Tokyo is a sprawling metropolis, known for its bustling streets, vibrant culture, and cutting-edge technology. It’s a city that offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern Western influences. With so much to see and do in Tokyo, choosing the right neighborhood can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best neighborhoods and areas to stay in Tokyo. 

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Tokyo

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most popular neighborhoods, known for its bright lights and bustling atmosphere. It’s home to skyscrapers, shopping malls, and entertainment options like karaoke bars and nightclubs. The iconic red light district, Kabukicho, is also located here, offering an interesting glimpse into Tokyo’s nightlife and culture.

For first-time visitors to Tokyo, Shinjuku is an excellent choice. It’s well-connected by train and subway, making it easy to get around the city. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury hotels.

Shibuya

Shibuya is another trendy neighborhood that’s popular with both locals and tourists. It’s famous for its busy intersection, which is often featured in movies and TV shows. The area is also known for its shopping, with many department stores and boutiques offering the latest fashion trends.

At night, Shibuya comes alive with its many bars, clubs, and live music venues. It’s a great place to experience Tokyo’s nightlife and culture. Staying in Shibuya means being in the heart of the action, with easy access to public transportation and plenty of accommodation options.

Asakusa

If you’re looking to experience traditional Japanese culture, Asakusa is the perfect neighborhood to stay in. This historic area is home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, as well as many traditional Japanese restaurants and souvenirs shops. You can also take a stroll down Nakamise Shopping Street, which is lined with vendors selling everything from snacks to traditional Japanese crafts.

Asakusa offers a more laidback atmosphere compared to other parts of Tokyo. It’s a great place to relax and soak up the local culture. There are plenty of accommodation options here, including traditional Japanese inns called ryokans, as well as budget-friendly hotels.

Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s premier shopping district, known for its upscale department stores and luxury boutiques. The area is also home to some of Tokyo’s best restaurants, serving everything from sushi to French cuisine. It’s a fashionable neighborhood with a sophisticated atmosphere.

Staying in Ginza means being close to some of Tokyo’s most high-end shops and restaurants. However, it’s also one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Tokyo, so be prepared to pay a premium for accommodation here.

Roppongi

Roppongi is another trendy neighborhood that’s popular with both locals and tourists. It’s known for its nightlife, with many bars and clubs offering live music and entertainment. The area is also home to several art galleries and museums, making it a great choice for art lovers.

Roppongi is a bit more expensive than other parts of Tokyo, but it offers a unique atmosphere that’s worth exploring. There are plenty of accommodation options here, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to five-star hotels.

Ueno

Ueno is a popular neighborhood for families and budget-conscious travelers. It’s home to Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s largest parks, which features several museums such as the National Museum of Nature and Science and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. The area also has a zoo and an aquarium, making it a great choice for families with children.

Ueno offers more affordable accommodation options compared to other parts of Tokyo. There are plenty of budget-friendly hotels and hostels here, as well as traditional Japanese inns.

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island located in Tokyo Bay, offering stunning views of the city skyline. It’s a popular tourist destination, with many attractions like a Ferris wheel, shopping mall, and beach. The area is also home to several museums and amusement parks.

Staying in Odaiba means being away from the hustle and bustle of the city center but still within easy reach of Tokyo’s main attractions. There are plenty of accommodation options here, ranging from budget-friendly hotels to high-end luxury resorts.

Tokyo Hotel Prices

Tokyo is a bustling city with many different types of accommodations to suit every budget. Hotel prices in Tokyo can vary widely depending on the location, type of hotel, and time of year. Here’s an overview of what you can expect to pay for hotels in Tokyo:

Budget Hotels: These are generally small, basic hotels that offer no-frills accommodations at affordable prices. Prices can range from 4,000 yen ($37 USD) per night for a single room to 10,000 yen ($91 USD) for a double room, depending on the location and amenities.

Mid-Range Hotels: These are typically larger hotels that offer more amenities such as restaurants, fitness centers, and business facilities. Prices can range from 10,000 yen ($91 USD) per night for a single room to 20,000 yen ($182 USD) for a double room.

Luxury Hotels: These hotels are known for their high-end amenities and services, such as spas, fine dining restaurants, and rooftop bars. Prices for luxury hotels can range from 30,000 yen ($273 USD) per night for a standard room to over 100,000 yen ($910 USD) per night for a suite.

Best Hotels to Stay in Tokyo

Here are some of the best hotels to consider for your stay in Tokyo:

Park Hyatt Tokyo: This luxury hotel is located in Shinjuku and is known for its stunning views of the city skyline. It’s also famous for being featured in the movie “Lost in Translation.”

Mandarin Oriental Tokyo: Located in Nihonbashi, this luxurious hotel offers panoramic views of the city, elegant rooms, and excellent dining options.

Andaz Tokyo: This boutique hotel is located in Toranomon Hills and offers stylish accommodations, personalized service, and great city views.

The Peninsula Tokyo: This elegant hotel is located in Marunouchi, close to Tokyo Station. It features spacious rooms, excellent dining options, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.

Hotel Okura Tokyo: Located in Minato, this iconic hotel offers comfortable rooms, excellent dining options, and traditional Japanese hospitality.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo: This large hotel is located in Shinjuku and offers a variety of room types to suit different budgets. It has excellent dining options, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool.

Hilton Tokyo: Located in Shinjuku, this modern hotel has spacious rooms, excellent dining options, and a rooftop bar with great city views.

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu: This luxury hotel is located in Akasaka and offers elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and excellent dining options.

Grand Hyatt Tokyo: This luxury hotel is located in Roppongi Hills and offers spacious rooms, excellent dining options, and great views of the city.

Daiichi Hotel Tokyo: This upscale hotel is located near Tokyo Station and offers comfortable rooms, excellent dining options, and easy access to public transportation.

Best Affordable Places to Stay in Tokyo

Tokyo can be an expensive city to visit, but there are affordable places to stay that offer good value for money. Here are some of the best affordable places to stay in Tokyo:

Capsule Hotels: Capsule hotels are a unique type of accommodation in Japan, offering small capsule-like rooms with basic amenities. They are a great budget option for solo travelers who don’t need a lot of space and prefer privacy.

Hostels: Tokyo has many hostels that are budget-friendly and offer shared dormitory rooms or private rooms at affordable prices. Some popular hostel chains include Khaosan and Hostelworld.

Airbnb: Renting an apartment or room through Airbnb can be a more affordable option than staying in a hotel. There are many listings in Tokyo, ranging from shared rooms to entire apartments.

Toyoko Inn: This budget hotel chain has locations throughout Tokyo and offers clean, basic rooms at reasonable prices. They also provide free breakfast and Wi-Fi.

APA Hotel: Another budget hotel chain with locations throughout Tokyo, APA Hotel offers compact rooms with basic amenities at affordable prices.

Choosing the right neighborhood to stay in Tokyo is an important decision that can greatly impact your trip. Each neighborhood has its own unique atmosphere and attractions, so it’s worth doing some research to find the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, where you stay will depend on your interests, budget, and travel plans. No matter where you choose to stay, Tokyo has excellent public transportation that makes it easy to explore the city from any location. Whether you’re looking for a trendy nightlife scene or a more laidback atmosphere, there’s a Tokyo neighborhood that’s perfect for your trip.