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Where To Stay In Tokyo: 7 Best Neighborhoods And Top 10 Hotels

Tokyo Temple

The world’s biggest metropolis is enigmatic, mysterious, and, let’s face it, confusing at times. Because there’s so much you don’t know about Tokyo, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when planning your trip here.

This is exactly where this post comes into the picture: Our two recent trips here allowed us to gather as much information and useful tips as we could about Tokyo, and, in lieu of the topic at hand, its best neighborhoods and most noteworthy hotels. Spending ten whole days in Tokyo during our month-long Japan pilgrimage meant lots of note-taking, sniffing around, and enjoying the moment.

Here’s our well-researched and extremely detailed guide on where to stay in Tokyo, especially if it’s your first time in the city. Enjoy!

Table of Contents

  1. Where to stay in Tokyo (in brief, if you're in a hurry)
  2. The best areas to stay in Tokyo:
    2.1. Nihonbashi — if you’re in Tokyo for the first time
    2.2. Shibuya — for nightlife
    2.3. Asakusa — on a budget
    2.4. Odaiba — with family
    2.5. Ginza — for shopping and luxury
    2.6. Akihabara — for anime lovers
    2.7. Shinjuku — when traveling solo
    2.7.1. Is it better to stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku?
  3. My list of 10 great Tokyo hotels and hostels (sorted by price)
    3.1. Best hotels near Tokyo airports (for 1 or 2 nights)
  4. My tips and itinerary for traveling to Tokyo
  5. Final thoughts

Where to stay in Tokyo for the first time?

Odaiba Tokyo

First things first, there are a few things to keep in mind when taking your pick from hundreds of apartments and hotels all over Tokyo:

🔸 Most of the hotel rooms will be super tiny.

Yes, to the point of your luggage preventing you from walking to the bed, that tiny. So, even if you think that booking a room for $100–$200 a night will get you some wiggle room, think again. In Tokyo, you will have to drop anywhere from $400 for one night to be able to afford opening your suitcase on the floor and leaving it there. But remember, it’s a real tale of David vs Goliath, — in Tokyo, even the smallest underdog of a room could theoretically bring you more pleasure than a giant suite anywhere else in the world. Come here and try it for yourself!

🔸 All the fresh air girlies should mentally prepare for this next fact:

Most (if not all) hotel room windows in Tokyo don’t open. Some even have handles on the other side of the window (supposedly it’s so that firefighters can enter the room in the case of an emergency). If you’re used to opening your windows even in sub-zero temperatures, in Tokyo, you will just have to go outside for that fresh oxygen. If it’s your first time coming face-to-face with such a problem, it could be a tad uncomfortable.

🔸 Always make sure that your hotel is close to the metro.

Just to cut back on the travel times and maximize your actual fun experiences. Since most tourists decide to get around the city by public transport, the best hotel chains focus on this exact feature, so you don’t have to worry about it being too long a walk to the nearest metro station from, say, an APA Hotel (very affordable chain, which we get into more detail further down in the article). To help you get around Tokyo with even more ease, we suggest you pick a hotel in the neighborhood served by the JR Yamanote Line — the main circular train line that covers Akihabara, Ueno, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, and arrives to the Tokyo Station.

Now that we’re done with introductions, it’s time to get down to business. If your plane leaves in an hour and you still haven’t decided on your accommodation situation in Tokyo, we have something for you.

Almont Inn Hotel Tokyo

A sampling platter of where to stay in Tokyo, based on our experience:

  • 3* Almont Inn Tokyo Nihonbashi (from $55 a night) — one of the best Tokyo budget hotels, which is why we stayed here during our last trip to Tokyo.
  • 3* Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel (from $120 per night) — best hotel choice for the younger crowd. It’s beautifully designed and provides prime access to Asakusa’s main sights.
  • 3* Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo Ariake (from $80 a night) — most affordable hotel option in the immediate Odaiba vicinity that is also super close to Disneyland.
  • 3* Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu (from $85 a night) — best for the most authentic Tokyo stay: Sleeping on futons on the floor and visiting a rooftop onsen (a hot water bathing facility) should be on the top of your things to do while in Tokyo.
  • 4* Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (from $170 per night) — great for travelers with kids: A giant head of Godzilla roaring from the hotel’s rooftop is a cherry on top of the overall experience!

The best areas to stay in Tokyo: Our guide to neighborhoods

Tokyo Street

Which area in Tokyo is best for tourists to stay? Depending on your needs, the best areas to stay in Tokyo vary greatly: If you are focused on the most popular tourist attractions — choose Shibuya, on shopping — Ginza, on entertainment — Odaiba, etc.

Still, some FAQs are in order:

  • Where to stay in Tokyo on a budget in 2024? Historic Asakusa is a way to go! Best Tokyo budget hotels (mostly ryokans) are huddled over in the small area a little north of anime-lover heaven — Akihabara.
  • Where to stay in Tokyo with kids? Odaiba’s giant resorts and closeness to all things entertainment (TeamLab Planets or Tokyo Disney Resort Park) make it the forerunner for the title of Tokyo’s most kid-friendly area.
  • Where to stay in Tokyo — Shibuya or Shinjuku? We go deep into this question further down in the article, and (hint, hint) we don’t come to the definitive conclusion. Shibuya is more raw and authentic, while Shinjuku is more tame and upscale. Other categories we go into are transportation, accommodation, food. Keep reading to make the right choice for you!
  • Speaking of neighborhoods, we do not believe there’s a particular area where you should not stay in, at least in Central Tokyo. Here, every district serves its purpose; and in regards to safety, — we have never felt more relaxed and free of anxiety when we were walking the streets of Tokyo, even after the sun came down.
  • Is it better to stay in a hotel or Airbnb in Tokyo? Generally, Tokyo guests turn to Airbnb in two cases: When they want to save some money (since Airbnbs are usually cheaper) or when they want more space (if you’re traveling with family, you will find most of hotels in Tokyo have rooms that are way too small to contain your posse). While we mostly focus on Tokyo hotels here (because they are more trustworthy, thus we feel better about recommending them), we can’t leave you hanging without mentioning at least a couple of the best Airbnbs in Tokyo: This entire home (!) in Sumida City, not too far from Asakusa, and this apartment in Minato City near Tokyo Tower.

And to help you even further, we’ve created this map of the best areas and neighborhoods in Tokyo that we get into more detail below. You can use it to plan your whole trip, since a visual at times is better than a thousand words:

Nihonbashi — where to stay in Tokyo for the first time

Nihonbashi neighborhood

The best area to stay in Tokyo for first-timers is, in our opinion, the Nihonbashi district. Although the question of where to stay in Tokyo for the very first time is considered to be a tricky one to answer (at least that’s what the online debate is all about), we’re pretty set on our choice.

