Tokyo doesn't have one main tourist centre, so it's a good idea to think ahead about what you want to see and do in Tokyo.

If you're figuring out where to stay in Tokyo, being near the subway and in an area that matches your travel style will save you the most time.

Or feel free to split your stay into multiple hotels in different locations like I did.

I describe my reviews of all the hotels I stayed at 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: review of a premium hotel overlooking Shibuya Junction

Where to stay in Tokyo - quick answer

Unlike other big cities, Tokyo doesn't have one historical center that is the "best place to stay". The city is huge and the different districts function more like separate worlds - each with a different atmosphere and benefits.

Personally, I'd rather pay a few extra percent for a hotel near a subway station. This will save you a lot of time and searching in Tokyo.

Area	Best for	Book
Ginza / Tokyo Station	Logistics (direct trains to both Narita and Haneda Airport) Shopping, transportation hub yet quieter neighborhood	Ginza Hotels
Shinjuku	the most "Japanese vibe" great restaurants, bars, shops and nightlife combination of modern Tokyo/history/sightseeing	Shinjuku Hotels
Shibuya	Iconic intersection, Tokyo's most famous place restaurants, shops	Shibuya Hotels
Ueno	good value for money direct trains to Narita Airport museums, parks, restaurants	Hotels in Ueno
Asakusa	traditional old Tokyo Quiet district	Hotels in Asakusa

If you don't want to tackle a specific area, you can check out all the hotels in Tokyo at once:

Find a hotel in Tokyo by neighborhood and price

Best neighbourhoods for accommodation in Tokyo

Below you'll find the areas that make the most sense on your first visit, including my personal tips for a hotel in each.

Ginza & Tokyo Station (best location)

Ginza is, in my opinion, one of the most convenient answers to the question of where to stay in Tokyo for the first time.

It's quieter than Shinjuku or Shibuya, but you're still in the centre, plus you have great connections to both Haneda and Narita airports, as well as the shinkansen from Tokyo Station.

My recommendations for hotels in Ginza:

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

Shinjuku (Japanese vibe)

Shinjuku is the perfect choice if you want to be right in the centre of the action in the evening and have Tokyo's biggest transport hub just around the corner. Shinjuku Station, for example, has direct trains to Mount Fuji.

Choose this neighbourhood if you want to experience the true Japanese vibe, stay here.

My recommendations for hotels in Shinjuku:

• 💸 Best value for money - APA Hotel Shinjuku-Kabukicho Tower ***
• 💎 Luxury option - Hilton Tokyo Hotel ****

Shibuya (modern and vibrant)

Shibuya is the modern Tokyo you know from the movies - the most vibrant neighborhood full of people, lights and energy.

The centre of the district is the world-famous Shibuya intersection.

My recommendations for hotels in Shibuya:

• 💸 Best value for money - Shibuya Granbell Hotel ***
• 💎 Luxury option - Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu ****

Asakusa (Traditional Tokyo)

Asakusa is a great option if you want to experience a more traditional Tokyo atmosphere and have a more relaxed pace in the evening.

The surroundings of Senso-ji Temple have a very different feel to the modern western centre.

My recommendations for hotels in Asakusa:

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

Ueno (good prices, museum district)

Ueno tends to be one of the best budget bases, plus it's easy to get to Narita airport from here.

The neighborhood is full of local restaurants, parks and less touristy Tokyo.

My recommendations for hotels in Ueno:

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

Hotels with the best view (my picks)

I have an obsession when choosing accommodation - I often choose hotels mainly based on the view.

Tokyo looks incredible in the evening from the higher floors and sometimes it's worth paying extra for the "city view".

• 👉 The Prince Park Tower Tokyo - one of the best views of Tokyo Tower
• 👉 Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya - iconic views directly over the city and from some rooms a bit of Shibuya Crossing
• Hilton Tokyo Odaiba - panoramic view of the bay and Rainbow Bridge

How much does it cost to stay in Tokyo? (seasons)

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

The most expensive seasons tend to be spring during the sakura season and autumn during the colourful foliage.

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

Find out current hotel prices

My experience (what surprised me)

When booking accommodation in Tokyo, it's a good idea to take into account a few specifics that make it different from the rest of the world:

• Rooms tend to be smaller than in Europe, America or Australia.
• check-in is strictly at 3pm, even if the room is ready earlier
• the best hotels sell out months in advance in high 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