The Best Area to Stay in Tokyo – A Personalized Recommendation

Best area to stay in Tokyo neon lights

Tokyo is an incredible city in one of the most amazing countries on earth. But the capital of Japan, one of the safest countries in Asia, is a huge city and navigating from one point to another can take ages. Taxis are very expensive and the subway gets incredibly overcrowded. Therefore, it is very important to wisely choose the location of your hotel in Tokyo. Our travel tool will give you a personalized recommendation which area is the best for you in Tokyo.

In order to avoid spending too much time navigating to and from the main Tokyo attractions, it is absolutely advisable to stay in one of the central districts of Tokyo. The best areas to stay in Tokyo are Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza and Tokyo Station. All these districts are connected by the JR Yamanote Line – a convenient loop line that stops at many of the places to visit in Tokyo. The Yamanote Line will be your best friend for sightseeing in Tokyo. The closer your hotel is to one of its stations, the more time you will save every day.

JR yamanote line in Tokyo - book your hotel close to the yamanote line
The JR Yamanote Line is your best friend for sight seeing in Tokyo. Look for a hotel close to any of its stations.

Contents
The best area to stay in Tokyo – a recommendation based on your travel profile
Where to stay in Shinjuku
Where to stay in Ginza
Where to stay near Tokyo Station
Where to stay in Shibuya
Where to stay in Tokyo Disney
Where to stay in Asakusa

Best area to stay in Tokyo – personalized recommendation

In order to give you an ideal recommendation on where to stay in Tokyo, we prepared a couple of questions about your trip to Japan. After you’ve answered the five short questions, we will tell you the best neighborhood to stay in Tokyo. If you don’t want to answer the questions, just scroll down below. There you will find a summary of advantages and disadvantages of each district as well as a recommendation of the best hotel in Tokyo.

Let’s start with few short questions about your Tokyo vacation:

[wp_quiz id=”1603″]

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is without a doubt one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo. It is located on the convenient JR Yamanote Line so it will be your perfect base to explore the rest of Tokyo and its surroundings.

With its neon lights and endless shopping and restaurant opportunities, Shinjuku is very popular with tourists. Which means that there is a great selection of hotels in Shinjuku for you to choose from.

Where to stay in Shinjuku?

Depending on your budget, I can recommend the following hotels in Shinjuku Tokyo:

Budget hotels in Shinjuku:

Booth Netcafe & Capsule

Sleeping in a capsule hotel in Tokyo is not only a great Japanese experience, it is also great for your budget – especially if you are traveling alone. The capsule hotel is located just a short 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station. This is also one of the few capsule hotels for females in Tokyo. Most of the others only accept men.

Prices for a single capsule start at $35 – check here for your dates

YOKO House

One of the best budget hotels in Shinjuku. It is very close to the Shin-Okubo Station that is served by the JR Yamanote Line. The common areas offer a barbeque spot and there are plenty of budget restaurants in the area.

Double Rooms with shared bathroom start at $60 – check here for your dates

Mid-Range hotels in Shinjuku

Shinjuku Prince Hotel

Located just a 5-minute walk from the JR Shinjuku Station. There are also great shopping and food opportunities close to the restaurant.

Standard Rooms from $150 – check here for your dates

Upscale hotels in Shinjuku:

Hyatt Regency Toyko

Great location near the Metropolitan Government Building. They also offer a free shuttle to Shinjuku Station. Definitely one of the best hotels in Shinjuku.

Prices from $230 – check here for your dates

Find more hotels in Shinjuku

Click here to find the easiest options to get from Narita Airport to Shinjuku

Best area to stay in Tokyo Shinjuku

Ginza

Ginza is considered the luxury shopping district of Tokyo. But you don’t have to worry, even if you are not looking for a luxury accommodation, Ginza is the right place for you. It is conveniently located on JR Yamanote Line and just one stop away from Tokyo Station. You can venture to many of Tokyo’s attractions directly by train from Ginza Station. If you want to travel further, to Mount Fuji, Narita Airport or other areas in Japan, you can easily connect to the main train lines at Tokyo Station.

Several of the main attractions of Tokyo are located close to Ginza. Thanks to the proximity to Tsukiji Fish Market you won’t have to get up too early in the morning for your visit. The Imperial Palace is also just a short ride away. In the evenings, you will find plenty of great restaurant options that range from budget to luxury.

Where to stay in Ginza?

