Where to stay in Tokyo – the best areas for your first trip to Japan

Let’s face it: choosing the best place to stay in the world’s largest metropolis can feel overwhelming, even for the most seasoned travelers!

But you’re in luck! Since you’ve made it here, I will help you in this Herculean task . And after you’ve put these tips to the test, let me know how your Tokyo stay went — either in the comments below or over on Instagram at @danae_explore !

We spent nearly a month in the Land of the Rising Sun (check out our here is the post with our 4 week Japan itinerary for tips on accommodations in all the cities we visited).

We stayed 9 nights in Tokyo! This gave us plenty of time to explore and experience the city while checking out all the neighborhoods I recommend for staying in this post.

Our list of accommodations came together thanks to a real team effort. In addition to scouring travel blogs for trustworthy recommendations from people who’ve actually been to Tokyo, we had the invaluable help of a friend who has been living in Tokyo for over a decade. We also visited the Japan House in São Paulo and spoke with staff at JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization), the official Japanese government tourism agency, which offers free travel advice every weekend. Finally, we had the support of our trusted travel agent, who handled all the bookings.

So, grab a pen and paper — or bookmark this post in your browser, or save it to Pinterest — because I’ve got plenty of great suggestions to help you decide where to stay in Tokyo!

---

---

.

.

Getting to know Tokyo

Before deciding where to stay — especially in mega-cities like this — I like to have a general sense of how the city is laid out and where the main attractions I want to visit are located. I recommend you do the same! Head over to Google Maps to get an overview of Tokyo, or check out our Japan trip map, where we’ve already marked and organized everything we did.

It’s also important to figure out how you’ll get around. In Tokyo, the answer is simple: subway and train. Forget about cars, taxis, or ride-hailing apps like Uber or Grab. The fastest, most economical, and easiest way to get around is by rail—not to mention your trusty walking shoes for shorter distances.

When choosing where to stay, we made it a priority to be near a subway station, preferably one where several lines intersect.

.

.

Take a quick glance at the Tokyo Subway line, and it might look like a chaotic web of lines. But don’t worry — Google Maps makes navigating it a breeze. Google Maps will plan your route step by step, showing you exactly which stations, trains, and even specific subway cars to take. It’ll also tell you how to make transfers, where to exit, the fare, travel time, and even how crowded each train might be. In short, Google Maps does all the heavy lifting; all you have to do is follow the instructions!

In addition to the subway network, there are train lines operated by JR (Japan Railways)as well as a few private lines. But don’t stress—everything is fully integrated into Google Maps, so you’ll have no trouble getting where you need to go.

.

.

A common tip is to stay near the Yamanote Line, JR’s circular line (highlighted in light green on the map above). While this can be convenient, it’s not a strict requirement— for instance, we stayed quite far from the Yamanote Line and had no trouble getting around.

Alternatively, staying near a Tokyo Subway linehas its perks. You can take advantage of unlimited travel tickets for the subway, available at major station counters, These tickets are valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours (¥800, ¥1.200, and ¥1.500 per adult, in 2023). However, keep in mind that these passes only cover Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines—they don’t include the Yamanote Line, other JR lines, or private rail companies. If you prefer flexibility, a Suica Card can be used seamlessly across most subway, train, and bus networks.

If you’ve already activated your JR Pass, it’s valid on JR lines that run through Tokyo, including the Yamanote Line . But activating your JR Pass just for Tokyo might not be cost-effective. It’s usually better to save it for longer intercity travel.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Important: Accommodations in Japan are usually small. Very small. Tiny, even, especially in Tokyo. And considering the limited space, they can also be pricey.

That said, with some solid research and a bit of flexibility, it’s absolutely possible to find reasonably priced places to stay, including several hostels around the city.

Below are the options I considered when researching where to stay in Tokyo. Most of them are mid-range hotels, meaning comfortable accommodations that offer good value for money.

If money were no object, my dream choice would be the Park Hyatt, the iconic hotel from Lost in Translation. But since we’re regular folks with bills to pay and a never-ending list of travel dreams to fund, we have to face reality and stretch our hard-earned dollars across several nights of accommodation. 😉

.

TOKYO STATION

The Tokyo Station area is filled with office buildings and business complexes, but it’s a fantastic choice for visitors. Why? You’ll be right next to the largest train and subway station in the city (possibly in the world!), making transportation a breeze. Plus, inside the station, there’s a vast array of shops and restaurants — everything a traveler could need is right at your fingertips.

- Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi – Offers direct access to Tokyo Station and is just a 5-minute walk from the Imperial Palace. The rooms seem to be slightly larger than Tokyo’s standard.

- Mitsui Garden Hotel Otemachi – A short walk from Tokyo Station, this hotel seems to offer excellent value for money.

.

.

GINZA

Ginza is one of Tokyo’s trendiest neighborhoods, where you’ll find luxury international brand stores and high-end restaurants. But it’s not all glitz and glamour — there are also convenience stores on every corner and hidden family-run eateries tucked into alleys and basements. Plus, the area is well-connected by multiple subway lines, making it a convenient choice. It’s where we decided to stay!

