Where to Stay in Tokyo – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

One of the most culturally enthralling cities in the world, Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is at the epicenter of the Greater Tokyo Area, the most densely populated metropolitan in the world. A visit to Tokyo can almost be described as a visit to the future – imagine one-of-a-kind architecture, a neon-lit skyline, free flowing trend-setting fashion, innovative technology, and pop culture sprouting in every possible corner.

As one of the most visited cities in the world, Tokyo is also known for its diverse geography and glimpses of old Japan. Needless to say, the city has something for everyone. No wonder, it has been selected to host the 2020 Summer Olympics.

It is now time to explore some of the most prominent neighborhoods that will assist you in planning where to stay in Tokyo during your visit.

Shinjuku

For a lot of people, Shinjuku is the best neighborhood in Tokyo for tourists. The neon lights and high-tech skyscrapers that you see in movies and TV shows is mostly a glimpse into this bustling area. During the day, Shinjuku is filled with shopaholics buzzing in and out of the many malls scattered around the area, but, come evening, Shinjuku comes alive with a mind-blowing display of entertainment and nightlife. In the heart of the district is Shinjuku Train station, one of the busiest in the world. Kabukicho, an area east of the train station, is where Tokyo’s biggest, most happening parties go down. A visit to the observation deck of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers a picturesque view of the city and on a clear day, you could also spot Mt. Fuji at a distance. Shinjuku is also known for some of the quirkiest “Love Hotels” in Tokyo.

Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially the young.
Other Highlights: Golden Gai district, Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, Inokashira-koen park, and Hanazono Shrine.

Hotel Recommendations:

Tokyu Stay Shinjuku – Just a few minutes from the JS Shinjuku Station and in the heart of the neighborhood, this charming hotel features comfortable guestrooms with facilities such as a flat-screen TV, an air purifier, and an ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. Free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk is also available for the guests. Suitable for solo travelers and couples.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – 15 minutes stroll from the Shinjuku Gyoen national garden is this wonderful hotel which offers well-appointed guestrooms, free Wi-Fi, an onsite restaurant, 24-hour reception, and ironing and laundry service at an additional cost. Great for all kinds of travelers.
Hyatt Regency Tokyo – Located next to Shinjuku Central Park, this 4-star hotel offers luxurious accommodation with world-class amenities and a stunning view of Shinjuku along with an indoor pool, a spa and wellness center, 7 dining options and much more. The Tochomae Subway Station is connected to the property while the Shinjuku Train station is just a free shuttle ride away. Perfect for all kinds of luxury travelers.

Ginza

Ginza is the second-best place to stay in Tokyo, after the vibrant district of Shinjuku. A spectacular region, Ginza is the upscale neighborhood of Tokyo where shopping is considered a national sport. During the weekend, traffic is prohibited in the area and Ginza transforms into a pedestrian paradise. This neighborhood is also known to ooze a great Japanese atmosphere. If you are traveling with family or prefer luxury travel, Ginza is the place to be. Imperial Palace, the residence of Japan’s emperor, is an important sight – you can’t enter the Palace, but a tour of the palace grounds is equally worthwhile. Just past the fashion stores and luxury hotels is the Tsukiji Fish Market, the biggest and the most famous seafood market in the world.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Kabukiza Theater, Chuo Street, Sukiyabashi Park, POLA Museum Annex, and Shiseido Gallery.

Hotel Recommendations:

Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo – Just a few steps away from all the glitz and glamour of Ginza is this plush hotel that features a series of well-appointed guestrooms, an onsite restaurant, currency exchange, complimentary buffet breakfast, and 24-hour front desk. Great for all kinds of luxury travelers.
Tokyu Stay Ginza – Tokyu Stay Ginza features spacious air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TV, electric kettle, microwave, ensuite bathroom with free toiletries, and a kitchenette (in selected rooms). The complimentary buffet breakfast served every morning comprises delightful western and Japanese dishes. Perfect for solo travelers and couples.
HOTEL UNIZO Tokyo Ginza-itchome – Located 5 minutes’ walking distance from three different metro stations, this pleasant hotel provides well-equipped guestrooms, an onsite bar, a 24-hour front desk, and a dedicated ladies-only floor with a separate ladies-only lounge. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily. Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small families.