Depending on your budget, I can recommend the following hotels in Ginza Tokyo:

Budget Hotels in Ginza

Tokyo Ginza BAY HOTEL

This is a very affordable capsule hotel just an 8-minute walk from JR Shinbashi Station on the Yamanote Line. If offers very clean capsules and a spa-like retreat area. Females are also welcome in this capsule hotel. A great way to experience a truly Japanese way to sleep and save at the same time.

Prices per capsule from $30 – check here for your dates

Mid-Range Hotels in Ginza

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ginza Sanchome

This is a Japanese style business hotel with a great location. The interior is modern and each bathroom is equipped with a bath tub. Tsukiji Fish Market and the Imperial Palace are both in an easy walking distance from the hotel.

Prices from $130 – check here for your dates

Upscale hotels in Ginza

Hotel Monterey Ginza

Modern and clean rooms, a perfect location and several restaurants on site. What more do you want? Hotel Monterey Ginza is located just a 1-minute walk from the Ginza Station and 3-minutes from Ginza center.

Rates from $200 – check here for your dates

Other Hotels in Ginza

best area to stay in tokyo modern

Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is the main transport hub of Japan’s capital. It is the ideal location to stay in Tokyo if you are short on time. The direct train connection to both Narita and Haneda Airport guarantees a quick and smooth transfer. If you plan to travel on to other areas in Japan with the Shinkansen high speed rail the station is right in front of your doorsteps.

But Tokyo Station is more than just an ideal way to get in and out of the city. Tokyo Station is connected to the JR Yamanote Line which conveniently brings you to most of Tokyo’s main attractions without the need to transfer. Tokyo Station is an ideal location if you are looking for a budget accommodation option. And you won’t have any issues finding affordable eateries in the area.

Another plus of the area: if you are traveling to Tokyo with kids and want to take them to Tokyo Disney, you will have a direct connection from here which brings you to children’s paradise in around 20 minutes.

Where to stay near Tokyo Station?

Depending on your budget, I can recommend the following hotels near Tokyo Station:

Budget hotels near Tokyo Station

hostel DEN

Hotels in Japan are not what we might think of them in other parts of the world. Hostel DEN offers private rooms with a shared bathroom and is valued for its cleanliness and its location.

Prices for a double room start at $70 – check prices for your dates

Mid-Range hotels near Tokyo Station

Belken Hotel Tokyo

A 5-10 minute walk from Tokyo Station. The hotel itself is modern and located in a quiet area.

Prices from $90 – check prices for your dates

Upscale hotels near Tokyo Station

The Tokyo Station Hotel

If you are looking for a luxurious and unique hotel with an unbeatable location, the Tokyo Station Hotel is the right pick for you. The hotel is located right next to the exit of Tokyo Station. So a smooth transfer from the airport or the Shinkansen train is guaranteed. The building and the interior are truly unique. One of the best hotels near Tokyo Station.

Prices from $350 – check prices for your dates

Other hotels near Tokyo Station

best area to stay in tokyo tokyo station
The area of Tokyo Station is very modern and looks almost European. Photo: Flickr

Shibuya

Shibuya is a very special place in Tokyo. The area is most famous for the Harajuku District. This is where Tokyo’s wild and young teenagers meet and hand out. If you are looking for Tokyo’s best nightlife, this is the right spot for you.

Shibuya is located on the JR Yamanote Line connecting all major tourist areas with each other so it is a great place to start excursions to explore the rest of Tokyo. Also, the train from Narita stops at Shibuya Station.

Where to stay in Shibuya?

Depending on your budget, we recommend the following hotels in Shibuya:

Budget hotels in Shibuya

Hotel Sunreon1

Hotel Sunreon1 is a great place to stay if you want to mind you budget and still stay in a good location in Shibuya.

Rates for a double room with private bathroom start at $80 – check prices for your dates

Mid-Range hotels in Shibuya

Hotel Emit Shibuya

Located a convenient 10-minute walk from Shibuya station. An ideal location if you want to be close to the nightlife of Shibuya but still prefer a hotel in a quiet street.

Prices for a double room from $120 – check rates for your dates

Upscale hotels in Shibuya

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

In this hotel, you are guaranteed a room with an amazing view. All rooms are located in the 19th floor or above. The hotel is one of the best hotels in Shibuya, just a 5-minute walk to Shibuya Station.

Prices from $300 – check prices for your dates.

