Where to Stay in Tokyo ✔️ TOP Areas (For All Budgets!)

Tokyo is an incredible travel destination full of exceptional cuisine, fashion, and culture, and it is a big city! So, as you can imagine, deciding where to stay in Tokyo might be overwhelming.

Good thing you are here because I will give you the best tips and tricks based on my experience, so you don’t make the same mistakes as me!

In this article, I’m talking about the 8 best neighborhoods in Tokyo, with hand-picked hotel recommendations for each. All you need to do is pick one!

The best area to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors is Shinjuku. It’s the ideal place to experience Tokyo as there are TONS of fabulous shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area, so it’s impossible to get bored.

But if you are looking for something a little different, I will also be talking about  Shibuya, Ginza, Marunouchi, Asakusa, Roppongi, Tokyo Bay, Ueno & Akihabara. I’m sure you will find something best tailored to your needs and budget, but don’t forget to book your top pick as soon as possible. Remember, this is a prominent travel destination and places sell out quickly!

Are you ready? Let’s go!

If you’re in a hurry…

If you don’t have time to read all the valuable information in this post but are already ready to book, let’s not waste more time. These are the best of the best options in Tokyo:

• Best luxury hotel: Park Hyatt Tokyo
• Best middle-priced hotel: Kaika Tokyo
• Best budget hotel: Hotel Gracery

Check the rates for Tokyo

Which area should you choose?

As I mentioned before, deciding on your Tokyo hotel requires a lot of research and attention. After all, Tokyo is HUGE; there are 47 neighborhoods in the entire city!

PRO TIP: First, because Tokyo is so big and full of exciting attractions, you must pick a place close to your main points of interest. Second, make sure to choose something close to a train station or metro, preferably near the JR Yamanote train line; this way, it will be easy to move around the city (which you’ll have to do a lot, trust me!).

And here’s a map of Tokyo with all the neighborhoods I’ll be talking about in this post:

To make things easier for you, I picked the 8 best areas in the city for tourists. Now all you need to do is choose one that fits your personal preferences and itinerary! Below you’ll find my personalized recommendations for different types of travelers:

• Top area for first-timers: Shinjuku
• Best neighborhood to stay with friends: Shibuya
• Best place for nightlife: Roppongi
• Best area for luxury: Ginza
• Top neighborhood for shopping: Tokyo Station
• Best area for budget travelers: Asakusa
• Best neighborhood for families: Odaiba & Tokyo Bay
• Top place for anime lovers: Ueno & Akihabara

Now that everything is a bit more clear for you, let’s find out more details about the best neighborhoods in Tokyo:

1. Shinjuku – where to stay in Tokyo for the first time

As I mentioned already, Shinjuku is THE best recommendation for people going to Tokyo for the first time. It’s the heart and soul of Tokyo!

It’s also the area where I stayed during my trip, and I believe it was the best choice I could make! I was close to countless restaurants, bars, and exciting attractions, and the area was so lively; I never wanted to return to my Tokyo accommodation because I didn’t want to miss out on anything!

Shinjuku is a cumulation of everything Tokyo offers – lively streets, skyscrapers, unique shops, neon lights, bookshops, department stores, authentic restaurants, parks, and everything else.

The Shinjuku area revolves around Shinjuku station, so if you choose to stay here, you’ll know that you’ll also be close to public transport – I only see advantages here! Ah, and by the way, did I mention that this area never sleeps? Yep, it’s true! You’ll always find a place to have some drinks or to grab a bite, regardless of how late it is. And that’s a great advantage, trust me!

As you might expect, Shinjuku has plenty of fantastic hotel options that you can choose from. Below you’ll find my best recommendations:

Luxury (US$250 and up)

• Park Hyatt Tokyo – In case you’re on the search for Hyatt hotels in Tokyo, well, you must know that their property in this city is one of the best hotels in Shinjuku so that you can expect excellent service. Yep, it’s one of the most beautiful 5-star hotels in Tokyo, and the reviews are just great!
• JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom – This is one of the best luxury hotels in Tokyo! It’s a fantastic 5-star hotel located in the heart of this neighborhood, close to the Golden Gai, JR Shinjuku train station, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, so you know it has a great location!

