Planning a trip to Tokyo but not sure where to stay? Choosing the right place
can make or break your experience with so many exciting neighbourhoods!
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, travelling as a couple, exploring with
family, or looking for budget-friendly stays, this guide will help you find
the perfect area and hotel based on your travel style.
From Shinjuku’s bustling streets to Shibuya’s trendy vibes, discover the best
areas, budget-friendly options, and luxury stays to match your needs.
Let’s dive in and find your ideal place to stay in Tokyo!
Where to Stay in Japan: Tokyo’s Best Areas & Hotels for Every Traveler
Tokyo is a massive city with diverse neighbourhoods, each offering a unique
experience. Whether you’re looking for convenient transport, nightlife,
family-friendly areas, or food hotspots, there’s a perfect place.
Here are the top areas to stay in Tokyo based on different travel styles:
1. Shinjuku – Best for First-Timers & Easy Transportation
Shinjuku is one of the most convenient places to stay in Tokyo, thanks to its
bustling atmosphere and excellent transport connections.
✅ Why stay in Shinjuku?
- Home to Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world, making it
easy to explore the entire city. - Great access to the Shinkansen (bullet train), Narita and Haneda Airports, and
ski resorts. - It is packed with shopping centres, nightlife, and entertainment.
🏨 Best hotels in Shinjuku:
- Park Hyatt Tokyo – Famous for its appearance in Lost in Translation, offering
luxury with stunning views. - Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo – A solid mid-range option with family-friendly
amenities. - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – The famous “Godzilla Hotel” with unique movie-themed
rooms!
💲 Budget-friendly options:
- IMANO Tokyo Hostel – Stylish yet affordable, ideal for backpackers.
- Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado – A relaxing capsule hotel with onsen facilities.
2. Shibuya – Best for Couples & Trendy Vibes
Shibuya is a lively and youthful district, perfect for couples and first-time
visitors who want to stay close to the action.
✅ Why stay in Shibuya?
- Shibuya Station is a major transport hub, connecting easily to other parts of
Tokyo. - Home to Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest intersections.
- Offers a mix of shopping, nightlife, and trendy cafés.
🏨 Best hotels in Shibuya:
- TRUNK HOTEL – A boutique hotel with a quiet, romantic atmosphere, perfect for
couples. - Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel – High-rise luxury with breathtaking city views.
💲 Budget-friendly options:
- The Millennials Shibuya – A modern, high-tech capsule hotel.
- Nadeshiko Hotel Shibuya – A women-only capsule hotel with a cosy atmosphere.
3. Akihabara – Best for Anime & Gaming Fans
Akihabara is Tokyo’s tech and anime hub, famous for its arcades, electronics
stores, and maid cafés. It’s also a convenient location for accessing historic
neighbourhoods like Ueno and Asakusa.
✅ Why stay in Akihabara?
- Great for anime, gaming, and tech lovers.
- Easy access to Ueno, Asakusa, and the JR Yamanote Line.
- Home to countless themed cafés and stores.
🏨 Best hotels in Akihabara:
- Remm Akihabara – Modern, stylish, and directly connected to Akihabara Station.
- Akihabara Washington Hotel – A solid mid-range option with a central location.
💲 Budget-friendly options:
- First Cabin Akihabara – A capsule hotel with a business-class aeroplane theme.
- Grids Tokyo Akihabara Hotel & Hostel – A comfortable hostel for budget
travellers.
4. Luxury Stay: HOSHINOYA Tokyo – A Ryokan Experience in the Heart of the City
If you’re looking for traditional Japanese luxury, HOSHINOYA Tokyo offers a
unique ryokan (Japanese inn) experience in the middle of the city.
✅ Why stay at HOSHINOYA Tokyo?
- A luxury ryokan with tatami-matted rooms and a private onsen.
- It features kaiseki dining, which is a multi-course Japanese meal experience.
- It is a perfect escape from the city’s hustle while still being centrally
located.
💰 Expect to spend $500+ per night for a high-end Japanese experience.
5. Budget-Friendly Areas: Where to Stay in Tokyo on a Budget
If you’re travelling on a tight budget, consider these areas:
💰 Ueno & Asakusa – Best for cheap hostels and guesthouses.
💰 Ikebukuro – Affordable hotels with good train connections.
💰 Ryogoku – Known for sumo wrestling, it offers cheaper hotels and local
vibes.
🏨 Best budget hotels in Tokyo:
- Khaosan Tokyo Samurai Capsule (Asakusa) – A unique capsule hostel with a
samurai theme. - Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro – An affordable hotel with English-speaking staff.
- WISE OWL HOSTELS Tokyo (Ryogoku) – A stylish, budget-friendly hostel.
6. Best Areas for Food Lovers: Where to Stay for Amazing Eats!
Tokyo is a food paradise, and if your main goal is to explore Japan’s best
restaurants, these areas are ideal:
- Shinjuku – Izakayas, ramen shops, and yakitori stalls in Omoide Yokocho.
- Shibuya – Trendy cafés, sushi bars, and world-famous ramen shops.
- Ginza – Tokyo’s Michelin-star capital, home to high-end sushi and Wagyu
restaurants.
🏨 Best hotels for food lovers:
- The Tokyo Station Hotel (Ginza) – Close to fine dining and historic
restaurants. - Park Hotel Tokyo (Shiodome) – Surrounded by amazing local eateries.
Final Thoughts: Where Should You Stay in Tokyo?
The best place to stay in Tokyo depends on your travel style and budget:
✔️ First-Timers: Stay in Shinjuku for convenience and easy transport.
✔️ Couples: Shibuya offers trendy hotels and a romantic atmosphere.
✔️ Anime & Gaming Fans: Akihabara is the ultimate geek paradise.
✔️ Luxury Travelers: Experience HOSHINOYA Tokyo or The Tokyo Station Hotel.
✔️ Budget Travelers: Stay in Asakusa, Ueno, or Ikebukuro for cheaper accommodations.
✔️ Food Lovers: Ginza, Shinjuku, and Shibuya are must-visit foodie spots.
With this guide, you can find the perfect area and hotel for your dream trip
to Tokyo!