🔹Side note: Nihonbashi can sometimes be referred to as Nihombashi online (Romanized spelling). Don’t let it confuse you: They’re the same thing!

Nihonbashi is located in the Tokyo city center (quite literally, since all the distances in the megapolis are calculated in relation to the Nihonbashi Bridge, which the neighborhood is named after). The area used to be considered Tokyo’s main financial district, but now the focus has shifted: Currently, Nihonbashi is a great tourist destination, with plenty of places to keep you well-rested, well-fed, and very entertained!

Speaking of food, here’re some great establishments we’ve frequented throughout our stay in Nihonbashi:
🫕 Bakery Bank — a wonderful location to start your morning with freshly brewed coffee and pastries; the only place you can treat yourself to something different than onigiri at 8 a.m. on any day of the week (except Wednesday).
🫕 Knag — all-day eatery with the atmosphere ideal for doing some work on your laptop; cashless only.
🫕 Taniya — easy-on-the-wallet Udon noodle restaurant; don’t forget to add some tempura to your order, as it goes perfectly with the noodles.

Why stay in Nihonbashi?

+ Located very close to both Ginza and Akihabara, the area serves as the middle ground for your Tokyo exploration. Because of its favorable setting, even if you personally won’t mash well with the neighborhood itself, you can quickly change the scenery by taking a short walk to either one of the aforementioned districts.

+ Again, Nihonbashi’s closeness to Ginza and Akihabara means triple the tourist attractions and shopping opportunities! After exploring Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store (Japan’s first ever department store, now a luxury Macy’s-esque shopping destination with a spectacular rooftop garden), Fukutoku Shrine (a tiny shrine nestled among Nihonbashi’s high-rises, rumored to have the power to help you win the lottery), and Tokyo Stock Exchange (where visitors can even play a stock simulation game: Try and see how well you’ll do in a Wolf of Wall Street-tipe scenario), head on over to other neighborhoods and witness their major sights.

+ A special merge of both Asian and European architecture in Nihonbashi is an undeniable eye-candy! Stay here if you love to walk around and gawk at beautiful buildings, since there’s no shortage of those lining the neighborhood’s streets!

+ Tokyo Station is a mere 10-minute walk away from Nihonbashi, which makes getting to/from the airport an easier task, especially for first-timers. Get a Suica Card to make your Tokyo train travel a much more enjoyable experience.

Dormy Inn Tokyo

Our favorite Nihonbashi hotels, at different price points:

  • 2* Citan Hostel (from $30 a night) — a great budget hostel in Tokyo. A seven-story (!) complex houses dozens of accommodation options, as well as a cool coffeeshop on the ground floor and a relaxing bar/lounge in the basement.
  • 3* Almont Inn Tokyo Nihonbashi (from $55 a night) — our personal hotel choice for our latest trip to Tokyo. The rooms are small, but mighty! It was just enough space for the two of us and our respective suitcases. Overall, the amenities of the hotel are top-notch, clad with everything a weary traveler might need to feel at home while away from home.
  • 3* Dormy Inn Premium Tokyo Kodenmacho (from $150 per night) — a prime example of the well-known hotel chain in Tokyo, this particular Dormy Inn is a wonderful place to relax after a busy day of running around Tokyo. On-site onsen (with some open-air action, very much enjoyed year-round), massage chairs, and a restaurant that serves delectable food (we loved their noodle dishes the best) create an ambiance of luxury, while still keeping it real and clean-cut in the general areas. A special treat of free ice-cream after the spa experience is truly a harbinger of a time well-spent, and Dormy Inn plays into your little guilty pleasures!

Shibuya — where to stay for nightlife

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Tokyo nightlife isn’t particularly married to one particular neighborhood, although most believe that three neighborhoods are especially famous for nightlife — Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi. The other two districts, in our opinion, are much tamer than Shibuya: Shinjuku’s Golden Gai focuses more on the imbibing part of every night out, with its small bars and etiquette of “finish your drink — get the hell out”, while Roppongi is home to chic nightclubs that attract mostly the international jetset.

Shibuya, however, has nothing that is haute gamme about it: After all, Shibuya Meltdown has its own Instagram page (Google at your own discretion, since some pictures (not all, by any means) of people who’ve had too much to drink can be leaning towards graphic imagery). The neighborhood is much grittier than its aforementioned brothers-in-arms; it’s a stark contrast to the rest of Tokyo that is usually pretty dead set on keeping the streets spotlessly clean.

  • It’s the best area to stay in if you enjoy seeing the raw and authentic state of the Tokyo’s underbelly; we absolutely loved our time here, which we detailed in our nifty guide to Shibuya.

Not big on partying into the wee hours of the morning? Don’t disregard Shibuya as your homebase. It’s a bustling district, clad with dozens of prime tourist locations: Starting with the world-renowned Shibuya Scramble Crossing and going all the way to the super tall Shibuya Sky (the main rival of Tokyo Skytree Tower, arguably the best view point in all of Tokyo), the peaceful Meiji Shrine, and the tear-jerking Hachiko Memorial Statue.

You should also keep in mind the fact that Shibuya is a pretty large district (although most consider the “real” Shibuya to be the immediate vicinity around the Shibuya Station); and it’s not all parties and loud music — there are particular areas where you’ll get a good night’s rest if you’re not into the whole club scene.

There are quite a few eateries in Shibuya that will either cure your hangover or satisfy your hunger after way too many z’s:
🫕 Bricolage bread & co. — a small bakery that serves all things bread.
🫕 Flipper’s — the ultimate brunch spot, their soft and fluffy pancakes are a perfect remedy for a throbbing headache after a few too many drinks.
🫕 Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka Store — conveyor belt sushi restaurant with great quality of food; pricing is also easy on your wallet.

Why stay in Shibuya?

Shibuya Parco Mall view

+ Its central location is perfect for exploring the rest of Tokyo. Shibuya Station is one of Tokyo’s major stations, some might call it the most hectic of them all. The station’s Hachiko gate exit opens up into the square in front of the legendary Shibuya Crossing — world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. If you stay in Shibuya, you’re just one or two steps away from most of the notable tourist attractions.

+ Its youthful spirit is what makes Shibuya so attractive to the younger crowd. If you want to take a peek at the latest Japanese fashion trends, just walk around the Harajuku area — Lolita dresses and anime cosplay are among the many things you so rarely see in real life, so take the chance while you have it!

+ Speaking of fashion, Shibuya is a great destination for shopaholics and trendsetters: Omotesandō is Shibuya’s luxury boutique capital. Staying in the area will mean being surrounded by some of the ritziest fashion bravado efforts by the world’s most respected fashion brands — Dior, Louis Vuitton and the like.