Middle-priced (from US$100 – US$250)

• Tokyu Stay – Here is a great mid-range hotel offering superb service while helping you save money. This simple yet modern hotel provides a delicious breakfast and pretty Big rooms. It’s close to the well-known Golden Gai and within walking distance from Inari Kio Shrine and Shinjuku train station.
• La’gent Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho – Here’s another excellent middle-priced hotel in Tokyo that will make you feel just like in the famous movie by Sofia Coppola – Lost in Translation! The design is simple but charming, and it has an on-site restaurant, private parking, and a 24-hour front desk, among others.

Budget (up to US$100)

• Onsen Ryokan Yuen – Now, if you’re searching for cheap places to stay in Tokyo in the famous neighborhood of Shinjuku, know that there are some excellent options! This is one of the best traditional Japanese inns and has an on-site restaurant. This hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk – so convenient!
• Sotetsu Grand Fresa – If you want to stay in Tokyo Shinjuku on a tight budget but still have great facilities, here’s another excellent choice! This hotel is simple but cozy, close to many food places, bars, and a shopping street, and has an on-site restaurant!

Check the rates for Shinjuku

Things to do in Shinjuku

• Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck to enjoy Tokyo skyline
• Enjoy a stroll in Shinjuku Gyoen, a beautiful garden
• Rent a rowboat in the Inokashira Park
• Experience a robot show at the Robot Restaurant

2. Shibuya – where to stay in Tokyo with friends

Shibuya is pretty similar to Shinjuku in terms of atmosphere and convenience, so it’s also a very convenient location for all types of travelers, especially young people who want to discover Tokyo. If you choose to stay here, you’ll be surrounded by many food and drink places, shopping malls, and countless interesting Japanese attractions.

Shibuya Station is the main transportation hub of this neighborhood, which is great for moving around the city, and you’ll also be well-connected to the airports.

By the way, the famous Harajuku area (the most “kawaii” part of Tokyo) is also located in the neighborhood of Shibuya, so you can go there if you want to shop for unique clothing and accessories (especially on Takeshita-Dori street)!

Hachiko Square is another important spot in the area where the coolest people meet! And you probably heard about Shibuya Crossing, right? Or at least you’ve seen pictures of it; I’m sure of that! It’s the busiest street crossing in the world, and it’s located in this neighborhood, right in the center. And did I mention that Shibuya is also a great place to go to experience the nightlife of Tokyo?

If you feel like Shibuya is your place to be, here are the best Tokyo hotels in the area:

Luxury (US$180 and up)

• Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel – If you’re looking for a perfect, spoiled stay in Tokyo so you can feel like a queen/king, look no further than this hotel! It provides a 5-star service, and the hotel rooms have an amazing view over the city. You’ll also have access to the sauna, hot tub, and beauty salon.
• Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu – Here’s another perfect luxurious option (it is also considered one of the business hotels in the city!) with easy access to the Shibuya station and other public transportation options. This 4-star hotel has a restaurant, a fitness center, and a bar – so great!

Middle-priced (from US$100 – US$180)

• Act Hotel Shibuya – You’ll see plenty of good hotels in the city part of the “Act” chain, and this awesome middle priced hotel one is the perfect example! It awaits air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and a perfect location.
• Dormy Inn Premium – When you read about the facilities offered at this property, you’ll understand why it’s such a great choice for this neighborhood. Plus, it is within walking distance from the famous Shibuya Crossing! This hotel offers flat-screen TVs in all rooms, free Wifi, and an on-site restaurant with Japanese/Western breakfast and FREE Yonaki Soba ramen noodles catered at night!

