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. Where to stay in Tokyo? Which Tokyo neighborhood is the best to stay in? Should I stay in central Tokyo? Which Tokyo station do I base myself at? Should I stay in a luxury hotel, a mid-range hotel, a capsule hotel, or a boutique hotel?
The good news is that it’s easy to get around Tokyo no matter which neighborhood you stay in. The city has an extensive railway network, and there are tons of accommodation options in Tokyo ranging from budget-friendly capsule hotels to luxury stays.
Whether you’re looking to visit Tokyo on a budget and stay in hostels or treat yourself to a night in a luxury hotel, this Tokyo accommodation guide covers where to stay in Tokyo and things to do there, to help you narrow down your options and includes recommendations for the best hotels in the best areas!
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. It’s the world’s busiest railway station! Shinjuku Station is connected to almost everywhere in Japan and is a massive hub of trains, subways, stores, and passageways.
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.
A Shinjuku Golden Gai Bar-Hopping experience would be great for those who want to explore the Shinjuku nightlife filled with neon lights and street food vendors selling food to help ease the hangovers of the tourists in the area.
Of course, when in Tokyo, you can't miss out on going to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea! Fortunately, there's a one-way transfer bus that takes you to both parks from Shinjuku.
Hotels in Shinjuku | Closest train station |
Shinjuku Station (5-minute walk) | |
Shinjuku-Nishiguchi Station (9-minute walk) | |
Tochomae Station (7-minute walk) |
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
A popular area to stay in Tokyo is Shibuya, renowned for its proximity to Shibuya Station, a major transport hub that offers easy access to the iconic Shibuya Crossing and connects travelers to popular attractions.
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!
Shibuya Sky's mesmerizing views of the Tokyo skyline. Credits: Klook
Don't forget to check out Shibuya Sky, located in the Shibuya Scramble Square building — another observation deck that lets you experience the views of the city in the heart of Tokyo.
Hotels in Shibuya | Closest train station |
Shibuya Station (6-minute walk) | |
Shibuya Station (4-minute walk) | |
Yoyogi-koen Station (11-minute walk) |
3. Akihabara
Akihabara's exciting anime culture seen in action. Credits: Klook
Best things to do in Akihabara: Street Go-Karting, Kanda Myoujin Shrine, Akihabara Gachapon Hall, Maid Cafe, Mandarake, Tokyo Dome
Japan is also famous for its fascinating otaku culture. If you're a fan of anime and manga books, Akihabara is the perfect answer to the question, “Where to stay in Tokyo?”
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.
Klook Tip: If you're in town for a concert, Akihabara is the best place to stay in Tokyo! It's just a 15-minute journey via public transport from Akihabara to Tokyo Dome, Tokyo's main concert stadium.
You can also go on a thrilling adventure by Street Go Karting or even explore the rich history of the Kanda Myoujin Shrine! Or how about visiting a Maid Cafe — it's a uniquely Japanese experience.
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 | Closest train station |
Akihabara Station (5-minute walk) | |
Akihabara Station (7-minute walk) | |
Suehirocho Station (4-minute walk) |
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 an exquisite lineup of luxury shopping malls, department stores, and high-end restaurants. All of which is just one stop away from Tokyo Station!
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 — Chanel, Bvlgari, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and more.
If that's not your thing, there are other activities you can do, like going to a Kabukiza, a theater where you can watch a traditional Kabuki drama.
See different kinds of goldfish in Ginza's Art Aquarium Museum! Credits: Klook
For an immersive (and slightly trippy) experience, head to the Art Aquarium Museum which combines art and goldfish! Alternatively, head to Hamarikyu Gardens for a quick respite. It's a good place to recharge for round two of shopping.
Hotels in Ginza | Closest train station |
Ginza-Itchome Station (2-minute walk) | |
Higashi-ginza Station (1-minute walk) | |
Tsukijishijo Station (9-minute walk) |
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 art enthusiasts, Roppongi is the best area to stay in Tokyo. Roppongi is known for the Roppongi Art Triangle, a cluster of three important arts and culture institutes. These museums are the National Art Center Tokyo, the Mori Art Museum, and the Suntory Museum of Art.
Klook Tip: All these museums are within walking distance to each other. However, if you want to be efficient, you can visit the Suntory Museum located near Tokyo Midtown, then go to the National Art Center Tokyo, and end your trip to the Roponggi Art Triangle at the Mori Art Museum.
When you visit the Mori Museum, don't miss out on the teamLab Digital Art Museum, which is an interactive digital museum good for all ages!
