Tokyo is one of our favorite cities in the world. From the killer skyline, incredible cleanliness, and with the world at your fingertips at every corner, we absolutely fell in love and can’t wait to return. Tokyo is completely over the top with everything from the futuristic shopping district of Shinjuku, to high-class fashion in Shibuya and traditional areas all tucked in one city. Not to mention beautiful views of the nearby mountains and a chance to see Mt. Fuji from the city on a clear day.
Picking out where to stay in Tokyo can be overwhelming, so we created this guide by neighborhood to help you with your trip.
Where to Stay in Tokyo by Neighborhood
Asakusa
THE SCENE
The Asakusa area in Tokyo is home to the famous Senso-ji temple that is a must see when visiting Tokyo. Asakusa also is home to more temples and great markets and home to various festivals with a strong foodie scene from street eats at the market surrounding Senso-ji to traditional japaense restaurants.
WHO IT’S FOR
Asakusa is where to stay in Tokyo if you are a want to be centrally located for many great tourist attractions.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Asakusa has one of the best temples in Tokyo, Senso-ji Temple. The temple is surrounded by shops, food stalls, and is always lively. It’s definitely not a spot to miss when visiting the city which also makes this a great spot for where to stay in Tokyo. Also, Ueno Park is not a terribly far walk from here!
ASAKUSA SUBWAY
What’s great about Asakusa is a lot of subways run through here. The most convenient seems to be the Tameike-Sanno Station and Kokkaigijido-Mae Station as they are near each other and cut through the area.
Kitsune Shippo
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Akihabara
By Jmho –
THE SCENE
This is where to stay in Tokyo if you love technology. Tokyo is considered one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world and it is because of Akihabara. A neighborhood teeming with shops, sound rooms with all the latest and greatest electronics and gadgets. Akihabara is known as ‘Electric Town’ and even the subway is a sight to see.
WHO IT’S FOR
This is where to stay in Tokyo for anyone who considers themselves a techie, or tech admirer, and of course any Cosplay lovers. This is the heart of tech in a tech-heavy city and country which naturally grew into an affinity into Otaku culture, anime, manga and cosplay which can be seen at every turn.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Being the electronics center of Tokyo, Akihabara has it all. But one feat of Akihabara not to miss are all the themed cafes. You name it Akihabara probably has a themed cafe for it. From cats, cuddling with people, and Gundam lovers this is the place to explore Japan’s themed cafe craze. There is also the popular Hanabusa Inari Shrine.
AKIHABARA SUBWAY
Akihabara has it’s own major subway station “Akihabara” that is a tech site to see all on its own.
K’s House Tokyo
K’s House is where to stay in Tokyo if you’re on a budget. What we love about this place is that it’s EXTREMELY affordable in what is known as an expensive city without feeling like you’re staying at a typical hostel. Save money so you can spend it in the city enjoying once in a lifetime experiences you’ll only get in Tokyo.
The hostel is colorful and has an incredible location only a 2-minute walk from the subway and only a 1km walk to Senso-ji temple in Asakusa.
There is everything from mixed dorms to private rooms, so if you don’t like roommates you don’t have to worry. There’s also a communal kitchen, rooftop deck, complimentary computer use, and laundry available. Also, there’s no curfew so if you find yourself immersed in Tokyo’s nightlife no need to worry about not getting into your hostel in the wee hours of the morning.
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Aoyama
THE SCENE
This is where to stay in Toyko if you are looking for a more upscale neighborhood in the city. Aoyama is popular with the creatives, nestled in between Asakusa and Shibuya. But don’t let the fact that it’s an artist area fool you, it’s one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city and a great place to stay in Tokyo.
Boasting iconic architecture, chic boutiques, and shopping malls Aoyama is high-end! Was the home of the 1964 Olympics and has a baseball stadium.
WHO IT’S FOR
This is where to stay in Tokyo if you are a luxury traveler. Aoyama is a haven for shopping and city-life. Everything here is catering to the rich in its extravagance. This is also a great spot for business travelers because it’s located in the heart of the financial district.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Besides shopping in Aoyama there is plenty to do nearby. From taking a walk in the park, where you can visit the Ueno Zoo, Shinobazunoike, Shinto Shrine, Royal Museum, National Museum of Western Art, and even walk over to Naka-Okachimachi St Stadium to catch a match.