Find more hotels in Shibuya Tokyo

Best place to stay in tokyo shibuya
The bright neon lights of Shibuya. Photo: Flickr

Tokyo Disney

If you want to keep your kids happy and entertained throughout your entire trip without spending too much time on the train, Tokyo Disney may be the perfect area for you to stay in Tokyo. You will be just a short walking distance to every kid’s dream – Disneyland Tokyo.

Staying in Tokyo Disney doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to reach the city itself. The station is just a short 20-minute from Tokyo Station from where you can visit several sights like the Imperial Palace.

Where to stay in Tokyo Disney?

Tokyo Disney is an area that caters to family and business travelers. Therefore, there aren’t really budget hotels in the area.

Mid-Range hotels in Tokyo Disney

Nice Inn Hotel Ichikawa Tokyo Bay

A great Japanese hotel located just 3 miles from Disneyland. They offer several family rooms.

Prices for a family of four start at $150 – check prices for your dates here

Upscale hotels in Tokyo Disney

Hilton Tokyo Bay

The Hilton Tokyo Bay is the ideal base to visit the Disneyland. They provide a free shuttle every 15 minutes right to the entrance. They focus on families and offer large rooms.

Prices for a family room for four people start at $400 – check the prices for your dates

More Hotels in Tokyo Disney

where to stay in tokyo disney
A christmas parade in Disneyland. Photo: Flickr

Asakusa

If your trip to Japan was inspired by a documentary about Japanese history, samurai and emperors, the neighborhood of Asakusa is a great area to stay for you. Even though the ancient times are over also in this part of town, it has a much more traditional feeling than most other districts of Tokyo. Here you can just lose yourself in the narrow streets full of amazing traditional restaurants and shops.

If you want to maximize your authentic Japanese experience, stay in a ryokan in Asakusa. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that will make you feel like back in the old times.

If you stay in Asakusa, you can connect to the convenient JR Yamanote Line in Ginza after a 10-minute ride. Narita and Haneda airport can be reached directly from Asakusa.

Where to stay in Asakusa?

Depending on your budget, I can recommend the following hotels in Asakusa Tokyo:

Budget hotels in Asakusa

Khaosan Tokyo Origami

A great and clean budget hotel in Asakusa. It is located very close to Asakusa Station and just a 5-minute walk from Sensoji Temple.

Prices for a twin room with shared bathroom start at $70 – check prices for your dates here

Mid-Range hotels in Asakusa

Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International

The hotel is located just a 2-minute walk from Sensoji Temple. Many rooms offer amazing views over the city.

Prices start at $120 for a double room – check prices for your dates here

Upscale hotels in Asakusa

The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic

Located just a short 2-minute walk from Asakusa Station and a 5-minute walk from Sensoji Temple. The hotels offers modern and clean rooms and a rooftop terrace with amazing views over Asakusa.

Prices for a double room start at $200 – check prices for your dates here

More hotels in Asakusa Tokyo

I hope this post helped you find your ideal location in Tokyo. Let us know in the comment section if you have recommendations how we can improve this Tokyo hotel guide.

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The best area to stay in Tokyo - Due to the size of Tokyo and the taxi prices, it is important wo choose the area wisely. Our tool gives you a personalized recommendation where to stay. #japan #travel
The Best Area to Stay in Tokyo – A Personalized Recommendation

18 thoughts on “The Best Area to Stay in Tokyo – A Personalized Recommendation

  1. An interesting blog post that focuses on personalized stay areas in Tokyo. I haven’t been to Tokyo but if I were to go there, I would need advice/blog post like this to stay sorted. I wish you could make similar posts for Hungary where i plan to travel next.

  2. I love all your tips and recommendations divided per type of traveller.
    The shot on the top is so cool.
    I hope to visit this zone soon 🙂

  3. Tokyo is such a massive city that it overwhelms me every time I even think about visiting it. This really helps narrow it down and put things into a more manageable perspective! I hope to go there soon.

  4. This is fantastic!! I always find picking an area to stay in a new city so hard and overwhelming but it’s so important as it affects your experience so much. I love the questionnaire tool you created, did you use a plugin to create that? I got Asakusa as my recommended place to stay and it does sound like just the sort of place my husband and I would love to stay at.

    1. Thank you! Oh, Asakusa is the most special neighborhood of the ones listed. It’s very different from the other areas. If you want to take your time and explore the traditional and old Tokyo, this is your place. Yes, the plugin is called WP Quiz.

  5. Great comprehensive guide to Tokyo. I want to go there so much. Interesting to see that Asakusa is the place to stay for traditional Japan

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