Where to Stay in Tokyo 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Tokyo's vast size means neighborhood choice significantly impacts your experience. Most visitors stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya for nightlife and transport, though Asakusa offers traditional charm and budget options. Business hotels offer exceptional value with compact but spotless rooms.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Shinjuku
Central transport hub connecting all major areas, endless dining options, best nightlife scene, and hotels at every price point. You can reach anywhere in Tokyo within 30-40 minutes.
Shinjuku
Shibuya
Asakusa
Ginza
Ueno
Akihabara
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Kabukicho red-light district in Shinjuku - fine to walk through but noisy for sleeping
- • Hotels directly above train stations can be noisy from first trains at 5am
- • Far suburbs like Chiba save money but waste hours commuting
Understanding Tokyo Geography
Tokyo sprawls across 23 special wards with no single center. The Yamanote Line loops around central Tokyo connecting major hubs. West side (Shinjuku, Shibuya) is modern and trendy; East side (Asakusa, Ueno) is traditional.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Tokyo
Shinjuku
Best for: Skyscrapers, nightlife, Golden Gai bars, government building views
"Neon-lit urban jungle"
Pros
- Central transport hub
- Best nightlife
- Many hotels
Cons
- Can be overwhelming
- Crowded stations
- Red-light area nearby
Shibuya
Best for: Youth culture, shopping, famous crossing, nightlife, trendy vibes
"Energetic and trendy"
Pros
- Iconic crossing
- Great shopping
- Young atmosphere
Cons
- Very crowded
- Expensive dining
- Noisy at night
Asakusa
Best for: Traditional temples, old Tokyo atmosphere, rickshaws, souvenirs
"Old Tokyo charm"
Pros
- Traditional atmosphere
- Budget-friendly
- Near Senso-ji
Cons
- Far from Shibuya/Shinjuku
- Fewer nightlife options
Ginza
Best for: Luxury shopping, fine dining, upscale hotels, galleries
"Sophisticated and elegant"
Pros
- High-end shopping
- Excellent restaurants
- Central location
Cons
- Very expensive
- Less local character
Roppongi
Best for: International nightlife, art museums, Tokyo Tower views, expat scene
"International and late-night"
Pros
- Best clubbing
- Great art museums
- English-friendly
Cons
- Can be seedy
- Expensive drinks
- Tourist-trap bars
Ueno
Best for: Museums, zoo, park, budget hotels, traditional shopping streets
"Cultural park district with market energy"
Pros
- Major museums
- Great park
- Budget-friendly area
Cons
- Less trendy
- Older hotels
- Far from Shibuya
Akihabara
Best for: Electronics, anime, gaming, otaku culture, maid cafés
"Neon-lit otaku wonderland"
Pros
- Electronics paradise
- Anime haven
- Unique experience
Cons
- Overwhelming
- Niche appeal
- Limited hotels
Tokyo Station / Marunouchi
Best for: Business district, bullet train access, Imperial Palace, station hotels
"Business elegance with historic station"
Pros
- Best Shinkansen access
- Beautiful station
- Imperial Palace nearby
Cons
- Corporate feel
- Expensive
- Quiet evenings
Accommodation Budget in Tokyo
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Khaosan Tokyo Origami
Asakusa
Modern hostel in traditional Asakusa with both dorms and privates. Rooftop with Skytree views, free events, and helpful English-speaking staff.
Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya Jingumae
Shibuya
Business hotel chain with onsen bath, free late-night ramen, and excellent Shibuya location. Japan's best-value hotel experience.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
The Millennials Shibuya
Shibuya
High-tech pod-style hotel with smart beds, beer garden, and social co-working space. Modern Tokyo hospitality innovation.
Trunk (Hotel)
Shibuya
Design-forward boutique with societal focus, excellent restaurant, and prime Cat Street location. Tokyo's hippest boutique hotel.
Park Hotel Tokyo
Shiodome
Art-focused hotel with 31 artist-designed rooms, Tokyo Tower views, and excellent Ginza access. Cultural boutique experience.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Aman Tokyo
Otemachi
Serene urban sanctuary with panoramic views, traditional Japanese aesthetics, and legendary Aman service. Tokyo's most peaceful luxury escape.
The Peninsula Tokyo
Marunouchi
Overlooking Imperial Palace gardens with impeccable service, excellent dining, and classic international luxury.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
BnA Alter Museum
Kyobashi
Art hotel where each room is a livable art installation created by Japanese artists. Sleep inside the art. Truly one-of-a-kind.
Smart Booking Tips for Tokyo
- 1 Book 3-4 months ahead for cherry blossom season (late March-early April)
- 2 Business hotels (Toyoko Inn, Dormy Inn, APA) offer great value with breakfast
- 3 Capsule hotels are a fun experience for 1-2 nights but pack light
- 4 Many hotels have tiny rooms - 15sqm is standard for mid-range
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Ready to Visit Tokyo?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Tokyo?
How much does a hotel cost in Tokyo?
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo?
Are there areas to avoid in Tokyo?
When should I book a hotel in Tokyo?
More Tokyo Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
Coming soon
Overview
Complete travel guide for Tokyo: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.