+ While there’re always amazing opportunities to find accommodation in Tokyo that will agree with your travel budget, Shibuya is the area where you’re encouraged to treat yourself. Many of high-end five-star hotels call Shibuya their home, so we personally would discourage budget travelers and backpackers from picking Shibuya as their first choice (although there still are some pretty budget-friendly options present, they’re just not as prevalent). Got money to burn? Turn to one of the many fine hotels peppered around the area.

We’ve tried to pace ourselves from listing Shibuya’s only crème de la crème hotel picks, and we succeeded (at least to some extent). The best places to stay in Shibuya are:

  • 3* Shibuya Tobu Hotel (from $140 a night) — a great hotel option in Shibuya: The architecture of the building definitely sets it apart from the surrounding scenery. Reddish in color, with triangular-shaped projections and windows looking out at a diagonal, — even if you arrive late at night, you simply cannot miss Tobu Hotel. The rooms are small but tidy, with top-notch amenities and wonderful service, — Tobu thrives on their efficient, no-nonsense vibes. If you get a late night craving for some American-style burgers, head on over to She Wolf — a great hamburger joint a hop, skip, and a jump away from the hotel.
  • 4* Hotel Century Southern Tower (from $235 a night) — located on the cusp of Shibuya and Shinjuku neighborhoods, this hotel thrives with twice the number of advantages. While set a little way’s away from the main sights of Shibuya, Hotel Century offers prime location in relation to train stations — Shinjuku Station is literally right there, easily accessed via a connecting bridge. Not much can be said about the architecture: Modern skyscrapers do all look strikingly alike, but remember this bit: Get a room at the top levels for unparalleled views of Tokyo. Also, there’s a 7/11 on the ground floor of the hotel, perfect for getting some food when everything else is closed.
  • 4* Trunk (Hotel) (from $400 a night) — something about this joint for wealthy hipsters screams Off-White to us. Maybe it’s the obvious labeling of stuff: There’s a Trunk (Bar), a Trunk (Restaurant), and even another project called Trunk (House). Obviously, when somebody pays this kind of money for a hotel stay, one expects to do more than sleeping here. Thankfully, the hotel isn’t just a feast for the eyes (it’s one of the spots where people travel just for the design itself), it’s also a well-rounded experience: The on-site restaurant offers soulful food, while the spa, private tours, and bike rentals let you embrace the local culture to a T (literally, on the molecular level, through your pores). There’s even a rooftop chapel (Trunk is often booked as a wedding venue). All timber and glass, it looks spectacular and eerie at the same time.

Asakusa — where to stay in Tokyo on a budget

Asakusa visiting center Tokyo

Where to stay in Tokyo on a budget? Before our first trip here, we were practically interrogating our friends and acquaintances who’d already had the pleasure of exploring this magnificent city on the topic (turns out, the whole good cop/bad cop only works in movies). Just kidding, of course!

But the premise of the joke is still very current and fresh — most Tokyo visitors aren’t outrageously wealthy, so they feel the dire need to know the area where it is best to stay for a tourist on a strict budget. Based on the information we’ve gathered through word of mouth and our findings onsite, we are certain that Asakusa is the most budget-friendly neighborhood in Tokyo.

  • Asakusa, unlike the aforementioned districts, has retained its historical feel. While it’s true that the outskirts of the neighborhood are getting more modern day after day (Tokyo Skytree is a true indicator of all things new and exciting about Tokyo), the center of Asakusa still looks quite similar to the way it looked hundreds of years ago.

A joyfully flamboyant Sensoji Temple, surrounded by little old haunts that are perfect to get lost in for hours, as well as the whole complex of the Ueno Park (one of the oldest parks in Tokyo, it comes armed with ponds, shrines, and even multiple museums!) are all as high on the charm and magic of old Japan as one would except them to.

Asakusa experiences are also exciting and unique, and always in one way or another connected to history: You can rent a kimono and explore Sensoji Temple in a traditional Japanese costume, get a rickshaw tour of the area, or even take a cooking class. The only activity in Asakusa that seems modern is a Go Kart experience, where you zip through the streets in little carts, having a grand ole’ time!

Compared to the great Shibuya area, Asakusa is a pretty tiny neighborhood. Still, there are some exceptionally good places to eat at around the district's main sights:
🫕 Fuglen Asakusa — without a doubt, the best coffeeshop in Asakusa.
🫕 ChaCha Futatsume — one of the more iconic spots in Tokyo serving their most unique creation — matcha noodle ice-cream.
🫕 Himuro Asakusa Shop — a ramen spot tucked away just around the corner from the main street.

Why stay in Asakusa?

Asakusa neighborhood

+ Affordable accommodation options, and lots of them! There are lots of ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) here as well, and they are usually pretty basic and cheap. In Asakusa, you can find a hotel for your budget even if it’s a last-minute decision! Our friend recently had a nasty experience of having a hotel in another part of the city cancel the booking in the last possible moment, but she was able to quickly find a nice and low-cost option in Asakusa.

+ The location of the neighborhood isn’t as convenient as Shibuya, for example (there’re no direct trains from Tokyo Station to Asakusa). Even so, Ginza is just one stop away, and from there, you can get to virtually every little part of Tokyo. It’s also worth noting that it’s still quite easy to get to/from the airport to Asakusa, so at least you won’t have to struggle with your suitcases too much to reach your destination.

+ Because the area is located a tad further away from the city center, there are less tourists (still, we would consider ticking off the most popular attractions in the early morning, these locations still attract crowds).

+ Ample opportunity to get a taste of old Japan, by either staying at an authentic ryokan or donning a traditional outfit when exploring the area’s main sights.

