Your Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo

Chariza Leen Crudo

Last updated 22 Jan 2026

Collage of Tokyo neighborhoods, hotels, and city scenes

Best areas to stay in Tokyo for every travel style

Tokyo is a city that feels like many cities rolled into one. One moment you’re surrounded by glowing billboards and buzzing crowds, and the next you’re walking past quiet temples and cute cafés. That’s what makes choosing the best areas to stay in Tokyo so exciting, and a little overwhelming too.

Where you stay can shape your whole trip, some neighborhoods are perfect for first-timers, while others suit foodies, culture seekers, or budget travelers. In this guide, we’ll break down the best parts of Tokyo to stay in, so you can pick the area that fits your travel style best.

Shinjuku

If this is your first time in Tokyo, Shinjuku often tops the list of the best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo. It’s loud, bright, and endlessly exciting, with something happening at every hour of the day. Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest transport hubs in the world, which means getting anywhere else in Tokyo is easy.

In Shinjuku, you’ll see towering skyscrapers alongside peaceful places like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. At night, places like Kabukicho and Omoide Yokocho come alive with food stalls, bars, and late-night eats. So if you want a full-on Tokyo experience, this is one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo to start with.

1. Shinjuku Washington Hotel

If you want a reliable and well-located hotel, then you should check out the Shinjuku Washington Hotel. Rooms are compact but practical, and the hotel connects directly to underground walkways.

Shinjuku Washington Hotel

Address: 3-2-9 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 2:00 PM / 11:00 AM

Nearby attractions:

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

2. Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku is a hotel that’s just steps from Higashi-Shinjuku Station, giving you direct access to major subway lines and making it easy to zip across Tokyo without complicated transfers. Rooms are thoughtfully designed with a sleek, minimalist look, smart storage, and comfortable beds, ideal for resting up after long days of sightseeing.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku

Address: 7-27-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM

Nearby attractions:

Kabukicho
Omoide Yokocho

Shibuya

They say you haven’t really been to Tokyo if you’ve never been to Shibuya. This area is famous for the Shibuya Crossing, where hundreds of people cross at once in organized chaos. If you love fashion, pop culture, and people-watching, this is easily one of the best districts to stay in Tokyo.

In Shibuya, you’ll never run out of options: with shopping malls (like Shibuya 101), music stores (like the famous Tower Records), and cafés that stay open late. Despite its youthful vibe, Shibuya is also very convenient thanks to its major train lines. It’s a great base if you want to explore nearby areas like Harajuku and Omotesando.

3. Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

Located right above Shibuya Station, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu is all about convenience. Its 1st and 3rd floors are directly connected to the subway lines, so you won’t have to worry about walking to the station! Plus, some rooms even overlook the famous crossing.

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

Address: 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 2:00 PM / 11:00 AM

Nearby attractions:

Shibuya Crossing
Hachiko Statue

4. Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya is a great choice if you love staying somewhere with personality. As one of Shibuya’s newer hotels, it stands out with bold colors, artistic details, and interiors inspired by the neighborhood’s creative energy.

While the style is eye-catching, you’ll still feel relaxed and welcomed as the rooms are comfortable and well-equipped with lots of amenities, making it easy to unwind after a day of exploring.

Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya

Address: 2-25-12 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM

Nearby attractions:

Shibuya Sky
Shibuya Center-Gai

Asakusa

Want to see a more traditional side of Tokyo? Head to Asakusa, where it houses Tokyo’s oldest temple: Senso-ji. If you’re interested in Tokyo’s culture, this is one of the best areas in Tokyo to stay at a more relaxed pace.

The neighborhood is great for walking, with souvenir shops, snack stalls, and river views along the Sumida River. Accommodations here are usually more affordable, making Asakusa a smart pick for budget-conscious travelers.

5. Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu

At Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu, you’ll get a traditional stay right in the center of old-town Tokyo. Inside, the tatami-matted rooms, sliding paper doors, and calm, minimalist design that reflects classic Japanese aesthetics will draw you in.

Here, you can enjoy the communal bath, a way to relax and embrace a classic Japanese routine. Located just minutes from Senso-ji Temple, this ryokan lets you wake up surrounded by history, making your stay feel both immersive and memorable.

Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu

Address: 1-31-11 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 10:00 AM

Nearby attractions:

Senso-ji Temple
Nakamise Street

6. Hotel Gracery Asakusa

Staying in a traditional area doesn’t mean you can’t get modern comfort. At Hotel Gracery Asakusa, you’ll feel the modern vibes inside while taking in Asakusa’s traditional streets and temples outside.

Rooms are compact, as expected in Tokyo, but they’re thoughtfully laid out with smart storage and cozy furnishings that make relaxing easy. After a full day of temple hopping, street food tasting, and riverside walks, the comfy beds and quiet atmosphere are especially welcome.