Check out the breathtaking views at Roponggi Hills Mori Towers' 52nd floor! Credits: Klook
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 | Closest train station |
Roppongi Station (6-minute walk) | |
Roppongi Station (4-minute walk) | |
Roppongi Station (8-minute walk) |
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 areas to consider when deciding where to stay in Tokyo for Japan’s traditional cultural scene. The area is rich with well-preserved temples and shrines that allow visitors to catch a glimpse of olden-day 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!
Exploring is tiring work and you'll no doubt get hungry exploring all of Asakusa's temples, so head over to the Asakusa Yokocho. It's a vibrant and colorful food court located on the fourth floor of the Rakutenchi Asakusa. You can also visit a ninja cafe for a fun dining experience!
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!
Klook Tip: The Tokyo Mizube Line in Asakusa will actually take you to Odaiba and other tourist spots like the Rainbow Bridge!
Hotels in Asakusa | Closest train station |
Tawaramachi Station (10-minute walk) | |
Kuramae Station (9-minute walk) | |
Asakusa Station (15-minute walk) |
7. Odaiba
Check out one of Odaiba's well-known amusement parks: the Tokyo Joypolis! Credits: Klook
Crossover from Asakusa to Odaiba and you'll be immersed in a hub of diverse entertainment like amusement parks, interactive galleries, and shopping malls. This neighborhood in Tokyo offers family-friendly accommodations with spectacular views of Tokyo's skyline and the famous Rainbow Bridge.
Tokyo Joypolis is known as Japan's largest indoor-themed park — a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy even on a rainy day.
Small Worlds Tokyo should be on your list as well since it's the largest indoor miniature theme park in Japan. Of course, you can't forget about going to LEGOLAND that's also located in Odaiba!
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 wacky museum experience, head to Unko Museum — a poop-themed exhibition. Trust us, it's a lot more appealing and fun than it sounds.
Check out teamLab's spectacular interactive galleries in Odaiba! Credits: Klook
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 | Closest train station |
Daiba Station (3-minute walk) | |
Daiba Station (2-minute walk) |
8. Harajuku
The streets of Harajuku crowded with people trying to get a closer look of its boutiques and stores in Takeshita Street. Credits: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Pexels
Harajuku is one of the most popular areas in Japan since it is the hub for Japanese pop culture. Not only that, but also the area is popular for boutique and thrift store shopping.
As a whole, Harajuku might be overwhelming because of the many places and activities present in the area. If you want to take your time, you can rent a bike, true to Harajuku's vibrant aura, and take yourself on a tour of the area.
Harajuku is known for its shops, both big and small, and within the area you'll be able to tour Takeshita Street, Tokyu Plaza, Jingumae Comichi, and Galaxy Harajuku.
Explore the various malls and stores in Harajuku as they offer you an authentic shopping experience—from food to clothing! Credits: Klook
Hotels in Harajuku | Closest train station |
Gaienmae Station (3-minute walk) | |
Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station (8-minute walk) |
9. Ebisu
Get to know more about the famous Yebisu Beer is made in the Museum of Yebisu Beer! Credits: Sapporo Beer
Best things to do in Ebisu: Yebisu Garden Place, Ebisu Yokocho, Museum of Yebisu Beer
For a more laidback side to Tokyo, the charming neighborhood of Ebisu is the best area to stay in Tokyo!
Ebisu is known for developing the Yebisu Beer. If you’re a sucker for unique cultural history, the Museum of Yebisu Beer is the best place to visit as it gives you a short trip down memory lane on how it was made. Not only that, but also the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum is located there where you can immerse yourself into Tokyo’s photography scene.
Want to chill out by taking a short walk in the park? Visit the Yebisu Garden Place to experience the tranquil vibes of the area!
Hotels in Ebisu | Closest train station |
Ebisu Station (10-minute walk) | |
Ebisu Station (2-minute walk) | |
Ebisu Station (2-minute walk) |
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Top things to do in Tokyo
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Getting around
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Tokyo is a cultural hub wherein you get to experience both modern and traditional cultures of Japan. There is no one best area to stay in as every area has a story to tell and as the saying goes, different strokes for different folks — whatever you like, no matter how weird it is, the huge city of Tokyo has it all!
FAQs
1. Which area in Tokyo is best for tourists to stay?
The best area for you to stay in Tokyo depends on your interests, of course, but Shinjuku, Shibuya, and the Tokyo Station area are the best choices for first-time visitors because of their central location, transportation links, and a good number of activities.
2. Is it better to stay at Shibuya or Shinjuku?
It really depends on you, but Shinjuku is the best option for those who want a wider variety of late-night activities and a central transport hub for day trips, while Shibuya is better for those who prefer more street fashion and nightlife, such as clubs.
3. Where to stay in Tokyo on your first visit?
For first-timers visiting Tokyo, you can stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya for their transport links and vibrant atmosphere, or the Tokyo Station / Ginza area for convenience with bullet trains and upscale shopping.
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