Shibuya is one of the most vibrant cities in Tokyo, a hub for young people, full of trendy stores, restaurants, bars, party clubs, and much more. It’s also one of the most popular choices for tourists to stay, with easy access to Narita airport and a variety of different accommodations.

From the famous Japanese capsule hotels to luxury hotels with incredible views of the city, there is a wide variety of options for all tastes and budgets. Among so many options, it can be difficult to choose one. We recently stayed at Hotel Graphy Shibuya, which just opened in March 2024, a perfect mix between design hotel and hostel, and in this article I would like to introduce the hotel and give my honest opinion.

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Hotel Graphy Shibuya

Hotel Graphy Shibuya is the newest opening of Lively Hotels, and the second under the Hotel Graphy brand. Lively Hotels, by Global Agents, has a total of 12 hotels currently in different cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, Naha, Fukuoka and Sapporo, with 6 different distinctive brands.

A fusion between a hostel and a luxury but youthful hotel, Hotel Graphy is a hostel with an urban atmosphere where travelers from all over the world and locals can easily interact. Following the success of Hotel Graphy Nezu, and with Japan’s tourism revival, Hotel Graphy Shibuya has opened its doors in the heart of Tokyo.

Located between Shibuya and Ebisu stations, Hotel Graphy Shibuya is a budget-friendly accommodation that offers different types of rooms, from shared dormitory to private room and several services, such as a bar and restaurant with delicious dishes and unique cocktails, lounge and terrace, coin laundry and more.

The interior of the hotel is designed inspired by the old Shibuya train line, with old photos in the corridors. If you look closely at the ceiling in the corridors, reception and restaurant, you can see two very thin lines of light reminiscent of train tracks.

Keeping up with modern trends, at Hotel Graphy, you can complete the entire process using your mobile phone: from booking to check-in and check-out, to communicating with the staff via chat.

Restaurant & Bar: Graphic Grill & Bar

On the first floor past the reception we find the hotel’s restaurant and bar, where they serve special dishes and drinks of their own creation.

For meals, we have four menus inspired by modern American cuisine: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. The dishes have been carefully designed by their chef, and are a perfect mix between a detailed presentation and delightful taste.

Behind the bar, their experienced bartender has created original and delicious cocktails, which pair perfectly with the food. They also have their own original IPA craft beer that you can either drink there or take home as a souvenir or a present to someone.

Free Beer Time

Yes, you read right. At Hotel Graphy Shibuya’s bar you can drink for free! In the evening they have free beer time, so you can enjoy a beer before going to explore Shibuya night!

Common Areas

Lounge & Terrace

Located on the top floor (7th floor), the lounge is open 24/7, with complimentary beverage service including a selection of teas and coffees and other hot beverages, flavored water and chilled eñe. There is also a billiards table where guests are free to play, and a terrace with tables where they can sit and have a drink.

Laundromat

Next to the hotel there is a coin laundry service open 24 hours a day.

Rooms

There are mainly three types of rooms available.

Superior Double Room

This is a larger and more luxurious room, with private shower and bathroom. Ideal for those who are looking for an economical option where they can socialize in common spaces, but prefer to have more privacy in the room.

This type of room also has a small sofa and table-desk, so digital nomads or remote workers also have a space in which to work more calmly and quietly.

Private Room

A room a little smaller than the superior room, without sofa and with shared bathrooms. Ideal for those who do not want to sleep with other people but do not mind sharing bathrooms and showers. The room has a small sink for basic things like brushing your teeth and washing your face.

Dormitory

A dormitory for 6 people, with 3 bunk beds and shared bathrooms and showers. At the entrance there are small cabins to store valuables and private things.

Rental Items

On the second floor next to reception you will find different amenities that you can take freely. But something that I personally loved about Hotel Graphy and the Lively Hotels hotel chain is that they have different items to rent for free. From a variety of board games to workout materials like a yoga blanket and dumbbells, or even a Nintendo Switch.

One of the most popular rental items is aroma oils, and for Graphy Shibuya hotel they have created their own 3 original scents. You can try them in the first floor and choose your favorite one.

My Experience at Hotel Graphy Shibuya

I arrived at the hotel around 17:30, and since I had already checked in online with my mobile phone, the process was very quick and simple. I dropped off my belongings in my room and went to dinner at the restaurant. I loved both the dinner and the cocktails, and when the bar closed, we spent some time in the lounge having tea and playing billiards.

After spending a good time, it was time to head back to the room to enjoy some space and rest. I was able to get some work done using the desk in the room.

One of the things I wanted to try the most was to borrow the yoga blanket and dumbbells, to be able to do some exercises and stretches in my room before bed and the next morning before breakfast. I tend to go to the gym regularly, and when I travel away if it’s too many days one of the things I worry about is skipping my workout. And not only me, nowadays more and more people are going to the gym or exercising daily, concerned about their health. So I think that being able to borrow this type of equipment at the hotel is a very good initiative.

I had to go to the front desk a couple of times, and the staff was very nice and friendly at all times, and spoke fluent English.

In the morning, I was able to enjoy an amazing breakfast. There were three options to choose from, and I opted for the Benedict eggs. There were also self-service drinks (coffee, tea, etc) and light soup. A very complete breakfast, perfect to take energy for a long day of work afterwards (or for visiting the city, in your case!).

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If you are not sure what type of accommodation fits more to you, find the perfect lodging experience for you with our Japan Accommodation Guide! Including hotels and traditional Ryokan

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