7 best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo including hotel recommendations
It’s your first trip to Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital. It’s a cultural hub for all things Japan, from delicious Japanese food to futuristic buildings and historic shrines and temples.
The issue is that Tokyo's attractions are spread out all over the city, so now you're in a dilemma. Which are the best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo? Should I stay in central Tokyo? Should I stay in a luxury hotel, a mid-range hotel, a capsule hotel, or a boutique hotel?
This guide breaks down the best hotels in Tokyo by area, so you can pick a hotel that matches your travel style instead of scrolling through hundreds of hotels in Tokyo one by one!
1. Shinjuku
The loud and vibrant nightlife in Shibuya's famous Golden Gai. Credits: Klook
Best things to do in Shinjuku: Street Go-Karting, Kabukichō (famous red-light district), Hanazono Shrine, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
If you're looking to be right at the center of Tokyo's hustle and bustle, Shinjuku is the place to be. The areas has one of the busiest railway station, Shinjuku Station. Around 3.5 million passengers travel here, so nearly every train line in Tokyo passes through it. That makes it the go-to base for first-timers who don't want to think too hard about connections!
The surrounding neighborhood matches the liveliness of the station, with tall buildings and neon lights making the city look like the set of a cyberpunk film. There are many hotels in Shinjuku, all conveniently located near train stations.
Of course, when in Tokyo, you can't miss out on going to Tokyo Disney Resort!
Hotels in Shinjuku
Hotels in Shinjuku | Closest train station | Guest rating | Price per night |
|---|---|---|---|
Shinjuku Station (5-minute walk) | 4.7/5 | From $263.58/night | |
Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station (9-minute walk) | 4.6/5 | From $134.34/night | |
Tochomae Station (7-minute walk) | 4.7/5 | From $71.08/night |
2. Shibuya
The view from above of the famous Shibuya Crossing. Credits: Hafeisi on Pexels
Best things to do in Shibuya: Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Yoyogi Park, Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tobacco & Salt Museum, Toguri Museum of Art
One of the more popular Tokyo districts is Shibuya, home to Shibuya Station and the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. It's the district most people picture when they think of Tokyo, and it's a favorite base for lots of tourists who want nightlife, shopping, and trains all within a few minutes' walk.
Similar to Shinjuku, there are a lot of entertainment options in Shibuya. If you want to shop ‘til you drop, go to Shibuya 109 and get all the best deals on your shopping needs. For an action-filled day, go to Shibuya’s Street Go-Kart with your friends or family and live out your race driver dreams!
Hotels in Shibuya
Hotels in Shibuya | Closest train station | Guest rating | Price point |
|---|---|---|---|
Shibuya Station (4-minute walk) | 4.5/5 | From $88.99/night | |
Shibuya Station (9-minute walk) | 4.6/5 | From $103.85/night | |
Shinsen Station (12-minute walk) | 4.3/5 | From $126.38/night |
3. Akihabara
Akihabara's exciting anime culture seen in action. Credits: Klook
Best things to do in Akihabara: Kanda Myoujin Shrine, Akihabara Gachapon Hall, Maid Cafe, Mandarake, Tokyo Dome
Japan is also famous for its fascinating otaku culture, and Akihabara is where that culture lives loudest today, from manga stores to arcades and maid cafes. It's noticeably less touristy than Shinjuku or Shibuya, which makes it a good base if you want to be close to the action without the crowds.
Conveniently located along the Tokyo loop line, the JR Yamanote Line, Akihabara offers easy access to other key areas in Tokyo such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
If you don't know where to start your adventure in Akihabara, you can book an Akihabara day tour which includes stops at the best attractions in town. What's great about this tour is that the tour guide is a certified anime lover, so you know you're in good hands.
