I will always remember my first time to Tokyo. To me, it felt almost surreal to wander on the streets of Japan’s busy capital and I still remember the neon-lit skyscrapers and how amazed to see its historic temples in-between. Nothing compares to visiting the breathtaking Meiji Shrine with its towering gate and extensive gardens around.
But Tokyo has much more to offer, and I am sure you will want to stop the time and have unlimited hours to enjoy this ancient, yet very alive and modern city.
If you are wondering where to stay in Tokyo, then this article is exactly what you need. Keep reading, and you will discover the best areas and hotels in Tokyo for your first visit.
Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Tokyo
When it comes to finding the best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo, several areas stand out for their unique charm. I have stayed in a variety of areas during my 1-month Japan trip and here are my recommended areas:
- Shinjuku: A bustling district with vibrant nightlife, shopping, and entertainment options.
- Shibuya: Famous for its iconic pedestrian scramble, trendy boutiques, and diverse dining scene.
- Roppongi: Renowned for its upscale vibe, luxury hotels, art galleries, and international dining.
- Near Tokyo Station: Staying near Tokyo Station will make your access to major attractions around Tokyo super convenient. As the main transportation hub, it's a great area to stay if you want to see other places in Japan such as Kyoto.
- Ginza: Synonymous with luxury shopping where you can shop til you drop and then dine in at gourmet restaurants.
1. Where to Stay in the Heart of Tokyo: Shinjuku
Tokyo accommodation is very diverse, and Shinjuku is perfect for first-time travellers to Japan. Or if you are a shopping addict, then this is the place for you too!
Access to the rest of the city from here is very easy as its main train station Shinjuku connects you easily to other areas of Tokyo and even out of it.
The Hotels In Shinjuku
Park Hyatt Tokyo
If anyone would ask me which is the best place to stay in Tokyo, I would always answer Park Hyatt without thinking twice.
Nothing compares to the spacious and elegant rooms, flawless service and well, the location right in the heart of the lively streets of Shinjuku. The highlight? The indoor pool from where you can see the snow-peaked Mount Fuji and a restaurant on the 52nd floor offer spectacular skyline views.
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JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
Conveniently located very close to the Shinjuku train station, the rooms are a good size for the Japanese standard, which is usually very small!
In comparison to other more expensive hotels in the area, this is an affordable choice with the advantage of a superb location right in Shinjuku.
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GLOU Higashi Shinjuku
If you're looking for the best places to stay in Tokyo, GLOU is a clean, comfortable and quiet place to stay in Tokyo.
It is less than 4 kilometres away from the Metropolitan Government Building and Meiji Jingu Shrine, which can easily reached by public transport in 15-20 minutes. The rooms are small but quite new and highly functional.
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2. Where to Stay Near the Famous Crossing in Tokyo: Shibuya
If you want to feel Tokyo’s action 24/7, then this is your neighbourhood. Shibuya is that place where you will never have a dull moment.
Shibuya Crossing is very famous, being the world’s busiest crossing. Moreover, this location attracts a lot of young people keeping this neighbourhood vivid with their colourful clothes and hair.
The Best Hotels in Shibuya
Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya is a 5-star hotel offering a fitness center, terrace, restaurant, and bar, along with free Wi-Fi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Located near Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the provides easy access to popular Toyko attractions.
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Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel
As one of the best hotels in Tokyo, Cerulean Tower is located right near to the famous Shibuya crossing.
The hotel definitely gains its visitors with its elegant interior design and since all rooms are located on the 19th floor and above, you'll surely have some spectacular views over the city when you check in here.
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Shibuya Granbell Hotel
Welcome to one of Tokyo's boutique hotels, impressing with its highly modern rooms. The en suite bathroom with a shower is a Japanese experience you shouldn't miss!
Located in a quieter part of Shibuya, the Granbell Hotel offers easy access to food, shopping and everything else in just a few foot-minutes away.
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Shibuya Hotel En
Comfortable rooms designed in Japanese essence and great service await you at Hotel En in Shibuya.
Free wifi in all rooms, 24-hour security and daily housekeeping will make your stay in Shibuya a breeze.
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3. Where to Stay in the Hippest Area of Tokyo: Roppongi
You cannot say you travelled to Tokyo if you didn’t make it to Roppongi. It is the place where you will taste Japanese entertainment to its maximum.
Once named the world's most notorious red light district, Roppongi has grown up and has become a lot more sophisticated in many parts.
The Best Hotels in Roppongi
Grand Hyatt Tokyo
I love Roppongi, here, I said it! And I couldn’t recommend a better place to stay in Tokyo for a first-time traveller than Roppongi.
The Grand Hyatt sits on the edge of Roppongi Hills with its garden. Stylish rooms will take comfort to a totally different level at this 5-star hotel and welcome you in an elegant and modern atmosphere. Plus, the Fiorentina Italian restaurant on the lobby level will make your mouth water.
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Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi
What I like the most about this hotel are the stunning views, especially at night when the city glows. Plus it is very close to Roppongi Hills and the Mori Art Museum. Many other Roppongi attractions are just a stone's throw away too.
The spa & wellness center at Candeo Hotel makes for an excellent to start your day or to unwind after a day spent exploring the streets of Tokyo.
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remm Roppongi
There is a lot to love about this hotel. Starting from its close proximity to Roppongi Hills to the on-site restaurant called Cedar The Chop House & Bar and of course, the comfortable rooms.
