The Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo for First Time Visitors
Planning for your Japan trip and not sure where to stay in Tokyo? You’re in the right place!
One of the most overwhelming choices when I was planning my first trip to Tokyo was figuring out where I’d stay. Because I don’t want you to go through the same overwhelm, I made it my mission to put my knowledge from previous research and personal experiences to good use, helping you understand what the best area to stay in Tokyo is for your trip.
For my first trip to Japan, I stayed in Tokyo twice – 3 days when I first arrived, and 5 days during my last week. My first 3 days I stayed in Shinjuku, and the last 5 days I stayed in Shibuya. While I enjoyed staying in both neighborhoods, I also quickly learned just how important it is to select the best area to stay in Tokyo for your own travels.
Despite being referred to as a city, Tokyo is actually a metropolitan prefecture that is home to 23 special wards, 26 cities, and so much more. I mean, with those numbers, you may as well be looking at a small country. 😂
For example, as a celiac, Shibuya turned out to be the best area for me to stay in because it’s the only district/ward with gluten-free restaurants – or at least the one with the most options. With Shinjuku, I was honestly in survival mode and planning my days around meal time and 1-hour commutes on the metro. If it hadn’t been for the celiac, I would’ve loved Shinjuku!
That said, this guide is here to help you better understand which is the best area in Tokyo for you to stay. Made for first-time visitors, in this guide, I share everything I’ve learned from personal experience and thorough research, the best wards and districts to stay in, top hotel picks, and essential tips.
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Where to Stay in Tokyo | Best Areas and Hotels for First Time Visitors
As mentioned above, there is no “one” best area to stay in Tokyo. However, based on your interests and what you want to see in Tokyo, there are better, more convenient picks!
The most popular areas are Shinjuku and Shibuya – both of which I stayed in, and have lots to share about. As you keep reading, you’ll also discover the best interest-based areas for those who love Japanese culture, luxury, nightlife, and food.
Without further ado, these are the best areas to stay in Tokyo and top hotel picks!
Quick Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Tokyo
1.) Foodies: Shinjuku
2.) Luxury stays: Ginza
3.) Gamers: Akihabara
4.) Nightlife: Roppongi
5.) Budget backpackers: Asakusa
6.) Solo travelers: Shibuya & Asakusa
7.) Families: Shibuya
Shinjuku: Overall Best Area to Stay
Welcome to the heart of Tokyo!
Shinjuku is a beloved ward full of things to see and do, restaurants, local favorites, and vibrant nightlife. Most importantly, Shinjuku is the best-connected ward to all the other areas in Tokyo, setting you up for a successful trip!
Something that stands out is that once you’re out of Shinjuku’s hotspot, like Kabukicho, it becomes a very serene and quiet residential area. In other words, it gives you the best of both worlds – allowing you to enjoy nightlife and peace.
Shinjuku is a very safe area, and I cannot recommend it enough!
Best Hotels in Shinjuku
HOTEL GRACERY SHINJUKU ($$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 8.2/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Shinjuku-Sanchome Station and Golden Gai
If you’re looking for a quirky and memorable hotel with a great location, this is it. Here, you’ll have the chance to come face-to-face with Shinjuku’s famous and humongous Godzilla Head!
Book your stay at Hotel Gracery here. 🤩
KEIO PLAZA HOTEL TOKYO PREMIER GRAND ($$$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 9.1/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Shinjuku-Sanchome Station and Golden Gai
The Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand is a 4-star hotel and luxurious stay that allows you to pamper yourself. I mean, what better way to relax after 30,000-step days than treating yourself to the spa or a swim in the seasonal outdoor pool?
This hotel is perfect for those looking for a more luxurious stay and great hotel amenities, all in a phenomenal setting!
Book the Keio Plaza Hotel here. ✨
BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A PAN PACIFIC HOTEL ($$$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 9.3/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Shinjuku SanPark Shopping Mall and Joenji Temple
Are you looking for luxurious, beautiful rooms with city views, and the chance to pamper yourself? Then look no further than this 5-Star hotel, Bellustar Tokyo!
This wonderful hotel is adapted for people with reduced mobility, is only for adults, and offers airport transportation! The Haneda and Narita airports are both so far away from the city, and honestly – now I would book a hotel solely on the fact that they offer airport transportation. 😂
This is the perfect stay if you want a luxurious, comfortable, child-free hotel, or if you’re traveling with someone with reduced mobility.