Hotels in Akihabara
Hotels in Akihabara | Closest train station | Guest rating | Price point |
|---|---|---|---|
Akihabara Station (5-minute walk) | 4.6/5 | From $72.12/night | |
Akihabara Station (8-minute walk) | 4.7/5 | From $187.64/night |
4. Ginza
This Seiko clock will greet you as you explore the area of Ginza. Credits: Syzmon Shields on Pexels
Best things to do in Ginza: Ginza Yonchome, Art Aquarium Ginza, Kabukiza Gallery, MUJI Ginza, Ginza High Street
The streets of Tokyo may be packed with a lot of people and buildings, but there's a certain glamour that's unique to Ginza. It’s Tokyo's premier shopping district with a great lineup of luxury shopping malls, department stores, and high-end restaurants.
Are you ready to do some shopping or even just window shopping for the whole day? Ginza High Street is the place to go! You're guaranteed to find every boutique brand you can think of like Chanel, Bvlgari, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more.
If that's not your thing, there are other activities you can do, like Art Aquarium Museum or Hamarikyu Gardens. It's a good place to recharge for round two of shopping.
Hotels in Ginza
Hotels in Ginza | Closest train station | Guest rating | Price point |
|---|---|---|---|
Ginza Station (7-minute walk) | 4.8/5 | From $105.34/night | |
Ginza Station (7-minute walk) | 4.6/5 | From $84.18/night | |
Shimbashi Station (6-minute walk) | 4.4/5 | From $94.83/night |
5. Roponggi
Visit the museums from the Roponggi Art Triangle! Credits: Suntory
Best things to do in Roppongi: Tokyo City View & Sky Deck, Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, Fujifilm Square, Mori Garden
For night owls and arts enthusiasts, Roppongi is one of the best districts to stay in Tokyo. It built its reputation as Tokyo's international nightlife hub thanks to the nearby embassies.
But, today it's just as known for the Roppongi Art Triangle, a cluster of three major arts and culture institutes within walking distance of each other. These museums are the National Art Center Tokyo, the Mori Art Museum, and the Suntory Museum of Art.
Another of the best things to do in Roppongi is to catch incredible views of the Tokyo skyline from Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. On the 52nd floor, you can capture more Instagram-worthy pictures of Tokyo from above.
Hotels in Roppongi
Hotels in Roppongi | Closest train station | Guest rating | Price point |
|---|---|---|---|
Roppongi Station (6-minute walk) | 4.7/5 | From $148.53/night | |
Roppongi Station (2-minute walk) | 4.7/5 | From $74.97/night | |
Roppongi Station (13-minute walk) | 4.3/5 | From $125.15/night |
6. Asakusa
The Tokyo Skytree in Asakusa standing tall in all its glory. Credits: Klook
Best things to do in Asakusa: Senso-ji Temple, Rickshaw Ride, Nakamise-dōri, Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Asakusa is also one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo for Japan's traditional side. It's built around Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, founded all the way back in 645 AD, and the surrounding streets still look like old Edo-era Japan.
One of the famous temples known in Asakusa is the Senso-ji Temple. Cap off your authentic traditional Japanese experience with this Tokyo Asakusa kimono and yukata rental!
If you’re feeling adventurous, go to the Tokyo Skytree or the Hanayashiki, Japan's oldest known amusement park. Don't forget to also go to Nishi Sando Shopping Street or the Asakusa Rox Shopping Center to buy cool souvenirs for your friends and family!
Hotels in Asakusa
Hotels in Asakusa | Closest train station | Guest rating | Price point |
|---|---|---|---|
Tawaramachi Station (11-minute walk) | 4.8/5 | From $135.93/night | |
Kuramae Station (9-minute walk) | 4.4/5 | From $34.09/night | |
Asakusa Station (12-minute walk) | 4.6/5 | From $151.05/night |
7. Odaiba
Check out one of Odaiba's well-known amusement parks: the Tokyo Joypolis! Credits: Klook
Best things to do in Odaiba: Unko Museum, Small Worlds Tokyo, Tokyo Joypolis, teamLab Planets
Cross over from Asakusa to Odaiba, and you'll be treated to a hub of diverse entertainment like amusement parks, interactive galleries, and shopping malls.