Budget (up to US$100)

• The Millennials Shibuya – This awesome hostel has some unbeatable prices considering the popular location! This capsule hostel has Smart Pods as rooms that offer privacy, comfort, and convenience. It has common areas such as a workspace, kitchen, and lounge and is close to popular attractions and museums, such as Tokyo Photographic Art Museum! One of the best things about staying at this incredible hostel is that every day from 17:30 to 18:30, they offer unlimited FREE BEER! That’s The Millennials’ way, I guess!
• Wise Owl Hostels Shibuya – This hostel is simply a great choice for Shibuya! It’s pretty new, as it first opened in 2017 and it offers a friendly atmosphere and cozy rooms. You can read more about it in the hotel description on Booking!

Check the rates for Shibuya

Things to do in Shibuya

• See the famous Shibuya Crossing
• Visit the Hachiko Statue
• Check out the Meiji-jingu Shrine
• Explore Tokyo Photographic Art Museum

3. Ginza – best neighborhood to stay in Tokyo for luxury

You may have already seen in my personalized list of recommendations above that Ginza is well recommended for people interested in opulence. In this neighborhood you will find both luxury shopping malls, and for luxurious accommodations. Even though that’s true, this doesn’t mean that Ginza is unaffordable for other types of pockets as well!

Ginza Shopping District is well connected to the rest of the city via JR Tarakucho station and Ginza metro station, so if you want to arrive in some other parts of the city, you’ll be able to do so in no time!

Ginza is also close to Tsukiji Fish Market, the best place to try some fresh sushi and an unmissable spot during your Tokyo itinerary! Some other sights in the area include the Imperial Palace, Chuo Dori – the main street of the neighborhood that becomes pedestrian-only during the weekends, and you’ll also be walking distance to Tokyo Train Station.

If you want to make Ginza your base during your stay in Tokyo, here are my recommended hotels that you can choose from:

Luxury (US$250 and up)

• The Peninsula Tokyo – Honestly, I think this property is one of the best hotels in Tokyo! It has an excellent location, close to the Imperial Palace and train station, and has an on-site spa, pool, fitness center, and superb rooms with a view!
• Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo – If you want a luxurious hotel close to countless ramen restaurants and other traditional Japanese food, as well as bars and other entertainment options, then this one is for you! It’s a 4-star hotel with super good service!

Middle-priced (US$120 – US$250)

• The Royal Park – If you don’t want to spend all your money on your Tokyo accommodation but still have all the benefits of a high-end stay, this is the best option! It’s right in the heart of Ginza, close to many bars and boutique shops, and the rooms have fantastic views over the city!
• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Shimbashi – If you’re the type of person that wants a luxurious service without spending too much money and if you want easy access to plenty of street food vendors, drink spots. Landmarks such as the Imperial Palace are within walking distance; make sure to book a room here! This 3-star hotel has cozy rooms, perfect for a good night’s sleep!

Budget (up to US$120)

• Hotel Monterey Ginza – If you’re on a tight budget but still want to be close to one of the most luxurious areas in one of the most expensive cities in the world, it’s possible if you book a room here! This 4-star hotel has some economy rooms that are just perfect for this, and the location is pretty ideal, close to many bars and ramen places!
• Hotel Gracery Ginza – Here’s another superb hotel that offers some budget rooms as well. It awaits free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and sparkling clean rooms.

Check the rates for Ginza

Things to do in Ginza

• Visit the Imperial Palace, close to Tokyo Station
• Taste the excellent sushi in the Old Tsukiji Fish Market
• Go on a shopping spree in the multiple shopping malls in the area
• Explore Hamarikyu Gardens

4. Tokyo Station / Marunouchi Area – top area for shopping

As you might have guessed already, Tokyo Station is the main transportation hub of the city and one of the most convenient areas to stay, especially if you’re planning on doing some day trips or if you’re heading over to some other exciting cities in Japan!

