Where to Stay in Tokyo Japan: 4 Areas Actually Worth Staying in (2026)

Tokyo, and Japan in general, has absolutely exploded in popularity over the past couple of years, and honestly, it doesn’t look like that’s slowing down anytime soon. That was exactly why I wanted to visit Tokyo sooner rather than later and see it for myself.

I spent a full week in Tokyo and stayed in multiple areas, which I’m really glad I did. It gave me a much better feel for the city and how different each neighborhood actually is.

Before arriving, though, I went down the usual rabbit hole of research and read so many “where to stay in Tokyo” articles. Almost all of them listed eight or nine different neighborhoods, and every time I finished one, I felt more confused than before. I remember thinking: I don’t need nine options, just tell me where to stay!

So that’s exactly why I’m writing this guide.

Based on my own experience exploring Tokyo and staying in different areas, I’ve narrowed it down to the four areas in Tokyo that are actually worth staying in, especially if it’s your first trip. These are the neighborhoods I would genuinely consider again, depending on your travel style.

The goal of this article is simple: to make the decision easier for you. Instead of throwing endless options at you, I’ll give you clear recommendations and explain why each area works, so you can book your hotel and move on to planning the fun part of your Tokyo trip.

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 Tokyo Japan: 4 Areas Actually Worth Staying in (2026)

Where to Stay in Tokyo for First Timers- My Experience

As I’ve mentioned, I spent a full week in Tokyo, which was more than enough time to see the main sights but also gave me room to just wander, explore, and get a feel for the city without rushing.

I stayed in two different areas: Shinjuku and Shibuya, and honestly, I loved both. Whenever I pictured Tokyo before my trip, I imagined neon signs, tall buildings, crowds everywhere, endless shops, and food on every corner, and that’s pretty much Shinjuku and Shibuya in a nutshell.

I used both areas as my base, and it worked perfectly. They’re great for exploring on foot (which is my favorite way to experience a city), but they’re also home to some of the best-connected train stations in Tokyo. From there, getting to places like Ginza or Asakusa was super easy, which I’ll also cover in this guide.

Especially in Shinjuku, I had some of the best food of my entire Japan trip. The sushi and ramen here were just incredible, and the nightlife was fantastic too. That said, I think I slightly preferred Shibuya overall, since it felt a bit more relaxed and family-friendly, with more shopping and less of the all-night party vibe.

I did visit Ginza and Asakusa as well, and while I didn’t stay there myself, they’re the only other two areas I’d genuinely consider recommending based on location and things to do. Still, if this is your first time in Tokyo, I’ll keep it simple: stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya. You really can’t go wrong.

Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo Japan

Shinjuku

I stayed in Shinjuku at the very beginning of my Tokyo trip, and if it’s your first time in the city, this is an incredibly solid base and probbaly the best area to stay in Tokyo. Shinjuku is exactly what most people, including me, picture when they think of Tokyo: huge buildings, neon signs everywhere, busy streets, and something happening at all hours of the day (and night).

I stayed at Hotel Gracery, the one with the giant Godzilla head on top, and it couldn’t have been more central. From there, I explored a huge part of Shinjuku on foot, which is always my favorite way to get to know a city. Food-wise, this was easily one of my favorite areas in Tokyo. I had some of my best sushi and ramen here, plus endless casual spots for late-night eats after wandering around.

Shinjuku Station is also one of the best-connected transport hubs in the city. Yes, it’s massive and a little overwhelming at first, but once I got used to it, getting anywhere in Tokyo was incredibly easy. If you want a high-energy, classic Tokyo experience with amazing food and nightlife right outside your door, Shinjuku is hard to beat.

Shibuya

For the second part of my trip, I stayed in Shibuya, which is only one train stop away from Shinjuku but feels noticeably different. Shibuya still has the neon lights, busy streets, and iconic Tokyo vibes, but it felt a little more balanced and slightly less chaotic than Shinjuku.

This is where I probably spent the most time just wandering around. Between the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, endless shops, cafés, and restaurants, and nearby areas like Harajuku, there was so much I could explore just by wandering around, it was amazing. I definitely did some damage shopping here and completely lost track of time more than once.

Shibuya is just as well connected to the rest of Tokyo, but it feels especially good if you like walking everywhere and exploring without a strict plan. Compared to Shinjuku, there’s a bit less focus on nightlife and more on shopping, sightseeing, and daytime exploring, which is why I personally slightly preferred it.

