Where To Stay In Tokyo: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

Tokyo is huge, busy, and surprisingly easy to get lost in. That is part of the fun. One minute we are surrounded by neon signs and giant department stores. A few train stops later, we are walking past tiny shrines and quiet streets. The city is made up of dozens of neighborhoods, and each one has its own personality.

Where you stay can really change the Tokyo experience. Shibuya puts us right in the middle of the action. Shinjuku is packed with restaurants, bars, and some of the city’s tallest buildings. Asakusa feels much older, with traditional streets and the famous Senso-ji Temple. Then there is Ginza, where things get a little more polished, while Shimokitazawa is full of vintage stores, record shops, and small cafes.

Tokyo also has one of the world’s most impressive public transportation systems. Staying near a major train or subway station makes getting around much easier. Still, we do not always need to pick the busiest part of town. Some of our favorite moments can happen in the quieter neighborhoods, away from the crowds.

Here are the best areas to stay in Tokyo, plus what makes each one worth considering.

In this travel guide:

Shibuya

Best area for: nightlife, shopping, trendy

Shibuya is pure electric energy. Everyone knows the main intersection, Shibuya Crossing. Thousands of people cross the street all at once when the lights change, and it feels like stepping straight into a futuristic movie. Right outside the station sits the Hachiko statue. It honors a faithful Akita dog who waited for his owner there every single day in the 1920s. It’s the classic spot to meet up with friends.

Before all the neon lights and massive skyscrapers, Shibuya was just a quiet village nestled along a river valley. Everything changed in 1885 when the railway opened, turning it into Tokyo’s primary youth and fashion hub over the following decades.

There is so much to explore here. We spent hours browsing multi-story stores like Shibuya 109 and Shibuya Sky for breathtaking views from above. For art and culture, head over to the Toguri Museum of Art, which showcases incredible historical Japanese ceramics.

When you get hungry, stop by Shibuya Stream for cool creekside dining. Grab a morning pour-over at Coffee Supreme to start the day. For lunch, queue up at Ichiran Shibuya for a bowl of rich tonkotsu ramen in your own private eating booth. Finish off with dinner at Katsumidori Seibu Shibuya, an energetic conveyor-belt sushi spot that serves super fresh seafood at amazing prices.

Best place to stay in Shibuya

The Millennials Shibuya. Address: 150-0041 Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku Jinnan 1-20-13, Japan.

Ginza

Best area for: shopping, luxury, food

Ginza is Tokyo at its most polished, but there’s more to it than luxury stores and shiny department stores. The area is fun to explore because old Tokyo and modern Tokyo sit right next to each other.

The neighborhood grew around a silver coin mint during the Edo period. After a huge fire in 1872, it was rebuilt with wide streets and Western-style brick buildings.

Start around the famous Ginza Crossing and follow Chuo-dori. You’ll pass big names like Mitsukoshi and the Wako building, with its classic clock tower. Ginza Six is another major stop. Besides shops and restaurants, it has art installations and a rooftop garden with city views.

We’d also make time for Kabukiza Theatre. Even if you don’t catch a kabuki performance, the building itself is worth seeing. There’s a gallery and shop too. For something quieter, check out Ginza’s small art galleries. The Shiseido Gallery and Ginza Graphic Gallery are good places to peek inside.

One of our favorite things about Ginza is visiting on a weekend. Chuo-dori becomes a pedestrian-only street for part of the day. Grab a coffee, find a sidewalk table, and watch Tokyo go by. It’s also a great area for lunch, especially if you want sushi or something a little fancy.

And yes, Ginza can get expensive. But window shopping here is completely free.

Best place to stay in Ginza

Karaksa Hotel Premier Ginza. Address: 105-0004 Tokyo-to, Minato-ku, Shinbashi 1-6-6, Japan.

Shinjuku

Best area for: nightlife, shopping, business

For any first time visitor, Shinjuku is probably the area to stay. This is because there is a high population of tourists and has a lot of hotspots within it. This is also the iconic Tokyo with super modern buildings and LCD screens.

