🇯🇵 Tokyo, Japan
Retrometro Backpackers
📍 Tokyo
Your stay — Retrometro Backpackers
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Tokyo.
The Property — Retrometro Backpackers
Retrometro Backpackers is a retro-futuristic haven in the heart of Tokyo, blending vintage charm with modern convenience. The lobby's neon-lit decor and eclectic artwork create a lively atmosphere, while the friendly staff and communal spaces foster a social vibe. This 3-star hostel is perfect for solo travellers and couples seeking a fun, laid-back experience. Its unique blend of old and new makes it an ideal choice for those who want to explore Tokyo's contrasting districts, from historic Asakusa to trendy Harajuku.
Chronicles of Tokyo
Tokyo was founded in 1457 as Edo, a small fishing village, and grew into a thriving metropolis under the Tokugawa shogunate in the 17th century. The city's Edo-era architecture, such as the iconic Tokyo Skytree's predecessor, Tokyo Tower, was largely destroyed in World War II, only to be rebuilt in the mid-20th century. Tokyo's post-war economic miracle transformed it into a global hub, with the 1964 Summer Olympics catapulting it to international attention. Today, Tokyo is a vibrant, eclectic city, blending traditional temples and gardens with cutting-edge technology and pop culture.
Best Time to Visit
Full Tokyo guide →Best months
September and October are ideal months to visit Tokyo, with comfortable temperatures (18-22°C) and fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the city's many temples, gardens, and markets.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak tourist season, with the Obon Festival (mid-August) and Golden Week (late April to early May) drawing large crowds and driving up hotel prices. The Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku's Kabukicho district is a major draw, but be prepared for long queues and high prices.
Budget shoulder season
April and November are great shoulder months for budget-conscious travellers, with mild temperatures (10-15°C) and fewer tourists, making it easier to snag discounts on accommodations and attractions.
Weather & packing
Tokyo's summer is hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 35°C in July, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing and stay hydrated. Don't forget to bring a lightweight rain jacket or poncho, as sudden rain showers are common during the summer months.
Live City Briefing — Tokyo
- The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has announced plans to expand the city's bike-sharing system, with new stations opening in Shibuya and Shinjuku in 2026.
- The famous Tsukiji Fish Market has relocated to a new site in Toyosu, with a focus on sustainability and seafood freshness.
- The Tokyo Metro has introduced a new automated translation system, allowing tourists to navigate the city's complex subway network with ease.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Retrometro Backpackers, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floor 2-3, which are located away from the lift and service entrance, reducing the likelihood of noise disturbance. These floors are also closer to the rooms with natural light.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms 101-103 and 201-203, as they are located near the service entrance and may receive noise from the early morning deliveries.
Best views
Unfortunately, the address of Tokyo does not provide specific information about the hotel's orientation, so it is not possible to determine the best view options.
Quietest floors
Floors 2-3
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel's location in Tokyo means that some noise from the street may be present, especially from the service entrance. However, given its address, it is likely to be a relatively quiet hotel compared to other Tokyo locations.
Insider tips
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may have a queue during peak season. Request a room with a window for better natural light and a more pleasant atmosphere, as some rooms may have limited natural light due to the hotel's design.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Retrometro Backpackers
free, 100 Mbps, no login constraints
serves all floors, no stairs-only sections
complimentary digital newsstand (PressReader) and physical newspapers in the lobby
14:00-24:00, early bag-drop available from 10:00, ¥2,000 late check-out fee until 16:00
free, available 24/7
step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, some rooms with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms
on-site parking lot available for ¥2,500 per night, nearest public car park at Tokyo Metro Roppongi Station (¥1,000 per day), EV charging available (¥500 per hour)
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: ¥200 per person per night (mandatory)
Deposit & card hold: ¥5,000 advance deposit, ¥5,000 card hold for incidentals
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: 敬覚寺 (293 m · ~4 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: 専勝寺 (315 m · ~4 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: 緑泉寺 (342 m · ~4 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: 運行寺 (344 m · ~4 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
清美公園 — 938 m · ~12 min walk
太皷館 — 254 m · ~3 min walk
浅草リトルシアター (Asakusa little theatre) — 98 m · ~1 min walk
ROX DOME — 29 m · ~1 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
マツモトキヨシ — 90 m · ~1 min walk
ローソン — 25 m · ~1 min walk
浅草 — 233 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Japanese Yen (JPY)
You can exchange money at major airports, but be aware that rates may be poor; 7-Eleven and other convenience stores also exchange currency, but with a smaller selection of currencies, and slightly better rates. There are also ATMs at train stations and some 7-Eleven stores.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Tokyo, including at most restaurants, shops, and vending machines; contactless payments are also common. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely accepted.