Our picks of Asakusa’s hotels in all price ranges:

  • 2* K's House Tokyo Oasis – Asakusa Downtown (from $30 per night) — a great affordable hostel located within walking distance to many of Asakusa’s main sights. The rooms are clean, and the staff is very helpful and welcoming. There are also plenty of restaurants and convenience stores in the immediate vicinity. What more could you possibly ask for, especially at this price?
  • 3* APA Hotel Asakusa Ekimae (from $60 a night) — another one of APA’s hotels, this one is a prime example of a hotel that provides the best quality stay for a pretty humble price. The legendary Sensoji Temple is just around the corner from here, letting you start your Asakusa exploration as soon as you step foot outside the hotel.
  • 3* Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu (from $85 a night) — if you’re planning your visit to Tokyo around history and tradition, then booking a stay at a ryokan seems like an obvious first choice. Shigetsu has been in operation for 80 (!) years and have expanded over several floors, but still, each room feels like a trip back in time: Japanese-style rooms are small and minimally furnished; you are expected to sleep on a (supremely fluffy) futon on the floor (its way more comfortable than you imagine, although we would recommend people over 60 to book something where a bed is a tad more elevated). The ryokan’s own onsen-style baths have prime views of both the main temple’s pagoda, as well as the stunning Tokyo Skytree Tower. The onsite restaurant is closed at the moment, but you’re practically on Asakusa’s main street: Tsurujirō — a place that serves the best okonomiyaki in Tokyo is just around the corner.
  • 3* Mimaru Tokyo Ueno North (from $360 a night, Taito City, closest to Asakusa) — we know, we know, nothing about this hotel screams budget-friendly; plus, it’s not even located in Asakusa itself! Set more to the side, closer to Ueno, this premium aparthotel is, however, the ultimate dream for a traveler who wishes to be more independent in their day-to-day life in Tokyo. More spacious rooms (and pretty large bathrooms, which is such a rare find in Japan) that are occupied with kitchenettes (!) let you have the choice to stay in and cook if you’re not in the mood to face the dinner rush of all the good Tokyo restaurants. Overall, Mimaru is a great choice of a stay if you’re traveling with family (more on the topic of family travel in 3…2…).

Odaiba — where to stay with family

Odayba bridge Tokyo

Traveling to Tokyo with family is both a fulfilling and suffocating experience, there’s no way around it. While it’s true that getting to witness your loved ones’ reactions to seeing the city’s wonderful sights can be very exciting, the fact that there’s not enough space to comfortably accommodate an entire group (especially if children are involved) also carries significant weight. Especially when the best areas around Tokyo’s Downtown are all quite congested by wall-to-wall development, both ancient and modern.

Here’s where Odaiba comes into play — the man-made island is a more recent addition to Tokyo’s cityscape, meaning that there was more thought involved into its planning: There are more open spaces, parks, large boulevards, a beach (!), and, more importantly for the topic in question, hotels that can be considered resorts they’re that big!

Without a doubt, Odaiba is one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo for tourists with children: Lodging options aside, there are so many attractions that any youngling would consider to be the “bestest”! TeamLab Museum with its stunning, state-of-the-art installations, Unicorn Gundam Statue, popular with adolescent anime fanatics, Legoland, and Tokyo Joypolis, — if these things won’t keep your offspring occupied, we don’t know what will!

And while we’re certainly pushing the agenda that Odaiba is one of the best neighborhoods in Tokyo for families, it doesn’t mean that it’s a promised land strictly to those whose frontal cortex hasn’t fully developed yet! On the contrary, adults will have as much fun here as the little ones: Strolling around the beautiful area of Odaiba Beach, seeking out Tokyo’s very own Statue of Liberty, and admiring the beautifully illuminated Rainbow Bridge at night, — it’s romantic, it’s exciting, it’s in vogue! Honestly, we haven’t even come close to highlighting all the major sights the island is so famous for — make sure to check out our detailed guide to Odaiba.

Odaiba is pretty Westernized, so an occasional Starbucks or a burger joint isn’t out of the ordinary (so if your kid would rather have some familiar McDonalds chicken nuggies rather than some yummy taiyaki, this is the area for you).

What’s more, majority of eateries on the island aren’t standalone establishments: In 9 out of 10 cases you will go to either one of the larger malls or a prominent hotel to have dinner. Still, you can get an authentic Japanese food experience on Odaiba if you know where to look:
🫕 Haibana — a fun izakaya (or Japanese style pub) restaurant.
🫕 Odaiba Takoyaki Museum — not a museum in the common sense of the word, but more of a food court.

Why stay in Odaiba?

Where to stay in Odaiba

+ Since the neighborhood is located just off the mainland, it’s not as crowded as Tokyo’s more central districts.

+ Large open spaces, plenty of entertainment options, and resort-level accommodations prove that Odaiba is the best neighborhood in Tokyo to stay in with family.

+ The area is easily accessible from Tokyo International Airport Haneda by a limousine bus (just a 20-minute bus ride and you’re here!).

+ Apparent closeness to Tokyo Disney Resort: It’s a 20-minute drive to the Magic Kingdom, and some hotels offer complimentary shuttle services (Hilton Tokyo Hotel in particular).

+ Odaiba Beach! In Tokyo, opportunities to walk barefoot in the sand and lunge about in the warm sun are almost nonexistent, so take whatever chance you can get to burn your pale winter skin a little!

Although undeniably great for travelers with families, Odaiba’s lodging choices are pretty limited: There aren’t many hotels to choose from. Here are some of my favorite hotels in Odaiba:

  • 3* Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo Ariake (from $80 a night) — although not located on the island of Odaiba specifically, it’s still a stone’s throw away from the neighborhood’s main sights. This particular chain never disappoints: Great rooms, friendly staff, a 7/11 right in the building. It’s one of the cheaper accommodation options in the immediate vicinity, so look into it closely if that’s what you’re searching for.
  • 4* Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (from $200 a night) — resort-level luxury hotel popular with the well-off Tokyo visitors. The design ethos of Grand Nikko is characterized by exquisite subtle touches and tasteful restraint: The rooms and communal areas are swathed in palettes of beiges and greys, perfect for a wind-down after a busy day. Both an indoor and an outdoor terrace pool, as well as top-notch spa amenities and a fully equipped gym create an atmosphere of serenity and luxury. Try and get the rooms with a stunning view of the bay: You can watch the brightly colored Rainbow Bridge and a glistening city panorama each night before going to sleep.
  • 5* Hilton Tokyo Odaiba (from $300 a night) — a true cream of the crop of Tokyo’s 5-star hotels, Hilton is a household name known worldwide for its upscale amenities and innovative decisions. Following the success of its siblings on other continents, Hilton Tokyo Odaiba remains a luxurious treat for people “in the know”. The rooms are very spacious and airy, and the rooftop jacuzzi with a view of the water adds a nice touch to the overall experience. With its many elite facilities, Hilton is perfect for a multigen stay: Each member of your group will have something to occupy themselves with!

Ginza — where to stay for shopping and luxury

Streets of Ginza

Tokyo’s most elegant shopping district, Ginza is where you come to if you want to get the exquisite Tokyo version of the feeling that LA’s Rodeo Drive and NYC’s Fifth Avenue evoke in the IYKYK crowd. Bulgari, Gucci, Prada, Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, — Ginza has no shortage of these luxury brand showrooms scattered around its streets. It’s no doubt that it’s one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo for tourists with money to burn: Ginza’s hotel pool is teetering on the edge of overly boisterous and outrageously comfortable (at an obvious price).

