Tokyo is vast, exciting, and wonderfully diverse, but choosing where to stay in Tokyo is no small task. Each district has its own personality, attractions, and accommodation style.
Whether you’re traveling with family, enjoying a romantic escape, sticking to a budget, or exploring solo, this guide highlights the best areas to stay in Tokyo — with traveler tips to help you prepare for your big trip!
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How to Choose the Right Area in Tokyo
Tokyo is huge, and each part of the city offers a different experience. Some areas feel fast-paced and full of nightlife, while others are more relaxed with cultural landmarks and quiet streets.
The best choice of where to stay in Tokyo depends on what you’re looking for — vibrant energy, cultural tradition, or a calmer base. Consider what matters most: convenience, budget, or atmosphere, and plan around that.
➡️ Tip: If you’re staying five days or more, check our 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary to plan neighborhoods and attractions together.
Getting Around Tokyo
Public transport is the easiest way to explore Tokyo. The JR Yamanote Line circles the city and connects most major areas, making it a great base for choosing hotels.
Subway lines fill in the gaps, while taxis are safe but costly. Walking between neighborhoods often takes longer than expected, so staying near a train station saves time.
➡️ Tip: Use a JR Pass for day trips, or a Suica/Pasmo card for city rides. A Metro Pass ticket is also great value if you’ll be on the subway a lot.
Essential Tips for Your Tokyo Trip
Tokyo is welcoming and easy to navigate, but preparing a few things before your trip will make everything smoother:
Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo
Here are the top neighborhoods to consider when deciding where to stay in Tokyo, broken down by traveler type to help you choose the perfect base for your trip.
1. Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the best place to stay in Tokyo for the first time. It’s central, packed with shopping, nightlife, and restaurants, and has the city’s busiest train station, making it easy to get around. Attractions like Shinjuku Gyoen and Golden Gai show both calm and excitement.
- ✅ Pros: Excellent transport hub, huge choice of restaurants and nightlife, top attractions nearby.
- ⚠️ Cons: Can feel crowded and chaotic, hotel prices higher than average.
- 🎯 Best for: First-time visitors, solo travelers, nightlife lovers.
2. Shibuya
Famous for the Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue, Shibuya is one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo if you love youth culture, shopping, and nightlife. Trendy cafés and fashion streets create a lively atmosphere, and nearby Harajuku adds even more color.
- ✅ Pros: Youthful vibe, plenty of entertainment, great for shopping and nightlife.
- ⚠️ Cons: Hotels can be small and expensive, crowded almost all day.
- 🎯 Best for: Young travelers, couples, first-time visitors.
3. Ginza
If you’re deciding where to stay in Tokyo for couples, Ginza is a great choice. It offers luxury hotels, fine dining, and elegant shopping streets, with a calm, romantic vibe at night and landmarks like the Imperial Palace and the Kabuki-za Theatre close by.
- ✅ Pros: Upscale atmosphere, luxury shopping, cultural attractions nearby.
- ⚠️ Cons: Expensive hotels and restaurants, nightlife limited compared to Shinjuku.
- 🎯 Best for: Couples, luxury travelers, business visitors.
4. Asakusa
Asakusa is rich in tradition and offers one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo with family. Home to Senso-ji Temple, charming shopping streets, and close to Tokyo Skytree, it combines sightseeing with a relaxed pace. Hotels here are affordable, making it a good fit for families and budget-conscious travelers alike.
5. Ueno
Ueno is a cultural hub and one of the most family-friendly areas in Tokyo. Ueno Park is a major attraction, famous for cherry blossoms in spring and home to museums such as the Tokyo National Museum. The district has a more laid-back feel compared to central Tokyo, but it’s still well-connected.
- ✅ Pros: Many museums and cultural spots, great for families, easy airport access.
- ⚠️ Cons: Less modern than Shibuya or Shinjuku, nightlife is minimal.
- 🎯 Best for: Families, museum lovers, long-term stays.
6. Akihabara
Akihabara is the center of anime, gaming, and electronics culture. It’s one of the best places to stay in Tokyo on a budget, with plenty of affordable hotels and hostels. Even if you’re not into otaku culture, the arcades, quirky cafés, and central location make it a fun and unusual base.
- ✅ Pros: Unique cultural experience, affordable accommodation, central location.
- ⚠️ Cons: Limited high-end hotels, niche appeal if you’re not into anime.
- 🎯 Best for: Solo travelers, gamers, pop culture fans.
FAQ: Where to Stay in Tokyo
Asakusa, Ueno, and Akihabara are among the cheapest areas to stay. They offer plenty of budget hotels, hostels, and guesthouses without sacrificing good access to Tokyo’s main attractions.
Yes, Ginza is ideal for couples and luxury travelers. It’s stylish, central, and close to cultural sites, though it can be more expensive and quieter at night compared to Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Shinjuku and Shibuya are often considered the best hotel areas in Tokyo for foreigners because they’re central, well-connected, and full of dining, shopping, and entertainment options in English-friendly settings.
Most visitors spend 3 to 7 days in Tokyo. This allows enough time to explore major districts, visit top attractions, and take a day trip or two. Shorter stays are possible, but the city’s scale rewards a longer visit.
Tokyo offers a neighborhood for every type of traveler. From the lively streets of Shinjuku and Shibuya to the traditional charm of Asakusa and Ueno, each area has its own personality.
To make the most of your stay, browse our Ticket Shop to skip the lines at popular attractions, and set up an eSIM Japan so you can navigate the city with ease. Wherever you stay, you’ll be in the perfect place to start your Tokyo adventure.