Book your Bellustar Tokyo stay here!
Shibuya: Most Fun and Iconic Area to Stay in | Best for Celiacs
Welcome to the heart of Tokyo! 😍
Shibuya is easily the most popular area of Tokyo, and the most fun and iconic one. Most importantly, for those with gluten allergies and celiac, this is the area with the most gluten-free restaurants and cafes in Tokyo. From what I’ve seen, it’s the only gluten-free friendly area.
Shibuya is home to some of Tokyo’s biggest icons, including the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Sky, and the beloved Hachiko statue. It is also home to some of Tokyo’s most vibrant nightlife, youth culture, and fashion.
Being young and celiac, this was my absolute favorite area to stay in Tokyo. The nightlife is infectious and energetic, and there’s also always something to do or admire – whether that’s the Mega Don Quijote shop, or going out.
Don’t get me started on finally being able to eat proper (gluten-free) meals! 😂😍
Best Hotels in Shibuya
ODAKYU HOTEL CENTURY SOUTHERN TOWER ($$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 8.8/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Meiji Jingu Shrine
Welcome to one of the favorite Tokyo hotels for families traveling with kids!
The Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower is a beautiful option that offers great views, amenities, and a perfect location.
Two bonuses of staying here are that you’re close to Shinjuku Station, and the Airport Limousine bus stops right outside the hotel. With that said, this stay will make navigating through the city easier and more convenient, which is extra important when traveling with kids.
CERULEAN TOWER TOKYU HOTEL ($$$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 9/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Hachikō Statue and Shibuya Station
Welcome to one of the best located hotels in Shibuya!
At Cerulean Tower, you will be a 10-minute walk from the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and just 9 minutes from Shibuya Station. In other words, you will be right in the heart of the city, where a bright nightlife, endless things to do, and more, surround you.
Aside from the unmatched location, this 5-Star hotel offers amazing amenities and hotel views.
Book your Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel stay here!
TRUNK (HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK ($$$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 9.4/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu
Welcome to one of Tokyo’s most beautiful and peaceful hotels!
Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park is one of the best hotels in all of Shibuya, and one that offers “Urban Recharge”. Essentially, this hotel acts like a heavenly oasis in the midst of one of Tokyo’s busiest areas.
If you love the busy city life, but need to properly recharge, this is the PERFECT hotel for you! 😍
Book your stay at Trunk (Hotel) Yoyogi Park here!
Which Area in Tokyo is Best For First-Timers: Shinjuku or Shibuya?
Overall, Shinjuku and Shibuya are both great areas to stay in Tokyo – one isn’t necessarily better than the other.
Here are a few tips to help you decide between the two…
- Shinjuku is more affordable and well-connected by public transportation.
- Shibuya has a better nightlife and more things to do and see.
- Both have amazing food, but Shibuya is the gluten-free-friendly one.
- Shinjuku is great if you want to be in a quieter, residential area.
- Shibuya is great if you want a vibrant city nightlife.
Knowing this, which area are you leaning more toward? Let me know in the comments, or comment if you have any questions!
Asakusa: The Best Area to Stay in Tokyo For Culture
If you want to stay in a more traditional Japanese area, and one that is more relaxed and quiet, look no further!
Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most popular old town districts, where you’ll find the Senso-ji temple, Nakamise-dori street, Tokyo Skytree, and so much more.
This district is not as well-connected to Tokyo’s hot spots, but it is full of amazing things to do and see.
That said, I recommend staying here if you want to experience a more traditional side of Tokyo, and you don’t care for Tokyo’s nightlife or visiting the hotspots – such as Shibuya. For example, Asakusa is a 1-hour subway ride from both Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Best Hotels in Asakusa
As an important reminder, by staying in Asakusa, you will be at least an hour away from most of Tokyo’s main attractions, as the majority are in Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Consider what is more worthwhile to you, a traditional and (more) relaxed Tokyo, or the beautifully-hectic-living-in-year-3000 Tokyo.
PROSTYLE RYOKAN TOKYO ASAKUSA ($)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 8.8/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Tokyo Skytree Tower and Kaminarimon Gate
If you are staying in one of Tokyo’s old and traditional towns, there’s no better place than staying at a Prostyle Ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn.
Here you will be in the center of the beautiful Asakusa, and be near its main attractions and the famous Tokyo Skytree! This is the perfect stay if you’re looking for a traditional stay in Tokyo, and do not care for the main attractions in the big cities and wards!