Asakusa

Among the very few areas that remain in Tokyo looking like it retains the old-worldly charm of Tokyo and hasn’t gone through much modernization, Asakusa has an amazing network of streets lined with budget shopping avenues. As compared to the districts of Shibuya and Ginza, Asakusa is a wonderful alternative for inexpensive shopping and affordable accommodation. Tokyo Sky Tree, perhaps the only example of modernization in the neighborhood, is the tallest tower in the world and has an observation deck which offers panoramic views of the city. You must also visit the National Sumo Stadium Kokugikan to watch the famous Japanese sumo wrestlers fight it out. However, the most famous attraction in the area is the famous Senso-ji Temple.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Asakusa-jinja Shrine, Edo-Tokyo Museum, Sumida Park, and Museum of Contemporary Art.

Hotel Recommendations:

Richmond Hotel Asakusa – Located a few minutes from the historic Sensoji Temple, Richmon Hotel Asakusa comes with wonderfully decorated rooms fitted with LCD TV, free video-on-demand channels, and an ensuite bathroom with POLA amenities. Other facilities at the property include an onsite restaurant, coin launderette, and a 24-hour front desk. Great for solo travelers, couples, and small families.
Hotel Hokke Club Asakusa – 15 minutes’ walking distance from Kaminari-mon Gate and Senso-ji Temple, this contemporary hotel features well-appointed guestrooms, free Wi-Fi, vending machines, 24-hour front desk, free luggage storage, and an onsite restaurant. Suitable for solo travelers and couples.
The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic – Guestrooms at the lavish hotel comes in classy dark-wood furnishings and plenty of wonderful facilities. A concierge service, a 24-hour front desk, in-room massages, an open-air terrace, and an onsite bar and restaurant are at disposal of the guests as well. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.

Roppongi

Perhaps the most western part of Tokyo, Roppongi is known to be one of the liveliest entertainment neighborhoods in the city where locals and tourists come to enjoy the best of Japanese culture, cuisine, shopping, and nightlife. Spend the day admiring the views from the observation deck at the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower’s 52^nd floor. For something more artsy, pay a visit to the largest museum of contemporary art in Tokyo, Mori Art Museum. Remember those colorfully lit, tree-lined roads of Tokyo from the postcards and guidebooks? Stroll the streets around the Roppongi Hills Mall and the Sakurazaka Park in the evening to experience them in person.

Good for: All kinds of modern travelers.
Other Highlights: Zojo-ji Temple, National Art Center Tokyo, Tokyo Tower, Suntory Museum of Art, and Atago-jinja Shrine.

Hotel Recommendations:

Remm Roppongi – Located just 400 meters from Roppongi Hills and Mori Art Museum, Remm Roppongi offers comfortable guestrooms with flat-screen TV, kettle, and an ensuite bathroom with free toiletries. An onsite bar and restaurant is available for the guests. Complimentary breakfast is served daily. Great for solo travelers and couples.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Roppongi – 10 minutes’ walking from the Mori Art Museum, this wonderful property features well-appointed guestrooms with free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathroom with free toiletries, and a flat-screen TV with pay-per-view channels. Daily breakfast is available at a nominal rate. Suitable for all kinds of travelers.
Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi – A quick stroll from the Mori Art Museum and Roppongi Hills, this luxury hotel provides well-equipped guestrooms, a spa and wellness center, a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, a sauna, and a delectable buffet breakfast (at a nominal rate). Suitable for couples and small families.

Akihabara/ Iidabashi

Popularly known as Akiba, the Akihabara district of Tokyo is especially dedicated to all the geeks and electronic lovers. Unarguably, the mecca for all manga and anime enthusiasts from all around the world, Akiba is a great area to stroll amidst the many shops and businesses dedicated to various gadgets, artefacts, and bizarre objects. During the Edo-era, most governing elites lived in their grand villas in the area, but in the modern-day Tokyo, Akiba is home to many budget accommodation options. The beautiful Kitanomaru Park, surrounded by a moat, lays on the north of the majestic Imperial Palace. The park is especially spectacular during the Cherry Blossom season.

Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially those on a budget or looking for electronics.
Other Highlights: Maid cafes, Akihabara Radio Center, Jimbocho neighborhood, Yasukuni-jinja Shrine, National Showa Memorial Museum, Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Kanda Myojin Shrine, and Nicholai-do.

Hotel Recommendations:

Remm Akihabara – Just a couple of minutes’ walk from the famous Electric Town, Remm Akihabara offers a direct access to JR Akihabara Train Station. The hotel features comfortable guestrooms that provide a wonderful view of the city and superb facilities. Guests can also enjoy the onsite body care service and café. Great for solo travelers and couples.
HOTEL MYSTAYS Ochanomizu Conference Center – Offering free Wi-Fi, an onsite bar and restaurant, a rejuvenating massage service, coin-operated laundry machines, and well-appointed guestrooms, this hotel is a great choice to stay at. Suitable for couples and small families.
Akihabara Washington Hotel – The elegant hotel features comfy guestrooms with a flat-screen TV, a work desk, a refrigerator, and ensuite bathroom. Other facilities at the property include an onsite restaurant, currency exchange, laundry facilities and valet parking. Great for all kinds of travelers.