- Tokyo Stay Ginza – was our choice for the 9 nights we stayed in Tokyo. . The location is unbeatable, practically in front of a subway station that, via underground passages, connects to three other stations, giving access to a total of four subway lines. The rooms were reasonably sized by Japanese standards (read: tiny by American standards) but featured comfortable beds, were spotless, and well-maintained. A standout feature? Each room comes equipped with its own washing machine — a dream for anyone traveling light!

- The b Ginza – Another fantastic option in the Ginza area, this hotel is close to Shimbashi Station, served by the Yamanote Line and two subway lines. They even offer quadruple rooms, which are rare finds in Tokyo.

- Park Hotel Tokyo – Known for its rooms with decent space (by local standards) and city views, this hotel is another excellent choice in Ginza. It’s conveniently located near Shiodome and Shimbashi stations.

.

.

SHIBUYA

Shibuya is one of the liveliest parts of Tokyo, famous for its iconic crossing , often called the busiest intersection in the world. The area has everything you could want: futuristic office buildings, narrow alleys filled with traditional izakayas, countless shops, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, and one of Tokyo’s largest train and subway stations.

We strongly considered staying here, but at the time, the value-for-money of our Ginza hotel was much better than the options we found in Shibuya. However, this could have been just a temporary situation — so always double-check when planning your stay!

- JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya – Located about 800 meters from the famous Shibuya crossing and close to the station, this hotel offers one of the best cost-benefit options in the area.

- All Day Place Shibuya – This compact option provides simple yet affordable accommodations. The rooms are undeniably small, but it’s a reasonably priced choice in a prime location.

.

.

SHINJUKU

Shinjuku is a lively and bustling area, home to one of the largest and most connected stations in Tokyo- it was the only train station where we managed to get lost 😂! This neighborhood is a favorite among travelers, particularly for its excellent cost-benefit ratio when it comes to accommodations.

Nearby, you'll find Kabukicho , Tokyo’s version of a "red light district." Like similar areas around the world, it has its pros and cons. We only explored Kabukicho during the day, and it was as peaceful as any other part of the city. Unfortunately, we didn’t return at night (which I now regret!). Close by, there’s also Golden Gai a famous area packed with dozens of tiny traditional izakayas, perfect for soaking up a slice of authentic Tokyo nightlife.

- APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae – As expected in Japan, the rooms are compact, but this hotel offers great value for money and is conveniently located away from the Kabukicho area.

- Tokyu Stay Shinjuku – Part of the same Tokyu Stay chain we stayed in, this hotel appears to provide similar comfort and amenities (including those amazing in-room washing machines!), but at a more budget-friendly price than Ginza.

- Hotel Groove Shinjuku, a Park Royal Hotel – A fantastic choice if you’re looking for Instagram-worthy city views and easy access to train and subway stations.

.

.

AKIHABARA

Akihabara is a paradise for fans of manga, cosplay, gaming, and all things geek culture. The area is well-connected by train and subway lines and offers excellent value-for-money accommodations. Plus, surrounded by dazzling neon signs, staying here feels quintessentially Tokyo.

- The B Ochanomizu – Located in Akihabara but within walking distance of the Imperial Palace, this hotel offers reasonably sized rooms (by Japanese standards!) and fantastic value for money.

- The Tourist Hotel & Cafe Akihabara – With a clean, modern style, this hotel features rooms accommodating 4 to 5 people, which can be hard to come by in Tokyo, all at a reasonable cost.

- Best Western Hotel Fino Tokyo Akihabara – True to the international chain’s standards, this hotel is another solid choice for a comfortable stay at a good price.

.

.

ROPPONGI

Roppongi is the only neighborhood on this list that we didn’t have the chance to explore in depth — we only passed through briefly one afternoon. However, it came highly recommended to us as a neighborhood with a more contemporary and modern vibe.

- Roppongi Hotel S – This hotel features some of the largest rooms I came across during my research, but of course, the price reflects the extra space. If having more room is a priority for you, this could be an excellent option.

- Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Roppongi – Compact rooms at an excellent value for money and conveniently located near Roppongi subway station.

- Remm Roppongi – Another hotel offering compact rooms with great value. Some rooms come with city views and even massage chairs!

These are some of the best areas to stay in Tokyo. No matter which one you choose, you’ll find yourself in a prime location with easy access to trains, subways, and the best things to do in Japan's capital, as well as Tokyo's hidden gems. And don't forget to check these amazing tips for planning a trip to Japan with kids.

Enjoy your stay! Let me know where you decided to stay, if these tips were helpful, or if you found other cool places I can include here to help fellow travelers.

.

.

.

Stay Connected!

Got comments or questions? Feel free to leave a comment here or connect with me on social media—I love chatting about travel 😉.

Before you go, don’t forget to SAVE THIS PIN to your PINTEREST account to easily find the the best places to stay in Tokyo whenever you need it!