You’ll have a great connection to the airports in the Tokyo Bay area, and other Japanese cities such as Yokohama, Osaka, or Kyoto via shinkansen, for example.

The area around Tokyo Station (Marunouchi Area) has a central location, so it’s an excellent choice as you’ll be close to the main attractions as well. Actually, Tokyo Station can be considered a kind of a mall, as it’s enormous and full of shopping malls and restaurants as well – in Japan, it’s prevalent for train stations to be shopping complexes and great eating spots, even if you’re not expecting it!

The area around the Tokyo Station is full of great Tokyo accommodation options. Check out the best ones I could find below:

Luxury (US$300 and up)

• Imperial Hotel Tokyo – If you want to stay in style near one of the most important transport hubs in the city, close to tons of ramen places and interesting sights, then you have to read more about this hotel! It’s one of the best luxury hotels in the Tokyo Station area; you just won’t regret it! This property offers an indoor swimming pool, an on-site hair salon, a beauty massage salon, and many more services!
• The Tokyo Station Hotel – This area is also a well-known business district in the city, so that you can choose from plenty of luxurious properties and business hotels. This one is super popular, and it offers excellent service. It also is the perfect gate for day trips, as many trains go to Kyoto or Osaka from the station!

Middle-priced (from US$60 – US$300)

• The Gate Hotel – This fabulous middle-range hotel is my recommendation if you want great value for the money! It’s close to many public transport links, such as Tokyo Station, and landmarks, such as the Imperial Palace; it has clean and comfy rooms, and the staff are super helpful.
• Nishitetsu Inn Nihonbashi – If you want to save money for a day trip to Kyoto, Mount Fuji, or Hakone, for example, then search no more and pick this fabulous hotel! It’s close to the station, and no less than 4 subway stations/lines, including Tokyo Station – how great is that?

Budget (up to US$60)

• APA Hotel Shintomicho-Ekikita – This is one the best budget hotels! It awaits free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, a flat-screen TV in each room, and more. By the way, visiting Kyoto means you’re only a train ride away! And it’s also located close to plenty of galleries and museum choices!
• APA Hotel Hatchobori Shintomicho – Here’s another excellent budget hotel close to the train lines of the Tokyo metro, so it’s super convenient if you have a JR pass and want to travel around the country! You’ll also be within walking distance to many street food places, so you’ll never get bored in this area!

Check the rates near Tokyo Station

Things to do in Tokyo Station area

• Delight yourself with incredible dishes at the Japan Gourmet Street
• Enjoy the lights show at Wadakura Fountain Park
• Visit the Tokyo Station Gallery
• Explore Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum

5. Asakusa – where to stay in Tokyo on a budget

If Ginza is a luxury heaven, Asakusa is THE place to be for all people traveling on a budget to Tokyo!

Asakusa has another unique thing about it as well. Compared to the other flashy, modern, neon-lit areas of Tokyo, Asakusa hosts a more calm, traditional atmosphere – it’s like it’s been frozen in time, but in a good way! So if you love temples, small and authentic streets, and traditional restaurants, I genuinely believe that Asakusa is your place!

It’s true, you won’t find huge malls or department stores in this area, as it’s an older part of the city, but you’ll be super close to them in case that’s what you want (you’ll be 10 minutes away by metro from Ginza, to be more precise).

Some essential attractions in the area include Sensoji Temple and the Tokyo Skytree, just to name a few. Plus, it’s the BEST place to buy Japanese souvenirs, as you’ll find plenty of traditional shops selling handmade objects such as chopsticks or ramen bowls.

Convinced? Here are the best options for Tokyo accommodation in this area:

Luxury (US$140 and up)

• Cyashitsu Ryokan – If you want to splurge and be spoiled in one of the city’s most authentic neighborhoods, and experience a traditional tatami mat room, then you should opt for this place! It offers 3-star service, an on-site restaurant, air-conditioned rooms, a bar, and free Wifi. At this ryokan (one of the best traditional Japanese inns) you will have incredible city views and an open-air bath!
• Onyado Nono Natural Hot Spring – If you want to be a short walk away from Sensoji Temple in one of the most beautiful areas in Tokyo, look no further than this hotel! You’ll have plenty of room choices, and one of the best advantages of staying here is that you’ll have access to the on-site hot spring bath and sauna!

