Tokyo does not have a single main tourist hub, so it’s a good idea to think carefully in advance about what you’d most like to see and do there.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Tokyo, you’ll save the most time by staying near the underground and in an area that suits the style of your trip.

Or feel free to split your stay between several hotels in different locations, just as I did.

I’ve posted my reviews of all the hotels I’ve stayed in on our website:

• 🏨 Tomariya Ueno Capsule Hotel in Tokyo
• 🏨 APA Hotel Ginza Shintomicho Ekimae Kita: review of a standard 3* hotel in Tokyo
• 🏨 Hotel Indigo Shibuya: a review of a premium hotel overlooking the Shibuya Crossing
• 🏨 Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome

Where to stay in Tokyo – a quick answer

Unlike other major cities, Tokyo doesn’t have a single historic centre where it’s ‘best to stay’. The city is huge and the individual neighbourhoods function more like separate worlds – each with its own atmosphere and advantages.

Personally, I’d rather pay a few per cent extra for a hotel near a metro station. That’ll save you a lot of time and hassle in Tokyo.

Area	Best for	Book
Ginza / Tokyo Station	transport links (direct trains to both Narita and Haneda airports) shopping, transport hub and yet a quieter neighbourhood	Hotels in Ginza
Shinjuku	the most ‘Japanese vibe’ great restaurants, bars, shops and nightlife A blend of modern Tokyo, history and views	Hotels in Shinjuku
Shibuya	Iconic crossroads, Tokyo’s most famous spot restaurants, shops	Hotels in Shibuya
Ueno	good value for money direct trains to Narita Airport museums, parks, restaurants	Hotels in Ueno
Asakusa	Traditional old Tokyo A quiet neighbourhood	Hotels in Asakusa

If you don’t want to focus on a specific area, you can view all hotels in Tokyo at once:

View available hotels in Tokyo

The best neighbourhoods for accommodation in Tokyo

Below you’ll find the areas that make the most sense for a first visit, including my personal hotel recommendations in each one.

Ginza & Tokyo Station (best location)

In my opinion, Ginza is one of the most convenient options when deciding where to stay in Tokyo for the first time.

It’s quieter than Shinjuku or Shibuya, but you’re still right in the centre and, what’s more, you have excellent connections to both airports – Haneda and Narita – as well as to the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.

My hotel recommendations in Ginza:

• 💸 Best value for money –KOKO HOTEL Ginza-1chome ***
• 💎 Luxury option –The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza *****

Shinjuku (Japanese vibe)

Shinjuku is the ideal choice if you want to be right in the thick of things in the evening and have Tokyo’s largest transport hub just around the corner. For example, direct trains to Mount Fuji run from Shinjuku Station.

Choose this neighbourhood if you want to experience that authentic Japanese vibe – this is the place to stay.

My hotel recommendations in Shinjuku:

• 💸 Best value for money –APA Hotel Shinjuku-Kabukicho Tower ***
• 💎 Luxury option –Hilton Tokyo Hotel ****
• 👉 View all hotels in Shinjuku

Shibuya (modern and lively)

Shibuya is the modern Tokyo you’ll recognise from films – the liveliest district, teeming with people, lights and energy.

At the heart of the district is the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.

My hotel recommendations in Shibuya:

• 💸 Best value for money – Shibuya Granbell Hotel ***
• 💎 Luxury option –Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu ****
• 👉 View all hotels in Shibuya

Asakusa (traditional Tokyo)

Asakusa is a great choice if you want to experience a more traditional side of Tokyo and enjoy a more relaxed pace in the evening.

The area around Senso-ji Temple has a completely different feel to the modern, Western-style city centre.

My hotel recommendations in Asakusa:

• 💸 Best value for money –Dormy Inn EXPRESS Asakusa ***
• 💎 Luxury option –Asakusa View Hotel ***** (often great prices for a 5*)

Ueno (good prices, museum district)

Ueno is often one of the best budget bases, and it’s also easy to get to Narita Airport from here.

The surrounding area is full of local restaurants, parks and a less touristy side of Tokyo.

My hotel recommendations in Ueno:

• 💸 Best value for money –APA Hotel Keisei Ueno Ekimae ***
• 💎 Luxury option –Mitsui Garden Ueno Hotel ****

Hotels with the best views (my tips)

When choosing accommodation, I have one obsession – I often choose hotels mainly based on the view.

Tokyo looks incredible from the upper floors in the evening, and sometimes it’s worth paying a bit extra for a ‘city view’.

• 👉The Prince Park Tower Tokyo – one of the best views of Tokyo Tower
• 👉Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya – an iconic view straight out over the city, and from some rooms a glimpse of Shibuya Crossing
• 👉Hilton Tokyo Odaiba – a panoramic view of the bay and Rainbow Bridge

How much does accommodation cost in Tokyo? (seasons)

Tokyo is the most expensive city in Japan, but compared to other major cities such as New York, London or Hong Kong, hotel prices in Tokyo are lower.

The most expensive times of year are usually spring, during the cherry blossom season, and autumn, when the leaves change colour.

Category	Average price per night
Budget hotel (3*)	20 000 jpy
Standard 4*	40 000 jpy
Luxury 5*	from 80 000 jpy

Check current hotel prices

My experiences (what surprised me)

When booking accommodation in Tokyo, it’s worth bearing in mind a few specific features that set it apart from the rest of the world:

• rooms tend to be smaller than in Europe, America or Australia
• check-in is strictly at 3.00 pm, even if the room is ready earlier
• the best hotels sell out months in advance during peak season
• location near the metro is more important than the number of stars

Useful links

If you’ve already chosen a neighbourhood, here are the quickest links for booking and planning:

• 🚇 Tokyo Metro – tickets, map
• 🗺️ Tokyo in 3 days – itinerary
• 😮 10 things that surprised me in Japan