This hotel has everything you could want for your accommodation in Tokyo if you are looking for value for your money!
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4. Where to Stay in Tokyo for Easy Access to See the Rest of Japan: Tokyo Station
From Tokyo Station, you can easily get to other parts of the city and the rest of the country. For example, if you want to go to Kyoto or Osaka, you will take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.
The area is filled with restaurants, shopping, bars and entertainment.
The Best Hotels Near Tokyo Station
Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo
Located near Tokyo Station, Ascott Marunouchi will impress you with its elegantly furnished rooms and attention to detail.
From the firmness of the beds to the delicious dishes served up at the on-site restaurant, the Ascott holds its promise as a great 5-star hotel and will surely make your stay in Tokyo nothing but memorable.
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Oakwood Premier Tokyo
The Oakwood Hotel's advantage is that it is very close to Tokyo train station, which makes it a highly convenient place to stay in Tokyo.
From here, you will be very close to the famous Ginza shopping district. The studio-style rooms offer enough space including a fully-equipped kitchen which makes it a luxurious and comfortable option to stay for a few more days in Tokyo.
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Mitsui Garden Hotel Otemachi
You will love this 4-star hotel in Tokyo if you want to spend memorable moments visiting Japan's capital city without breaking the bank.
The area where Mitsui Garden Hotel is located is actually called Chiyoda, just north of the Tokyo Station, a good area to stay in Tokyo with a friendly, local community around and not too far from the famous Imperial Palace.
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5. Where to Stay in Tokyo for Shopping: Ginza
And now we got to my favourite part: shopping. Tokyo offers endless possibilities to get the posh factor and shop from your favourite famous brands.
But Ginza is more than just shopping. It is also the home of the Imperial Palace which will impress you with its gardens.
The Best Hotels in Ginza
The Peninsula Tokyo
Ginza. Here you are in the district of emperors, so you should feel like one in your hotel also!
The 5-star Peninsula Hotel will pamper you with a comfortable bed in well-laid-out rooms and the magnificent pool area, plus spa centre and fitness club.
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Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier
How does it feel to stay just a few steps away from the glam of the Ginza’s shopping malls?
All rooms at Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza are located above the 16th floor, so the city views are guaranteed here! The location of the hotel is perfect, a short 8-minute walk to as well as easy access to the main shopping streets of Ginza and a direct 40-minute train connection to Haneda Airport.
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Mercure Tokyo Ginza
As part of the Accor Hotel Group, this hotel in Tokyo is very well connected to all the famous shops of Ginza.
Clean facilities, generous rooms, and helpful staff are some of the features that put this hotel on top of my favourite list when looking for a great boutique hotel in Tokyo.
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Book Your Trip To Japan
Book Your Flight
I recommend using Skyscanner as the easiest way to find and compare the best airfares to Japan.
Book Your Hotel
My top pick for finding the perfect accommodation is Booking.com, as they guarantee the best room rate available, plus you get free cancellation on most bookings.
Book Your Tours & Activities
With Get Your Guide and Viator, you will get instant confirmation, great customer support, and free cancellation for many activities.
Access Money Overseas Without Hidden Fees
I highly recommend getting a Wise account to withdraw money in Japan, pay for meals on the Visa card, or shop in Japanese Yen. With Wise, you always pay the real exchange, so you never pay more!
Get the Best eSIM
Getting an eSIM card eliminates the need for physical SIM cards, so you can easily switch between mobile networks in over 190 countries worldwide without expensive roaming fees.
Don't Go Without Travel Insurance
Travel with confidence, knowing that Hey Mondo, my preferred travel insurance provider, has your back. Don't let illness, accidents, theft, or cancellations ruin your trip. As a reader, you also get 5% off any policy purchased!
Where to Stay in Tokyo – Frequently Asked Questions
📍 Should I stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya?
Choosing between staying in Shinjuku and Shibuya depends on your preferences. Shinjuku is great for its bustling nightlife, shopping, and entertainment, while Shibuya is famous for its trendy vibe, iconic crossing, and diversity of dining options. Consider your priorities, such as nightlife, shopping, or convenience to specific attractions, to make the best decision for your stay in Tokyo.
📅 How many days should I spend in Tokyo for the first time?
For first-time travellers to Tokyo, I recommend spending around 5 to 7 days. This amount of time is ideal for exploring the city's major attractions, immersing yourself in the unique Japanese culture, and experiencing different neighborhoods. This duration allows you to visit iconic landmarks, try various cuisines, and also venture out to nearby day-trip destinations if you have extra time.
💸 Is Tokyo expensive?
Tokyo can be considered relatively expensive compared to many other cities around the world, especially in terms of accommodation, dining, and entertainment. However, there are definitely budget-friendly options available for accommodations, meals, and transportation.
Where to Stay in Tokyo – Final Words
Deciding where to stay in Tokyo is really important since the city is so huge. Shinjuku and Shibuya are my personal favourite as the areas offer most attractions, vibrant nightlife and shopping.
Roppongi is another great area that's worth staying in Tokyo as it's got some great alternative and hipster vibes paid with luxury boutique hotels and international dining. Staying near Tokyo Station provides convenience for exploring the city and beyond. Ginza is perfect for luxury shopping and cultural experiences. Wherever you stay, I am sure you'll fall in love with the craziness of Tokyo and the quirky things that are unique to Japan.
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