Ready to embark on your Tokyo adventure? Finding the perfect place to stay can make all the difference in your trip. As someone who’s lived in Japan for years, I’ve got a few areas that I swear by for first-timers.
Keep in mind: These recommendations are based on my experiences as a solo traveler and with friends in my 30s (I lived in Japan in my 20s). While I visited Tokyo with my family as a kid, I don’t have family-specific recommendations.
These areas are all about easy access to major attractions, fun nightlife, and a vibrant atmosphere. While Tokyo has tons of hidden gems, I’m focusing on areas near popular spots and with easy navigation. Even though Tokyo welcomes millions of tourists, it can be overwhelming if you don’t speak Japanese. These areas are tourist-friendly, making them easy to get around and explore.
Shibuya: The Lively Heart of Tokyo
When anyone asks me where to stay in Tokyo, my answer is always Shibuya. It was my first stop with my friend Danielle, and it’s an amazing introduction to the city.
Shibuya is a bustling hub: overflowing with shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a perfect blend of familiar global brands and quirky local finds. The area is frequented by tourists, so many hotels and restaurants cater to foreigners with English-speaking staff, a rare find in Japan.
The famous Shibuya crossing: the busiest intersection in Japan (and possibly the world) is a must-see. It’s a true spectacle of urban life.
Shibuya is also within walking distance (about 15 minutes) from Harajuku, another must-visit area. While Harajuku is exciting, with its vibrant street fashion and music, it can be overwhelming for newcomers. Staying in Shibuya offers a more manageable starting point.
Shibuya is a tourist hotspot and can get crowded, but that’s a good thing. It’s still a vibrant Tokyo neighborhood with a mix of locals and tourists, and English speakers are more common here.
Where to Stay in Shibuya
Here are my top picks for accommodation in Shibuya, based on price and experience:
Luxury:
- Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu: My top choice for Shibuya! This hotel is right next to Shibuya Station and the iconic Shibuya crossing. The views are incredible, and the rooms are luxurious.
Mid-Range:
-
Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel: This hotel is not as central as the Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel, but it’s a short walk and easily accessible with a shuttle bus from both Narita and Haneda airports.
-
Mustard Hotel Shibuya: This new hotel offers excellent value for its prime location. It’s within easy walking distance of everything you want to see in Shibuya.
Budget:
-
Turn Table Hostel: I’ve stayed in their private rooms, and they also have dorms for budget travelers. It’s centrally located, stylish, and has delicious breakfast.
-
Almond Hostel & Cafe: Another chic and central hostel with private capsule bunks and a female dorm.
Airbnb: I generally don’t recommend Airbnb in Japan due to potential communication challenges and negative experiences. Stick with hotels or international booking platforms like Booking.com.
Shinjuku: Tokyo’s Neon Heart
If Shibuya is your gentle introduction to Tokyo, Shinjuku is a dive into the heart of the city. It’s everything you’ve seen in movies: neon lights, bustling crowds, endless shopping, a vibrant food scene, and lively bars. You could easily spend a week here and never get bored.
Shinjuku is a transport hub, connecting you to the rest of Japan. Shinjuku train station serves trains going almost everywhere, including the Narita Express train from the airport.
Don’t miss:
- Golden Gai: This area is filled with tiny, unique bars.
- Kabukicho: Explore cheap izakaya bars and nightlife (but be cautious, it’s also home to Tokyo’s seedy side).
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Enjoy free panoramic views of the city.
- Robot Restaurant: A crazy performance featuring robots and lights (if you’re into something out of the ordinary).
Be prepared: Shinjuku is crowded, especially at night, and you’ll likely see drunken businessmen roaming the streets. Accommodation can be expensive due to its popularity.
Where to Stay in Shinjuku
Here are some top Shinjuku accommodation options:
Luxury:
-
Tokyo Park Hyatt Hotel: Famous for its appearance in “Lost in Translation,” this iconic hotel offers breathtaking views.
-
Keio Plaza Hotel: An elegant hotel with a range of rooms, from standard to superior, and even a Hello Kitty themed room!
Budget:
-
Nine Hours: A unique capsule hotel experience with female capsules (their Chiyoda Ward location has both female and male capsules).
-
GLOU Higashi: A basic but comfortable hotel with a great location and affordable rates for Shinjuku.
-
Capsule Hotel Transit Shinjuku: Affordable female and male dorms.
Airbnb: Again, I recommend avoiding Airbnb for the reasons mentioned earlier.
Ginza: Tokyo’s Chic Side
Ginza might not always top “best places to stay in Tokyo” lists, but I’m a huge fan. It’s known for its high-end shopping, but also has plenty of affordable options, including familiar chains like H&M and Uniqlo. Ginza also boasts amazing restaurants, cool nightlife, and a good mix of locals and foreigners.
Ginza is a bit further from the airports than Shibuya and Shinjuku, but it’s still easily accessible. It’s also more offbeat than the other two areas, offering a unique experience.
Where to Stay in Ginza
Here are my top recommendations for accommodation in Ginza:
Luxury:
- Park Hotel Tokyo: This hotel sits above Shiodome subway station and offers breathtaking views of the city. I highly recommend their artist rooms, designed by renowned artists.
Mid-Range:
- The Square Hotel GINZA: A stylish hotel with a Japanese communal onsen bath.
Budget:
- Tokyo Ginza Bay Hotel: Affordable capsule dorms with privacy for both men and women.
