Ueno Station Hostel Oriental 1 - Caters to Men

This establishment is highly regarded for its prime location in the vibrant Ameyoko district and its extensive public bath and sauna facilities, making it a memorable choice for guests. Its convenient position near major transport hubs and a lively entertainment area makes it particularly well-suited for solo travelers and tourists eager to explore the city. Sauna enthusiasts will find the robust bathing options a significant draw. While the value for money is consistently praised, guests should be prepared for a bustling environment. To ensure a comfortable stay, it is advisable to bring earplugs due to potential noise, and be mindful of the public nature of the bathing facilities.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's standout feature is its comprehensive public bath and sauna area, which many guests describe as a highlight, offering a truly relaxing experience with a cold bath and sometimes a jacuzzi. These facilities are typically available for extended hours, providing ample opportunity for relaxation after a day of sightseeing. A relaxation lounge with comfortable seating and a manga corner is also available for unwinding. For convenience, coin laundry facilities are on-site, though some guests noted issues with machine availability or noise. Vending machines offer easy access to drinks and snacks. However, the presence of only one elevator can lead to significant wait times, and the lack of private showers means all guests must use the communal bathing area. A designated smoking area is present, but its proximity can lead to a faint smoke smell in other parts of the building.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed. While some guests found the capsules adequately clean and the beds comfortable enough for a good night's sleep, others reported issues such as house dust, a general sense of the building being old and not thoroughly clean, and occasional musty odors. The beds themselves, often described as having thin mattresses, were not universally praised for comfort, with some finding them hard. A recurring concern is the noise levels within the sleeping areas, stemming from snoring guests, general foot traffic, and even train noise due to the hotel's proximity to railway lines. Poor ventilation in the capsules often leads to them feeling stuffy and hot, prompting some guests to suggest bringing a mini-fan. The curtains on the capsules may not fully block out light or sound, impacting privacy and rest.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel does not offer dedicated dining facilities or in-house restaurants for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Instead, guests are encouraged to utilize the numerous restaurants and shops in the surrounding area, which are easily accessible due to the hotel's central location. A significant advantage highlighted by guests is the policy allowing outside food to be brought into the hotel, providing an economical option for meals. However, the available eating space within the hotel is noted by some as being quite limited, which can be inconvenient during busy periods. This setup means guests should plan to explore the local culinary scene for their dining needs.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, making it exceptionally convenient for exploring Tokyo. It is situated within a short walking distance of major transport hubs, including Ueno Station, Okachimachi Station, and Keisei Ueno, providing excellent connectivity across the city and to Narita Airport via the Skyliner. Guests appreciate being right in the heart of the bustling Ameyoko market, surrounded by an abundance of restaurants, shops, and vibrant nightlife options. This prime position ensures that guests have easy access to diverse dining experiences, shopping opportunities, and entertainment, making it an ideal base for tourists and those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff helpfulness and overall service are varied. While some guests praise the staff for being friendly, kind, and helpful, others report less positive interactions, citing instances of poor staff attitude, unfriendliness, or a lack of understanding, particularly for non-Japanese speakers. The check-in process is generally described as quick, but some guests encountered issues with early check-in requests being denied despite prior confirmation, and others were charged late check-out fees for minor delays. A notable point of concern for many is the key management system, which requires guests to leave their capsule key at the front desk every time they exit the hotel, leading to perceived security concerns and inconvenience. Additionally, some guests expressed unease regarding the lack of locker security in the public bath changing areas.

Additional Information
This establishment operates as a male-only facility, a detail consistently mentioned in reviews. Guests should be aware of the hotel's tattoo policy, which indicates that individuals with tattoos may be asked to leave the public bath area if other customers express discomfort. The hotel enforces a strict shoe policy, requiring guests to remove their footwear at the entrance, with designated areas for shoes and luggage, though some guests noted these areas could become disorganized. While basic amenities like towels and toiletries are provided, guests may need to purchase slippers. For those requiring documentation, it is important to request receipts in advance, as they may not be automatically provided. The building itself is described as older, reflecting its long-standing presence.