Tokyo is huge, and choosing the right area to stay can completely shape your experience. Before visiting, I spent hours researching neighbourhoods because every part of Tokyo feels different. Some areas are better for nightlife and shopping, others for culture, food, or a quieter stay.
We ended up staying in Shinjuku, and honestly, for a first trip to Tokyo, I think it’s hard to beat. But depending on your travel style, another neighbourhood might suit you better.
If you are still planning the rest of your itinerary, you might want to check out my full guide on the top things to do and what to know before visiting Tokyo first or if you prefer you can watch my Tokyo video on YouTube.
Once you have an idea of what you want to see, finding the right base is the next step. The good news is that Tokyo’s public transport system is excellent, so wherever you stay, getting around the city is surprisingly easy. In this guide, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in Tokyo, who they’re best for, hotel recommendations, and what you can do nearby to help you choose the right base for your trip.
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Where Is the Best Area to Stay in Tokyo?
The answer really depends on your travel style.
First time in Tokyo? → Shinjuku → Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Shopping, cafés, and nightlife? → Shibuya → Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel
Traditional Japan atmosphere? → Asakusa → The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon by Hulic
Luxury and high-end shopping? → Ginza → The Millennium Mitsui Garden
Anime, gaming, and gadgets? → Akihabara → Nohga Hotel Akihabara
Why Shinjuku is Best for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first time in Tokyo, I personally recommend Shinjuku. We stayed here, and it’s one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors. It’s lively, packed with restaurants and shops, and incredibly well connected. From here, you can easily reach most of Tokyo’s main attractions without spending too much time commuting.
What I loved most about staying in Shinjuku was the sheer convenience. After a long day of sightseeing, there was always somewhere open to eat, grab a coffee, or simply wander around. Tokyo is a city where you will walk a lot, so staying somewhere practical really makes a difference.
An important tip before booking: Tokyo hotel rooms can be surprisingly small. We paid a little extra for a slightly larger room because we had large suitcases, and it made our stay much more comfortable. If you are traveling with lots of luggage, always check the room's square before hitting the book.
Best Hotels in Shinjuku
If you’re looking for highly rated hotels in Shinjuku, these are great options:
Hotel Century Southern Tower (Mid-Range/Premium): A fantastic location close to Shinjuku Station, modern rooms, and beautiful city views.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Mid-Range/Unique): Famous for the Godzilla Head, this hotel is one of the most unique places to stay in Tokyo.
Park Hyatt Tokyo (Luxury): The iconic 5-star hotel made famous by the film Lost in Translation. It has recently reopened after a massive, comprehensive 19-month redesign by a Parisian design studio, featuring fully modernized guest rooms, luxury Japanese wet-room bathrooms, and world-class dining.
What Can You Do in Shinjuku?
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most exciting neighbourhoods, meaning you don't have to travel far for incredible entertainment. Right on your doorstep, you will find iconic sights like the Godzilla Head, Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley)—a narrow alleyway filled with tiny yakitori stalls—and Golden Gai, famous for its labyrinth of micro-bars.
If you want a breathtaking city view without paying a penny, head to the observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you can sometimes even spot Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Stay in Shibuya: Best for Trendy Vibes and Nightlife
If you prefer a younger, trendier atmosphere, Shibuya might be the best area to stay in Tokyo for you. This part of the city feels energetic, modern, and full of life, especially as the sun goes down and the neon lights turn on.
Shibuya is known for its shopping, cafés, nightlife, and fashion scene. It’s also one of the easiest places to get around, making it another excellent base for visitors.
Compared to Shinjuku, Shibuya feels slightly more stylish and youthful. If you love people-watching, shopping, or staying in the middle of the action, you’ll probably enjoy this area.
A quick navigation tip: Shibuya Station is massive and undergoing continuous redevelopment. It can be a labyrinth to navigate with heavy suitcases, so try to use the exits closest to your hotel to avoid dragging bags through the heavy pedestrian crowds around the main Scramble Crossing.