Back in the Edo period, it started out as a simple post station along a major travel route. Today, it stands as Tokyo’s ultimate neon playground and busiest transit hub. Millions pass through the station every single day.

During daylight, we head straight for Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It offers a massive, peaceful break right in the middle of the skyscraper maze. For incredible city views without the high price tag, we always take the elevator up the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. If you want art and culture, the Sompo Museum of Art is right around the corner.

When night falls, the vibe shifts completely. Godzilla peers down over the streets of Kabukicho, the famous entertainment district. We usually squeeze into Golden Gai for a drink. It is a tiny block packed with over two hundred miniature bars, each with its own weird theme and room for just a few people. Nearby, Omoide Yokocho serves up delicious yakitori in smoke-filled alleys.

Food options here are endless. Grab morning espresso at Blue Bottle Coffee near the station to kickstart your day. For lunch, grab a steaming bowl of rich pork ramen at Ichiran. When dinner rolls around, sit down at Tsunahachi for incredible, light tempura fried right in front of you.

Shinjuku never stops moving, and that is why we keep going back.

Best place to stay in Shinjuku

Hotel Park Hyatt Tokyo. Address: 3-7-1-2, Nishishinjuku, Tokyo 163-1055, Japan.

Cheaper alternative:

Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower. Address: 151-8583 Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Yoyogi 2-2-1, Japan.

Ueno

Best area for: budget-friendly, culture, history

Tokyo is known to be a very expensive city to stay in. That being said, Ueno is one of the budget options for visitors.

Ueno feels a little different from the polished side of Tokyo. It’s busy, a bit rough around the edges, and packed with things to see. Ueno is also well connected, so it’s an easy base for exploring northern Tokyo.

We usually start around Ueno Park, one of the city’s oldest public parks. It opened in 1873 and is especially famous for its cherry blossoms. In spring, the paths fill with picnickers and pink flowers.

The park is also a great spot for museum hopping. The Tokyo National Museum has an impressive collection of Japanese art and historical objects. You can also pop into the National Museum of Nature and Science or the National Museum of Western Art. There’s plenty to keep you busy for a whole afternoon. Ueno Zoo is here too, and it’s Japan’s oldest zoo.

When we want a change of pace, we head toward Ameyoko. This lively shopping street runs beneath the train tracks and has a fascinating history. It started as a postwar black market. Today, it’s full of food stalls, small shops, cheap clothes, seafood, spices, and plenty of noise.

For coffee, Coffee by Jalana is a handy stop near Ameyoko. We’d grab a drink there before heading back into the neighborhood.

Best place to stay in Ueno

Hotel Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Spring. Address: 111-0032 Tokyo-to, Taito-ku Asakusa 2-7-20, Japan.

Roppongi

Best area for: nightlife, culture

Although there are tons of neighborhoods sprawled across Tokyo, Roppongi rounds out our list. If you want to engage in the authentic nightlife of Tokyo, this is the place to be. It is also fairly upscale, so be prepared to spend some cash.

Roppongi is Tokyo’s ultimate nightlife district, full of neon lights, late-night bars, and endless energy. Back in the day, after World War II, it became a massive hub for US military personnel. That history gave the neighborhood a distinctly international, cosmopolitan vibe that still lingers today.

During the daytime, the area transforms into a massive cultural playground. We spent hours exploring Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, two huge mega-complexes packed with shops, green spaces, and high-end dining. If you enjoy art, you can easily hit the “Roppongi Art Triangle.”

That includes the Mori Art Museum, the National Art Center, and the Suntory Museum of Art. Climbing to the Tokyo City View observation deck inside the Mori Tower gave us incredible panoramic views of the skyline, including a perfect look at Tokyo Tower.

When you get hungry, grab lunch at Afuri inside Roppongi Hills. Their signature yuzu shio ramen is bright, citrusy, and unforgettable. Later in the evening, grab a coffee or a craft cocktail at Common, a sleek café space that brings together local creatives.