Shibuya

This is where the fashion-clad teenage crowd of Tokyo hang out with their colorful hair, latest gadgets, and experimental style of fashion. Hachiko Plaza, dedicated to the most-lovable dog in the world, Hachiko, is the common meeting ground here. Right opposite Shibuya Train Station, Shibuya Crossing is not only the primary attraction of the area but also the busiest crossing in the world. Centre-gai walking street is the heart of Shibuya – this is where you will find the majority of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Harajuku, a small area within Shibuya, is the epicenter of Tokyo’s gothic and emo-like pseudo-culture. This is where you need to be for some excellent second-hand shopping. Omote-sando, also referred to as Tokyo’s Champs Elysées, is dotted with designer boutiques and western brands.

Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially shopaholics.
Other Highlights: Nonbei Yokocho, Meiji Shrine and Meiji Jingū Inner Garden, Yoyogi Park, and Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine.

Hotel Recommendations:

Shibuya Granbell Hotel – This award-winning hotel in the famous neighborhood of Shibuya offers well-appointed guestrooms with custom lamps, LCD TV, an ensuite bathroom, and a sofa (in selected rooms). An onsite Japanese-style bar and a complimentary breakfast can be enjoyed as well. Suitable for solo travelers and couples.
Shibuya Tobu Hotel – Just a few minutes’ walk from the JR Shibuya Station, Shibuya Tobu Hotel features comfortable guestrooms with modern facilities, an onsite bar and restaurant, free Wi-Fi, private parking, 24-hour reception, and an optional breakfast. Great for solo travelers and couples.
Shibuya Hotel En – Situated amidst several shopping avenues and restaurants, the hotel offers well-appointed rooms, free Wi-Fi, massage services, 24-hour front desk, open kitchen, and a DJ (Thursday to Saturday). Shibuya Station is just a few minutes’ walking distance. Perfect for all kinds of travelers.

Tokyo Station

If you prefer staying close to the city center and plan to travel around the country, finding accommodation near Tokyo Station is your best bet. Not only does the station operate as a major transportation hub, it also has a built-in complex that houses several shopping and dining options. One of the best places for souvenir shopping, Tokyo Station area houses stores that sell products from all over Japan. Marunouchi, a business district adjacent to Tokyo Station, is home to several offices and businesses that gives this area a sophisticated vibe. Fashion boutiques, luxury brand stores, and fine-dining restaurants are in plenty in the neighborhood.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Kitchen Street, Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Character Street, Imperial Palace East Gardens, Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, Tokyo Station Gallery, and Japan Gourmet Street.

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo – A short walk from Tokyo Station, this magnificent hotel features luxurious guestrooms with great facilities such as soundproofing, extra-long beds, a flat-screen TV, a humidifier, and an option computer rental to be used within the room. A restaurant overlooking the city adds to the glory of the amazing property. Suitable for solo travelers and couples.
Marunouchi Hotel – A stone’s throw away from Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit and quick ride to Tsukiji Fish Market, Marunouchi Hotel offers well-appointed guestrooms with a refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, an ensuite bathroom with free toiletries and a bathtub, and room-service. There are multiple dining options available onsite. Great for all kinds of travelers.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyobashi – Located within 5 minutes’ walking distance from JR Tokyo Station and 15 minutes’ walking distance from the buzzing Ginza district, the hotel provides rooms with a modern décor and superb facilities. 24-hour front desk and free Wi-Fi is also offered onsite. Great for couples and small families.

Ueno

Known for its art galleries, beautiful parks, museums, and zoo, Ueno is one of the historic downtowns of Tokyo where the old Japanese heritage stands shoulder to shoulder with today’s innovations. If you wish to experience traditional Japanese hospitality and culture, explore the many age-old Japanese temples, shopping streets dedicated to traditional artefacts, eating joints that have been in business for generations, and old-school inns known as ryokans. The most notable attraction in the neighborhood, Ueno-Koen Park has been attracting visitors since the Edo era. Within the park boundaries are many distinguished museums, including Tokyo National Musuem, National Museum of Nature and Science, and National Museum of Western Art.

Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially history lovers.
Other Highlights: Shinobazu Pond (Ueno-Koen Park), Kanei-ji Temple, Ueno Zoo, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Kyu Iwasaki-teien, and SCAI the Bathhouse.

