Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, with many interesting sights, varied nightlife, shopping areas and places to visit. So knowing where to stay in Tokyo isn't easy for those travelling to Japan's capital for the first time.
Each neighbourhood in Tokyo has its own unique characteristics, which travellers should consider when it comes to accommodation. What's more, as the city is large, it's important to have easy access to public transport.
One of the first things you should know before choosing a neighbourhood to stay in in Tokyo is to give preference to places where the Yamanote railway line runs.
This line forms a circle in the most central part of the city, making it easy to get to any of the city's attractions.
Using public transport is something that all travellers do in Tokyo, because the metro and trains are high-quality, fast and much more worthwhile than taxis, which are very expensive for those travelling to Japan.
Below you'll find details of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Tokyo, with suggestions for good value hotels for a range of budgets!
Where to stay in Tokyo? Best Neighbourhoods
Shinjuku;
Tokyo Station;
Akasaka;
Shibuya;
Ginza;
Shiodome;
Roppongi;
Disney Tokyo.
At the end of this post, you'll find a map of Tokyo with the 8 neighbourhoods we'll mention below, as well as hotels and hostels.
Where to stay in Tokyo in Shinjuku?
The best neighbourhood to stay in Tokyo is Shinjuku, especially for first-time visitors.
Shinjuku is a bustling area with shops of all kinds, many restaurants and places to visit.
The iconic Tokyo scenes of neon-lit streets, lots of movement and young people are all part of Shinjuku. The western part of Shinjuku Station is the most recommended for all audiences.
In fact, a great advantage of staying in Shinjuku is the easy access to public transport, due to Shinjuku Station and the Yamanote line.
When it comes to hotels in Shinjuku, there are many different types of accommodation, but quality hotels are not cheap, which is a common occurrence in the city. However, we managed to find even cheap hotels in Tokyo in this neighbourhood.
Check out our selection of hotels in Shinjuku for different budgets, including budget travellers.
Best hotels in Tokyo in Shinjuku
Accommodation at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku
UNPLAN ShinjukuUNPLAN Shinjuku is a dormitory bed with a daily rate from US$25. UNPLAN Shinjuku is one of the best hostels in Tokyo, with beds with curtains in the dormitories, good communal areas, as well as a kitchen and breakfast. Guests also praise the good location, close to many restaurants. Another hostel option in the same area is the Imano Tokyo Hostel.
If you're looking for more options across the city, check out these Hotel deals in Tokyo at tokyo-hotels-stay.com. They have a wide selection of accommodations to suit every preference and budget.
Royal Hotel ShinokuboThe Royal Hotel Shinokubo is a well-located cheap hotel in Tokyo. This hotel stands out for its price and also for having good-sized rooms, making it a find in this part of the city.
IBIS Tokyo ShinjukuIBIS Tokyo Shinjuku: double room from US$ 75. IBIS Tokyo Shinjuku is an extremely well-located accommodation, ideal for those looking for an international chain hotel at a good price.
Another recommendation would be the Belmont Hotel Tokyo. This hotel is known for its comfortable rooms and excellent service, providing a relaxing stay for its guests.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-ShinjukuDaiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku : double room from US$ 100. The Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku is a modern hotel in Shinjuku, with well-decorated rooms and great facilities, ideal for the discerning Western traveller. In the same price range is the Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku which focuses on traditional Japanese-style accommodation.
For those willing to splurge on a luxury stay, you can also Book Top Rated Hotels in Tokyo at tophotels.com. They offer a curated list of the best hotels in the city to ensure an unforgettable travel experience.
Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower: double room with rates starting from US$ 185. The Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower has large rooms and is very close to Shinjuku Station.
Park Hyatt TokyoPark Hyatt Tokyo: double room from US$ 475. The Park Hyatt Tokyo is a Western-style luxury hotel in Tokyo.
Where to stay near Tokyo Station?
For many travellers, the area around Tokyo Station is the best place to stay.
Indeed, for those who only have a few days in the city, staying in this area makes it easier to get around, but you lose the atmosphere that travellers are looking for in the capital.
In the vicinity of Tokyo Station, there are attractions such as the Imperial Palace, as well as plenty of restaurants and nearby shopping areas.
But if you have several days in Tokyo, it's worth thinking about a more interesting neighbourhood that isn't so empty at weekends. This is because this area is very commercial.
As far as hotels near the station are concerned, there are many good ones. But if you're looking for budget hotels in Tokyo, it's best to stay north of the station, in the Kanda area.
In fact, in our selection of hotels below, the cheapest accommodation is north of the station, while the high-end hotels are very close to it.
