where to stay in tokyo

Where to Stay in Tokyo – A Practical Guide for Every Traveler

(Published on 18 August 2025)

Tokyo is a city that never stops buzzing. Its endless towers, neon‑lit streets and quiet temples all coexist within a single urban sprawl. Finding the right place to stay is pivotal because it determines how easily you can hop from Shibuya’s scramble crossing to Asakusa’s ancient pagoda or the ultramodern Odaiba district. Below is a one‑stop guide that introduces you to the key neighborhoods, lodging styles, and practical tips so you can choose the perfect home base for your Tokyo adventure.

1. The Big Picture – Why Location Matters

Tokyo’s public transport system, operated by JR, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway, is efficient but sprawling across 23 wards. A well‑situated accommodation means:

• Less Time Travel, More Experience – A 15‑minute walk or a single subway ride can shave an hour off your day.
• Lower Transport Costs – You’ll spend fewer yen on a daily stored pass if you’re close to your main attractions.
• Hidden Gems – Smaller neighborhoods often hide restaurants, cafés, and izakayas that cater to locals only.

When planning, ask yourself:

• What’s your itinerary? (Shibuya‑heavy, historical district, or business conventions?)
• How long are you staying? (Longer stays may benefit from apartment rentals or Airbnb types.)
• What budget are you comfortable with? (Tokyo is guest‑friendly at all price points.)

2. Hotel Categories – From Luxury Suites to Capsule Comfort

Where to Find Them

• Luxury – Shinjuku (Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt), Ginza (The Peninsula Tokyo, Andaz), Roppongi (Hilton Tokyo, Roppongi Hills Hotel), Marunouchi (Conrad Tokyo, Capitol Hotel Tokyu).
• Mid‑Range – Shibuya (Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel), Asakusa (Asakusa View Hotel, Ryokuchi Hotel), Ueno (Hotel Metropolitan), Yurakucho (Hotel Kurikawa).
• Budget – Hostels in Kondo, Sony Hotel Sapporo (in accommodation, but near train), Capsule hotels such as First Cabin Shinjuku or The Millennials in Shibuya.
• Ryokan – Ueno “Ueno Onsen & Ryokan Wazuka“, Ryugajo, and Bizan Ryokan in Shinagawa.

3. Neighborhood Deep Dive

3.1 Shinjuku – City Life, Skyline, and Nightlife

• Vibe: Bustling, neon‑filled, 24‑hour atmosphere.
• Must‑See: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Kabukicho nightlife, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free observation decks).
• Transport: JR Shinjuku Station (multi‑line hub), Chiyoda Line.
• Recommended Stays: Park Hyatt Tokyo (sky‑high skyline perks), Tokyu Stay Shinjuku (free daily laundry), Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (emperor‑dormero–inspired rooms).

3.2 Shibuya – Youth Culture, Shopping, Urban Art

• Vibe: Millennial hub, bright fashion, iconic scramble crossing.
• Must‑See: Hachiko statue, Neo‑classic Starbucks flagship, Shibuya 109, Daikanyama’s canal side.
• Transport: Shibuya Station (JR Yamanote + Tokyo Metro lines).
• Recommended Stays: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel (central view, 6‑storey atrium), The Millennials Shibuya (shared desk, wifi‑first surroundings), Capsule 02.

3.3 Ginza – Luxury Shopping and Fine Dining

• Vibe: Upscale, polished, residual henna.
• Must‑See: Ginza Six, Mitsukoshi, Kabuki-za Theatre, the chic street cafés.
• Transport: Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line).
• Recommended Stays: The Peninsula Tokyo, Park Hyatt, Hotel Mets Ginza (budget‑friendly).

3.4 Roppongi – Modern Art, Global Crowd

• Vibe: International, nightlife spots, museums.
• Must‑See: Mori Art Museum, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown.
• Transport: Roppongi Station (Tokyo Metro).
• Recommended Stays: The Ritz‑Carlton Tokyo, Roppongi Hotel, Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo (owing to pleasant Japanese hospitality).

3.5 Asakusa – Traditional Tokyo

• Vibe: Heritage, old‑world charm, accessible Tokyo.
• Must‑See: Senso‑ji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street, Sumida River Cruises.
• Transport: Asakusa Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line + Toei Asakusa Line).
• Recommended Stays: Asakusa View Hotel (view of Senso‑ji), Hotel Metropolitan Asakusa, Asakusa Heritage Hotel.

3.6 Odaiba – Future Islands and Tech

• Vibe: Futuristic, man-made island, family-friendly.
• Must‑See: Palette Town, Miraikan, Odaiba Seaside Park, Rainbow Bridge.
• Transport: Odaiba‑Keiyama (access via Tsukamachi Bridge, Yurikamome line).
• Recommended Stays: Conrad Tokyo (premium bay view), Odaiba Brighton Tower Hotel (view on Rainbow Bridge), Sofitel Tokyo Odaiba (modern luxe).

