Shinjuku or Shibuya: Where First Timers Should Stay in Tokyo 2026

Tokyo is massive, and when it comes to choosing a hotel or area, especially on your first trip, location really matters. Before I arrived, I did a lot of research, and two neighborhoods kept coming up again and again: Shinjuku or Shibuya.

During my week in Tokyo, I actually stayed in both. I split my time between Shinjuku and Shibuya, and I’ll be honest, I loved each of them. Both neighborhoods were similar in some ways, but they also feel very different once you’re actually there.

I visited Tokyo on my most recent trip and stayed in both areas specifically to figure out which one works best for first-time visitors. That firsthand experience is exactly why I wanted to write this comparison rather than just repeating the usual “it depends” advice.

In this article, I’ll walk you through why I think Shinjuku and Shibuya are the two best areas to stay in Tokyo for first timers, how they differ day to day, and what kind of traveler each neighborhood suits best. By the end, you should have a clear idea of where you want to base yourself on your next trip to Tokyo.

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Shinjuku or Shibuya: Where First Timers Should Stay in Tokyo 2026

Shinjuku or Shibuya – My Experience

During my week in Tokyo, I really wanted to see and experience as much as possible, so I decided to split my hotel stays between Shinjuku and Shibuya. In hindsight, that was a great call. Staying in two neighborhoods allowed me to explore so much just by walking around and enjoying different parts of Tokyo.

That said, the two areas are so close that I could have stayed in just one and commuted easily. Still, I liked having a few nights in each, it made the trip feel more varied.

I stayed in Shinjuku first, right in Kabukicho, the city’s famous nightlife district, at Hotel Gracery (yes, the one with the Godzilla head on top).Honestly, I personally had a great time staying there. Late-night ramen runs, beers, and izakaya hopping were so much fun, and the energy at night is super unique. It is pretty full-on though, so I was glad I only stayed three nights there.

After that, I moved to Shibuya. It’s just as busy as Shinjuku, but it felt a bit more balanced and slightly more family-friendly. Shinjuku, at least where I stayed, is very nightlife-heavy, which I didn’t mind at all, but I can see how it’s not for everyone.

Both areas gave me that iconic Tokyo feeling I was hoping for: huge buildings, neon signs, crowds everywhere, endless food and shopping. For first-time visitors, I’d 100% recommend either Shinjuku or Shibuya without hesitation.

If I’m being honest, next time I might base myself mostly in one of them and then add a stay in a quieter, more niche neighborhood. But for a first trip to Tokyo, these two are hard to beat.

Better Activities in Shibuya or Shinjuku?

I stayed pretty busy in both areas, but honestly, just walking around and exploring already felt like an activity, especially since it was my first time in Tokyo. If you haven’t been before, it’s hard to describe how overwhelming and impressive everything feels at first.

That said, when it comes to actual activities, I would say that Shibuya definitely has more to offer.

In Shinjuku, I loved the nightlife. I spent time in Omoide Yokocho (often called Piss Alley) and Golden Gai, which are famous bar streets, with amazing food and cheap beers. It’s great for evenings, bar hopping, and just having a good time, but most of what I did here revolved around food and nightlife.

Shibuya, on the other hand, had way more actual activities. I went up to Shibuya Sky, visited Meiji Jingu (one of my favorite temples in Tokyo, and surprisingly peaceful for being so central), and of course saw the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. This is also where you’ll find people doing the Mario Kart street karting experience around the city which is so much fun.

Based purely on my own experience, Shibuya wins when it comes to activities.

Winner: Shibuya

Food in Shinjuku or Shibuya

As far as food goes, I’m sure both Shinjuku and Shibuya have amazing options. I’m definitely not claiming to be a food expert in either area, so I can only base this on my own experience, but some of the best meals I had in Tokyo were in Shinjuku.

My favorite ramen spot in all of Japan (not just Tokyo) is Ramen Tatsunoya, which is also in Shinjuku. It was so good. Yes, I waited about an hour in line, and yes, it was absolutely worth it.

Another favorite of mine in Shinjuku was a small sushi bar called Sushi Bar Nigirite. I basically just walked in and got incredibly lucky with a seat at the counter because someone didn’t show up for their reservation. I ended up doing a spontaneous omakase (a multi-course sushi meal where the chef prepares each piece in front of you), and it was just incredible. The mackerel nigiri was one of the best I’ve had, and the tuna was also excellent.