Odaiba is actually a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, reached by the driverless Yurikamome train or a walk across the Rainbow Bridge, and it's one of the preferred Tokyo districts for families thanks to its wide, walkable malls and skyline views.
Tokyo has no shortage of museums. Odaiba has some unique ones, like Madame Tussauds Tokyo, which is famous for creating wax figures of celebrities. For a whacky museum experience, head to Unko Museum, a poop-themed exhibition.
Meanwhile, if you go to teamLab Planets and Tokyo Trick Art Museum, you'll be treated to vibrant and immersive art installations.
Hotels in Odaiba
Hotels in Odaiba | Closest train station | Guest rating | Price point |
|---|---|---|---|
Daiba Station (2-minute walk) | 4.4/5 | From $176.67/night | |
Daiba Station (2-minute walk) | 4.6/5 | From $165.44/night |
Tokyo neighborhood: which area should you stay at?
Still torn between a couple of areas? Here's a quick side-by-side of what each neighborhood does best!
Neighborhood | Why it works | Best hotel in the area |
|---|---|---|
Shinjuku | Tokyo's busiest station plus non-stop bars and food stalls | Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo |
Shibuya | Trendy, walkable, and the heart of youth culture | The Millennials Shibuya Hotel |
Akihabara | Sits on the Yamanote loop line, easy reach to anywhere | BnA Studio Akihabara |
Ginza | High-end brands, theaters, and museums in one district | Park Hotel Tokyo |
Roppongi | Art museums by day, bars and clubs by night | Mitsui Garden Hotel Roppongi Tokyo Premier |
Asakusa | Temples, traditional streets, and apartment-style hotels | MIMARU Tokyo Asakusa Station |
Odaiba | Theme parks, malls, and skyline views made for kids | Hilton Tokyo Odaiba |
Tokyo hotel booking tips
Tokyo room size
- Traveling with a partner and two large suitcases? Check recent reviews for words like "cramped" or "tight" before booking
- Groups of three or more should skip the standard twin room and book an apartment-style stay instead, like the mimaru chain in Asakusa
Transportation
- Book hotels within a 10-minute walk of a station, ideally one on the JR Yamanote Line or a major subway line
- The closer you are to a loop-line station, the less time you'll lose getting between neighborhoods each day
Check-in and check-out times
- Check-in is often 3 or 4 PM, so plan your arrival day accordingly if you're coming straight from the airport
- Ask about luggage storage if you land early or have a late flight out, most hotels will hold bags for free before check-in or after check-out.
FAQs about where to stay in Tokyo
Which neighborhood is best to stay in Tokyo?
Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza are the best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo for travelers, offering convenient transport links, shopping, and dining.
Where should I stay in Tokyo for the first time?
Shinjuku and Shibuya are generally the best areas of Tokyo to stay in for tourists, since both sit on major train lines close to shopping, food, and nightlife. For a slower, more traditional pace, Asakusa is a great budget-friendly alternative.
Should I stay in Asakusa or Shinjuku?
Choose Shinjuku for nightlife, shopping, and top transport access, or Asakusa for a quieter, more traditional, and budget-friendly stay.
What is the average hotel cost in Tokyo?
The average hotel price in Tokyo runs about $50–$130 a night for budget hotels, $130–$220 for mid-range, and $220 and up for luxury. Prices climb during cherry blossom season and Golden Week, so book early to keep costs down.
Is it better to stay in Shibuya or Roppongi?
Shibuya suits most tourists, especially first-timers, thanks to its shopping, transit links, and walkability. Roppongi is better if you want stronger nightlife and art museums, like the Roppongi Art Triangle. It comes down to a daytime shopping base versus a nighttime one.
Should I stay in Ginza or Shibuya?
Stay in Ginza for a quieter, upscale base near luxury shopping, fine dining, and Tokyo Station. Choose Shibuya for cheaper hotels, a younger crowd, and nightlife right outside your door.
More Tokyo Inspiration
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