Where to Stay in Tokyo (2026): The 5 Best Areas

Are you on the hunt to find the best areas to stay in Tokyo? This blog is for you!

We have visited Tokyo a couple of months ago and we absolutely loved our time there.

Tokyo is a massive city — home to over 14 million people and more than 40 million across the greater metropolitan area. That’s huge! Japan also welcomes millions of visitors every year (especially during the Cherry Blossom season), and with so many unique neighborhoods, choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming. Each area in Tokyo feels like its own mini city, with a completely different vibe, pace, and personality.

Everyone travels differently, and what feels perfect for one person might not suit another. In this blog, we’ll break down the best areas to stay in Tokyo and share who each neighbourhood is best suited for — whether you’re here for nightlife, food, culture, shopping, or a quiet local experience.

Good hotels tend to sell out fast, so you will need to act fast and book as soon as you can. Also, the prices can vary depending on the time of the season you are wanting to go.

Table of Contents

Which area is right for you to stay?

Deciding which hotel to pick requires a lot of research, from looking at the location, proximaty to transit, restaurants etc. After all, there are over 47 neighbourhoods or 23 wards in Tokyo.

Finding something near a train station should be your first priority as you will be using the Train system to get around everywhere. Check out our blog that covers Japans train system.

The list is in no particular order as each area offers different things from the next.

1: Shinjuku – For First-Time Travellers and Nightlife Lovers

Shinjuku in Tokyo is an area that never really sleeps. It is always in motion. There are skyscrapers and neon lights every direction you look, and endless places to eat. It is probably one of the best connected areas in Tokyo, making this an ideal place for first time travellers to Tokyo who want easy access to trains and easy gateway out of the City. After dark, the area is still buzzing with rooftop bars and karaoke bars. Shinjuku also has some very beutiful parks such as the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden which is a great place to escape the bustling urban rush. You will find a range of hotels in Shinjuku, from budget stays all the way to luxury experiences. Shinjuku really has it all.

West of the station is Shinjuku’s skyscraper district which actually is home to some of Tokyo’s tallest buildings. You can see just how tall some of these buildings are from the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Accommodations to stay at in Shinjuku

For Budget Travellers

APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Chuo – APA hotel chain is really great for budget travellers. These hotels are nothing extravagent but they are reliable and usually very clean and well connected. (We are a sucker for APA Hotels)

WPU Hotel Shinjuku: – Located just minutes away from Shinjuku Station. Rooms are a little compact, but are well designed with everything you need for a short city stay.

For Mid-Range Travellers

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – An iconic godzilla themed hotel that is well connected and near the Gyoen National Garden. This hotel is steps away from restaurants, bars, and train connections.

Shinjuku Prince Hotel – Located right beside the Shinjuku station and the lively Kabukicho district. This is a perfecft hotel for travellers who want to be in the middle of everything. The rooms are also compact, but well designed to make it feel a little bigger than they actually are.

For Luxury Travellers

Bellustar Tokyo, a Pan Pacific Hotel – Bellustar offers exceptional rooms, right in the heart of Shinjuku. The rooms feature nice sweeping skyline views, with floor to ceiling windows. The rooms are about 2 and a half times bigger than any of the budget friendly hotel options, but that also comes with a much larger price tag.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand – A truly elegant hotel. This hotel offers an elevated luxury experience, with an exclusive lounge and panoramic city views. The rooms are quite spacious and dont leave out a single detail. This hotel is also just a short walk from the Shinjkuku station leaving it very well connected.

2: Shibuya -For Trendsetters and Younger Couples

Shibuya area is a fantastic choice to stay for first-time travellers. Shibuya is mostly known for the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, which is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world with about 3,000 people crossing at a given time. This crossing is surrounded by bright lights, shops, nightlife and amazing culture. The area is home to so many shops, making this a shopping paradise. It caters to a younger crowd as it boasts a really good nightlife with countless bars, clubs, and entertainment options.