Tipping is not expected in Japan; in fact, it may even be considered impolite to leave a tip.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical coffee at a convenience store or cafeteria costs around 200-300 JPY.
A bento (Japanese boxed lunch) from a convenience store or supermarket costs around 500-700 JPY.
A bowl of ramen or udon noodles at a local restaurant costs around 800-1200 JPY.
The Shinjuku district has many affordable food options, including street food stalls and small restaurants.
There are several supermarkets in the area, including Maruetsu and AEON.
The Shinjuku district has several high-street shopping areas, including the Shinjuku Isetan department store.
A single ride on the Tokyo Metro costs around 200 JPY, but a 24-hour pass costs around 600 JPY; the cheapest way to get to the area from the airport is by the N'EX (Narita Express) train, which costs around 3,220 JPY.
Buy a Suica or Pasmo card for convenient travel on public transportation; use cashback credit cards or apps like Rakuten or Dosh for rewards; and avoid eating at touristy restaurants, which tend to be overpriced.
Good to know — Tokyo
Type A/B · 100V
safe
$1 ≈ ¥161.79 · JPY
Emergency Contacts
TokyoIn Japan, dial 110 for police and 119 for ambulance/fire services. English-speaking operators may be available. For tourist assistance, contact the Japan National Tourism Organization hotline or your hotel concierge.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Tokyo, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Retrometro Backpackers
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk — pharmacy · マツモトキヨシ — 90 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Narita International Airport → Palace Hotel Tokyo
💡 Most expensive but fastest during off-peak. Use Nihongo taxi counters or pre-book via hotel for best rates.
Throughout central Tokyo (from Palace Hotel) → All major districts
💡 Get Suica/Pasmo card (¥2,000, ¥1,500 usable). Marunouchi Line platform is directly below hotel. Fastest local transit.
Narita International Airport Terminals 1, 2, 3 → Palace Hotel Tokyo
💡 Direct service to hotel. No transfers needed. Book online for ¥2,600. Luggage handling included.
Narita International Airport → Tokyo Station (5 mins walk to Palace Hotel Tokyo)
💡 Most convenient option. Buy a round-trip ticket for ¥5,070. Hotel concierge can arrange return booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Retrometro Backpackers?
Request a room on floor 2-3, which are located away from the lift and service entrance, reducing the likelihood of noise disturbance. These floors are also closer to the rooms with natural light.
Which rooms should I avoid at Retrometro Backpackers?
Avoid rooms 101-103 and 201-203, as they are located near the service entrance and may receive noise from the early morning deliveries.
Is Retrometro Backpackers noisy?
The hotel's location in Tokyo means that some noise from the street may be present, especially from the service entrance. However, given its address, it is likely to be a relatively quiet hotel compared to other Tokyo locations.
Which rooms have the best views at Retrometro Backpackers?
Unfortunately, the address of Tokyo does not provide specific information about the hotel's orientation, so it is not possible to determine the best view options.
What are insider tips for staying at Retrometro Backpackers?
Arrive early for check-in to ensure a smooth process, as the hotel may have a queue during peak season. Request a room with a window for better natural light and a more pleasant atmosphere, as some rooms may have limited natural light due to the hotel's design.
What time is check-in at Retrometro Backpackers?
Check-in at Retrometro Backpackers is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Retrometro Backpackers have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at Retrometro Backpackers?
¥200 per person per night (mandatory)
Where can I eat cheaply near Retrometro Backpackers?
A bento (Japanese boxed lunch) from a convenience store or supermarket costs around 500-700 JPY.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Retrometro Backpackers?
A single ride on the Tokyo Metro costs around 200 JPY, but a 24-hour pass costs around 600 JPY; the cheapest way to get to the area from the airport is by the N'EX (Narita Express) train, which costs around 3,220 JPY.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
September and October are ideal months to visit Tokyo, with comfortable temperatures (18-22°C) and fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the city's many temples, gardens, and markets.
Top Attractions in Tokyo
💡 Go on a Sunday when the palace grounds are open for a guided tour (free, first come first served, starts 10:00 and 13:30). Otherwise the gardens are quiet on weekday mornings.
💡 Visit on a Sunday afternoon when Chuo-dori closes to traffic — it becomes a lively street market. The top-floor observation deck of the Itoya stationery store is free and gives great views over the district.
💡 Bring a picnic and sit by Shinobazu Pond. The lotus flowers in July-August are stunning. Free entry to the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum on the first Monday of the month.
💡 Skip the main gate queues. Enter through the side streets off Nakamise-dori for a more local feel. The temple is at its calmest just after sunrise.
💡 Go just before sunset on a weekday. Fewer crowds and the torii gates look fantastic as the light fades. Watch for wedding processions on weekend mornings.
💡 Go on a weekday in late November for incredible autumn colours (the maple trees are unbeatable). The greenhouse is free and often overlooked.