Book and Bed Tokyo Ikebukuro

Book lovers rejoice! Thanks to the crew behind Book and Bed, you can now snuggle up with a good book in a cosy nook smack bam in the middle of Tokyo. This little 30-bed hostel allows guests to sleep in snug little cubbies hidden behind library shelves laden with books. And with 3000 books to choose from, you get to live your wildest bookworm dreams. While it may not be the perfect accommodation to suit someone looking for lavish luxury, Book and Bed offers a very unique experience in a great location; just 5 minutes away from Ikebukuro train station.

Top Tips

• Book and Bed Tokyo is a hostel, not a hotel. So if you’re travelling as a family or want something more comfortable, Book and Bed would not be suited for you. If you are however, travelling solo or with a group of backpackers then you may like their pared back, minimal style of hospitality. Besides being quite a bit cheaper than hotels in Tokyo, the location of Book and Bed is perfect for anyone looking to spend their time exploring the city instead of chilling in their hotel room. There are only 2 types of accommodation available at Book and Bed, and the larger of the two isn’t that much bigger so you’re not really missing out if you book the smaller space.

• Because Book and Bed is a hostel type accommodation, be prepared to share your space with complete strangers. While privacy curtains are included in each bunk, they do very little to drain out noise and light. Previous guests of Book and Bed have recommended bringing with you a pair of ear plugs and a sleeping mask to help you get some peaceful rest during your stay.

• It is also worth keeping in mind that, because of space restraints, it would be very hard to accommodate large pieces of luggage in your bunks. While you are given a personal locker, it isn’t big enough to fit a tonne of luggage. So with that in mind, if you’re planning on staying at Book and Bed, it would be best to pack light. Pro tip: save room in your suitcase by leaving your books at home and reading one of the almost 3000 books available at the hostel (please keep in mind, they are not for sale).

• As a hostel, the only truly private space you’ll have is your bunk. Every other room is a common area including the bathroom, so you’ll have to be considerate of others if you are getting up in the middle of the night a lot. Previous guests have also mentioned that soap and shampoo is not provided by the hostel, so don’t forget to include these essentials when you’re packing for your trip.

• The location is definitely the piece de resistance  of Book and Bed; you literally have the entire city within walking distance. And if you’re looking to venture further, the JR Tokyo Station can be reached with a 16 minute train ride on the Marunouchi line. If you’re looking for more excitement during your stay, you’ll be happy to hear that the entertainment district Shinjuku and Shibuya can be reached with a 10 minute ride on the JR Yamanote line. Getting to Book and Bed from the Haneda Airport only takes a 10 minute bus or train ride, while getting there from Narita Airport takes a 93 minute ride via the Narita Express.