Book your Traditional Japanese stay here!
HOTEL GRACERY ASAKUSA ($)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 8.7/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Kaminarimon Gate and Denboin Garden
Recognize the name? That’s because this 4-Star Hotel is also located in Shinjuku with the Godzilla head!
At Hotel Gracery Asakusa, you will be near all of Asakusa’s main attractions – from the Kaminarimon Gate to the World Bags and Luggage Museum, and more!
ONYADO NONO ASAKUSA BETTEI HOT SPRING ($$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 9/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and Nitenmon Gate
Similar to the wonderful options above, Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei Hot Spring is in the heart of Asakusa and close to all the main attractions.
One of the features of this hotel that stands out is its wonderful Hot Spring. With this feature, this hotel is perfect for those who want to relax in the most peaceful way after their daily Tokyo adventures.
Ready for a relaxing Hot Spring? Book your stay here!
Ginza: The Best Area to Stay in Tokyo For Luxury
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, Ginza is the perfect district for you!
Ginza is famous for its high-end shopping scene and Michelin-starred restaurants. This district is also known for its watchmaking history and tradition – including the world-renowned brand, Seiko.
Some of the best things to do here, besides shopping and fine dining, include the Ginza Six and the Kabuki-za Theatre.
Best Hotels in Ginza
Something nice about staying in the Ginza district is that it’s surrounded by other amazing districts like Minato, Chuo, Tokyo City, and so forth. This puts you pretty centrally located to some of Tokyo’s main attractions, including teamLab Planets and Roppongi Hills.
THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA ($$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 9/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Sakurada Park and Shimbashi Train Station
If you’re someone who enjoys parks, The Blossom Hibiya is right next to three beautiful parks, along with some main attractions, including the Imperial Palace.
A 5-minute walk from the Shimbashi Station, not only does this hotel have a great location, but makes traveling around Tokyo more accessible!
Book your stay at The Blossom Hibiya here.
MUJI HOTEL GINZA ($$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 9.1/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Nissan Crossing and Godzilla Statue Hibiya
If you’re a fan of the beloved Muji store, you’re in for a treat! Muji Hotel Ginza is a beautiful, 4-Star, Japanese-style hotel located in the Muji Flagship store. Just like the brand, this hotel offers a beautiful, minimalist look.
The Muji Hotel is perfectly located with several train and subway stations nearby, making traveling accessible.
Book your Muji Hotel Ginza stay here!
IMPERIAL HOTEL TOKYO ($$$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 9.1/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Nissan Crossing and Godzilla Statue Hibiya
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in one of Tokyo’s most luxurious districts, Imperial Hotel Tokyo is for you!
This 5-Star Hotel has offered world-class hospitality since 1890, and continues to do so. Here you will have the opportunity to receive the ultimate pampering after your long, adventurous days. Some amenities you’ll find are Massages, Spa and Wellness center, a personal trainer, and more!
Similar to the options above, Imperial Hotel Tokyo is perfectly located with various attractions nearby and several train and metro stations.
Ready for a luxurious, 5-Star experience in Ginza? Book your stay at Imperial Hotel Tokyo today!
Roppongi: The Best Area to Stay in Tokyo For Nightlife
Similar to Ginza, Roppongi is another perfect area for those seeking a luxurious, high-end experience in Japan! ✨
Roppongi is known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and international scene. Some of the best things to do here are the famous Roppongi Hills and the Mori Art Museum.
When it comes to the cultural scene in Ginza vs. Roppongi, Ginza focuses more on the traditional Japanese arts and high culture. Roppongi, on the other hand, focuses more on Modern art, often international, and contemporary culture.
Best Hotels in Roppongi
Something that is important to note is that Roppongi is about 40-50 minutes away from the famous Shibuya and Shinjuku. However, it is well connected to both places, and Roppongi itself has many attractions.
THE PRINCE PARK TOWER TOKYO ($$$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 8.7/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park
Do you want to stay somewhere with direct access to a beautiful park and the iconic Tokyo Tower? Then look no further than the Prince Park Tower Tokyo Hotel!
Here you’ll have the chance to pamper yourself with their amenities, including their Hot Spring Bath, and have great access to public transportation.