Check out the best value hotels near Tokyo Station below:
Best hotels near Tokyo Station
Accommodation at Belken Hotel Kanda
Backpacker's Mini HouseBackpacker's Mini House: dormitory bed from US$25. Backpacker's Mini House is a family-run hostel located near Kanda Station, just north of Tokyo Station. This hostel is ideal for those looking for a cheap place to stay in Tokyo, but in a cosy and quiet environment.
CITAN HostelCITAN Hostel: dormitory beds from US$25. CITAN Hostel is another excellent hostel north of Tokyo Station. It's a large hostel with lots of accommodation, including private rooms.
ICI HOTEL Kanda by RELIEFICI HOTEL Kanda by RELIEF is a cheap hotel in Tokyo, ideal for those looking for basic but well-located accommodation. In the same price and quality range is the UNIZO INN Tokyo Kandaeki-West.
Belken Hotel KandaThe Belken Hotel Kanda is a budget hotel in Tokyo that is highly praised for the quality of its accommodation, even though the rooms are not large. The location is also excellent. In the same price range is the Comfort Hotel Tokyo Higashi Kandawhich follows the Western hotel style.
Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo: double room with rates starting from US$110. The Ryumeikan Tokyo Hotel is close to Tokyo Station and has rooms of varying sizes, some small and others medium. The quality of service is highly praised.
Marunouchi Hotel: double room with rates starting from US$230. The Marunouchi Hotel is also well located and its rooms are large.
Oakwood Premier Tokyo: studio with rates from US$ 310. Oakwood Premier Tokyo has studios with full kitchens and beautiful decor. Studios are often sought after by families with children due to their comfort, making them a good option for where to stay in Tokyo.
The Tokyo Station HotelLocated next to Tokyo Station, The Tokyo Station Hotel is a luxury hotel in Tokyo that appeals to those looking for classic European decor. There's even a French restaurant in the hotel.
Where to stay in Tokyo in Akasaka?
Akasaka is another good neighbourhood to stay in Tokyo, but the Yamanote line doesn't run through it. However, there is a metro that makes it easy to visit Tokyo's tourist attractions.
To stay in some cheap hotels in Tokyo in Akasaka, the tip is to choose hotels close to the metro stations, which are essential for getting around.
The big advantage of staying in Akasaka is the quality of the hotels compared to the price. In other words, it' s easier to find good value hotels in Akasaka than in other Tokyo neighbourhoods.
Check out our selection of great hotels in Akasaka for different budgets below:
Best Tokyo hotels in Akasaka
Accommodation at ICI HOTEL Akasaka by RELIEF
Kaisu: bed in a dormitory with rates starting from US$25. Kaisu is a good quality hostel. The beds have curtains for privacy and the service is praised.
Super Hotel Lohas Akasaka: double room from US$ 60. The Super Hotel Lohas Akasaka is a much sought-after and praised accommodation in Tokyo, precisely because it has great prices and quality accommodation. Be aware, however, that for this price, the rooms are not large.
ICI HOTEL Akasaka by RELIEFICI HOTEL Akasaka by RELIEF : double room from US$ 75. The ICI HOTEL Akasaka by RELIEF is another excellent hotel in Tokyo, with good-sized rooms and a location close to the metro.
Hotel Risveglio Akasaka: double room with rates starting from US$ 85. The Hotel Risveglio Akasaka has medium-sized rooms and a good location in Akasaka.
Hotel Vista Premio Tokyo Akasaka: double room with a daily rate from US$ 95. The Hotel Vista Premio Tokyo Akasaka is a very well-located hotel, also known for its discreet and good-sized accommodation. In the same price range is the highly praised HOTEL REX Akasaka.
Where to stay in Shibuya?
Shibuya is a neighbourhood with similar characteristics to Shinjuku. There are many shops, restaurants and attractions to enjoy in the evenings.
The Yamanote line also runs through Shibuya, making it easy to get around.
The big difference between Shibuya and Shinjuku is that the neighbourhood is younger, attracting teenagers and young people under 30. It's therefore an interesting place for young travellers or families with teenagers.
Because of the young crowd, you can find many hostels and capsule hotels in Shibuya, but there are also many not-so-great hotels with expensive prices, taking advantage of the neighbourhood's hype.
In our opinion, there is a lack of moderately priced accommodation in Shibuya. This makes the neighbourhood uninteresting for travellers who don't want to stay in hostels but can't afford to spend US$200 a day in a hotel.
See our selection of the best hostels and hotels in Shibuya:
Best hotels in Shibuya
Accommodation at Wise Owl Hostels Shibuya
Turn Table Hostel: bed in a dormitory with a daily rate from US$20. Turn Table Hostel is a modern hostel 800 metres from Shibuya Station, with good prices and good accommodation.
