Where to Stay in Shinjuku Tokyo: My 5 Best Hotels in 2026

Tokyo has so many different neighborhoods, and because the city is huge, choosing where to stay can feel a little overwhelming at first. I definitely felt that when I did my own research.

After spending about a week in Tokyo and staying in Shinjuku myself, I can confidently say that Shinjuku is one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo for first-timers.

Shinjuku is exactly what I pictured Tokyo to be before I arrived: neon signs everywhere, tall buildings, endless restaurants and bars, shops on every corner, and a constant buzz of people. It’s busy, chaotic, and very “Tokyo”, and that’s exactly why I loved staying here. If you want that full-on, iconic Tokyo experience, Shinjuku absolutely delivers.

In this guide, I’ll help you figure out where to stay in Shinjuku, because not all parts of the neighborhood feel the same. Some areas are louder and crazier than others, and certain hotels are much better located depending on what kind of trip you’re planning. Based on my own experience, I’ll break it down so you can pick the right spot without overthinking it. Let’s get into it.

In a Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Hotels in Tokyo Japan

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️ Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️ Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – Click here for rates & availability

Where to Stay in Shinjuku Tokyo: My 5 Best Hotels in 2026

Where to Stay in Shinjuku Tokyo – My Experience

I usually like to start these kinds of guides with a bit of my own experience, because that’s always more helpful than just throwing a bland list of hotels at you.

I genuinely loved staying in Shinjuku and, in my opinion, it’s one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo, especially if it’s your first visit. I spent about three nights here and had a great time.

That said, even I found it pretty full-on at times, but honestly, that’s exactly what I wanted. When I came to Tokyo, I wanted that Tokyo experience: huge neon signs, endless crowds, food everywhere, shops open late, and that constant buzz. In my head, that’s what Tokyo looks like, and Shinjuku was exactly that.

I stayed at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, which is right in the heart of the neighborhood, specifically in Kabukicho, which is Shinjuku’s nightlife and entertainment district. People are out well into the early morning hours, and yes, it’s definitely not for everyone. But for me, it was a lot of fun. I loved heading out for late-night ramen, finding amazing sushi spots, and grabbing a few beers after a long day of exploring.

After three nights, I was ready for something a little quieter, but I’m still really glad I stayed here. If you’re looking for a full-on, classic Tokyo experience and want to be right in the middle of the action, staying in central Shinjuku, and especially at Hotel Gracery, is absolutely worth it.

My Favorite Shinjuku Hotels & Places to Stay in Tokyo

1. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is where I stayed, and overall, I had a really great experience here. I spent three nights at the hotel, and it had everything I needed from a solid city stay. The bed was comfortable (I slept like a baby), the staff were super friendly, and the room was clean and well equipped.

One thing you do need to be prepared for is the room size. Japanese hotel rooms, especially in Tokyo, are small, and this one is no exception. That’s not a fault of the hotel at all, just something to be aware of if you’re coming from larger Western-style hotels.

One thing I absolutely loved was the luggage delivery service. I sent my big suitcase straight from my previous hotel in Kanazawa to Hotel Gracery, which meant I could travel to Tokyo with just a carry-on. This service is super common in Japan and honestly a game-changer if you’re moving around a lot.

The real highlight, though, is the location. The hotel sits right in Kabukicho, Shinjuku’s entertainment district, which means I was able to walk to amazing food spots, bars, and late-night ramen literally from my doorstep. I was also just a few minutes from the subway, so getting around Tokyo for me was super easy.

And then there’s the Godzilla. The massive Godzilla head on top of the hotel is as ridiculous and iconic as it sounds. Unfortunately, the terrace was closed when I visited, but our room had a view straight onto the Godzilla head, which was absolutely hilarious and felt very Tokyo.

Book Here: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

2. Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku

This one is honestly my dream hotel in Shinjuku. I wanted to stay at Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku so badly, but I’ll be honest, it was a little outside my budget at the time. That said, if I ever come back to Shinjuku with a slightly bigger wallet, this is 100% where I’d stay.

As the name suggests, this place is both a ryokan (a traditional Japanese-style stay) and an onsen. If you’ve read any of my other Japan guides, you probably already know that I’m completely obsessed with onsens. There’s just something about soaking in a hot bath after a long day of walking around Tokyo that feels unbeatable. Yuen takes this to another level, the hotel has its own onsen with indoor pools and even an outdoor bath overlooking the Tokyo skyline, which looks absolutely incredible.

The rooms are beautifully done too: very traditional Japanese in style, but with a clean, modern, minimalist twist. It feels calm, considered, and definitely more luxurious than your standard city hotel. Overall, this is probably the most unique and upscale option on this list.

If you’re looking for something that feels very Japanese, a little special, and offers the rare combo of a central Tokyo location plus a proper onsen, I can’t recommend Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku enough, even if, like me, you end up saving it for a future trip.

Book Here: Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku

3. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Shinjuku

When I was researching where to stay in Shinjuku, a few friends actually recommended the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Shinjuku. They’d stayed here before and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, it was fully booked for my dates, so I didn’t get to stay myself, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.

What really appeals to me about this hotel is the location. It’s still right in Shinjuku and very close to a major subway station, which is non-negotiable for me in Tokyo. I walk a lot, but I also rely heavily on public transport, so being able to jump on a train quickly makes a huge difference for me.

At the same time, this hotel isn’t smack in the middle of the entertainment and nightlife district, which I can totally see being a big plus, especially if you’re traveling with family or just want quieter nights.

From what my friends told me, the rooms here are a decent size (well, decent by Tokyo standards), the beds are very comfortable, and the staff are genuinely helpful. The breakfast also came up more than once as a highlight, which is always a good sign.