Middle-priced (from US$50 – US$140)

• Kaika Tokyo – If one of your biggest wishes is to stay in a Tokyo neighborhood that resembles Kyoto, then Asakusa is a great choice, and this hotel will satisfy all your needs! The clean and cozy air-conditioned rooms have free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant!
• Asakusa Tobu – Here’s another superb mid-range option in this beautiful district! This hotel awaits incredible city views from the rooms and an great location – 2 minutes from the subway station!

Budget (up to US$50)

• Hotel Gracery – Want to save money on your Tokyo stay? This is the perfect hotel for you! It offers 4-star service and it has an on-site restaurant https://ryuukoi.id/, plus the staff speaks very good English!
• K’s House Tokyo Oasis – If you haven’t made up your mind yet, here I’m presenting you yet another nice choice if you want to save some pennies! This hostel is close to many attractions and it awaits with a super cute common area where you can relax or make new friends!

Check the rates for Asakusa

Things to do in Asakusa

• Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji Temple
• See the whole city from the Tokyo Skytree
• Check the cherry blossoms at Sumida Park
• Enjoy some art at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

6. Roppongi – best area to stay in Tokyo for nightlife

If you’re a night owl looking for some exciting parties, clubs, and pubs, then Roppongi is for you!

Even though it’s not on the Yamanote train line, Roppongi is still an excellent choice for your stay in Tokyo because it’s scattered with endless great restaurants, a couple of art galleries, and amazing nightlife!

It’s actually a super cool, up-and-coming area full of parties all night long and yummy restaurants that await during the day.

The fun spots here are frequented by locals and tourists alike, so it’s a great place to make friends or to see how young Japanese people like to spend the night.

If this excites you, here are the best hotels in Roppongi that you can choose from:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• The Prince Park Tower – Rising above Shiba Park and situated right by Tokyo Tower, just a short walk to the Imperial Palace, The Prince Park Tower Tokyo offers spacious rooms with skyline views and WiFi for absolutely no extra cost. The hotel is within walking distance to various train stations.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo – You may already know about the luxurious chain of hotels called Ritz-Carlton and you better be expecting an excellent service, as that’s exactly what you’ll receive! This property in Roppongi has a sauna, a gym and even bike rentals.

Middle-priced (US$80 – US$150)

• Nihon Seinenkan – This 3-star hotel is super close to tons of clubs and pubs, so you’ll always be close to the middle of the action! It is also near many tourist attractions, such as the Sato Museum of Art, Ota Memorial Museum of Art, Shotaro Akiyama Photo Art Museum, and many more. Plus, the rooms are super cozy and clean – what more can you wish for?
• Tokyo Prince Hotel – This super hotel was recently renovated, and you’ll have an awesome view of Tokyo Tower from your room, which calls for some perfect photos! By the way, they even have an on-site shopping arcade!

Budget (up to US$80)

• Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Roppongi – And if you didn’t make up your mind just yet, I present to you another choice that offers a very good value for the money. This one has free luggage storage, and even an on-site trouser press that you can use for free.
• Act Hotel Roppongi – Here’s another good Act hotel in the city! This one awaits with 4-star service, super friendly and helpful staff, and, of course, free Wi-Fi! By the way, the Roppongi metro station is only 200m away, which I think it’s a great advantage!

Check the rates for Roppongi

Things to do in Roppongi

• Spend the day at Roppongi Hills
• Visit Tokyo National Art Center
• Check the Mori Arts Center Gallery
• Enjoy the cherry blossoms at Mohri Garden
• Explore Tokyo Tower