As the Japanese are well-known for their magnificent spirit of omotenashi (hospitality) and detail-oriented nature, you will surely have the time of your life when you stay in hostels during your trip. Plus, some hostels really go the extra mile to offer travelers a sensationally unique experience, something that cannot just be found in other countries. Many seasoned backpackers, anxious to explore inquisitively all that Japan has to offer, regard the hostel largely as a place to rest for the night. But why not think of your upcoming hostel stays as a chance to gain some plenty cool experiences? Here are five quirky hostels you should check out:

Book and Bed Tokyo Longing to enjoy some respite and solitude away from the hustle and bustle of energetic Tokyo? Situated just five minutes away from the West Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station, Book and Bed Tokyo offers the perfect space for you to unwind and retire for the night. Step into its soothing room that showcases twelve bunk beds sunk into bookshelves. Check out the ceiling that is decorated with tens of books juxtaposed against a metallic grid – an aesthetically pleasing art work in itself! Also, please do not worry that you will have to observe Japanese people reading books to their heart’s content for the whole night. English-language books – including travel guides for Japan – are available among the 1,700 books, so grab one that catches your fancy. Who knows? You might just come across a book that will change your life!

Wise Owl Hostels Tokyo Animal cafes are the latest craze to sweep across Japan, so spending time at one of these cafes is definitely on most travellers’ itinerary. However, a perk-me-up session with cute, furry animals certainly does not come cheap, which is a problem for visitors travelling on a shoestring. If you are nodding along to what I have just written, fret not, for I have just the solution for you. Located in Hatchobori, East Tokyo, the Wise Owl Hostels Tokyo comes with it – you guessed it right! – a resident owl! Striking a fine figure with its bright orange eyes, beautiful brown fur and prominent ear tufts, the owl is of the Eurasian eagle-owl species. Said to be one of the largest owl species, it will definitely tug at your heartstrings with its majestic demeanour! In addition, one outer wall of this hostel is decorated with wall art by famous Japanese artist, Jun Inoue, so the inner artist in you will be tickled pink!

On The Marks Touting “bed, food and music” as its selling point, On The Marks will satiate the curiosity of night owls who love to feel the psyche of a city by soaking in homegrown beer and local music. Make your way to Kawasaki in Kanagawa prefecture which is rather accessible from the big concrete jungle of Tokyo. Revel in its homely and casual ambience as you bond over tantalizingly crafted beers proudly made by microbreweries in Kawasaki. As if this is not enough, treat your taste buds to special-seasonal beers that will fit in snugly with the atmosphere and elevate the experience of whatever season you’re facing! Also let your hair down and leave your worries behind by listening to local musicians sing their hearts at the Music Lounge.

Gojo Guesthouse How would it feel to spend some time in a traditional hundred-year building that contains a regal atmosphere? If this bit intrigues you, you might be interested in a stay at Gojo Guesthouse, a hostel that is about 15 minutes’ walk away from the World Heritage-listed Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Close the sliding paper screen that leads to your room, feel the gorgeously cool tatami floors soothe your feet and sleep on futon mattresses. A great way to live authentically like the Japanese! What’s more, it has an in-house cafe which enables you to satisfy your hunger pangs or drink yourself merry with fellow travellers!

Irori Hostel and Kitchen As its name implies, Irori Hostel and Kitchen’s competitive edge lies in its irori (traditional Japanese fireplace) and communal kitchen. Since this hostel sells vegetables from all across Japan, you get to buy them to cook your meals with fellow travellers. In the process, you just might learn something interesting about popular dishes from different parts of Japan! This emphasis on distinctive localized appeal is carried over to the design of the dormitories. Think beds that are made of timber from Shikoku island and noren, traditional Japanese curtains used to separate the bed area. All in all, an interactive way to learn about the varied cuisines and cultures in Japan.

One common characteristic of these five hostels is that they blend in other elements, be it books, animals, food and drinks, or traditional architecture, to offer visitors novel experiences and precious memories. If you do try out one of these hostels, please let us know how it went in the comment section below!