Bunka Hostel Tokyo
"How did it strike you on arrival?Asakusa is home to some pretty fly openings these days. Bunka, with its super-clean aesthetic, is one of them. The brick façade, painted a silvery gray, buffed up what used to be a shabby office building. The ground floor entrance is actually an izakaya, but it could easily moonlight as a WeWork with its spare design (long communal tables, nimble stools, and tiny potted plants). If it weren't for the tiled floor pattern—large white circles backdropped in gray—you could easily call this place spotless. What’s the crowd like?It caters to a cleaner-cut crowd of backpackers seeking rest (and perhaps not a place to rest their dreadlocks). The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The standard bunks are clean and clever. At low-effort hostels, you're often trapped in a staring contest with the exposed bunkmate just across from you. But Bunka's stacked, fully enclosed capsules allowed designers to reposition each entrance so they don’t line up with the adjacent bunk. In short, no more awkward, direct eye contact. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed is comfortable, and there's more space than a typical bunk. The setup is pretty sturdy, too, made of blonde wood and white-painted steel, each with a lightbox and electric outlets. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?Hostels can be stingy, especially when towels are involved. But here, there's a fresh towel placed on each bunk every day—which is refreshing. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms are all-white: Floors, walls, ceilings, sinks, and even the hanging pendant bulbs put off a bright white glow. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Free, fast, and reliable enough that any millennial can stream their heart out without leaving their bunk. Room service: Worth it?Food is all downstairs in the lobby’s izakaya. It's great if you're on a liquid diet, because Asahi pours are cheap here. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?There's a tiny communal kitchen that sadly keeps with the minimal aesthetic: It's equipped with the bare minimum. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Hostels aren't for everyone, but for clean freaks, Bunka offers an option." - Keith Flanagan