Hotel Recommendations:

Ueno Touganeya Hotel – The brilliant hotel offers well-appointed guestrooms, a Japanese restaurant, free Wi-Fi, coin-operated laundry machines, massage services, luggage storage, and 24-hour reception. The famous Ueno Park is a short walk away and so is the closest Subway Station. Suitable for solo travelers and couples.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno – Located just a couple of minutes from Ueno Station, the elegant property features contemporary rooms with wooden furnishing, an LCD TV, a refrigerator, a tea/coffee maker, and an ensuite bathroom. Guests can enjoy delicious Italian meals at the onsite restaurant. Great for all kinds of travelers.
APA Hotel Keisei Ueno Ekimae – Situated directly in front of Keisei Ueno Station Ikenohata Exit, the hotel offers well-appointed air-conditioned rooms, a 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi. Ueno Park and Ameyoko Shopping district is a nice stroll away. Great for all kinds of travelers.

Odaiba/Tokyo Bay Area

Nothing like the rest of the city, Odaiba and the Tokyo bay Area was rebuilt in the 1990s and is a fine example of urban planning. Odaiba is a large man-made island located in Tokyo Bay, and is connected to the rest of the city via Rainbow Bridge. A prominent residential, commercial, and holiday destination since its renovation, Odaiba offers an accessible waterfront, which can’t be said for so many others that are blocked by industrial development. The main attractions on the island, aside from the stunning waterfront, are Tokyo Bay, Fuji TV Building, and Palette Town.

Good for: All kinds of travelers, especially those who love resort holidays.
Other Highlights: Tokyo Disney Resort, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, Oedo Onsen Monogatari, and National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation.

Hotel Recommendations:

Hilton Tokyo Odaiba – An epitome of luxury, Hilton Tokyo Odaiba masters the art of hospitality by offering marvelous rooms, world-class in-room facilities, a wonderful view of Tokyo’s skyline and Rainbow Bridge, a fully-equipped onsite bar, fine selection of dining choices, meeting facilities, a fitness center, and a lot more. Perfect for all kinds of luxury travelers.
Hotel Trusty Tokyo Bayside – Just a few minutes walking distance from the beach, the hotel offers well-appointed guestrooms, an onsite restaurant with international menu, laundry service. Massage service, private parking, and a delightful breakfast (at a nominal cost). Great for all kinds of travelers.
Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba – The first Grand Nikko hotel from the Grand Nikko chain of hotels in Japan, this luxurious hotel offers spacious rooms with a stylish European décor and modern amenities. The property also features multiple dining options, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, complimentary shuttle service between Tokyo Disney Resort and the hotel, and much more. Great for all kinds of travelers, even larger groups of up to 6 members.

Nihonbashi

Coined after the namesake bridge that links the two sides of Nihonbashi River, Nihonbashi is essentially a business district and shopping neighborhood filled with history. The area is well-connected to the more touristy districts of Tokyo, including Ginza, Tokyon Station, and even Ueno. The bridge, after which the area is named, is the “center of Japan” for the country’s national highway network. Another important attraction around the neighborhood is Mitsui Memorial Museum, dedicated to the art collection of the Mitsui Family.

Good for: All kinds of travelers.
Other Highlights: Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi, Currency Museum, Nihonbashi Cruise, Kayaking, Ningyocho, Tokyo Stock Exchange, Kites Museum, and Edo Nihonbashi Art Aquarium.

Hotel Recommendation:

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo-Kyobashi – A few minutes’ walk from the lively streets of Ginza, the hotel features well-appointed rooms with Sealy beds, LCD TV, refrigerator, an electric kettle, and an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub. An optional Japanese/Western breakfast buffet is available daily. Great for solo travelers, couples, and small families.
Hotel Sardonyx Tokyo – The modern and stylish guestrooms at Hotel Sardonyx Tokyo feature a flat-screen TV, a tea/coffee maker, a refrigerator, an electric kettle, cozy Serta beds, free Wi-Fi, and an ensuite bathroom. Hatchobori Subway Station is just a couple of minutes’ while JR Tokyo Train Station is about 15 minutes’ walk away. Great for couples and families.
Hotel Abest Ginza Kyobashi – A pleasant stroll from Marunouchi Building and Kachidoki Bridge, Hotel Abest Ginza Kyobashi offers comfortable air-conditioned guestrooms with flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and an ensuite bathroom. An American breakfast is available daily at a nominal cost. Great for solo travelers and couples.

Shinjuku

Ginza

Asakusa

Roppongi

Akihabara/ Iidabashi

Shibuya

Tokyo Station

Ueno

Odaiba/Tokyo Bay Area

Nihonbashi

Where to Stay in Tokyo – Neighborhoods & Area Guide: