Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas for Every Traveler

Tokyo is vast, layered, and endlessly intriguing. Where you choose to stay isn’t just about convenience—it’s about the kind of experience you want to wake up to each day.

From lantern-lit alleyways in Asakusa to the electric buzz of Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing, each district tells its own story. But with so many neighborhoods, finding your perfect base can feel like a puzzle. This thoughtfully curated guide helps you navigate Tokyo’s most distinctive districts—matched to your interests, pace, and style of travel. Whether you’re a culture seeker, night owl, or first-time explorer, there’s a corner of the city ready to welcome you.

Central & Convenient

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is Tokyo’s high-energy crossroads—a dynamic blend of neon lights, vertical shopping complexes, skyscraper hotels, and a train station that pulses like a living organism. It's where commuters, tourists, and night owls all converge, making it one of the city's most iconic and action-packed hubs.

During the day, Shinjuku hums with commerce: from designer brands in Takashimaya Times Square to panoramic views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. By night, it transforms into a kaleidoscope of color—especially around Kabukicho, Tokyo’s most famous entertainment district.

Despite the sensory overload, Shinjuku remains one of the easiest areas to stay, thanks to the well-connected JR station and a broad range of accommodations. It’s not the place for quiet charm, but if you want a big, cinematic Tokyo experience—it doesn’t get better than this.

Airport Access: Direct Narita Express & Limousine Bus service. Good Haneda access via JR lines.

Where to Stay in Shinjuku:

• Park Hyatt Tokyo – Iconic luxury with skyline views

• Hotel Century Southern Tower – Mid-range, right by the station

• Tokyu Stay Shinjuku – Affordable, compact, and super central

Shibuya

Shibuya is Tokyo at full volume — kinetic, youthful, and constantly reinventing itself. You emerge from the station and are immediately swallowed into a sea of people at the Scramble Crossing, with LED ads flashing above and street performers holding court near Hachiko Statue.

This is where Tokyo’s next fashion trends are born, in alleyways lined with sneaker drops, pop-up cafes, and concept stores. Foodies will love the late-night izakayas tucked behind Center Gai, while creatives and solo travelers feed off the energy that never quite dies down.

Staying here puts you at the pulse of the city. It's chaotic, yes, but also endlessly inspiring — perfect for those who want to be in the middle of it all.

Airport Access: Narita Express via nearby Ebisu/Shinagawa. Limousine Bus stops available.

Where to Stay in Shibuya:

• Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel – Elegant high-rise with great views

• Shibuya Granbell Hotel – Modern, artistic, and mid-range

• Mustard Hotel Shibuya – Chic budget option with creative flair

Airport Access: Narita Express via nearby Ebisu/Shinagawa. Limousine Bus stops available.

Tokyo Station / Marunouchi

Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi district offer a different kind of Tokyo: polished, composed, and built for efficiency. Think wide, tree-lined boulevards with brick facades, designer boutiques tucked between corporate towers, and seamless access to the Shinkansen for day trips or regional escapes.

This area is ideal for business travelers and those who want to maximize their time. You’re close to the Imperial Palace, Ginza shopping, and multiple transit lines that radiate outward across the city. At night, it winds down, which is perfect if you prefer quiet over chaos.

Where to Stay in Tokyo Station / Marunouchi:

• Aman Tokyo – Ultra-luxury with serene design and panoramic views above Otemachi

• Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi – Elegant and convenient, directly connected to Tokyo Station

• Mitsui Garden Hotel Otemachi – Sleek, modern, and great value for business or leisure

Airport Access: Direct Narita Express. Fast Haneda access via Keikyu/JR through Shinagawa.

Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo's most refined face — a neighborhood where flagship luxury boutiques rub shoulders with old-world sushi counters and minimalist architecture. Walking its spotless streets feels like stepping into a Tokyo designed by a Swiss watchmaker.

While it may lack the electric buzz of Shibuya or Shinjuku, Ginza shines for those who value quiet, elegance, and proximity to the arts. Stay here if you’re looking for premium hotels, Michelin-starred dining, and shopping that feels more curated than chaotic.

Airport Access: Limousine Bus stops at major hotels. Quick access to Tokyo Station for N'EX.

Where to Stay in Ginza:

• The Peninsula Tokyo – 5-star luxury facing the Imperial Palace

• Hotel Gracery Ginza – Modern, mid-range, great location

• Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ginza-Nanachome – Budget option right in the heart of Ginza

These areas are ideal if you're planning to move around the city efficiently. Learn more about how to get around Tokyo with our complete transport guide, covering everything from JR trains to IC cards and private transfers.

Cultural & Historic

Asakusa

Asakusa is a quiet echo of old Tokyo, where the city's spiritual soul lingers among incense clouds and temple bells. Centered around the majestic Senso-ji Temple, this neighborhood invites you to slow down—whether you're sampling fresh taiyaki from a street stall or browsing handmade crafts along Nakamise-dori.

This is where you’ll find a more traditional rhythm of life: locals in yukata, riverside strolls, and charming, family-run inns. For cultural travelers and families alike, Asakusa is a window into the past with the comforts of today.

Airport Access: Direct Limousine Bus. Close to Keisei Line for access to Skyliner at Ueno/Nippori.

Where to Stay in Asakusa:

• The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon – Boutique comfort with Skytree views

• Hotel Gracery Asakusa – Clean, modern, mid-range

• Khaosan Tokyo Origami – Great-value hostel with private rooms

Ueno

Ueno is Tokyo’s open-air museum—where art, nature, and heritage intersect. Anchored by the expansive Ueno Park, this neighborhood offers wide walking paths, cherry blossoms in spring, and some of the city’s best museums all within reach.

Families will appreciate the zoo and playgrounds, while culture lovers can immerse themselves in the exhibits of the Tokyo National Museum or the charming retro vibe of Ameya-Yokocho market. With affordable stays and direct access to the Skyliner, Ueno offers a serene but well-connected base.

Airport Access: Direct Skyliner access from Narita. Limousine Bus also available.

Where to Stay in Ueno:

• Hotel Coco Grand Ueno Shinobazu – Overlooks Ueno Park, stylish and serene

• Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno – Reliable, mid-range, close to station

• Centurion Hotel Ueno – Budget-friendly with compact rooms

Akihabara

Akihabara is Tokyo turned up to eleven—a pulsing microcosm of Japan’s pop culture obsession. Walk its vibrant streets and you’ll encounter multi-story arcades, anime shops stacked to the ceiling, and themed cafés where fantasy comes to life. Neon signs buzz above, and every storefront feels like an invitation into another world.

This is not a quiet escape—it’s a full-throttle dive into tech, gaming, and otaku culture. For fans of Japanese subcultures, there’s no better place to stay. But even the curious will find it unforgettable.

Airport Access: Easy access via nearby Ueno or Tokyo Station (N'EX, Skyliner, buses).

Where to Stay in Akihabara:

• Remm Akihabara – Stylish and compact, located right above the station

• JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara – Modern, efficient, and excellent access

• APA Hotel Akihabara-Ekimae – Affordable and central with all the basics

Nakano

Nakano is where Tokyo’s vibrant underground culture meets a relaxed, lived-in neighborhood vibe. At its heart is Nakano Broadway, a treasure trove of vintage manga, rare toys, and offbeat fashion. But just a few steps away, quiet lanes open up into everyday Tokyo—retro izakayas, mom-and-pop cafés, and the kind of charm that only locals usually see.

For travelers who want to dip into Tokyo’s creative scene without the sensory overload, Nakano is a refreshing middle ground: personal, colorful, and just a few minutes from Shinjuku.

Airport Access: Take JR Chuo Line to Shinjuku (N'EX or bus connections).

Where to Stay in Nakano:

• Nakano Sunplaza Hotel – Retro, budget-friendly, and right by the station

• Sakura Cross Hotel Nakano – Clean, modern, apartment-style hotel

• Yadoya Guesthouse – Affordable hostel with dorms and friendly vibes

Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro is a major transport and commercial hub that often flies under the radar. But for travelers in search of value and convenience, it’s hard to beat. You’ll find huge department stores, arcades, Sunshine City entertainment complex, and an emerging anime scene centered around Otome Road.

It doesn’t have the hipster cool of Shibuya or the vintage charm of Kōenji, but it’s well-connected, cost-effective, and packed with entertainment.

Airport Access: Direct Narita Express and Limousine Bus to Ikebukuro Station.

Where to Stay in Ikebukuro:

• Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro – High-end comfort with a great breakfast

• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ikebukuro – New, modern, and very clean

• Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro – Backpacker-friendly with dorms and private rooms

Kōenji

Kōenji is Tokyo’s indie soul. It’s the kind of place where vintage shops outnumber convenience stores and live punk shows happen in basement bars you have to duck to enter. The streets are low-rise, gritty in a good way, and lined with secondhand treasures and creative energy.

You won’t find five-star hotels here, but you will find character, culture, and a slower, more human scale. It’s perfect for travelers who want something real, local, and delightfully weird.

Airport Access: JR Chuo Line to Shinjuku (connect to Narita Express or bus).

Where to Stay in Kōenji:

• Bnb+ Kōenji – Funky hostel right in the heart of vintage shopping

• Tokyo Ogikubo Japanese Style Villa – Great for groups/families wanting tradition

• Yuen Stay Tokyo Kōenji – Clean and minimalist stay in a residential setting

Budget & Local Gems

Kita-Senju

Kita-Senju is a down-to-earth, residential neighborhood in northeastern Tokyo that offers excellent value without sacrificing access. It’s a working-class area turned rising star, with a growing number of hip cafes, retro bars, and riverside walks.

You won’t find major landmarks here, but you will find a slice of everyday Tokyo that feels real and relaxed. The train station is a convenient hub, making it a smart base for budget travelers or long-term stays.

Airport Access: Easy transfer to Skyliner via Nippori. Local trains or Metro to Ueno/Tokyo.

Where to Stay in Kita-Senju:

• Capsule Hotel & Sauna Kita-Senju – Budget-friendly, local-style capsule

• Hotel Coco Grand Kitasenju – Mid-range comfort near the station

• SLOW HOUSE Tokyo – Minimalist, Japanese-style guesthouse with cozy charm

Best Places to Stay in Tokyo for Airport Access

Tips for Booking a Hotel in Tokyo

• Stay near a JR or Metro station for easy transport.

• Accommodation types: business hotels, capsule hotels, and traditional ryokan.

• Book early during cherry blossom or holiday seasons.

• Check-in is usually 3pm; rooms are compact but efficient.

• Use trusted platforms like Rakuten Travel, Agoda, or Booking.com.

• Don't miss our guide to booking platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best area to stay in Tokyo?
For most travelers, Shinjuku offers the best combination of transport, food, and activity.

Where should I stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors?
Shinjuku or Shibuya are ideal thanks to their central location and high energy.

What’s the most convenient area in Tokyo?
Tokyo Station/Marunouchi is best for Shinkansen access and easy transit to other cities.

Where to stay in Tokyo for nightlife?
Shinjuku and Shibuya are the heart of Tokyo's after-dark scene.

Is it better to stay near Tokyo Station?
If you're traveling around Japan or on business, yes. For atmosphere, other neighborhoods might appeal more.

Planning your trip? Don’t miss our full Tokyo Travel Guide.