However, if you’re traveling on a stricter budget, don’t disregard Ginza completely: Apart from the over-the-top boutiques, it’s also home to more affordable but still exciting shops! Take Uniqlo and Muji, for example — both worldwide sensations of Japanese efficiency and minimalist efforts that produce great quality products — and they both decided to put their brick-and-mortars in Ginza. What’s more, there are so many vintage consignment stores in the area that it could derail your plans altogether: Why buy a new Chanel bag from their showroom when you can get it half the price secondhand from a store with more chill and laidback vibes?

What’s more, Ginza is one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for the greatest variety of experiences. Yes, you’ve read that right: It’s not all about spending money! You can look at the neighborhood from Ginza SIX rooftop, catch a show at Kabuki-za Theater, start bright and early at Tsukiji Fish Market, enjoy the wonderful architecture of Hermès Ginza Building, or catch a break in nature at Hibuya Park. Personally, we feel that Ginza, though intimidating at first by its sheer pomposity and elegance, is the neighborhood where you’ll get a feel for both authentic Tokyo and its more Westernized version alike. Our detailed Ginza itinerary has even more one-of-a-kind activities you should do while in the area, so make sure to check it out right away!

Ginza’s overall flavor profile is all over the place, but we feel the need to highlight these spots first:
🫕 Blue Bottle Coffee — world-renowned coffee chain with plenty of coffeeshops strewn about Tokyo.
🫕 Nemuro Hanamaru Ginza — this conveyor belt restaurant offers a detour into the exciting world of sushi.
🫕 Tonkatsu Aoki Ginza — deep fried breaded pork cutlets that will make you lose all self-control and order seconds, thirds, etc!

Why stay in Ginza?

Where to stay in Ginza

+ One-of-a-kind shopping opportunities at every turn: From high-end brands to mass market or vintage goodies. Trust us, it is almost impossible to escape Ginza without at least a couple shopping bags in tow.

+ Tokyo Station is a mere one stop away from Ginza, which means you will have prime access to every distant part of the city and beyond (consider a daytrip to Mt Fuji; a must if you have the energy for it) at any time.

+ Less crowded when compared to Shibuya or Shinjuku. Yes, there will be areas where you’re guaranteed to bump into people, but the overall vibe is that of being inside a luxury ritzy boutique: The pace is slower in Ginza, in all the senses of the word. Nighttime is also way quieter here: There’s no Shibuya Meltdowns happening in Ginza!

+ Lots of hotel choices, but mostly mid-range and lux options. If you’ve got the funds, this is where to spend them!

My favorite Ginza hotels include, but are not limited to:

  • 3* APA Hotel Ginza-Takaracho (from $70 a night) — another one of cherished APA hotels, APA Hotel Ginza-Takaracho is the perfect place to rest in the heart of Ginza. Starting with the fact that it’s cheaper than most accommodation options in the area (after all, what would you expect from Tokyo’s most extravagant shopping district), it also provides plenty of comforts to a weary traveler without using too much frills and thrills that can sometimes overpower your senses. The rooms are small, but you can fill your waking hours by checking out the hotel’s on-site wellness and spa center. Come nightfall, you won’t even notice the less-than-usual room size — the beds are all average-shaped!
  • 3* Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier (from $160 a night) — if you’re particularly claustrophobic and want to be able to move around at least somewhat freely when you go from your bed to the door, then consider Daiwa Roynet Hotel Premier as your homebase in Ginza. The rooms are spick and span (exceptional cleanliness is a golden standard in Japan hotel industry), and stylish, but not over the top. The location of the hotel is what attracts legions of visitors every year: Ginza’s iconic Muji and Uniqlo stores are set within a 10-minute walking distance at a leisurely pace. Plus, it goes without saying that the hotel is surrounded by dozens of convenience stores and different restaurants on all sides, making your stay here as convenient as it can possibly get.
  • 4* Aloft Tokyo Ginza (from $250 a night) — one of the most vibrant-looking hotels in the “lux” category, Aloft Tokyo Ginza will excite your senses with art works and unique design choices. The rooms (the burning topic in Tokyo hotels) are on the smaller side, but large windows and overall light motifs help make the spaces feel larger. It’s definitely a spot for the younger crowd, as the hotel’s cache of perks include a rooftop bar (Roof Dogs) that serves hotdogs and beer come sundown (with a unique installation that is a vintage Volkswagen van taking up almost all the free space), a 24-hour fully equipped gym, and a buffet-style restaurant the “Warehouse” that is a perfect place to meet up with your fellow neighbors. Aloft’s facade also comes alive with moody ambient LED lights at night — standing in front of it, you can picture yourself as a character from either Neon Demon or Blade Runner. Just saying!

Akihabara — where to stay for anime lovers

Akihabara tokyo

Set further north from the city center (closer to Asakusa than to Ginza), Akihabara’s main thing is anime and video games. It’s one of the best places to stay in Tokyo if you want to wake up to the sound of retro game machines and manga fanatics swarming the streets. Careful about the sensory overload though: Neon-lit to the max, the stores in Akihabara are very in-your-face about branding and enticing you to come inside.

We would say that the majority of Akihabara’s attractions are stores: Giant mega-malls that have both the latest X-Box and the oldest rarest claw machine (still rigged, no matter how old it is), like GiGO Akihabara and HEY Taito, or mega shops with each level practically overflown with themed merchandize: Animate Akihabara or Super Potato are the best places to get fun Pokémon plushies or Mario figurines.

Sustenance is, of course, paramount when exploring Akihabara’s over-the-top stores. Our choice of eateries in the neighborhood was determined by how fast the service was and how filling the dishes seemed to be, so we ended up with this list of places to eat in Akihabara:
🫕 Sol’s Coffee Roastery — great coffee, pleasant atmosphere, and yummy treats.
🫕 Kyushu Jangara Akihabara — a restaurant that specializes in tonkotsu ramen and all its different variations.
🫕 Beef Skewers Maruju Meat Shop — you can never go wrong with meat on a stick, and their skewers are juicy and tender at the same time.

Why stay in Akihabara?

Dormy Inn Akihabara tokyo

+ Unique location: Set further away from the city center, Akihabara is still a major transportation hub. With easy access to Tokyo Station, Ginza, Shibuya and others, you get to experience an entirety of Tokyo while staying at the less crowded and more affordable neighborhood. You’re still relatively close to all the important landmarks: With the legendary Imperial Palace on one side and the grand Sensoji Temple on the other, you’re right in the middle of all the action — you just have to choose which direction to explore first!

+ Fun activities: Playing video games, exploring dozens of shop floors clad with all things anime, and even trying out maid cafes (we haven’t been, but saw waitresses dressed up as maids urging tourists to come inside various cafes), — you will not get the same opportunities so condensed to one place anywhere else in Tokyo.