Hotel Gracery Asakusa

Address: 2-10-2 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 2:00 PM / 11:00 AM

Nearby attractions:

Kaminarimon Gate
Sumida River

Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s most polished neighborhood, known for upscale shopping and refined dining. Designer boutiques line wide, clean streets, and everything feels sleek and organized. If you enjoy luxury and convenience, Ginza is easily among the best areas to stay in Tokyo.

The area is also surprisingly central, making it easy to explore nearby districts like Tokyo Station and Tsukiji. Even if you’re not splurging, walking through Ginza is an experience in itself. It’s calm at night, making it a good choice for travelers who prefer a quieter stay.

7. Hotel Monterey Ginza

Hotel Monterey Ginza is a lovely pick if you want to enjoy a touch of classic charm. The hotel’s European-inspired interiors, from its décor to its cozy common spaces, give it a warm and inviting feel that stands out from ultra-modern city hotels.

Rooms are comfortable and well-kept, giving you a peaceful retreat after a day spent exploring Ginza’s shopping streets and nearby attractions. The location is another highlight, with easy access to train stations, dining spots, and cultural venues like Kabuki-za.

Hotel Monterey Ginza

Address: 2-10-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM

Nearby attractions:

Ginza Six
Kabuki-za Theatre

8. The Royal Park Canvas Ginza 8

The Royal Park Canvas Ginza 8 is a hotel that features contemporary interiors paired with inviting shared spaces where you can chill after a full day of shopping and sightseeing. These thoughtfully designed lounges make it easy to relax, recharge, or casually plan the next day’s itinerary.

Rooms are clean, comfortable, and designed with simplicity in mind, giving you everything you need without unnecessary extras. Located right in Ginza, the hotel puts you within easy reach of high-end boutiques, restaurants, and transport links.

The Royal Park Canvas Ginza 8

Address: 8-9-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM

Nearby attractions:

Tsukiji Outer Market
Tokyo International Forum

Ueno

Ueno is one of the most practical and affordable areas to stay in Tokyo. It’s best known for Ueno Park, which houses several major museums and a zoo. If you’re traveling on a budget, Ueno is often considered one of the best parts of Tokyo to stay in.

The area has a local feel, with street markets like Ameya-Yokocho offering cheap eats and shopping. Transport links are excellent, including direct access from Narita Airport. Ueno may not be flashy, but it’s comfortable, convenient, and budget-friendly.

9. Hotel Mystays Ueno East

Hotel Mystays Ueno East is a hotel that keeps things simple, with clean, well-maintained rooms that give you a comfortable place to rest between busy sightseeing days. It’s especially appealing if you plan to be out exploring from morning to night and just need a reliable base to come back to.

The location near Ueno Station makes getting around Tokyo easy. With Ueno Park, local eateries, and transport links close by, this hotel lets you focus more on experiences and less on logistics. It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly option that does exactly what it promises.

Hotel Mystays Ueno East

Address: 4-26-3 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM

Nearby attractions:

Ueno Park
Ameya-Yokocho

10. APA Hotel Keisei Ueno-Ekimae

Located right next to Keisei Ueno Station, APA Hotel Keisei Ueno-Ekimae is handy for travelers arriving from or heading to Narita Airport, as well as those planning to move around the city with ease. In this location, you enjoy less time commuting and more time exploring.

Rooms are small but efficiently designed, with everything you need neatly arranged for a comfortable stay. Despite the size, you’ll find cozy beds, functional workspaces, and reliable amenities that make short stays feel smooth and stress-free.

APA Hotel Keisei Ueno-Ekimae

Address: 2-14-26 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Check-in / Check-out: 3:00 PM / 10:00 AM

Nearby attractions:

Ueno Zoo
Tokyo National Museum

Tokyo has a neighborhood for every kind of traveler, and choosing the right base makes your trip even better. Start planning, book smart, and make the most of every moment in this incredible city. Your Tokyo adventure begins now, so go make it memorable. ✨

FAQs

What area in Tokyo is best to stay in?

It really depends on your travel style. Shinjuku is great for first-timers, while Shibuya suits trend lovers and Asakusa is perfect for culture seekers. All are considered among the best areas to stay in Tokyo for different reasons.

Should I stay in Ginza or Shibuya?

Choose Ginza if you prefer luxury, calm streets, and upscale shopping. Pick Shibuya if you want energy, nightlife, and youthful vibes. Both are excellent, just very different experiences.

Where to stay in Tokyo if it's your first time?

Shinjuku is often recommended for first-time visitors. It has great transport links and lots to see and do day and night. It’s one of the easiest bases for exploring the city.