Are you deciding where to stay in Tokyo on your next vacation? Whether you want to be close to the bright lights, near designer stores or prefer a more traditional or cultural experience, Tokyo has a variety of neighborhoods, each offering unique accommodation options.
Best areas to stay in Tokyo.
Wondering where to stay in Tokyo? From upmarket Ginza and cultural Asakusa, to the hectic streets of Shibuya, there’s a neighborhood to suit every type of traveler.
Did you know Tokyo is the largest city in the world by population? It’s vast and very densely populated. 14 million people call the central area home, and that’s before you add in the residents in the sprawling districts surrounding, which brings the figure up to a whopping 37 million.
My advice? Don’t just pick a hotel at random. Researching the city’s different areas before you book will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
I’ve stayed in a variety of neighborhoods, so if you’re wondering where to stay in Tokyo, these are the five I’d recommend choosing between. Shinjuku is great for that Tokyo buzz, restaurants and nightlife. It’s one of the most popular areas for first-time visitors to the city. Shibuya is a transport hub and famous for the Scramble Crossing. It’s fun, energetic and perfect for shopaholics. Ginza is one of the most expensive districts, filled with luxury boutiques and chic sushi restaurants.
Meanwhile, Asakusa in the east of the city, is ideal for budget-conscious travelers and offers historic temples and a glimpse into Tokyo’s traditions. Finally, the Tokyo Station area is modern and very convenient for transport both around the city, and for day trips or to the airports.
Tips for your Tokyo stay & how to get around.
- There’s a fast and reliable public transport system in Tokyo, so I’d recommend booking a hotel near a metro (subway) or JR station. It’ll help with airport transfers and reaching different areas of the city. You can hop on and off public transport, using a prepaid IC card (Tokyo’s are called Suica and Pasmo). Just top up the card with credit, then tap in and out when you use trains or buses. It makes traveling in Tokyo a breeze!
- Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda and Narita. They’re both accessible by public transport. Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Airport Line will take you from stops in the city centre to Haneda in around thirty minutes. Meanwhile, the JR Narita Express whizzes you straight from the city centre to Narita Airport in one hour.
- To make the airport transfers easier, you might want to stay in Shinjuku, Ginza or the Tokyo Station area. These are also served by the circular JR Yamanote Line, which links many of the key attractions.
- As mentioned, Tokyo is densely populated, so space comes at a premium. I’ve stayed in tiny double rooms where I struggled to open my luggage! One quick tip for your room search: check sizes. If you’re traveling solo, a compact capsule hotel makes a memorable stay.
- I always dive into the hotel’s info before booking. You’ll be able to find out things like if there’s a smoking floor. Plus, in Japanese hotels items such as toothbrushes, pyjamas and slippers are often included, meaning you can reduce how much you pack.
The best hotels in Shinjuku.
Experience Tokyo’s iconic buzz in Shinjuku, with its neon lights, shopping and vibrant dining scene. If you’re wondering where to stay in Tokyo for your first time, this area will make you feel like you’re in the heart of the action. Shinjuku Station offers great connections across the city. Meanwhile, wander the narrow alleys of Golden Gai at night, and you’ll discover unique bars and restaurants with just a handful of seats.
Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo
- Best for: Families & independent travelers
- Double rooms from $124 per night
Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
- Best for: Couples & luxury seekers
- Double rooms from $419 per night
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
- Best for: First-time visitors & movie buffs
- Double rooms from $141 per night
Anshin Oyado Shinjuku Ekimaeten
- Best for: Male solo travelers
- Capsules from $184 per night
The best hotels in Shibuya.
Shibuya is popular with younger travelers and first-time visitors who want to be close to great food and vibrant surroundings. Are you ready to cross one of the busiest intersections in the world? Tokyo’s legendary Scramble Crossing is located here. Plus, Shibuya Station offers easy access to destinations all over the city.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
- Best for: Couples & business travelers
- Double rooms from $429 per night
All Day Place Shibuya
- Best for: Pizza & beer lovers
- Double rooms from $284 per night
The Millennials Shibuya
- Best for: Young solo travelers & groups of friends
- Capsule from $75 per night
Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya By IHG
- Best for: Design lovers
- Dorm beds from $372 per night
The best hotels in Ginza.
Ginza is calmer and more sophisticated than many of Tokyo’s districts, and here you’ll discover many of the city’s luxury stores and fine dining options. Added to that, it’s where you’ll discover some of the best luxury hotels in Tokyo.
Couples love this part of the city, as you are still near to the sights and attractions, but you can enjoy quieter and calmer moments in the evenings.
The Peninsula Tokyo
- Best for: Couples & honeymooners
- Double rooms from $974 per night
MUJI Hotel Ginza
- Best for: Families & MUJI-minimalists
- Double rooms from $379 per night
Hotel Musse Ginza Meitetsu
- Best for: Mid-range travelers
- Double rooms from $124 per night
The best hotels in Asakusa.
If you’re looking for a cultural base for your trip to Tokyo, Asakusa is the perfect choice. You’ll be a short walk from the beautiful Senso-ji Temple as well as several traditional markets. The dining culture is also more relaxed, with small restaurants offering tasty Japanese foods to try.
There’s a slower pace to life here, and it’s also where you’ll find better value accommodation options, which makes it popular with backpackers and solo travelers.
Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu
- Best for: A traditional stay
- Double rooms from $127 per night
Asakusa Kaede
- Best for: Couples & families
- Double rooms from $332 per night
Glamping Tokyo Asakusa
- Best for: Backpackers
- Dorm beds from $126 per night
The best hotels in Tokyo Station.
If easy access to Tokyo’s airports or bullet trains is a top priority, the Tokyo Station area is ideal. From here, you can catch trains to popular cities like Osaka and Kyoto, making it an excellent starting point for your Japan itinerary.
The station area is also close to famous landmarks including the Imperial Palace and Tsukiji Market. There’s a range of accommodation options, including several luxury hotels that appeal to business travelers and those seeking a stylish city break. You’ll also find some great deals for family stays.
Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo
- Best for: Honeymooners & super luxury stays
- Double rooms from $1,692 per night
Hotel Monte Hermana Tokyo
- Best for: Mid-range, central stays
- Double rooms from $202 per night
Karaksa Hotel Tokyo Station
- Best for: Families
- Dorm beds from $279 per night
Average Tokyo hotel prices are based on hotel searches made on KAYAK & associated brands in the period between 09.08.2023 and 09.08.2025 for travel days between 01.01.2024 and 31.12.2025. All prices are average for 1 night in a double room. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed.
Individual hotel prices were sourced on 24.08.2024 for one night 01.12.2025 to 02.12.2025 and are correct at time of publishing, but are subject to change.