THE CAPITOL HOTEL TOKYU ($$$)
If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be happy to know that this hotel is very popular amongst families! Here you’ll find several amenities to treat yourself to – from spa facilities to hair treatments, and so much more.
At Capitol Hotel Tokyu, you’ll have easy access to public transportation, which is crucial for exploring around the immense Tokyo. It’s important to note that this hotel is in a great area, but it is NOT within walking distance to any famous attractions.
Book your Capitol Hotel Tokyu stay today!
GRAND HYATT TOKYO ($$$$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 8.9/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Tokyo City View and Mori Art Museum
If you’re looking to experience luxury while staying in one of Tokyo’s most opulent areas – the Grand Hyatt Tokyo is for you!
Here you will be right next to the famous Roppongi Hills, Mori Art Museum, and so much more. With a nearby subway station, you will be perfectly located amongst Roppongi’s main attractions and a quick ride from Tokyo’s other main attractions.
Book your luxurious stay at Grand Hyatt Tokyo today!
Akihabara: The Best Area to Stay in Tokyo For Gamers
If you’re a gamer or someone who loves anime and manga, Akihabara is about to be your dream come true! 🎮
Known as the “Electric Town”, Akihabara is the area of Tokyo where you find everything from anime to retro games, electronics, and so forth. Here you’ll find the famous Maid Cafes and endless arcades to spend hours in – should that be your goal.
Akihabara is quite far away from Shinjuku and Shibuya. With that said, it’s up to you if you want to immerse yourself in this area or treat it as a day trip!
Best Hotels in Akihabara
NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYO ($$)
- ⭐ Booking.com Rating: 9/10
- 🗺️ Nearby: Yushima Seido and EDO Culture Complex
Nohga Hotel Akihabara offers something that no other hotel (listed here) seems to have… a Gaming Cave!!
Given we’re in anime, manga, and fame heaven, I couldn’t not mention this amenity. Nohga is a wonderful hotel for everyone, including families, but it is extra wonderful for those who love gaming!
Ready to experience a Japanese gaming cave? Book your room today!
My 2 Top Tips for Hotel Stays in Japan
One of the best things to know before going to Japan is that… you can SHIP your suitcases!
When you’re staying at hotels, Yamato allows you to travel hassle-free, as it ships your suitcases from your first hotel to the next one.
This program is a blessing, especially when you consider the amount of stairs you take with public transportation, even worse during rush hour.
My second most important tip, for when you’re deciding on the best area to stay in Tokyo, is to think about what type of trip you are looking to experience, and what your non-negotiables are.
No matter how much time you spend planning and researching for your first Japan trip, it will be an overwhelming experience – for the best. Because of this, it’s essential that you really focus on your priorities and what helps you stay grounded.
At the end of the day, the best area to stay in Tokyo depends on your preferences – so make sure to listen to them as well!
Where to Stay in Tokyo FAQ
Is 3 nights in Tokyo enough?
3 days in Tokyo is not enough to see all of this metropolitan prefecture, BUT it is enough to see some of the main attractions.
My biggest tip and personal lesson is to split up your days and activities based on which ward or city they are in – for example, Shibuya one day and Shinjuku the next.
Not sure how to spend 3 days in Tokyo? My itinerary will help you make the most of your 72 hours there – including Tokyo’s main attractions, the best wards to visit, and essential tips.
If you have more time, I personally think that 5 days in Tokyo is the sweet spot for first time visitors. 5 days gives you time to both understand Tokyo, how to get around and how things work, but also to truly enjoy it.
Speaking from personal experience, my first 3 days were nothing short of chaotic. When I came back for my last 5 days of my Japan trip, I finally felt like I “understood” Tokyo and could enjoy it.
Looking for more help and tips for your upcoming trip? Check out my answers to Japan Burning Questions and my 20+ Things to Know before Visiting.
Which area in Tokyo is best for tourists to stay?
As you’ve read, the best area to stay in Tokyo is subjective to tastes and interests. However, considering centrality, things to do, and public transportation, Shinjuku and Shibuya are the best areas for tourists to stay in.
What is the coolest neighborhood in Tokyo?
This is also subject to taste and preferences. I personally thought Shibuya was the coolest neighborhood, because I love the busy city life and vibrant nightlife.
Here are some other cool neighborhoods in Tokyo:
- Akihabara Electric Town – Heaven for Anime, Manga, and Retro Game Lovers
- Asakusa – Tokyo Old Town District
- Roppongi – Best architecture
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