Where to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors (The 5 BEST Areas!)

So in this guide our goal is to help make the decision a bit easier. We’re not only sharing our top suggestions of where to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors, but we’re also sharing some important things to consider when deciding which is the best spot for you! Because at the end of the day, there’s not one best option when it comes to where to stay in Tokyo. It really depends on your preferences!

While there are many popular Tokyo attractions that most first-time visitors will experience, everyone’s Tokyo itinerary will be a little different. So before we dive into our suggestions of where to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors, there are some things you should keep in mind as you evaluate all of your options.

The top activities you want to do

One of the most important things to think about when deciding where to stay in Tokyo is what you’ll be doing in the city. Depending on how much time you have in Tokyo, you may only stick to a few different neighborhoods. So it makes the most sense to stay closer to those, even if it costs a little more.

What vibes you’re looking for

While Tokyo is known for being a busy, chaotic city, it does have quieter areas. As you choose where to stay in Tokyo, think about the vibes you personally want. Do you want to be close to the action? Or would you rather have a quiet escape at the end of the day? 

For us personally, we wanted to stay in the hustle and bustle, so we opted to choose a busier neighborhood. But even among the chaos, you can still find quieter spots.

Type of lodging

Tokyo has just about any lodging option you can think of. In this guide of where to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors we will primarily focus on hotels, but here’s a quick rundown of all of the options you could choose from.

Hotels

Tokyo is home to thousands of hotels. We found that while there were some international chains (like IHG, Marriott, etc), most hotels were either Japanese chains (APA Hotel, Super Hotel, etc) or one off hotel locations. In our opinion, if your budget can afford it, a hotel is the way to go! They can hold your bags, coordinate luggage transportation, and have other amenities to make your stay more comfortable.

Airbnbs

You could also stay in an Airbnb if you want a more local experience or are traveling with a large group. Just keep in mind that not all Airbnbs can store your bags if you arrive or leave outside of check in/check out hours. 

Hostels

There are many hostels in Tokyo to consider if you’re a solo traveler or traveling on a budget. You can find options with bunk rooms, as well as private rooms, with either shared or private bathrooms. We did find that the private rooms weren’t that much cheaper than a hotel, so we opted to pay more to have more amenities. Also, some areas have more hostels than others.

Capsule hotels

For a unique stay, check out a capsule hotel! These are sort of like a hostel, with shared bathrooms, but instead of bunk beds, you get a capsule to sleep in, which typically has just a bed and nothing else. They have futuristic vibes, making it a fun choice, even if just for the night!

Love hotels

What is a love hotel, you may ask? In Tokyo, apartment walls can be a bit thin and some people live with family. So love hotels offer a short term hotel room where couples can go for privacy. You can check in 24 hours per day and most have automated check in machines instead of staff for ultimate privacy. While intended for locals, some tourists use these as well to sleep, as they are cheaper than traditional hotels and offer a unique experience with themed rooms.

Pricing

We will say, lodging in Tokyo isn’t cheap. Unless you opt to stay in a hostel, capsule hotel, or love hotel, expect to spend $100-$200 per night. We personally spent around $170 per night for a mid-range hotel in Shinjuku. You can get cheaper hotels further out of the city, but you will spend more time getting from place to place.

Hotel rooms can be very small

Warning: hotel rooms in Tokyo are very small. Much smaller than US hotel rooms! So be mindful of your luggage and try to pack light, as storage is typically pretty limited. 

But if you think you’ll need more space, you can check the square footage on booking websites to compare between hotels. Western chains, like Marriott, will be larger, but also more expensive. Our room was about 129 ft², but since we were hardly in the room, it worked just fine.

Tokyo is home to many different districts and neighborhoods, from the famous Shibuya to lesser known spots like Akasaka. In this list of places to stay in Tokyo we are focusing on the areas we think are great for first timers, as they balance convenience, activities, and ample lodging options. For each, we will share the pros and cons, plus a handful of hotels (or other lodging types, if applicable) to consider.

A+K Tip: Sign up for a FREE booking.com account before booking your Tokyo hotels. They have a Genius program where you can get 10% off or more at select hotels. The more you book on booking.com, the higher your percentage off will be. Many of the hotels we are sharing are a part of this program. So this can really help save some money on Tokyo hotels, which are pricier to begin with!

Good for: Those who want classic Tokyo vibes and convenience.
Pros: It has the energy, bright signs, and quirky attractions you may think of when you think of Tokyo. Plus there are lots of lodging, dining, and entertainment options. And it is easy to get around!
Cons: It’s a bit grittier and dirtier than other areas of Tokyo. We would notice quite a bit of trash on the streets in the mornings. It’s popular for nightlife, so if that’s not your vibe, you will want to stay further from Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area.