Best place to stay in Roppongi

Remm Roppongi. Address: 106-0032 Tokyo-to, Minato-ku Roppongi 7-14-4, Japan

Where travel critics stay in Tokyo

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in Tokyo? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in Tokyo.

Budget

Guesthouse Hanare.

“A project of Tokyo University of the Arts, Hanare offers five immaculate tatami rooms in an old dormitory house, which has been tastefully upgraded to retain original features such as wooden beams.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 3 Chome-10-25 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan.

Mid-range

Trunk Hotel.

“Pocketed in between Shibuya and Harajuku, Trunk (Hotel)’s two low-rise buildings are four stories each. Hardly a stone’s throw from some of Tokyo’s most hipster streets, it’s a high cost, but you’re really booking a whole lifestyle.” — CN Traveler.

Address: 150-0001 Tokyo-to, 5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-Ku, Japan.

Luxury

Hotel Hoshinoya.

“In creating its brand-new contemporary ryokan in the heart of Tokyo, Hoshinoya has barely put a foot wrong. This ryokan is all about insulating yourself from the city in a building that incorporates timeless craftsmanship and the best of traditional Japanese design and service.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 100-0004 Tokyo-to, Chiyoda-ku Otemachi 1-9-1, Japan.

FAQ: Tokyo hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in Tokyo? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which Tokyo hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in Tokyo.

Best time to visit Tokyo

Spring is the best time to visit Tokyo. The weather is comfortably mild, with temperatures usually ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50-68°F). This is also the season of the mesmerizing cherry blossoms (Sakura), a quintessential Japanese cultural experience that draws visitors from around the globe.

Parks such as Ueno and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden become awash with delicate pink blooms, providing a spectacular backdrop for picnics and photo opportunities.

Autumn is also an excellent time to explore Tokyo. The weather remains pleasant, with temperatures roughly between 15°C to 25°C (59-77°F), and the city is adorned with vibrant reds and oranges as the leaves change colors.

This period is less crowded than spring, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for sightseeing. Additionally, it coincides with many cultural events, including the Tokyo Game Show and Tokyo International Film Festival.

If you’re a winter sports enthusiast or wish to experience Japanese New Year traditions, winter could be the best time to visit Tokyo for you. Although it can be cold with occasional snowfall, the city’s winter illuminations are a sight to behold.

Summer in Tokyo can be hot and humid but hosts several traditional festivals like Sumida River Fireworks and Sanja Matsuri. But do note that it’s also typhoon season which might affect travel plans.

Best things to do in Tokyo

There are many things to do in Tokyo and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in Tokyo:

teamLab Planets TOKYO: Digital Art Museum Entrance Ticket

Explore the immersive exhibits within teamLab Planets TOKYO, a must-see attraction on any visit to Tokyo. Discover digital art installations made of lights, sounds, and different materials to delight all five senses. Price: $31. More info.

Tsukiji Fish Market Visit with Sushi Making Experience

Take a closer look at the fascinating world of sushi, extending from the ocean to your plate, during this 4-hour sushi-making class and a visit to the outer Tsukiji fish market. Price: $136. More info.

Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour by Bus

Admire the natural beauty of Hakone and relax over lunch with views of the highest mountain in Japan, Mt. Fuji. Climb aboard a boat for a scenic tour on Lake Ashi and go for a ride on an aerial tram above Owakudani Valley. Price: $140. More info.

More things to do in Tokyo

Deciding where to stay in Tokyo

As a closing note, let’s summarize this travel guide. We covered the best areas of Tokyo so you can decide which part of town you want to stay in.

Top 5 areas to stay in Tokyo

• Shinjuku
• Ginza
• Roppongi
• Ueno
• Shibuya

As you have seen in this article, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in Tokyo is important. Whether you stay in Shinjuku, Ginza, Roppongi, Ueno or Shibuya, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in Tokyo.

 Tokyo overview

More Tokyo tips

Take a look at our other guides about the best places to stay in Tokyo:

Hotels in Tokyo

Hostels in Tokyo

Boutique hotels in Tokyo

Luxury hotels in Tokyo

Cheap hotels in Tokyo

Sustainable hotels in Tokyo