Aside from Shibuya’s amazing nightlife, it is also known for its history as the Meiji Shrine is within the area and Harijuku is a short walk away. The shrines provide a peaceful exerperience away from the busy streets.

Do keep in mind that Shibuya can get extremely busy, especially during its peak hours. But if you are into the busy, crowded areas, look no further and stay in Shibuya.

Accommodations to stay at in Shibuya

For Budget Travellers

Shibuya Granbell Hotel: A short walk to the Shibuya Crossing, this hotel offers unbelievable value in terms of location. The room sizes are similar to other budget friendly hotels at around 150 square feet.

Shibuya Tokyo REI Hotel: Is an excellent budget-friendly choice thanks to its unbeatable location just steps from Shibuya Crossing .The hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms and easy access to shopping, dining, and transport without the premium price tag

For Mid-Range Budget Travellers

Lyf Shibuya Tokyo: A cool funky and vibrant aparthotel that is near the Shibuya Crossing, but not right at the center of attention. This hotel ranks within the exceptional category on Expedia with oustanding reviews.

Shibuya Stream Hotel – A modern and elegant stay right in the hear of Shibuya. This hotel offers it all. Spacious rooms starting at over 200 square feet, with a modern classy feel.

For Luxury Travellers

Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya: blends modern design with the creative, youthful energy of Shibuya. Each room features stylish décor as well as offering comfort. Just a short walk from Shibuya Crossing, it’s perfect for travelers who want boutique luxury in one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya: With a near perfect score on Expedia, this hotel is for the people who really value a luxurious experience with extremely spacious rooms right in the heart of Shibuya. Connected to a shopping center, this hotel can satisfy your shopping needs without walking too far.

3: Asakusa – For Anime Lovers and Traditionalists

Asakusa really is the perfect spot for if you are interested in traditional Japanese culture. Asakusa offers really easy access to Senso-ji Temple (a beautiful must see Temple), Tokyo Skytree, and traditional shops. It has a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some other areas.

The Asakus area offers many cultural opportunities such as kimono rentals, tea ceramonies and much more.

The Asakusa train station is a great connection to get you anywhere in the City and beyond.

Anime District: If you are an Anime Manga fan and want to experience it all, a short walk away is Akihabara. It is a vibrant place with an awesome night life and a dream for any Anime Manga Fan.

Accommodations to stay at in Asakusa

For Budget Travellers

APA Hotel Asakusa Kuramae Ekimae – A great reliable choice. If you know us, you know we love to stay at an APA hotel. They offer incredible value with the right times a year, you can stay here for as little as $55 USD a night. UNREAL! The rooms are that of what a budget friendly option would be, but they’re typically clean and nice.

Hotel MONday Akihabara Asakusabashi – The Asakusa area is a little more expensive than other areas, but they do offer great hotel options. The MONday hotel chain is great, they are modern, nice and conveniently located near transit.

For Mid-Range Travellers

Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International offers modern comfort in one of Tokyo’s most historic neighborhoods, just steps from Senso-ji Temple — perfect for travelers who want convenience, quality, and a touch of traditional charm at a reasonable price.

Prostyle Ryokan Asakusa If you are seeking an authentic stay in Japan, this accommodation features tatami-style rooms, soaking tubs, and a calm atmosphere just minutes from Senso-ji Temple.

For Luxury Travellers

Onyado Nono Asakusa Natural Hot Springs – is an incredible pick for the luxury traveler who still appreciates authenticity. Modern style hotel that offers a Ryokan feel with tatami style rooms. The bonus here is the added natural hot springs.

Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa – Yes, yet another Ryokan. It is because the Asakusa area is full of history and a lot of Ryokans, making it the perfect area to splurge a little bit on the accommodation and stay in a traditional Ryokan. The suites at this stay are very modern, simplistic and traditional. An ideal accommodation in Tokyo.

