Are you wondering where to stay in Tokyo on your next trip? Whether you want to be near the bright lights, close to designer stores, or prefer a more traditional or cultural experience, Tokyo has a variety of neighbourhoods, each offering unique accommodation options.
Best areas to stay in Tokyo.
Wondering where to stay in Tokyo? From upmarket Ginza and cultural Asakusa to the hectic streets of Shibuya, there’s a neighbourhood to suit every type of traveller.
Did you know that Tokyo is the largest city in the world by population? It’s both vast and very densely populated. 14 million people call the central area home, and that’s before you add in the residents in the sprawling Greater Tokyo Area, which brings the figure up to a whopping 37 million plus.
My advice? Don’t just pick a hotel at random. Researching the city’s different areas before you book will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
I’ve stayed in a variety of neighbourhoods, so if you’re wondering where to stay in Tokyo, these are the five I’d recommend choosing between. Shinjuku is great for that Tokyo buzz, including restaurants and nightlife. It’s one of the most popular areas for first-time visitors to the city. Shibuya is a transport hub and famous for the Scramble Crossing. It’s fun, energetic, and perfect for shopaholics. Ginza is one of the most expensive districts, filled with luxury boutiques and chic sushi restaurants.
Meanwhile, Asakusa in the east of the city is ideal for budget-conscious travellers and offers historic temples and a glimpse into Tokyo’s traditions. Finally, the Tokyo Station area is modern and very convenient for transport both around the city and for day trips, or to the airports.
Tips for your Tokyo stay & how to get around.
- There’s a fast and reliable public transport system in Tokyo, so I’d recommend booking a hotel near a metro (underground) or Japan Railway (JR) station. It’ll help with airport transfers and reaching different areas of the city. You can hop on and off public transport, using a prepaid contactless travel card (Tokyo’s are called Suica and Pasmo). Just top up the card with credit, then tap in and out when you use trains or buses – just like in London. It makes travelling in Tokyo a effortless and easy!
- Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda and Narita. They’re both accessible by public transport. Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Airport Line will take you from stops in the city centre to Haneda in around 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the JR Narita Express whisks you straight from the city centre to Narita Airport in one hour.
- To make the airport transfers easier, you might want to stay in Shinjuku, Ginza, or the Tokyo Station area. These are also served by the circular JR Yamanote Line, which links many of the key attractions.
- As mentioned, Tokyo is densely populated, so space comes at a premium. I’ve stayed in tiny double rooms where I struggled to open my luggage! One quick tip for your room search: check sizes. If you’re travelling solo, a compact capsule hotel makes for a memorable stay.
- I always dive into the hotel’s info before booking. You’ll be able to find out things like whether there’s a smoking floor. Plus, in Japanese hotels, items such as toothbrushes, pyjamas, and slippers are often included, meaning you can reduce how much you pack.
The best hotels in Shinjuku.
Experience Tokyo’s iconic buzz in Shinjuku, with its neon lights, shopping, and vibrant dining scene. If you’re wondering where to stay in Tokyo for your first time, this area will make you feel like you’re in the heart of the action. Shinjuku Station offers great connections across the city. Meanwhile, wander the narrow alleys of Golden Gai at night, and you’ll discover unique bars and restaurants with just a handful of seats.
Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo
- Best for: families & independent travellers
- Double rooms from £119 per night
Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
- Best for: couples & luxury seekers
- Double rooms from £362 per night
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
- Best for: first-time visitors & film fans
- Double rooms from £114 per night
Anshin Oyado Shinjuku Ekimaeten
- Best for: male solo travellers
- Capsules from £38 per night
The best hotels in Shibuya.
Shibuya is popular with younger travellers and first-time visitors who want to be close to great food and vibrant surroundings. Are you ready to cross one of the busiest intersections in the world? Tokyo’s legendary Scramble Crossing is located here. Plus, Shibuya Station offers easy access to destinations all over the city.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
- Best for: couples & business travellers
- Double rooms from £320 per night
All Day Place Shibuya
- Best for: pizza & beer lovers
- Double rooms from £231 per night
The Millennials Shibuya
- Best for: young solo travellers & groups of friends
- Double rooms from £68 per night
Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya By IHG
- Best for: design lovers
- Double rooms from £298 per night
The best hotels in Ginza.
Ginza is calmer and more sophisticated than many of Tokyo’s districts, and here you’ll discover lots of the city’s luxury shops and fine dining options. Added to that, it’s where you’ll find some of the best luxury hotels in Tokyo.
Couples love this part of the city, as you are still close to the sights and attractions but can enjoy quieter and calmer moments in the evenings.
The Peninsula Tokyo
- Best for: couples & honeymooners
- Double rooms from £743 per night
MUJI Hotel Ginza
- Best for: families & MUJI-minimalists
- Double rooms from £308 per night
Hotel Musse Ginza Meitetsu
- Best for: mid-range travellers
- Double rooms from £108 per night
The best hotels in Asakusa.
If you’re looking for a cultural base for your trip to Tokyo, Asakusa is the perfect choice. You’ll be a short walk from the beautiful Senso-ji Temple, as well as several traditional markets. The dining culture is also more relaxed, with small restaurants offering tasty Japanese food to try.
There’s a slower pace to life here, and it’s also where you’ll find better-value accommodation options, which makes it popular with backpackers and solo travellers.
Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu
- Best for: a traditional stay
- Double rooms from £104 per night
Asakusa Kaede
- Best for: couples & families
- Double rooms from £271 per night
Glamping Tokyo Asakusa
- Best for: backpackers
- Dorm beds from £25 per night
The best hotels in Tokyo Station.
If easy access to Tokyo’s airports or bullet trains is a top priority, the Tokyo Station area is ideal. From here, you can catch trains to popular cities like Osaka and Kyoto, making it an excellent starting point for your Japan itinerary.
The station area is also close to famous landmarks, including the Imperial Palace and Tsukiji Market. There’s a range of accommodation options, including several luxury hotels that appeal to business travellers and those seeking a stylish city break. You’ll also find some great deals for family stays.
Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo
- Best for: honeymooners & super-luxury stays
- Double rooms from £1,582 per night
Hotel Monte Hermana Tokyo
- Best for: mid-range, central stays
- Double rooms from £169 per night
Karaksa Hotel Tokyo Station
- Best for: families
- Double rooms from £226 per night
Average Tokyo hotel prices are based on hotel searches made on KAYAK & associated brands in the period between 09.08.2023 and 09.08.2025 for travel days between 01.01.2024 and 31.12.2025. All prices are average for 1 night in a double room. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed.
Individual hotel prices were sourced on 24.08.2024 for one night (01.12.2025 to 02.12.2025) and are correct at the time of publishing but subject to change.
