Tokyo has thousands of hotels. Capsules, business hotels, luxury ryokan in the city center, hostels with rooftop bars. The choice is overwhelming—and that’s precisely the problem. Because the real choice in Tokyo isn’t the hotel. It’s the neighborhood.
After years of living here and hosting friends visiting from abroad, I’ve noticed a pattern: those who pick the right neighborhood have a smooth, frictionless stay. The others spend their time in the subway, exhausted by day three. Here’s what I’d tell a friend who’s just arriving—neighborhood by neighborhood, no sugarcoating.
Shinjuku: The Swiss Army Knife
If you’re not sure what you’ll be doing in Tokyo, choose Shinjuku. It’s the central hub of the rail network: Shinjuku Station is the busiest in the world, and from here you can reach pretty much anywhere in the city—plus day trips to Hakone, Mount Fuji, or Nikko. Restaurants are everywhere, izakayas stay open late, and the Kabukicho area offers a nightlife energy you won’t find anywhere else.
The downside: rooms are often tiny (even in well-reviewed hotels), and some blocks can be noisy at night. Don’t be surprised if your room is the size of a closet—that’s the norm, not the exception.
My picks:
- Tokyu Stay Shinjuku — My top choice for a practical stay. Rooms have a built-in washing machine (yes, in the room). If you’re traveling light or staying more than a week, it’s a game changer. Highly rated, impeccable location.
- Hotel Gracery Shinjuku — The hotel with Godzilla on the roof. Beyond the gimmick, it’s excellent value right in Kabukicho. Small but clean rooms, and thousands of positive reviews.
- BELLUSTAR TOKYO — For those who want luxury with skyline views. Recent, highly rated, in the Kabukicho Tower. A step above.
- Park Hyatt Tokyo — The Lost in Translation hotel, plain and simple. It reopened in late 2025 after a complete renovation. A classic for those who want an iconic experience (and have the budget).
Shibuya / Harajuku: First-Trip Energy
If it’s your first trip to Japan and you want to be at the heart of pop culture, Shibuya is an excellent choice. The famous crossing, Harajuku within walking distance, Omotesando for shopping, and Yoyogi Park to catch your breath between temples of consumption. Less convenient than Shinjuku for day trips, but still very well connected.
My picks:
- Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya-Jingumae — The Dormy Inn chain is a reliable choice in Japan: public bath (onsen) included, decent breakfast, and a solid location between Shibuya and Harajuku.
- The Millennials Shibuya — A modern, social capsule concept. If you’re traveling solo and the idea of a classic room bores you, this is a good option. Coworking vibe, perfect location, unbeatable price.
Tokyo Station / Ginza / Marunouchi: Refined Tokyo
This triangle is the obvious choice if you’re connecting Tokyo with other cities by Shinkansen—the central station is right there. It’s also the most “polished” district: Ginza for high-end shopping, Marunouchi for tree-lined avenues, and easy access to the Imperial Palace. Less nightlife, more serenity.
My picks:
- HOSHINOYA Tokyo — A luxury ryokan. In central Tokyo. Tatami, baths, kimono—the Japanese experience without leaving the city. It’s expensive, but it’s unique.
- The Peninsula Tokyo — Classic grand luxury, near Ginza and Hibiya. Exceptional staff and perfect location for exploring the center on foot.
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier — An excellent mid-range option. Clean, well-located, well-reviewed. No surprises, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.
- Aman Tokyo — For those who want absolute calm in a setting of wood and stone. An urban sanctuary. Priced accordingly.
Asakusa / Ueno: My Personal Choice
If I had to recommend just one neighborhood to someone visiting Tokyo for the first time, it would be this one. Asakusa has an atmosphere that the rest of Tokyo has lost: the alleys around Senso-ji, the Sumida River, the Skytree in the background. It’s also one of the neighborhoods with the best value for money. And Ueno, right next door, offers direct airport access to Narita via the Skyliner—convenient for the last day.
My picks:
- The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon — My favorite in the area. Views of Senso-ji from the terrace, perfect location, and a 9.0 rating on Booking that doesn’t lie. If you have to pick just one, this is it.
- NOHGA HOTEL Ueno — Refined design, calm atmosphere, steps from Ueno Station. Perfect if you want to combine culture (Ueno’s museums are excellent) and easy airport access.
- MIMARU Tokyo Asakusa Station — The best choice for families or groups. These are apartments with kitchens, more spacious than any business hotel. Kids love it, parents too.
Budget Options: Hostels Worth Your Time
Tokyo has an exceptional hostel scene. Clean, design-forward, and often with an integrated bar or café. Nothing like the dingy dorms you might find elsewhere.
- Nui. HOSTEL & BAR LOUNGE (Kuramae) — The ground-floor bar is an incredible meeting spot. The Kuramae neighborhood is on the rise, with its artisan coffee shops and workshops.
- CITAN Hostel (Nihonbashi) — More subdued atmosphere, in a central and quiet neighborhood. Perfect for those who want hostel prices without the backpacker vibe.
- Khaosan Tokyo Origami (Asakusa) — A classic. Simple, affordable, well-located.
Practical Tips (The Real Ones)
Rooms are small. Really small.
This is shock number one for Western visitors. Even in a €150/night hotel, your room will probably be 15 m². Your suitcase barely fits open on the floor. This isn’t a flaw—it’s Tokyo. If space matters to you, aim for MIMARU (apartment-style) or Tokyu Stay (with washing machine, which lets you travel lighter).
Location beats everything else
In Tokyo, a hotel 3 minutes from the station changes your life. The rail network is your real infrastructure—more than the rooftop pool or minibar. When comparing hotels, look at the “location” score on Booking.com first. If it’s above 9.5, you’re going to have a good trip.
Book with free cancellation, adjust later
Tokyo hotels fill up fast during peak periods (cherry blossoms in March-April, autumn leaves in November, Golden Week in May). The best strategy: book early with a free cancellation option, then monitor prices. If you find something better, cancel and rebook. But watch the cancellation deadline—it’s strict.
Where to book?
Booking.com remains the most used platform by tourists in Japan, with the largest inventory and verified reviews. Agoda sometimes offers slightly lower prices in Asia. But don’t overlook Japanese platforms: Jalan.net and Rakuten Travel often have exclusive deals, especially for ryokan and traditional establishments. The interface can be a bit dated, but the inventory is excellent.
The accommodation tax exists (but it’s light)
Tokyo charges an accommodation tax per person per night: nothing below ¥10,000, ¥100 between ¥10,000 and ¥15,000, and ¥200 above. It’s not much, but it’s not always included in the price shown on platforms. Not enough to change your plans, just good to know.
The “base + escape” strategy
If you’re staying a week or more, don’t book the same hotel every night. Pick a main neighborhood as your base (Shinjuku for practicality, Asakusa for atmosphere), then treat yourself to a night or two elsewhere: a ryokan in Hakone, a night in a luxury hotel in Ginza, or a capsule evening for the experience. That’s how you really discover Tokyo—by literally changing your perspective.