Shinjuku is one of the most popular places to visit in Tokyo. It’s where you’ll find buildings covered in colorful signs, quirky attractions, alleyways lined with izakayas. While overstimulating at times, one thing we loved about Shinjuku is that you can walk just 10 minutes and you can find peaceful escapes, like one of the largest parks in the city.

We ultimately decided to stay in Shinjuku and were overall happy with our decision. There were multiple train stations nearby, making it super convenient to get around. We only had to walk 10-20 minutes to hop onto a train to get anywhere in the city. Plus it had some great cafes and restaurants and if you stray from the chaotic Kabukicho area, you can find quiet areas. 

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Want to sleep next to Godzilla? Stay at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku! This hotel is located right in the heart of Shinjuku’s entertainment district, Kabukicho, inside the building where Godzilla breathes “fire” from. They have standard hotel rooms, but for the ultimate experience, stay on the highest floor (the Godzilla floor!). This entire floor and all of its rooms are Godzilla themed and you will have stunning city views from up here.

You truly cannot beat the convenience of this hotel if you want to stay in Shinjuku. You’ll be just a short walk to Shinjuku Station and have tons of places to eat and drink outside of your doorstep. Including a 7-Eleven downstairs!

We will say though, this location is chaotic. Shinjuku really comes alive at night and you’ll be in the heart of the action. While the hotel itself is actually pretty quiet, outside the hotel will be loud and full of people out partying late into the night. 

WPU Hotel Shinjuku

If you want to stay close to the heart of the action, but not as close as Hotel Gracery, look at WPÜ HOTEL Shinjuku! It’s in a great location, just a short walk to Shinjuku Station, but on the west side of it, which is a bit quieter. The hotel itself has a fun, youthful vibe, plus an art exhibit, craft beer, free coffee and pastries, and even a DJ! 

Good for: Those who want to experience Tokyo’s liveliness, plus be close to shopping and some of the most iconic sights, like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
Pros: One of the biggest advantages of Shibuya is that it has basically anything you’d need. You can find malls, a MEGA Don Quijote, countless restaurants, and some of the city’s most famous tourist sights.
Cons: On the downside, like Shinjuku, Shibuya is very busy! Based on our experience looking for hotels, it felt like they were a bit pricier here as well.

Shibuya is one of the most iconic areas of Tokyo. Here you’ll find the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, buildings with colorful billboards, reminiscent of Times Square, and tons of shopping and entertainment. Especially with Harajuku just up the road!

Since most first time visitors to Tokyo will visit here, it is often a top contender for places to stay. Not only because of what you can see just in Shibuya, but also because it’s really convenient to visit other areas of Tokyo, with Shibuya Station offering many train routes. However, we have found that the prices are a bit higher here, so if budget is a concern, we’d advise not staying here.

lyf Shibuya Tokyo

Located about a 5 minute walk to Shibuya Station, lyf Shibuya Tokyo is a trendy hotel full of super colorful and fun murals and signs. And one thing they offer that not many hotels in the area do, is rooms that can fit 4 people, making it great for families or larger groups traveling together!

Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel

For a more affordable option (under $200 USD/night), without being a hostel, Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel is a good choice! Located close to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Shibuya Station, it’s really hard to beat the price for the location. Like most hotel rooms in Tokyo, the rooms are very small, so don’t plan to spend a lot of time hanging out in the room.

Book Tea Bed Shibuya

Want to stay in a capsule hotel? Book Tea Bed Shibuya is a book themed capsule hotel that is an affordable option in Shibuya. They offer both a mixed gender floor and a female only floor, with shared bathrooms. While it will be a bit cramped and storage space is limited, if you want a unique experience close to the heart of Shibuya, this is a great pick!

Good for: Those looking for a quieter alternative with beautiful temples and a less commercialized, more traditional atmosphere. 
Pros: The biggest advantage to staying in Asakusa is that you’re close to Sensō-ji, which means you can visit day or night easily.
Cons: Asakusa is a bit further from some of the popular places to visit in Tokyo, like Shibuya and Shinjuku. So if you plan to spend a lot of time on the west side of the city, you’ll have a bit of a journey to get there.

If you want to visit the chaos, but not stay in the chaos, Asakusa is one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors! Asakusa (pronounced “Ah-sahk-sah”) is located on the east side of Tokyo, about a 30 minute train ride from Shinjuku and Shibuya. And it has a completely different vibe! 

Asakusa is considered to be a “Shitamachi” area and instead of massive malls and bright buildings, you’ll find more historic architecture. Including Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple! 