+ Opportunities to bond with like-minded individuals who appreciate the more niche parts of the Japanese culture.

My favorite hotel picks around the general Akihabara area:

  • 3* APA Hotel Akihabara Ekihigashi (from $60 per night)/3* APA Hotel Akihabara Ekikita (from $50 a night) — we feel like we have been repeating the APA hotel chain as a recommendation ad nauseum, but only because it’s the cheapest quality hotel chain in Tokyo. Yes, Dormy Inns and Daiwa Roynets are objectively better to some extent, but they come with a more considerable price tag. Mostly perused by busy businessmen and laid-back tourists that don’t care about extravagance or over-the-top amenities, APA hotels can be your best bet on finding an affordable lodging option in the city. These two specimen in Akihabara are pretty nice: They exist somewhere closer to the “basic” end of the hotel industry spectrum, but also still come with plenty of comforts.
  • 3* Dormy Inn Akihabara (from $110 a night) — great for a solo traveler (the rooms are pretty compact; if you were to stay here with a travel buddy, you’ll have to figure out the room traffic situation to avoid bumping into each other too much); we wouldn’t recommend staying here with children. The hotel covers all the basics beautifully; but what it excels in is their “spa” amenities — relaxing rooftop communal baths created in the onsen-style; they include both indoor and outdoor (!) spaces, all very popular with guests. Come here at the end of your busy day to, well, get clean, but most importantly, to wash away the strain that constantly being “on” in a new setting puts on your body and mind.
  • 3* Hotel Remm Akihabara (from $80 a night) — located right next to the Akihabara train station, Remm Akihabara is a beloved option of a hotel among both staycationing Tokyoites and European and American clientele. The rooms are light and airy (though, you’ve guessed it, quite small), and the views opening up on Akihabara are delightful both during the day and night. The hotel is surrounded by convenient stores and cafes, so you’ll never go hungry (even if you overslept and missed the hotel breakfast). P.S.: The massage chairs are all the rage, inquire about them at the front desk, you’ll thank us later!

Shinjuku — where to stay in Tokyo when traveling solo

Shinjuku streets Tokyo

The last, but definitely not the least — Shinjuku. This neighborhood is arguably the best area of Tokyo to stay in if you’re a solo traveler (that is, if you try and avoid Tokyo’s very own Red Light District. On the contrary, if that’s your thing, we’re not here to judge!), — it is easy to navigate, and has almost all of the other districts’ most alluring points summed up in one area.

It’s got Ginza’s shopping opportunities (on a smaller scale, of course), Shibuya’s nightlife (Shinjuku Golden Gai overflows with microscopic bars, perfect for a late night bar crawl), Nihonbashi’s public transport access (Shinjuku Station is literally the busiest station in the world), Asakusa-esque shrines (Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku is one of the prettiest shrines, no doubt about it), and Odaiba’s laissez-faire attitude (Shinjuku feels like a small city within a city), — ladies and gentlemen, the ultimate Tokyo experience!

Shinjuku is arguably the most popular neighborhood in Tokyo. While it’s not exactly advertised as being perfect for solo travelers, the sentiment can be read between the lines: Shinjuku is always super busy. We all know that part of feeling unsafe in unfamiliar surroundings comes from finding yourself alone on a dimly lit street. Trust us, even the darkest most remote part of the neighborhood is guaranteed to have swarms of both locals and tourists, no matter the time of day or the season.

After exploring Shinjuku’s many attractions (like looking at the city from the viewing deck of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building or searching for the iconic Godzilla head on top of the hotel, more on this later), you’re bound to become ravenous sooner than later. We recommend you get your next meal fix at one of these great spots:
🫕 All Seasons Coffee — a coffee meeting destination.
🫕 Naruto Taiyaki Honpo — a small stall that serves taiyaki — fish-shaped pancake with sweet filling.
🫕 Uogashi Nihon-Ichi — a standing sushi bar located right by the Shinjuku Station.

Why stay in Shinjuku?

Hotel Gracery

+ On par with the area surrounding Tokyo Station, Shinjuku is arguably one of the most convenient transport hubs in the city. Various train lines meet here, which means you will have the easiest time accessing Tokyo’s other neighborhoods.

+ Nightlife in Shinjuku is not as crazy as in Shibuya, which means you will have the experience you wouldn’t want to forget.

+ Plenty of amazing hotel options (and the iconic Park Hyatt, pictured so enticingly in Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation), some more affordable than others.

+ Amazing atmosphere that encapsulates the entirety of Tokyo in one neighborhood. Any picture you see of Shinjuku online is exactly how you would expect Tokyo to look like: Sprawling, mostly nocturnal, neon-lit, but historic at the same time. It’s also what one would expect Tokyo to sound like: With a Godzilla roar vibrating through the air.

Shinjuku’s best hotels, at different price points:

  • 1* Anshin Oyado Premier Shinjuku (from $55 a night) — capsule hotel, men only! From warm and cozy communal rooms to on-site onsen facilities, to options to get a massage, — staying at Anshin Oyado breaks every predisposition you might have had about hostels, it is that nice! It’s best bang for your buck if you’re a solo men traveler or if you’re exploring Tokyo with your “dude bros”.
  • 2* APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Chuo (from $70 a night) — humble, efficient, affordable, — just what the doctor ordered after a day spent traversing Shinjuku’s buzzing streets. APA hotels all look quite alike: So, if you’ve stayed in one of their hotels somewhere else, you would know exactly what to expect from APA Hotel Shinjuku: Great service, immaculately clean rooms, state-of-the art amenities; all for a considerably low price.
  • 4* Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (from $170 per night) — sporting one of Shinjuku’s main attractions on its rooftop, Gracery Hotel is a must for all Godzilla superfans. A large head of this monster attracts legions of onlookers to the area, but if you stay at the hotel you get an exciting bonus — access to the rooftop terrace, where you can make out each individual scale of this ginormous creature. You would think the rooms here would be an afterthought, since the hotel’s main shtick resides on its rooftop, but au contraire: Gracery has some of the most thoughtfully (and yet, minimally) designed rooms and communal spaces. Note that “Godzilla floor” rooms that have prime views of the roaring head right outside their windows tend to be more expensive, but totally worth the investment if you’re traveling with children!

Is it better to stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku?