3.7 Akihabara – The Electric Town

• Vibe: Anime, gaming, gadgets.
• Must‑See: Electric Town stores, maid cafés, Akihabara Radio Kaikan.
• Transport: Akihabara Station (JR Yamanote, JR Keihin–Tōhoku, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line).
• Recommended Stays: Hotel Chinzanso Akihabara, Kajizo Hotel Yoshida.

3.8 Ikebukuro – Shopping & Anime Oasis

• Vibe: Suburban retail hub, Otaku Paradise.
• Must‑See: Sunshine City, J-World, Anime Stadium.
• Transport: Ikebukuro Station (JR Yamanote, JR Saikyo, Tokyo Metro).
• Recommended Stays: Decelia Ikebukuro, Tokyu Stay Ikebukuro.

3.9 Nakameguro – Hip, Chic, and Riverside

• Vibe: Boho, with a relaxed café vibe and river stroll.
• Must‑See: Meguro River, independent designer boutiques, trendy bars.
• Transport: Nakameguro Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line).
• Recommended Stays: Hotel Livery (budget‑friendly, near station), Niwa Hotel (modern yet affordable).

3.10 Shimokitazawa and Daikanyama – Downtown Boheme

• Shimokitazawa – Known for vintage shops, live music, and a youthful atmosphere.
• Daikanyama – Elegant tree‑lined streets, high‑end boutiques, and quieter cafes.

  Both neighborhoods are best reached through JR Saikyo, Keikyu, or Tokyu lines.

4. Alternative Lodging: Airbnb, Guesthouses, and Airbnb‑style

• Airbnb: Offers a “homes” type of experience in Leimmon‑style apartment rentals or shared kitchens. Ideal for long stays or families.
• Guesthouses/Hostels: Many offer shared kitchens, communal areas, and a social atmosphere. Look for sitapura, Temple Backpacker; Host‑k’s “KAWAHA" in Harajuku.
• Capsule Hotels: Their prices are unbeatable, and many now have “kawaii” designs, steam‑bath rooms, and Wi‑Fi.
• Business Hotels: Often sold by major Japanese chains (Tokyu Stay, APA Hotel), catering to business travelers with reusable laundry services.

Tips:

• Check the cancellation policy (flexible is “extremely useful” during unforeseen travel changes).
• Keep the host’s contact handy for local insights.
• Search for “premium” listings for guaranteed high‑quality service.

5. Budget-Friendly Stays: Finding a Flat Rate

Tips:

• Book early for lower rates.
• Travel during shoulder seasons (late fall or spring, just after New Year).
• Use exchange rate calculators to ensure you’re not overpaying.

6. Practical Travel Tips

1. Transport Passes

   • Tokyo Metro 24‑hour pass — ¥600.
   • JR Yamanote Line — free around central ring, but 2‑pass ¥2,520 for 5 days.
   • Suica/Pasmo — reloadable IC cards; great for buses, subways, and vending machines.

2. Hotel Booking Sites

   • Agoda and Booking.com often have exclusive deals.
   • HotelTonight for day‑of‑deal.

3. Seasonal Rates

   • Cherry Blossom (late March‑April) — high demand, early booking essential.
   • New Year (late December‑January) — check for “New Year’s New Hotel” specials.
   • Golden Week (late April‑early May) — savers often use discount cards.

4. Connectivity

   – Rent a pocket Wi‑Fi at the airport (~¥3,000 for 7 days).

   – Or opt for a local SIM; e.g., „Ymobile“ or „Sakura Mobile“.

5. Other Local Notes –

   • Tokyo has an impressive mirror‑cleaning culture; check bedding before checkout (rooms are clean but sheets may be different!).
   • Please try the “Japanese check‑in” routine: put luggage at the desk, receive a smartphone key, and request a small Japanese guide card (the hotel might have a “Tokyo Souvenir Guide”).

7. Final Destination Decision Checklist

8. Quick Reference Table – Price & Vibe

9. Takeaway

Tokyo is a city of contrasting well‑coordinated neighborhoods. By picking an area that matches your trip’s focus—business, tourist hotspots, culture, or nightlife—you can enjoy a hassle‑free stay. Remember, Tokyo’s transit lines are efficient, so a few minutes on a taxi can give you the same advantage as staying right next to your favorite place.

Do your research, use travel‑site comparison tools, and reserve early during peak seasons. Because when it comes to Tokyo, an excellent stay is not an optional luxury—it’s the foundation of a memorable adventure.

Have an amazing trip to Tokyo! 🌸🏙️