Best Places to Stay in Tokyo

Being so big, Tokyo is split into many different neighbourhoods. There are 23 wards, each comprising several separate districts.

Some of the best areas in Tokyo for travellers include Shinjuku, Ginza, Shibuya, Roppongi and the Tokyo Station Area. You may also have heard of other places including Harajuku, Tsujiki and Ebisu.

There are many factors when deciding on the top areas to stay in Tokyo. As well as a great atmosphere, and a very safe environment, you'll want somewhere that's convenient.

Each district has its own personality, so it's best to do some research to figure out which area best suits your personality and interests.

These are five of the best areas to stay in when in Tokyo:

• Shinjuku
• Tokyo Station Area
• Ginza
• Shibuya
• Roppongi

Source: Getty

Shinjuku

As the Tokyo scene that’s featured in countless movies, Shinjuku is truly the heart of the city. Get swept up in the hustle and bustle, with bright lights and towering skyscrapers.

Why stay in Shinjuku?

• Convenient public transport. You will find a lot of the best accommodation in Tokyo around the Yamanote Line. This train line loops around the city for easy access to all the major attractions. If you are situated near the Yamanote Line, you won’t need any expensive taxis.
• Great places to eat. With so many restaurants, you'll always find somewhere to grab a bite. Look out for almost 40 Michelin restaurants, along with the fascinating Shinjuku Robot Restaurant.
• Easy airport transfers. You can get to Shinjuku easily from Haneda and Narita airports, making it one of the best places in Tokyo for tourists.
• Open all hours. A contender for the title of 'city that never sleeps', Shinjuku has amazing nightlife and shops that stay open 24/7.
• Places to escape. Despite being such a busy city, Shinjuku is not short of quiet and tranquil spots. Enjoy the cherry blossoms of Gyoen Park, or consider a day trip to nearby Mount Fuji. The narrow alleys of Omoide Yokocho are a break from modern city life.

Tokyo Station Area

The Tokyo Station Area opens out to the district of Marunouchi. This is one of Tokyo's thriving business districts with towering skyscraper offices, endless shopping and Japan's major transport hub.

Why stay in Tokyo Station?

• Well connected. From here, it is easy to visit Tokyo Disney, get to Narita and Haneda Airports, or travel to other major cities. If you're planning to spend some time in Osaka or Kyoto, then Tokyo Station is a great place to start.
• International diversity. Not quite as distinctly Japanese as Shinjuku, Tokyo Station is a place of varied culture. Expect to find incredible international restaurants, and bookshops stocked high with English language publications.
• Famous sights. You are within easy reach of the Imperial Palace Complex, home of the Japanese Emperor.
• Great shopping. You can start shopping before you've even left Tokyo Station. In fact, if shopping is your thing, you'll never run out of opportunities.

Ginza

Ginza is amongst the best places to stay in Tokyo for luxury. Choose accommodation amongst designer stores, but with plenty of opportunities for more affordable dining and budget-friendly retail therapy.

Why stay in Ginza?

• Convenient transport. Ginza is on the Yarakucho and Yamanote Lines, providing easy access to the rest of central Tokyo.
• Upmarket shopping. The rent prices are high, and the prices of handbags are even higher. Ginza is a luxury destination for upmarket shopping.
• Bustling atmosphere. Ginza is like a scaled-down version of Shinjuku. It is lively and exciting, but a little less crowded and busy.
• Culture and entertainment. Spend a night enjoying Ginza's many stylish cocktail bars, followed by a performance at the Kabukiza Theatre

Source: Getty

Shibuya

A lively, fun and youthful destination, Shibuya is vibrant and varied. It is home to attractions big and small, from museums and galleries to the bronze statue of famous Hachikō the dog.

Why stay in Shibuya?

• Ideal for young adults. Enjoy the latest trends and endless fashion shopping in this busy and exciting district.
• Convenient transport. Shibuya Station is a major Japanese transport hub, for easy access to other parts of the city and Narita and Haneda Airports.
• Perfect for people watching. Home of the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest intersection, Shibuya is a great place for people watching. You will want to watch for a while, as Shibuya is known for amazing fashion and eccentricity.
• Culture and colour. Enjoy amazing cultural attractions like the Bunkamura centre with its art gallery, cinema and concert hall. You can also look up at the night sky from the Cosmo Planetarium.

Roppongi

Tokyo's most amazing nightlife can be found in the district of Roppongi. There are so many places to eat and drink in one of the leading leisure destinations in Tokyo.

Why stay in Roppongi?

• Varied accommodation options. You can choose from cheap pods to some of the world's most luxurious hotels in Roppongi.
• Attractions for everyone. Roppongi is home to Japan's largest art museum, the National Art Center, along with two other famous museums making up Roppongi's Art Triangle. But if that isn’t for you, you'll never run out of lively bars and nightclubs.
• Vibrant shopping and dining. You won't want to miss the Roppongi Hills, with varied shops and the Mori Tower. Enjoy plenty of opportunities to spend your money on souvenirs and great food.
• Romantic. Visit the beautiful Starlight Garden, with illuminations and amazing light shows. If you're travelling with your partner or considering proposing, this is the place to be.

Hotels

A traditional hotel is a place to stay in Tokyo that most tourists have experienced before. Here you'll get your own room, typically with an ensuite, and usually with a desk and TV. Expect WiFi connections and air conditioning in the majority of Tokyo hotels.

Many hotels in Tokyo have their own restaurants, with some also offering leisure facilities including swimming pools and gyms. Hotels are an option for many different budgets.

Source: Getty

Capsule hotels

If you're looking for low-cost places to stay, consider Tokyo's capsule hotels. These are something of a novelty for overseas travellers.

Also known as pods, capsule hotels include very small bedrooms in stacks. You may have someone else sleeping in a pod that's directly above your own. Your pod will be just large enough for your bed, perhaps with a shelf and power socket. In rare cases, pod hotels include room for a desk and/or TV. Other facilities, like toilets and showers, are available in communal areas.

If you just need somewhere to stay for the night, a pod hotel could be ideal. Be aware that you won't have much space, and light sleepers will struggle with noise.

Ryokan

If you're looking for traditional Japanese culture, consider a Ryokan as a contender for the best accommodation in Tokyo. A Ryokan is a traditional inn, furnished in traditional style. Your room will likely include Tatami mat flooring. You'll have access to shared bathroom facilities, or perhaps your own ensuite, and will likely have a warm welcome from a host in traditional clothing. This is more personal than a chain hotel in the city.

Guesthouses

In Japan, a guesthouse might also be known as a gaijin house. This is usually the best option for extended or long-term stays, at least one week but usually considerably longer.

Instead of entering a rental contract, you can stay in a guesthouse at a reasonable price and will have your own space just like home. Choose from private or shared accommodation – it’s more of a temporary home than your usual holiday accommodation choice.

Guesthouses are not to be confused with Ryokan, with Ryokan being more like a guesthouse in other countries.

To get even more out of your visit to Japan, check out our Japan travel hub.

We've got plenty of information about travelling to  and around Japan, including how to find the best flights to Tokyo.