.
So who knows, maybe this one rotten staff member will get caught out one day. And this hotel will be safe like all of the other Japanese hostels I've stayed in. Until then, if you stay here. Be careful with your things. Use the paid lockers out front, and keep your Yen safe and sound.
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Date of stay: October 2016Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My family stayed two nights in two rooms: a 4-bed family room and a 1-bed semi-double room. We found the Hostel without any trouble (a short walk from the Uguisudani station on the JR Yamanote Line; south exit from the station is most convenient). Check-in was smooth and friendly. There was no elevator, but the staff assisted us carrying our luggage up to flights to the top (3rd) floor. The 4-bed family room was spacious with plenty of room to spread out luggage; toilet and bath/shower were separated (which was nice). The 1-bed semi-double was small but not unusually so for Japan. The 3rd floor had laundry facilities (which we did not use) and the 1st floor had a well-equipped kitchen and a common dining area. We were able to borrow Hostel umbrellas on the one rainy day we had. Storing luggage after check-out was also very convenient. A grocery store is just around the corner and others nearby. There were plenty of restaurants nearby. We would not hesitate to stay there again.
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Date of stay: June 2015
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Everything about this hostel is perfect. It is centrally located. Only 5 stations from Tokyo Station (Main Hub in Tokyo for all trains) using Yamanote Line. and One station from Ueno and Nippori Stn (Both stations offer direct transfer to Narita Airport using Skyliner or Sky Limited Express). It only takes u less than 5 minutes walking from the train station to the hostel. There is another subway station (Iriya Line) also near the hostel and it took about 3 minutes or less to get there.
Next to the hostel is a convenience store called family mart which is really convenient for me to get drinks, milk, food and even groceries to cook my meal. n the area is surrounds by many shops to dine. (its local food store so it is quite cheap).
The room is very spacious, unlike the other common hostel especially the single female dormitory. the common area like the kitchen, dining, lounges also are spacious too.
I have stayed here twice and definitely will stay here again when i'm in Tokyo. n it is really value for money.
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Date of stay: March 2015
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:easy accessible
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was very hesitant when I decided to choose a hostel to stay at while I was in Japan. I was traveling alone, and wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. But because it was soo affordable, and it was a last minute trip, I decided to go for it!
The hostel is very easy to locate using the instructions that are given to you. Check in was painless. The girl at the counter helped with any questions that I had. She was even willing to carry my suitcase up the stairs. I prefer to carry my own luggage, but the offer was very generous. I stayed in the 16 Bed Female Dorm for 3 nights. Inside the room there were lockers, that you can store any valuables. You can set your own numerical code. The beds have drapes to block out any light when you are trying to sleep. I am very happy I had a bottom bunk, as the top bunks didn't have anything to block them from the lights that can be switched on and off by any guest. Each bunk also comes with your own outlet to plug your electronics, and a small reading light. The wifi was easy to connect and surprisingly fast. Which helped when I was planning my next days adventure. Within a minute walk, there is a Family Mart (I think..) so that you can buy any breakfast/late night snacks. One of the days that I was there, the girl at the front desk told me they were filming a segment for the news. So it seems like this place is getting all sorts of love!
I will definitely recommend this hostel to anyone!
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Date of stay: July 2014
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Absolutely loved this hostel. The location is conveniently situated near to Ugisudani JR station it is about a 3 minute walk. It is actually very easy to find, but going by google map (I did not have wifi) it was confusing! I wished I had the hostel's business card as the instructions were a lot clearer. I've uploaded it for you, so I hope you don't get lost like I did :) As Ugisudani is on the JR inner loop you don't have to worry about getting lost and exchanging as this route circulates going pass hot spots like Shinjuku and Shibuya.
It is close to Ueno Park about 10-15 minutes walk away. This is a place to explore if you want to go to museums, see some temples, walk the lotus garden, and visit the zoo. All this is conveniently located in this area. If you walk a little further through the park (to the opposite end of the museums) you can do some shopping in the markets which is located in the streets on the opposite side of the main road.
Asakusa is also in walkable distance approximately 20-25 minutes walk. You will find Sensoji temple, and many places to eat and shop. There is also a little rides park for children, too.
This place has a very modern zen feel, it is very clean and comfortable. There is an ample amount of showers, and toilets. Excellent kitchen facilities, and good laundry facilities. I have no complaints but just to let you know the Wifi unfortunately is only available in the rooms. I stayed in the single bed dorms, and I didn't regret it. Plenty of space for my luggage and the beds were really comfy. There were enough sockets for charging, too. Lockers are provided for each person. You can't fit your backpack in, but it's good enough for things you want to lock away. During my stay everyone respected time out and kept the volume to the minimum which made the stay very pleasant.
There is a 24hour convenience store around the corner so in case you have the nibbles you don't have to worry.
The staff were very professional, friendly, organised and highly efficient. I arrived early and they allowed me to check in early as my bed was ready. I had problems with my locker and they resolved that quickly by allocating me an alternative bed and locker (Lockers are allocated according to be. Bed allocation is strict and must be adhered to). The staff were able to answer my queries in regards to places to visit and there are ample guides and maps for your information. I was also allowed to leave my luggage on my check out day to collect later.
I must say I was very impressed. Price vs performance this place is value for money. I will definitely come here again.
Enjoy your stay and keep this place nice ^_^
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Date of stay: August 2014
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:single dorm rooms
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stayed there for 2 nights in female dormitory. The place location was good, near uguisudani station only one station from nippori easy to access from airport. the price was reasonable. the facilities was superb, locker, baggage room, kitchen, face cleanser, lotion, hair dryer and common area.
The staffs were friendly and put an effort to solve guests's problem right away. What I like the most was there were clear house rules of not using hair dryer after 10.30 pm and mind other guests by keep quiet after 11 pm.
There was no shopping place or drugstore around the hotel but many local restaurants with low price and a supermarket.
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Date of stay: February 2017
Value
Rooms
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
Room Tip:the stair to upper bed was small and slippery, better stay at the lower bed
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A great location with easy access to Uguisudani station. The staff is very helpful and can accommodate English speaking guests. I have included photos of the female dorm of single beds as I found the photos on the internet inadequate in describing the room.
There was some mold in the bathroom shower area of those room, but nothing that would deter me from using it. There are other showers available as well.
There is a 7Eleven around the corner fort travels needing an ATM with no fees.
I would definitely stay here again.
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Date of stay: November 2016Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello there,
Thank you for your message.
Regarding your inquiry, there is private bathroom and toilet inside the semi-double room but not double room.
Therefore, double room guest are required to use the shared bathroom and toilet located outside of the room.
Thank you.
Best Regards,
Oak Hostel Zen
Nagano
Hello there Dwayne,
Thank you for your message.
Regarding your inquiry, the storage lockers for dormitory are not big enough to fit in a suitcase but we can store them for you in our storage room.
And we are able to help you with sending the luggage to your next destination. However, we cannot give you a fixed figure for the price of the delivery as it differ according to weight and size of your luggage.
Thank you.
Best Regards,
Oak Hostel Zen
Hello
Thank you for asking.
Yes, we can keep your suitcase before check-in and after check-out for free.
We have storage room with lock.
Our reception open from 6am to 1am so you can come between that time.
If you have any question, please feel free to ask.
best regards
Oak hostel ZEN
Hitomi
There are more places to choose from in the Taito area.
LOCATION
JapanKantoTokyo PrefectureTokyoTaitoUeno, Asakusa
NUMBER OF ROOMS
27
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