I already have another Tokyo trip planned for later this year, and if I decide to stay in Shinjuku again, this is honestly one of my top choices.

Book Here: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Shinjuku

4. Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

Another very popular option in Shinjuku is Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, and this was actually a hotel I seriously considered myself. For my dates, it was one of the most affordable options in the area, which already makes it a great pick if you’re trying to keep costs a bit lower while still staying central.

The hotel isn’t as new or modern as something like the Daiwa Roynet, and it does feel a little older in places, but it still offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. From what I’ve heard, the breakfast here is really good, and the room sizes are actually quite decent by Tokyo standards, which is always a win.

For me, the biggest selling point is, once again, the location. I loved being able to explore Shinjuku almost entirely on foot, wandering through areas like Omoide Yokocho (aka Piss Alley) and Golden Gai, then easily hopping on the train to Shibuya or Harajuku when I felt like switching things up. The nearby train connections make getting around Tokyo incredibly easy.

If I were planning a more budget-friendly Tokyo trip in the future, Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku would definitely be high on my list.

Book Here: Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

5. Hotel Groove Shinjuku

The last hotel on my Shinjuku list is Hotel Groove, which honestly no one recommended to me. I just stumbled across it during my own research and thought it looked super cool, so I had to include it.

Hotel Groove is definitely one of the more upscale hotels in Shinjuku, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a luxurious stay, which, naturally, I would’ve loved to experience myself. (If anyone from Hotel Groove is reading this… a free invite would be much appreciated!)

I included it in my list for a few standout reasons. Some rooms offer incredible skyline views, which I absolutely love. I’ve been to multiple observation decks and rooftops in Tokyo, but having that view right from your hotel room would’ve been just incredible.

On top of that, there’s a sky bar with panoramic views, making it the perfect spot for late-night cocktails. I personally think this hotel would be ideal for a honeymoon or special couples trip, it just feels like the kind of place you stay for a special occasion, if you know what I mean.

Book Here: Hotel Groove Shinjuku

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Tokyo

Location matters: I stayed in Shinjuku and Shibuya, and that was perfect. I could explore Tokyo’s coolest neighborhoods on foot, but I was also super well-connected to get to bigger sights and tourist attractions without hassle.
Get an eSIM: I had an eSIM the entire time in Tokyo, and it was a game-changer. Being connected 24/7 let me use Google Maps easily, find restaurants, and just navigate the city without stress. Seriously, it made my trip way smoother. I have been using Sim Local for a while now and I’m super happy with them! (Sign up here and use my Code GIRLONAZEBRA)
Get an IC card: Tokyo’s public transport is amazing, and an IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) is a must-have. I used mine almost every day to tap on and off at train stations, it’s way easier than buying a ticket every time.
Book in advance for popular attractions: Some places, like TeamLab Planets, Shibuya Sky, or the Mario Kart experiences, can sell out quickly. Booking ahead makes your life so much easier and saves time waiting in line.Especially Shibuya Sky sold out super quick and I was very lucky to get some last minute tickets!
Skip some viral food spots: Not every Instagram-famous restaurant lives up to the hype. I had some of my worst meals at viral spots, but the best experiences came from random local restaurants I stumbled upon, those are usually the hidden gems. My worst experience as far as viral food goes was definitely the viral Udon Carbonara.
Public transport is your friend: Even if you’re not used to subways or trains, Tokyo’s transport system is safe, on time, and cheap. I loved hopping from Shinjuku to Harajuku or Ginza effortlessly.
Walk and explore: Some of the best experiences in Tokyo are just wandering neighborhoods, discovering tiny ramen shops, hidden bars, or street art. Don’t just stick to the major attractions, explore a little!
Cash & cards: Japan still runs heavily on cash, so I made sure to always have some yen on hand. But most big stores, hotels, and restaurants accept cards, so it’s easy to mix both.

FAQs About Best Hotels in Shinjuku

Where should I stay in Tokyo?

For me, Shinjuku and Shibuya are hands-down the best neighborhoods. Both areas make it easy to explore on foot from your hotel, and that’s exactly what I love about Tokyo, wandering around without constantly hopping on trains.

What is the best hotel in Shinjuku?

I personally stayed at the Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku, and it was great, but my top pick would probably be the Onsen Ryokan Yuen if budget allowed, just an unforgettable experience. For Shibuya, the Indigo Hotel is amazing too.

Should I stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya?

I stayed in both, and I loved them for different reasons. Shinjuku was busy, chaotic, and full of nightlife, which I enjoyed for the first few nights but got a bit intense after that. Shibuya was still busy, but more shopping-focused and less party-heavy, which I personally preferred. I’d also say Shibuya might be a better pick for families.

Is Tokyo worth visiting?

100%! Tokyo is one of the most exciting cities I’ve ever visited. From incredible ramen and sushi to the neon-lit streets and endless things to do, it’s a city you won’t forget.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Shinjuku Tokyo

I loved staying in Shinjuku, but I admit that after three nights in the middle of the party district, I was ready for a slightly calmer vibe. Don’t get me wrong, the food alone makes Shinjuku amazing, but the nightlife can be intense.

Splitting my week between Shinjuku and Shibuya was perfect. Shibuya felt just as busy and well-connected, but a little more family-friendly and calmer, which I personally preferred.

Both neighborhoods are incredible, and your choice depends on what kind of Tokyo experience you want. I hope this guide helps you find the right hotel in Shinjuku, and if you’re thinking about other areas, check out my other Tokyo guides for more suggestions. Happy travels!