Best Hotels in Shibuya
Shibuya has some brilliant boutique and design-forward hotels. These are three highly-rated options located right in the thick of the action:
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel (Mid-Range): A sleek, modern hotel that connects directly to Shibuya Station. It is incredibly stylish and located right above a complex filled with excellent restaurants and cafés along the Shibuya River.
Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya (Boutique/Premium): This vibrant lifestyle hotel sits atop the Dogenzaka-dori complex, just steps from the famous crossing. The design is inspired by Shibuya's music and street-art culture, and it features an incredible outdoor terrace dining space.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel (Luxury): Towering high above the Shibuya skyline, this hotel offers spacious, classic rooms with fantastic, unobstructed views of Tokyo (and Mount Fuji on clear days). It is a perfect choice if you want luxury peace and quiet just a short walk away from the chaotic streets below.
What Can You Do in Shibuya?
You’ll be close to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the Hachikō Statue, shopping streets, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s also a great base if you plan to visit Harajuku and Takeshita Street. If you’re planning to try the Street Kart experience in Tokyo, this area is the best. Driving through the neon-lit streets of Shibuya at night was one of the most fun things we did in Tokyo.
Stay in Asakusa: Best for Traditional Tokyo
If you want a more traditional and relaxed side of Tokyo, I think you’ll love Asakusa. It has a completely different atmosphere compared to areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya.
This historic neighbourhood feels calmer, more local, and often slightly more affordable when it comes to accommodation. If your dream trip to Tokyo involves historic temples, glowing red lanterns, and quieter streets to explore in the evening, this is exactly the vibe you are looking for. Asakusa is especially good if you enjoy culture, photography, and slower, peaceful mornings.
Good to know: Because Tokyo’s transit network is so efficient, staying in a quieter area like Asakusa doesn't mean you will miss out on the action. The Ginza and Asakusa subway lines run straight through here, meaning you can still reach Shibuya or Shinjuku easily.
Best Hotels in Asakusa
Because Asakusa embraces old-world Tokyo charm, the hotels here often reflect that heritage or offer incredible views of the contrast between the old town and the nearby Tokyo Skytree.
The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon (Premium/Best Views): An absolute gem of a hotel located just steps from the iconic Kaminarimon Gate. The 13th-floor lobby and its exclusive guests-only rooftop terrace offer some of the most spectacular, sweeping views of Asakusa and the Tokyo Skytree.
Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa (Traditional Experience): A beautiful modern boutique hotel designed in the style of a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan). The rooms feature classic tatami straw mats where you walk barefoot, and you can even book suites that come with their own private, open-air baths on the balcony.
Asakusa View Hotel (Mid-Range/Classic): A classic, reliable high-rise hotel. It features large, comfortable rooms by Tokyo standards, with the choice of a "Skytree View" side or a "City View" side which looks out toward central Shinjuku and Mount Fuji on a clear day.
What Can You Do in Asakusa?
The biggest attraction here is the beautiful Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple. You can also wander through Nakamise Street, rent a kimono for photos, or try a traditional tea ceremony experience. In the evening, Asakusa feels quieter and more peaceful than other parts of Tokyo.
Note: Because Tokyo is so well connected, staying in a quieter area like Asakusa doesn’t mean you’ll miss out. You can still reach places like Shibuya or Shinjuku easily by train.
Stay in Ginza: Best for Luxury and Shopping
If you enjoy luxury hotels, designer shopping, and a more polished atmosphere, Ginza is one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo. It feels more elegant and upscale compared to neighbourhoods like Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Ginza is home to high-end department stores, Michelin-starred restaurants, stylish cafés, and luxury brands. But even if shopping isn’t your thing, it’s still a lovely area to stay thanks to its central location and quieter atmosphere.
Hotels here tend to be more expensive, but if you’re celebrating something special or want a more refined Tokyo experience, Ginza is worth considering.
An insider weekend tip: Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon, Ginza’s main street (Chuo-dori) is closed to motor vehicles. It transforms into a massive, peaceful pedestrian paradise called Hokosha Tengoku (literally "pedestrian heaven"), complete with outdoor café tables right in the middle of the road.
