Where To Stay In Tokyo: 5 Best Areas & Places

Just about every world traveler must find themselves in Tokyo, Japan at some point along the journey. As one of the most culturally rich and interesting cities in the entire world, Tokyo is a gem for visitors and locals alike.

Tokyo is a really interesting mix of a modern city and historical context as there is both here. Although many assume this is just another big city based on the millions of people and towering skyscrapers, there is a lot more than what meets the eye.

In between the bustling intersections and big business complexes, there is fantastic food, exciting nightlife, and an abundance of Japanese culture. The best way to see what you want to during your stay in Tokyo is by staying in an area that has what you want.

You want to be close to some of the attractions that really pop out to you. Here are five of the best neighborhoods in all of Tokyo!

 

In this travel guide:

 

Shibuya

A very iconic part of Tokyo is Shibuya. If you have ever looked at a travel guide or Googled Tokyo, you have probably seen the Shibuya Crossing. This is the busiest street crossing in the entire world and is truly a sight to see. Given that high density of travelers, there are tons of shops and cafes in this area.

This is also an area with one of the youngest demographics in Tokyo. This means pop culture is king in Shibuya. You will see a lot of anime, cool food, funky outfits, and good vibes in this neighborhood. With that comes a lot to do.

Some of the other attractions include Cat Street, Koyogi-Koen Park, Hachiko Statue, and Beer Museum. These are just a couple of the hotspots in Shibuya. However, you can spend an entire day just exploring the streets and seeing what you stumble upon.

Best place to stay in Shibuya

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

 

Ginza

One of the most underrated neighborhoods in Tokyo is Ginza. This oftentimes overlooked because of its proximity to Shinjuku and Shibuya. This is one of the best areas to do some real shopping.

All of the top fashion and designer brands call Ginza home. Chuo Dori is the stretch of shops that are worth checking out. Plus, this is a pedestrian-only road, so that is an added perk.

If buying the high-end brands isn’t your thing, there are tons of other things to do. One that really sticks out is the Imperial Palace. This is just a short stroll from Tokyo Station, this palace is the home to Japan’s emperor. Although you can’t go into the palace, you can take a tour of the gorgeous grounds.

Some other top spots include Tokyo Station, the old Tsukiji Fish Market, and an array of cafes and restaurants. A great way to spend a day is wandering around and taking a food tour of your own to discover what Ginza can offer your palette.

Best place to stay in Ginza

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

 

Shinjuku

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.

There is so much to do in this neighborhood, but one of the most popular is engaging in the nightlife. Once the sun goes down, this area comes alive. Places like the Takashimaya Times Square are bustling hubs where barbeque, sake, and beer reign.

However, be aware that this area gets super busy because of its high population of visitors, especially on the weekends.

A huge perk of staying in Shinjuku is access to its train station. This is one of the busiest of its kind in the entire world and is a great way to move around and out of the city. When staying in Tokyo, you will probably want to take some day trips out of the city and see some other spots, and this is the best way to do it.

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

Tokyo is known to be a very expensive city to stay in. That being said, Ueno is one of the budget options for visitors. Although it is a bit cheaper, there are still some fantastic attractions located here.

One must-visit in Ueno is the Tokyo National Museum. This is a huge building that has thousands of valuable, historical items for you to enjoy. In fact, this is the largest collection of Japanese items like art, swords, and pottery in the entire world. All of this and so much more can be found in the Tokyo National Museum.

Another cool location is the Ueno-Koen Park. This surrounded the National Museum and is actually Japan’s first-ever public park. It was established in 1873, but its history dates back even further. The big reflecting pond and lush trees make this part a fantastic place to relax, take a load off, and enjoy nature.

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

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 coin.

This is a pretty business-forward area where important officials and businessmen are wined and dined while in town. However, this isn’t for everyone, so it is important to talk about some other things to do in Roppongi.

A really popular spot is the Mori Art Museum. This provides you with an excellent view of the city from their Sky Deck along with beautiful art.

Another interesting point is the Tokyo Tower. This is an Eiffel Tower copycat and has been around for about 60 years. This is yet another structure that puts you high in the air offering an incredible vantage point of Tokyo.

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

🏨 Hotel prices:	High
🛏 Budget hotel:	$110
💑 Boutique hotel:	$185
⭐ 5-star hotel:	$385
🌎 Best area for first visit:	Shinjuku
👪 Best area for families:	Ueno
💎 Best luxury hotel:	Park Hyatt
👫 Best boutique hotel:	Hotel Celestine Ginza
💰 Best cheap hotel:	Hotel Resol Ueno
🎒 Best hostel:	Hostel Nui

 

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