AOYAMA SUBWAY
Ueno Subway Station is the main stop that services this neighborhood and the park.
Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo
Ascott Marunouchi is where to stay in Tokyo if you’re looking for a posh hotel in this luxurious neighborhood. The interior is amazing and the hotel has incredible reviews. If you are staying in the richest area of Tokyo, you might as well do it in style. The rooms are chic and stylish and there’s an Instagram worthy indoor pool.
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Ginsa
THE SCENE
Ginza is where to stay in Tokyo if you love luxury. Ginza is considered one of the most luxurious areas in the world. This is where you can enjoy upscale shopping and fine dining in the city.
WHO IT’S FOR
Ginza, like Aoyama, is a haven for shopping and city-life. Everything here is catering to the rich in its extravagance and is where to stay in Tokyo for luxury or business travelers.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Every weekend, from 12:00 noon until 5:00 pm, the main street through Ginza is closed off to road traffic, allowing people to walk freely.
Besides that, the Mitsukoshi Department Store is where to do your high-end shopping. the Sony building, Kabuki-za theater, Tokyo Plaza and Ginza Six shopping complex are main attractions.
GINSA SUBWAY
There are three major intersecting subway lines here, Ginza Station, Ginza-itchome Station, and Higashi Ginza Station making this area well connected and easy to travel to and from in the city.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier
This is where to stay in Tokyo if you’re looking for luxury. We recommend the Mitsui Garden Hotel because it’s really nice and has a great location, but also as a photographer, I am in love with the views from the rooms. You can get killer city views from a high balcony/rooftop that is a huge plus for me.
What makes this hotel especially unique would be the bar built around a 600-year-old tree on the property too!
Also, the reviews are great.
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Harajuku
THE SCENE
Harajuku is where to stay in Tokyo if you love a fun young scene! It is a labyrinth of back roads taking you deep into the youth culture and everything amazing you’ve ever dreamed of in Japan. From insane food, shopping, and nightlife Harujuku leads the way in Japan. One of our favorite little neighborhoods. It is quintessential to experience in Japan.
Who it’s for
Harajuku needs to be seen by everyone. (or so we think) It is a definite must no matter who you are but it is definitely catered to youth culture. Clear out an afternoon and get lost wandering through its streets.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Staying in Harajuku is a great choice, because it has all the best things Tokyo has to offer but is also close to the Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park, Yoyogi National Stadium (hosted swimming for 1964 Olympics) Omotesando, Url-Harajuku, Omotesando Hills, Togo Shrines, Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Museum of Art, and the Nezu Museum.
HARAJUKU SUBWAY
Harujuku has two major subways by it. The Harajuku line, and Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station.
Tokyu Stay Aoyama Premier
This is where to stay in Tokyo if you want to be in the Harajuku neighborhood. With a shopping mall located on the first two floors, the rest of the hotel offers clean, white, chic rooms at a pretty affordable price in what is known as an expensive city.
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Odaiba
THE SCENE
This is where to stay in Tokyo if you’re looking for a unique experience. Odaiba, known simply as Daiba, is an island nestled inside of Tokyo Bay. It’s known as Tokyo’s premier tourist site, boasting amusement parks, giant malls, the iconic Fuji TV building and views of all of Tokyo.
WHO IT’S FOR
Odaiba is for the tourist short on time, or who just likes to see it all and do everything. You’re centrally located to just about any and everything, making Odaiba the perfect place to stay for just about any type of traveler and families thanks to all the kid-friendly attractions nearby.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Since you are located in the smackdab central of Tokyo, quite literally everything. But in Odaiba, you have the Daikanransha Ferris wheel, Tokyo Leisure Land, Venus Fort, Zepp Tokyo, Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Big Sight, Decks Tokyo Beach Shopping Mall, Two Beaches, Replica Statue of Liberty and many more.
ODAIBA SUBWAY
Odaiba has a few stations on or around it but the main one is Daiba Station on the Rinkai line.
Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
The Grand Nikko in Daiba is amazing! With 360 panorama views from the high-rise, you can’t beat the view from here. The rooms are bright, colorful, and cozy. This is also where to stay in Tokyo if you don’t want to go hungry (not that you would in Japan) as there are 9 restaurants on location!
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Roppongi
THE SCENE
Roppongi is the international diversity capital of Tokyo. This is a huge expat area because of the U.S. military presence in the area so you can expect lots of western influence from its shops to its nightlife, and music scene. This is where to stay in Tokyo if you’re looking for a lively scene and maybe some comforts from home if you need a break from Japanese food.