Shibuya skytree

Honestly, we had a hard time answering this question: Never before have we seen two neighborhoods so similar and yet so different at the same time! While either choice will guarantee a great stay for you, there are still some characteristics where one district overtakes another:

  • Transportation: Being the busiest train station in the world, Shinjuku takes the cake in this department! There are more train lines coming and going here, making your movement around the city that much more convenient. Note that Shibuya is not that far behind, but the win still goes to Shinjuku!
  • Food: Shibuya all the way! The trendiest cafes can be found here, making your culinary experience of Tokyo way more exciting.
  • Atmosphere: We’re pretty sure it’s a tie! Shibuya caters to a younger crowd with niche fashion statements, while Shinjuku keeps up more upscale appearances.
  • Sightseeing: Shibuya! Shibuya Crossing is a world-renowned phenomenon, and having easy access to it is paramount.
  • Shopping: Another tie! While Shinjuku has more high-end shops and boutiques, Shibuya offers retail therapy accessible to travelers of all incomes and budgets!
  • Accommodation: Shinjuku. Based purely on the legendary Park Hyatt and Hotel Gracery — these are not your run-of-the-mill experiences, these are bucket list destinations!

Would you look at that — a tie! But you now can make an informed decision based on your personal priorities, and that’s what matters most.

My list of 10 great Tokyo hotels and hostels (sorted by price)

Mitsui Garden Hotel

While I believe that so far I have given you a pretty vast choice of noteworthy hotels, it is another thing to create my list of the best places to stay in Tokyo that is only that, without further distractions. It goes as follows:

  1. (Ueno) 1* Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel&Hostel (from $70 per night) — one of the best options in Tokyo for travelers on a budget. Both dormitory-style (keep in mind that there aren’t capsules, just good old-fashioned bunkbeds) and private rooms are petite yet maximize the space beautifully, with shared common areas nice enough to make you want to hang out in them and meet other people. The amenities are all very well-maintained, the staff very welcoming, — for the price, we would say it’s a total steal!
  2. (Roppongi) 3* Remm Roppongi (from $100 per night) — prime location in Roppongi means the hotel is set in the heart of Tokyo’s shopping and nightlife: With easy access to both Ginza and Shibuya on either side, you can easily triple your grasp on the city’s most exciting neighborhoods. Given the fact that you’ll be mostly out of the room and exploring the area, the tiny rooms shouldn’t raise too much of a concern. Plus, the size of your dwelling will stop being a nuisance once you look outside — Remm Ropongi offers sprawling views of the Tokyo skyline (make sure to pick a side that has a view of Tokyo Tower).
  3. (Asakusa) 3* Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel (from $120 per night) — just a mere 3-minute walk to the Sensoji Temple, this super stylish hotel is exactly what the historic neighborhood of Asakusa really needs — some young blood and excitement! With every room not like the other (each meticulously designed with the help of local craftsmen), it’s very easy to put this hotel on your list of places to come back to again and again. Gorgeous terrace views, free bike rentals, contemporary bar, — even though hipster is a very outdated word, this is what best suits the space.
  4. (Nihonbashi) 5* Hamacho Hotel (from $140 a night) — without a doubt, an obviously divine hotel experience in Nihonbashi. Upscale and elegant, but still homey-feeling, — Hamacho Hotel is pure luxury at a pretty affordable price point. Their mission includes highlighting all things made locally, so after you explore the rooms and taste test the latest dinner menu, head on over to the hotel’s very own chocolaterie — produced on-site, the sweet treats here are heavenly!
  5. (Roppongi) 3* Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi (from $180 a night) — a good mid-range hotel with sophisticated design and larger-than-most rooms. The rooftop onsen offers stunning views of the city (that is, on top of the main purpose of the facility, which here is done in style of authenticity and luxury)..
  6. (Ginza) 3* Karaksa Hotel Premier Tokyo Ginza (from $230 a night) — if you’ve got money to burn, this is an obvious answer to the question of where to stay in Tokyo if it’s your first time in the city. Prime location (close to the train station and the main shopping streets of Ginza), paired with immaculately clean and quite spacious rooms is everything you need from the city hotel.
  7. (Ginza) 4* Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier (from $230 a night) — another hidden gem in Ginza, this classy number is famous mostly for one thing — unparalleled views of Tokyo Tower. The rooms are small, but the excellent service makes up for it in heaps.
  8. (Ginza) 4* The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic (from $250 a night) — a huge lobby with glass windows reflecting the sunrays sets the mood for your entire stay here: This ultra-modern hotel is the beacon of class and luxury. The tip-top service combined with a prime location and a cache of comforts make up for the large price tag.
  9. (Shinjuku) 5* Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo (from $350 a night) — just like advertised, you do get a celebrity level of treatment here at Kimpton. Rooms’ design concept here is truly one of the best: If the art works weren’t bolted to the walls, we would guarantee they would find their way back to the visitors’ own homes. With plenty of green areas in the immediate vicinity, this hotel might be a good choice for a stay as a family — the adults will try and exercise away all the delicious local cuisine, while the kids have fun in nature.
  10. (Shinjuku) 5* Park Hyatt Tokyo (from $800 a night) — arguably one of the best hotels in Tokyo, Park Hyatt has remained at the top ever since the success of Lost in Translation — a 2003 Sofia Coppola film starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. It’s hard to imagine visiting Tokyo without daydreaming while looking at the view from your Park Hyatt Tokyo room, or without taking a dip in its outdoor pool (It’s a cool pool, isn’t it?), or drinking a martini and meeting new people at the iconic New York Bar, perched on the 52nd floor of the hotel. The movie has ingrained something visceral into our collective mind; unfortunately, only a few can scratch the itch — Park Hyatt is outrageously expensive.

Best hotels near Tokyo airports (for 1 or 2 nights)

Where to stay in Tokyo near airport

Tokyo is pretty lucky to have two whole international airports at its service: Haneda Airport (HND), the airport that is actually located in the Greater Tokyo Area, and Narita Airport (NRT), set in the Chiba Prefecture, 60 kilometers away from the city center. Haneda is way closer: Some 30 km and you’re in Downtown Tokyo!

🔹Side note: While the two airports are categorically international, it’s Narita that handles more international flights, when Haneda is more about domestic connections across Japan.

Even though it doesn’t take too long to get from Tokyo’s two airports to the middle of all the action, it’s nice to stay somewhere super close to your terminal in case you have a very early flight to catch. Do what you need to ease your travel anxieties!

Airport accommodations in Tokyo (and in other places too), as a rule of thumb, aren’t supposed to be fancy and over the top: They are the places where one stays for one night (in rare cases, for 2 nights): Its where one sleeps (usually not very well), showers, grabs breakfast and runs out the door. Because of this, the only criteria that matter when choosing your next near-airport dwelling are the actual distance to the airport and the price. The humbler price tag will mean more spartan conditions, and as the price rises, so are the softness of pillows and the size of the breakfast buffet spread.