Wise Owl Hostels ShibuyaWise Owl Hostels Shibuya: dormitory beds from US$25. Wise Owl Hostels Shibuya is a hostel with great accommodation and an ideal atmosphere for those who want to meet other travellers.
The Millennials ShibuyaThe Millennials Shibuya is a hostel where the "capsules" are double beds, making it a hit among Shibuya hostels. It's worth mentioning that there are great communal areas.
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu: double room with daily rate from US$ 215. The Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu is a luxury hotel in Shibuya with large, modern rooms and a highly praised restaurant.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel: double room with rates starting from US$ 240. The Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel has very large rooms and a great location.
Where to stay in Tokyo in Ginza?
Ginza is a very well-located neighbourhood, close to Tokyo Station, and known for being a luxury shopping area in Tokyo.
Despite its reputation for being expensive and for having really expensive hotels, such as The Peninsula TokyoGinza has more affordable hotel alternatives with rates of less than US$100.
Due to its great location and variety of good hotels, Ginza is an alternative neighbourhood to stay in Tokyo.
Check out the best value hotels in Ginza below:
Best hotels in Ginza
Accommodation at Hotel Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande
Imano Tokyo Ginza HostelImano Tokyo Ginza Hostel is the best hostel in Ginza, with beds with curtains in the dorms and a modern atmosphere.
the square hotel GINZAthe square hotel GINZA is a hotel with an excellent location and good prices for GINZA standards.
Hotel Keihan Tsukiji Ginza GrandeThe Keihan Tsukiji Ginza Grande Hotel stands out for its good-sized, Western-style rooms.
The Royal Park Canvas - Ginza 8The Royal Park Canvas - Ginza 8 is a super modern hotel in the heart of Ginza.
karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza: double room from US$150. The karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza is an excellent choice of where to stay in Tokyo in a hotel with large rooms and a high quality structure.
Imperial Hotel Tokyo: double room with rates starting from US$ 290. The Imperial Hotel Tokyo is an excellent quality hotel and very traditional in the city.
Hyatt Centric Ginza TokyoHyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo : double room from US$ 350. The Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo is a luxury hotel in Tokyo Ginza.
Where to stay in Tokyo in Shiodome?
Shiodome is south of Tokyo Station and Ginza and could be a Tokyo neighbourhood to stay in because it is easily connected to the rest of the city.
Shiodome is a neighbourhood with high-rise buildings and some good value-for-money hotel options.
In Shiodome, there are good hotels with varying rates, such as:
the b tokyo shimbashi Toranomonthe b tokyo shimbashi Toranomon is a budget hotel with good accommodation.
Hotel 1899 Tokyo: double room from US$110. The Hotel 1899 Tokyo is one of the most popular hotels in Shiodome, with large, beautiful rooms.
InterContinental Tokyo Bay: double room with a daily rate from US$ 225. The InterContinental Tokyo Bay is a luxury hotel option in Tokyo's Shiodome neighbourhood.
Best hotels in Roppongi
Roppongi is a good neighbourhood to stay in Tokyo because it has plenty of tourist infrastructure and attractions.
The downside is that it's not close to the Yamanote line and I couldn't find any good hotels in Roppongi, at least ones that were good value for money.
It's worth noting that Roppongi is a great neighbourhood for nightlife and is often preferred by travellers because it's a cosmopolitan district.
Among the hotels in Roppongi, the luxurious but expensive one stands out, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyowith rates of over US$600.
Where to stay in Tokyo at Disney?
When talking about where to stay in Tokyo, some travellers will wonder about Disney Tokyo. The park is not close to the city centre, so it's not a good alternative for a place to stay in Tokyo.
With regard to hotels near Disney Tokyo, it's worth highlighting the good value for money they offer.
For example, La'gent Hotel Tokyo Bay has a double room from US$65. One of the most popular hotels in the area is the Oriental Hotel Tokyo Baywith a double room from US$ 80.
However, if you want to get to know the city well, staying near Disney is not a good idea on where to stay in Tokyo, due to the distance.
Map with the best hotels in Tokyo
Check out the map for the location of Tokyo's neighbourhoods, as well as the location of the hotels in Tokyo mentioned in this post. Click on the "arrow button" to access the map legend.
Before finalising this post, I'd like to give you a few more tips on where to stay in Tokyo.
The first is how important it is to book your accommodation in advance in the months of March to mid-April, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, and in November, when the leaves are falling.
Also look out for taxes that are not included in the price of the room rate, as well as information about what services are included in the rate.
Another tip on where to stay in Tokyo is to use the Airbnb website to rent rooms, studios or flats.
We hope you find our tips on where to stay in Tokyo useful when planning your trip! See also the essential information for getting Japan Travel Insurance!
Have a good trip, Traveller!