Best Hotels in Ginza
Ginza offers a mix of world-class international luxury and distinctively Japanese design hotels. These three options are highly sought after:
The Peninsula Tokyo (Ultra-Luxury):Positioned at the edge of Ginza facing the Imperial Palace gardens, this is one of Tokyo's finest 5-star properties. One of Tokyo’s most luxurious hotels with incredible service and spacious rooms.
Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo (Upscale Boutique): Situated right on the historic Namiki-dori Street, this stylish, art-forward hotel is perfect for trendy travellers. It is stylish, modern, and in a fantastic location.
MUJI Hotel Ginza (Unique/Minimalist): A unique stay designed by the famous Japanese lifestyle brand, perfect if you love minimalist interiors.
What Can You Do in Ginza?
Ginza is perfect for shopping, food, and slow wandering. You’ll find beautiful department stores, rooftop cafés, art galleries, and some of Tokyo’s best restaurants. It’s also well connected to other parts of the city.
You’ll also find the Art Aquarium in Ginza, one of the most unique indoor attractions in Tokyo and a great option if the weather isn’t ideal.
Stay in Akihabara: Best for Anime, Gaming, and Technology Lovers
If you love gaming, anime, electronics, or gadgets, Akihabara might be the best place to stay in Tokyo for you. Known as Electric Town, this area is bright, busy, and full of personality.
This part of Tokyo feels completely different from places like Asakusa or Ginza. Here, you’ll find giant electronic stores, gaming arcades, anime shops, and themed cafés around almost every corner.
As a travel filmmaker and content creator , I could easily spend hours here just looking at cameras, lenses, and the latest gadgets. If you have even a passing interest in technology, photography, or gadgetry, you will likely find Akihabara absolutely fascinating.
Best Hotels in Akihabara
Akihabara features excellent modern mid-range options, often tailored towards tech-savvy travellers and comfort after a long day of walking.
Nohga Hotel Akihabara Tokyo (Trendy/Design-Forward): Modern, stylish, and one of the highest-rated hotels in the area.
JR East Hotel Mets Akihabara (Practical/Modern): Convenient location close to transport and shopping. It is a fantastic option if you want a reliable, no-fuss stay with direct access to the major train lines.
Remm Akihabara (Comfort & Convenience): A sleep-focused hotel directly connected to the central exit of JR Akihabara Station, meaning you can step off the train and straight into the lobby. The rooms are compact but incredibly functional.
What Can You Do in Akihabara?
Akihabara is an interactive playground. You can spend an afternoon browsing the legendary Yodobashi Camera (a massive 9-story electronics department store), hunting for rare retro video games at Super Potato, or trying your luck at multi-story SEGA or Taito Station arcades filled with claw machines.
Even if you are not deeply into gaming or anime culture, it is well worth staying here or visiting just to witness one of Tokyo’s most distinct, visually striking subcultures in action.
Are hotels expensive in Tokyo?
Tokyo has accommodation for every budget, from capsule hotels to luxury stays. Hotels in popular areas like Ginza and Shibuya are usually more expensive, while Asakusa often offers better value.
Why are hotel rooms so small in Tokyo?
Space is limited in Tokyo, so hotel rooms are often smaller than in Europe or the UK. My advice is to check the room size before booking — especially if you’re travelling with large luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying in Tokyo
Are hotels expensive in Tokyo?
Tokyo offers accommodation options for every budget, ranging from budget-friendly capsule hotels to high-end luxury stays. Hotels located in highly popular, central areas like Ginza, Shibuya, and Shinjuku are usually more expensive due to their prime location.
If you are looking for better value for your money without sacrificing great transport links, neighbourhoods like Asakusa or Akihabara often offer much more affordable hotel rates.
Why are hotel rooms so small in Tokyo?
Land and real estate space are at an absolute premium in Tokyo, meaning hotel rooms are design-engineered to be incredibly efficient and are often smaller than what you might be used to in the UK or Europe.
Because space is tight, my biggest piece of advice is to always check the room size in square metres before finalizing your booking, especially if you are travelling as a couple or carrying large, hard-shell suitcases. Paying just a tiny bit extra for a slightly upgraded room category can completely transform how comfortable and relaxing your stay feels.