The Best Places to Stay in Tokyo: A Guide to Hotels and Neighborhoods
When I first landed in Tokyo, jetlagged and dazed, I had no idea how much the neighborhood I chose would shape my experience. I remember rolling my suitcase through Shinjuku Station—more like a maze than a station—and thinking: Did I just make the worst hotel decision of my life? Spoiler: I didn’t. But in Tokyo, choosing where to stay is just as important as what to see.
So let’s talk about it: the best areas to book hotels in Tokyo, the most unique stays, and how to pick the right spot whether you’re traveling solo, with your family, or chasing down an onsen with a view of Mt. Fuji.
Where to Stay in Tokyo: The Neighborhoods
Shinjuku
If it’s your first time in Tokyo, Shinjuku is often the best area of Tokyo to stay for tourists. It’s central, full of life, and home to some of the most interesting hotels in Tokyo. Think neon lights, karaoke bars, and the occasional Godzilla peeking out from a rooftop. Popular picks include Park Hyatt Tokyo (luxury, and yes—Lost in Translation was filmed here), Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (with its Godzilla head), and Kimpton Shinjuku Toyko by IHG (a solid mid-range choice). There are also great options if you’re looking for the best love hotel in Shinjuku or even boutique hotels that give you a more stylish base.
Shibuya
Shibuya is iconic, especially if you want that Tokyo-crossing moment. The best area to stay at in Tokyo for young people, Shibuya is buzzing with nightlife, shopping, and pop culture. Top recommendations include Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu (directly overlooking the scramble), Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel (upscale with skyline views), and The Millennials Shibuya (a modern capsule-style stay perfect for solo travelers).
Asakusa
If you’d rather wake up near temples than LED billboards, Asakusa is the best tourist place to stay in Tokyo for a slower pace. It’s where you’ll find Senso-ji Temple and charming side streets with traditional shops. Families often choose Asakusa because it’s less chaotic than Shinjuku. Good options here include Asakusa View Hotel (family-friendly with great views of Skytree), KAIKA Tokyo by THE SHARE HOTELS (stylish boutique vibes), and Hotel Gracery Asakusa (a comfortable 3-star choice).
Ginza
If you’re into luxury shopping and want the best hotel location in Tokyo for designer bags and Michelin-starred meals, Ginza is your spot. It’s polished, glamorous, and home to some of the best hotels to explore Tokyo if you want to blend sightseeing with splurging. Consider The Peninsula Tokyo (a celebrity favorite), Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo, or the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier (a more affordable yet stylish option).
Ikebukuro
This is a bit underrated but has some of the most convenient hotels in Tokyo. The area is packed with shopping centers, aquariums, and anime culture. It’s central without being as overwhelming as Shinjuku. Some solid picks are Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro (great transport connections), Centurion Hotel Ikebukuro (affordable boutique), and Sunshine City Prince Hotel (connected to a massive shopping complex).
Outside Tokyo: Hakone and Beyond
Want hot springs and mountain views? The best ryokan in Hakone with a view of Mt. Fuji is worth the train ride. Top recommendations include Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu (luxury with private open-air baths), Gora Kadan (a famous ryokan blending tradition and luxury), and Fujiya Hotel (historic and scenic). If you’re searching for the best onsen hotel near Tokyo or the best ryokan around Tokyo, Hakone and neighboring areas deliver.
Hotels by Traveler Type
Families
The best area to stay in Tokyo with family is somewhere with easy transportation and calmer streets. Asakusa and Ueno are good picks, offering kid-friendly attractions like Ueno Zoo. Great hotels include Hotel Niwa Tokyo (calm and central), Mimaru Tokyo Ueno East (apartments with kitchens), and Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International (family rooms and good location).
Solo Travelers
If you’re exploring on your own, safety and social atmosphere matter. The best hotels in Tokyo for solo travellers often include hostels with community spaces, or capsule hotels in Shibuya and Shinjuku. Check put Book and Bed Tokyo for book lovers.
Couples
For romance, you’ll find the best places to stay in Tokyo for couples in areas with skyline views. Shinjuku Granbell Hotel offers rooftop bars, and HOSHINOYA Tokyo is a stunning luxury ryokan in the middle of the city. For a scenic getaway, couples often choose Hakone for onsen ryokans.
First-Time Visitors
The best hotels to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors are often near major train stations like Tokyo Station or Shinjuku. Staying close to the Yamanote Line makes exploring easy. Good options include Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo (next to Tokyo Station), Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, and JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku.
Unique Stays in Tokyo
One of my favorite parts of Tokyo is how playful the hotel scene is. Want something different? Check out the best unique hotels in Tokyo, ranging from futuristic capsule hotels like nine hours Shinjuku (ladies only!) to art-inspired stays like Park Hotel Tokyo. Curious about the most interesting hotels in Tokyo? Some are themed (samurai, robot, manga—you name it). For a truly Japanese experience, the best onsen hotels in Tokyo or ryokans just outside the city give you tatami mats, yukata robes, and natural hot springs.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, yes—the best love hotels in Shinjuku are a thing, and they can actually be fun and surprisingly comfortable.
Budget and Luxury Picks
Tokyo has hotels for every budget, from capsule pods to celebrity suites. Here are the six best hotels in Tokyo under $500 that combine location, comfort, and style: Shinjuku Granbell Hotel, Hotel Niwa Tokyo, Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, and Park Hotel Tokyo.
If you’re on a budget, the best affordable boutique hotels in Tokyo and the best 3 star hotels in Tokyo deliver serious value. Try Japan House Oshiage.
On the other side, if you’re curious where do celebrities stay in Tokyo, look at places like the Aman Tokyo. Some of the best Hyatt hotels in Tokyo, including Grand Hyatt Tokyo in Roppongi Hills, cater to this exact luxury experience, complete with skyline views and impeccable dining.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing the best place to stay when visiting Tokyo isn’t just about price or location—it’s about matching your trip style to the neighborhood vibe. Whether you want the most central place to stay in Tokyo for sightseeing, the best boutique hotels in Shinjuku for style, or the best ryokan in Hakone with a view of Mt. Fuji, there’s an option that fits.
For me, the best place to stay in Tokyo is one that balances convenience with personality. And honestly, half the fun is discovering that your hotel—whether a three-star near the Yamanote line or a luxury Hyatt—becomes part of your Tokyo story.