4: Ginza – For Luxury Travellers and Food Enthusiasts

Ginza is Tokyo’s most upscale district, known for its luxury boutiques, fine dining, and polished city feel. You’ll find flagship stores like Mitsukoshi, Moncler, etc. and Michelin-starred restaurants on every corner. Beyond shopping, Ginza offers art galleries, the iconic Kabuki-za Theatre, and elegant cocktail lounges for a refined night out. Centrally located and easy to access, it’s perfect for travelers who love sophistication and style.

If you love food, Ginza has all of the new “trending” foods to try such as the fried sandwhiches.

Accommodations to stay at in Ginza

For Budget Travellers

This one is a little more difficult to stay at for budget travellers, but some good options are:

Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza A unique experience hotel stay. The rooms are compact, but they are clean and comfortable. This hotel is perfectly located as well.

APA Hotel Ginza Takaracho Tokyo Yaesu Minamiguchi – This APA, but there are also many other APA hotels within this area. Again, the APA hotels always offer a reliable, clean stay at a very affordable price and its no wonder why this made the budget friendly list yet again.

For Mid-Range Travellers

karaksa hotel TOKYO STATION – Great location. An almost a near perfect score on the Expedia ranking scale. This hotel offers a lot and is pretty amazing value for being a 4 star hotel. Comfortable rooms, not as compact as the budget friendly hotels. The hotel also offers free tea and snacks on the second floor in which the guest usually love indulging.

Marunouchi Hotel – Another 4 star hotel makes this mid range list. Amazing location with very spacious rooms and a very beautiful view. Steps away from all the hustle and bustle of Ginza. Truly, a great stay.

For Luxury Travellers

This is the perfect location for the luxury travellers with endless options of luxury ranging from a couple hundred dollars a night to a couple thousand with some of the best hotels Tokyo has to offer.

The Peninsula Tokyo – One of the most luxurious hotels in the City. The Pininsula hotel offers the best of the best. This hotel has over 9 restaurants and a swimming pool and spa that overlooks the imperial Gardens. If you are looking to splurge, this is the hotel you need to stay at.

The Okura Tokyo – blends timeless Japanese elegance with modern luxury, offering spacious rooms, serene design, and impeccable five-star service. Located in the heart of Tokyo, it’s a top choice for travelers seeking sophistication, world-class dining, and an authentic sense of calm amid the city’s bustle.

5: Ryogoku – For Quieter Travellers and History Buffs

A very well connected area that has a lot of history. Ryogoku is the home of the Sumo sport dating back to over 1,500 years ago. There are many tournaments that occur every year and plenty training stables throughout this area. The Ryogoku area is very well connected and is a much quieter place to stay.

The Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Stadium is a great place to visit and just right outside the train station. Ryogoku is also just right across the Sumida river and an easy walk to Asakusa.

When we visited Tokyo, we were staying in Ryogoku as we wanted a quieter place that is easy to hop onto the train and get to any area with Tokyo but also beyond Tokyo.

Accommodations to stay at in Ryogoku

For Budget Travellers

APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower – We stayed here during our time in Tokyo. It was our first hotel in Japan and maybe one of our favourites. It was super modern, clean and the beds were very comfortable. The hotel is situated right beside the train station making it an ideal hotel.

Ryogoku View Hotel – Another great option as the location is very ideal. The rooms are compact as well, but is clean. The hotel also offers rooms with incredible views.

For Mid-Range Travellers

There really is not that many hotels in this area for the Mid-Range traveller. But here is one:

THE GATE HOTEL RYOGOKU by HULIC – a 4 star hotel that is located right beside Sumida River and the Ryogoku Train Station. The standard rooms are quite spacious and luxurious making this hotel the ideal place for the mid-range budget traveller.

For Luxury Travellers

fav TOKYO RYOGOKU – For the authentic Japanese experience, this Ryokan offers a lot. The rooms are unique, offering bunk bed styles that are very fancy and modern. If you are not looking for the bunk options, they also offer Queen beds. This Ryokan has really good views of Tokyo and the Sumida River.