WHO IT’S FOR
Roppongi is for everyone, but foreigners who still want a taste for home every now and then might feel more comfortable staying in this area. It’s also a great spot for photographers as there are quite a few skyscrapers giving way to beautiful views of the city.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Roppongi is right next to Tokyo Midtown, Tokyo Tower, The Izumi Garden Tower (largest in all of Tokyo.) Why not also catch a burlesque show in the area or visit a hedgehog or bunny cafe while in town?
ROPPONGI SUBWAY
Roppongi has two subway stations intersecting it, but the major one is the Roppongi Subway Station.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo-Roppongi
Sotetsu Fresa Inn is where to stay in Tokyo in this neighborhood if you want a cozy room at a great value and amazing views of the city. The location is great and there is even an on-site laundromat if you need to clean your clothes on your trip.
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Shinjuku
THE SCENE
Shinjuku is crazy in the most amazing way ever and maybe you’ll recognize it as the home to the famous and quirky Robot Restaurant.
Shinjuku is where to stay in Tokyo if you want to experience all of the things about Japanese culture that you see and hear about from TV. Shinjuku truly has it all, cool buildings, neon lights everywhere, and shopping from all walks of Japan. It’s a really great place to spend a day and one of our favorite areas in all of Tokyo.
WHO IT’S FOR
Shinjuku is a place for everyone. It’s got it all, and is definitely a place to experience one of the most vibrant nightlife spots in the city. If you’re looking for a more quiet place this is not where to stay in Tokyo.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Nearby attractions include Central Park, Shinjuku Garden, Tokyo Metropolitan Government office and tons of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife including the Robot Restaurant. Department stores include Isetan, Takashiyama, Odakyu, Keio, Lumine, Mylord, and our favorite Bic Camera.
SHINJUKU SUBWAY
Shinjuku Station is one of Japan’s busiest railway stations, served by about a dozen railway lines, including the JR Yamanote Line.
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku
This is where to stay in Tokyo if you want to be centrally located and in Shinjuku. The hotel is a great value and has great reviews. The rooms are clean and modern with minimalist decor – you might feel like you’re living in a display in Muju.
The best part of this hotel would be its price for its location.
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Shibuya
THE SCENE
Shibuya is where to stay in Tokyo if you want to stay in one of the most iconic and photographed spots int he city. Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most colorful and vibrant neighborhoods with a bustling mix of art, shopping, nightclubs and food, there’s something for everyone.
WHO IT’S FOR
Shibuya is where to stay in Tokyo for just about any type of traveler, business or leisure travelers.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
This is where you will find the famous Shibuya crossing, the most famous and photographed crosswalk intersection of all time. Some of the famous streets and districts in Shibuya are Center Gai, Koen Dori, Spain Slope, and Love Hotel Hill (think love motel). You’re also walking distance to Harajuku.
SHIBUYA SUBWAY
Shibuya has quite a few lines running through it but the major station for the area is the Shibuya subway station.
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu gets our vote because it’s ultra-modern and chic in a great location only a 3-minute walk to the Shibuya subway station. The best part would be many rooms have park or city views. There are also some great onsite restaurants to choose for dining. This is where to stay in Tokyo if you want to be centrally located in one of the coolest areas of the city.
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Ueno Park
THE SCENE
Ueno is where to stay in Tokyo if you want to check out the cultural center of the city. The area is bustling with museums, the famous park, and art galleries.
WHO IT’S FOR
Ueno is for the culturephiles. If you like museums, old preserved parts of Japan, and parks. Ueno is your spot! Ueno is also a great place to stay for both business and leisure travelers thanks to its nice location.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Ueno is best known for the Ueno Park but is also home to Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Western Art, the National Museum of Nature & Science, the Major Public Concert Hall, many Buddhist Temples, the Bentendo Temple dedicated to goddess Benzaiten, and Shinobazu Pond to name a few.
UENO SUBWAY
Ueno has its own major subway station next to the Ueno Park.
The Edo Sakura
If you end up deciding to stay in Ueno, why not have a traditional experience and stay at the Edo? It will be like stepping back in time into an authentic Japanese style home from 100 years ago but with the modern touches of today. What’s even better is that enjoying this cultural experience is also very affordable and something you’ll never forget.
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