I’ve done a few omakase experiences before, and sometimes they can feel a bit stiff and formal. This one wasn’t like that at all. Everyone was having beers, the atmosphere felt relaxed, and it honestly felt more like a bar than a fine-dining setup. For me, that sealed it.

Based purely on my own experience, this one easily goes to Shinjuku.

Winner: Shinjuku

Accommodation in Shinjuku vs. Shibuya

As far as accommodation goes, I’d say Shinjuku and Shibuya are pretty similar overall. I stayed three nights in Hotel Gracery Shinjuku and then another three nights at Shibuya Tokyo REI Hotel, and my experience at both was very comparable.

Both hotels had great amenities, super friendly staff, and comfortable beds. The rooms were a little small for my liking, but that’s just Japan in general and something you kind of have to expect in Tokyo.

I also did a bit of research into other hotels in both areas, and both Shinjuku and Shibuya offer a huge range of options, from more affordable business hotels to proper luxury stays. I was happy with both areas and wouldn’t hesitate to stay in either again.

Winner: Shinjuku & Shibuya (tie)

Where to Stay for Families: Shinjuku or Shibuya for Family

As I mentioned earlier, I spent a lot of time exploring both Shinjuku and Shibuya on foot. I love walking around cities, it’s the best way to get a real feel for a place.

I’ve said this in other Tokyo guides already, but while I loved Shinjuku for its nightlife, food, and bars, I wouldn’t really call it family-friendly. At least not the part where I stayed. Kabukicho, in particular, felt very nightlife-heavy, with some pretty grimy corners in the evenings. Personally, it’s not somewhere I’d want to walk through with kids at night.

Shibuya, on the other hand, felt busy too, maybe even busier at times, but in a different way. There’s more shopping, more tourists, and more everyday city life. It’s still hectic, but it doesn’t have that dodgy nightlife vibe that parts of Shinjuku do.

For families, this one is an easy call.

Winner: Shibuya

Nightlife in Tokyo: Shibuya or Shinjuku at Night

Another easy one, in my opinion and Shinjuku wins this without much debate. I went out a few times in Shinjuku, and honestly, Japanese nightlife was a bit of a culture shock for me. I don’t get culture shock often, but this definitely did it. Girls dressed in maid costumes trying to pull you into bars, Japanese people getting completely blackout drunk, and just a very different nightlife culture than I was used to.

That said, me and my friends had a great time. We hopped between different bars and pubs in Shinjuku, tried a few izakaya (small bars serving small dishes, usually grilled over charcoal), and finished more than one night with late-night ramen and plenty of beers.

If you’re into beer, my favorite Japanese one is Suntory The Premium Malt’s, definitely worth trying if you like a solid lager.

For nightlife, this one’s an easy call.

Winner: Shinjuku

FAQs About Shibuya or Shinjuku Which is Better

Is Tokyo worth visiting?

Yes, Tokyo is one of the most interesting and exciting cities I’ve visited in a long time. I loved everything from the food and late-night ramen to the neon signs, shopping, and overall vibe. It all felt new, different and super exciting.

Where should I stay in Tokyo?

I’d definitely recommend Shinjuku or Shibuya. I stayed in both and loved them for different reasons. Shinjuku felt more outgoing and was perfect for late-night drinks and ramen, while Shibuya felt a bit more balanced and slightly more family-friendly.

Is Tokyo expensive?

I’ll be honest, accommodation is expensive and, in my opinion, not great value for money. Everything else is fairly reasonable though. Food, transport, and activities were much more affordable than I expected.

Which is better: Shinjuku or Shibuya?

I personally preferred staying in Shibuya and taking the metro into Shinjuku whenever I wanted nightlife, shopping, ramen, or sushi. It’s only one stop away, which makes it super easy.

Final Thoughts on Shibuya vs Shinjuku

I don’t want to be that person who just says “it depends,” but when it comes to these two neighborhoods, it kind of does. I liked both, but I can also see how not everyone would feel the same way. Shinjuku is very nightlife-focused in Japan’s own weird way, while Shibuya is constantly busy and full of people during the day.

That said, the two areas are also quite similar. Both feel very “Tokyo” with tall buildings, neon signs, crowds everywhere, food and shopping on every corner. Since they’re right next to each other, you’re not going to get it wrong either way.

In the end, I’d personally stay in Shibuya again. If I want more nightlife, I can easily hop on the train one stop to Shinjuku, but I can also walk to loads of activities from my hotel. I hope this guide helped you decide, enjoy Tokyo!