Hotels near Haneda Airport (HND):

  • 1* plat hostel keikyu haneda home (from $25 a night) — 2.8 km away from the airport; Tokyo Station is a half-hour ride away by train. Clean rooms with variety of options: Dormitory-style, doubles, family rooms, — no matter what size your group is, you will find a suitable option for you. Being the cheapest in the area, the hostel is very popular with travelers, so make sure to think about booking your stay in advance.
  • 2* Toyoko Inn Tokyo Haneda Airport No.2 (from $60 a night) — 3.5 km away. You know that old stereotype that hotels near the airport are always dumpy-feeling and bed bug-ridden? Well, there’s no better place to bust the myths than Tokyo Inn near Haneda Airport. Sporting bright and spotlessly clean accommodation options, as well as great breakfast service, the hotel is a delight, especially at such an attractive price point.
  • 3* hotel MONday Haneda Airport (from $70 per night) — 3.7 km away. Sweet, warm, and welcoming, — first three words that pop up when you try and describe hotel MONday (even though the line up would be vastly different when trying to collect your feelings about actual Mondays, but I digress). Pleasantly designed rooms and caring staff that will either welcome you at 2 a.m. or wake you up for your 4 a.m. flight make the hotel an obvious choice when you decide where you’ll be sleeping before the flight.
  • 3* Henn na Hotel Tokyo Haneda (from $80 a night) — 3.5 km away. Definitely the quirkiest one of the bunch, Henn na Hotel stands out by its unique design and service choices. We have no idea where dinosaurs came into play, but they’re here, front and center: The check-in process is both automated and robotized — three robots (a woman and two Jurassic Park escapees) welcome you to the hotel. In the rooms, you will find large projector screens; and utilities include the famed laundry closet that does all the cleaning mumbo-jumbo in a very impressive way. A free shuttle bus to the airport is the sanest thing the hotel provides, but we’re thankful for all of it!
  • 3* Hotel JAL City Haneda Tokyo (from $100 a night) — 2.9 km away. The hotel that is just the right amount of elegant and sophisticated, Hotel JAL City is both an aesthetic and comfortable respite for a weary traveler. Well-designed rooms and top-notch facilities will make you want to stay in Tokyo for at least one more night, that’s a guarantee!
  • 4* The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda (from $140 a night) — 1.1 km away. The closest to the airport on the list, the Royal Park Hotel is located just outside Haneda Airport’s Terminal 3 (the lobby can actually be accessed from the inside (!) of the terminal). Popular with travelers on a layover in Tokyo, the hotel is just what you need before/after a long flight. The price tag is supported by beautiful and somewhat spacious (by Tokyo standards) rooms, great breakfast, and wonderful staff that’s always eager to help.

Hotels near Narita Airport (NRT):

  • 3* International Garden Hotel Narita (from $50 per night) — 4.9 km away; the humble price can be attributed to the distance to the airport. Other than that, staying at International Garden Hotel is a treat: It is set in a quiet green area, where everything practically screams rest and relaxation. The rooms are large, the views include some trees (a rarity in airport accommodations), and there’s a 7/11 right inside the building! Get a good night’s rest here, stock up on unique Japanese snacks, and say goodbye to your fantastic stay in Tokyo!
  • 3* Narita Tobu Hotel Airport (from $70 per night) — 1.1 km away, the closest hotel option to the airport on the list. The rooms at Tobu are nice and spacious, the on-site gym and restaurant will cancel out each other’s vices, and there’s a pool (!) inside! Is it weird to swim a bit before getting miles up into the air? You decide!
  • 4* Hotel Nikko Narita (from $80 a night) — 1.6 km away. Surrounded by gorgeous sakura trees, Hotel Nikko is the opposite of a fever dream — it’s a fantastic reality! Getting one leg up over the previous contender, this hotel has a (seasonal) outdoor (!) pool and three great restaurants. The view from the room is amazing: You can actually see the planes landing (don’t worry though, the windows are soundproof, so you’re left with just a pretty visual, sans the noise). There’s a Lawson on the ground floor, which is always a nice bonus!
  • 4* Hilton Tokyo Narita Airport (from $110 a night) — 3.2 km away. In true Hilton fashion, this is a wonderful place to stay in (especially if you’re a Hilton Honors member). A full-service spa, indoor pool, gym, and a good old room service that you can always count on, — Hilton is that one eccentric friend that can be a tad over the top, but you still love them all the same.

My tips and itinerary for traveling to Tokyo

7/11 fruit sandwich

Tokyo is a bucket-list destination for many, there’s no getting around it. Because it is so different and unique, it can be close to impossible to come here fully prepared, especially for a first time visitor. Still, we believe that with our help, you will have the best time ever in Tokyo; since we have written extensive guides on the topic!

What are the things you need to know before visiting the Big Mikan*?
*First lesson: This fun nickname can be attributed to the Tokyo’s layout (similar to the webs inside the orange — mikan), or, alternatively, to NYC’s Big Apple status.

✔️It’s virtually impossible to explore the city in 1, 2, or in 3 days: The best we can manage is a five-day itinerary. Still, we believe that a week in Tokyo is the sweet spot to get the feel for the city and explore its many exciting neighborhoods.

✔️Tokyo is not all about grown-up fun, there are tons of places that are perfect to visit with kids! Check out our post for the best things to do in Tokyo with your little ones while in the city.

✔️Of course, there are some things that are essential knowledge for your next Tokyo trip. While we go into more detail here, just keep in mind that:

— most notable Tokyo landmarks are easily accessible via the metro, which is why you need to invest into a Subway Pass and a reliable internet connection (Airalo is the best in the biz!);
— not sure in your ability to navigate Tokyo’s public transport right off the bat? Consider booking a limousine bus ride from the airport to whenever your heart desires: Whether it is Downtown Tokyo or straight to Disneyland;
— most popular attractions you should definitely book in advance: Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Disney Resort, Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio/, and others;
— only invest in JR Pass if you plan to go to many cities in Japan within a very short window of time;
— speaking of other cities, if your trip to Tokyo is only a small part of your entire journey across Japan, consider following our 1-month Japan itinerary: It’s everything you need and more!

Where to stay in Tokyo: in conclusion

Tokyo where to stay

We definitely hope that we’ve thoroughly answered the question of where to stay in Tokyo, starting with neighborhoods and walking you through hand-picked accommodation options. While we do believe that this is as in-depth as a guide can get, there’s always room to improve. So, if you have any further questions on the topic, make sure to leave them in the comments down below!

Plus, if you personally believe that we’ve stumped your favorite hotel in Tokyo by not mentioning it on our list, please, reach out with your experience in the comment section — we will make sure to update our records as we go along!

Once udon a time we first came to Tokyo and found out we love it soy matcha (or is it mochi?). Will you follow our lead?