Beyond the proximity to Sensō-ji, Asakusa is also along the Sumida River, close to the Tokyo Skytree, and a short train right to Akihabara. So there is still plenty to do nearby! And minus the main area around Sensō-ji, it is overall a quieter and less overwhelming area to stay in. 

Hotel Gracery Asakusa

Located just a couple blocks from Sensō-ji and multiple train stations, Hotel Gracery Asakusa is the ultimate spot for convenience while in Asakusa. While it doesn’t boast a massive Godzilla like its Shinjuku location, you’ll find nice, modern rooms, some of which have a great view of the Tokyo Skytree!

Asakusa Tobu Hotel

Another perfectly located hotel in Asakusa is Asakusa Tobu Hotel. Just steps from Sensō-ji, you’ll be right in the heart of the action, plus close to the train to visit other areas of Tokyo. But beyond the location, what makes this hotel stand out is that it has rooms that can fit 3 or 4 people, which is perfect for families. And while most of the rooms are your typical hotel room design, there are also some super cute Hello Kitty themed rooms!

Capsule Hotels

The Asakusa area also has a handful of capsule hotels! MyCUBE by MYSTAYS Asakusa Kuramae is located a bit south of the main tourist area of Asakusa, but offers a more traditional capsule experience. While Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa boasts more spacious capsules, with ones you can actually stand up in!

Good for: Those who want a very central location that is less chaotic than Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Pros: Ginza is close to so many areas! You can walk to Tokyo Station and Tsukiji Outer Market. And you’re only a 15 minute train ride to Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Akihabara. It is modern and clean, with lots of high end shops.
Cons: Ginza doesn’t have as much personality as the other areas and isn’t as exciting. And since the area is a bit higher end, the hotels can get expensive.

Ginza is one of the top shopping districts in Tokyo. Its streets are lined with tall, modern buildings, with many housing high end stores and both worldwide and Japanese chains. While it lacks the character that the other areas in Tokyo offer, it’s quite possibly the most convenient area to stay in the city.

So if you care less about having fun in the area you’re staying in and just want to have the least amount of traveling within the city as possible, Ginza is a good place to stay as a first time visitor to Tokyo.

Super Hotel Premier Ginza

For a more budget friendly option in Ginza, check out Super Hotel Premier Ginza!  You can get most nights under $150 USD, depending on when you visit. The rooms aren’t fancy, but they offer free coffee and other drinks in the lobby, plus an onsen.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza-gochome

The Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza-gochome is a beautiful hotel that blends modern with traditional Japanese design. They offer both double rooms and triple rooms, making it great for 3 person traveling groups. Plus they have public baths to soak in! It is a pricier hotel, but with booking.com Genius discounts you can get quite a bit of money off.

MUJI Hotel Ginza

Ever wanted to sleep at a store? Well at the MUJI Hotel Ginza you can! Located at the top of the MUJI flagship store, it offers the same minimalistic, wooden design as the store. Just keep in mind, it only books 6 months out, so if you’re trying to plan further ahead, you won’t see any availability. 

Good for: Those wanting a quieter, yet still convenient, experience on the west side of Tokyo.
Pros: It’s convenient to the west side of Tokyo, with lots of train lines running nearby. It’s also quieter than Shinjuku and Shibuya. You can also find more affordable hotels here!
Cons: This area isn’t home to many of the top things to do in Tokyo, so you will likely travel everyday to other areas.

Akasaka is considered to be one of the underrated places to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors. It may not be home to as many of Tokyo’s top attractions, but with easy access to multiple train stations, it is very convenient to explore multiple areas of the city. Plus you can find more budget friendly options! In fact, all of the hotels listed below often have nightly rates under $150 USD.

And while it may not be as exciting of an area from a visitor perspective, you can still find some great restaurants here, like Masamune for tonkatsu or Sabasu サバス for Neapolitan pizza. So after a fun day of exploring Tokyo, you can come back to your hotel and go grab a delicious bite to eat!

Hotel Mystays Premier Akasaka 

While nothing fancy, Hotel Mystays Premier Akasaka is a good budget option in Akasaka. It’s located in a quiet area and offers the basics you need. Their twin rooms are also pretty spacious for a Tokyo hotel!

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo-Akasaka 

For the ultimate train station convenience, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo-Akasaka is hard to beat. It’s located a one minute walk from Akasaka Station! They do offer smoking rooms, so make sure to double check before you book. Many people have accidentally booked the wrong room.

Via Inn Prime Akasaka 

Via Inn Prime Akasaka is a bit of a step up from Hotel Mystays and Sotetsu Fresa Inn. It offers more amenities, like an onsen. There is also a 7-Eleven that you can access from inside the hotel, which is perfect for a late night konbini run!