If you’re deciding between the two, my honest recommendation is this: Stay in Shinjuku if you want nightlife and nonstop energy. Stay in Shibuya if you want a slightly calmer base with great shopping and sightseeing. And if you can, do what I did and split your stay between both, it’s the best way to experience two very different sides of Tokyo without moving far at all.

Asakusa

I spent two full days exploring Asakusa, and I honestly loved it. It felt noticeably quieter and less overwhelming than Shinjuku or Shibuya, which I really appreciated after spending so much time in those high-energy areas. Asakusa also felt more residential and local, like somewhere people actually live rather than just pass through.

There’s still plenty to do here though. You’ve got Sensō-ji and Nakamise Street, loads of little shops, my favorite tattoo-friendly onsen in Tokyo, and even Tokyo Skytree right nearby. I loved that balance: classic Tokyo sights without feeling completely overrun.

The only real downside is that it’s a bit farther out from some other neighborhoods, but honestly, with Tokyo’s public transport, that barely mattered. I’d 100% consider staying in Asakusa on a second trip, once I don’t feel the need to be right in the middle of the action anymore.

Ginza / Tokyo Station

Ginza was actually the area I debated the most about including, but the more I explored it, the more sense it made for a certain type of traveler. Ginza is easily the most fancy and upscale part of Tokyo I visited, with high-end malls, luxury boutiques, and some of the city’s best hotels. It’s definitely not a budget area, but if you’re planning a more refined or luxury-focused trip, then this is the best location to stay in Tokyo.

What I really did like about Ginza, though, was the location. From here, it was incredibly easy to get to Shinjuku, Shibuya, the waterfront area where TeamLab Planets is, and the fish markets. On top of that, Tokyo Station is right here, which means direct access to the Shinkansen for trips to Kyoto or Osaka. From a purely logistical point of view, I actually think Ginza / Tokyo Station has one of the best locations in the city.

1. Best Hotels in Tokyo Shinjuku

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Hotel Gracery is where I stayed for the first half of my week in Tokyo, and I honestly loved it. After spending time in much calmer cities like Kyoto and Kanazawa, I knew I wanted a full-on Tokyo experience, and this hotel delivered exactly that.

It’s right in the heart of Shinjuku, surrounded by bars, restaurants, neon lights, and constant movement. It’s busy, loud, and very Tokyo, which I personally enjoyed a lot, especially knowing what I was getting myself into. Some of my best food experiences in Tokyo happened within a few minutes’ walk of the hotel.

The hotel itself was great too. The staff were super friendly, everything was clean, and our room even had a view of the famous Godzilla head, which I thought was honestly hilarious and very on brand. We also used the luggage forwarding service here, which most hotels in Japan offer, and it was incredibly convenient. We sent our bags ahead from a previous hotel, and it made traveling so much easier.

If you want to stay right in the middle of the action and experience Shinjuku at its most intense, Hotel Gracery is a fantastic choice.

Book Here: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Shinjuku

When I was booking my stay in Tokyo, I actually went back and forth between Hotel Gracery and the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Shinjuku. Both looked great, but in the end, I chose Gracery because I wanted the neon lights and chaos right outside my door.

That said, if you want to stay in Shinjuku without being right in the thick of it, Daiwa Roynet is a really solid alternative. A few fellow travelers recommended it to me, and they all spoke very highly of it, especially the breakfast buffet, which seems to be a bit of a highlight.

The rooms are on the smaller side, but that’s pretty standard in Japan and something I definitely had to get used to. The location is still excellent, well connected, and walkable, just a little calmer than central Shinjuku. I’ve already considered staying here on a future trip, mainly because I love the Shinjuku area but wouldn’t mind dialing things down just slightly next time.

Book Here: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Shinjuku

Onsen Ryokan Yuen Hotel

If you’ve read any of my other Tokyo guides, you already know how obsessed I am with onsens. If you’re new to the idea, an onsen is a traditional Japanese bathhouse with hot pools, and it’s hands down one of my favorite ways to relax in Japan. After hours of exploring Tokyo on foot, there was nothing I enjoyed as much as relaxing in a hot pool.

When I was researching hotels, I came across Onsen Ryokan Yuen, I wanted to stay at so badly. It’s essentially a modern luxury ryokan( a traditional Japanese-style stay) but done in a very sleek, high-end way. The real highlight is the onsen with city views, which looks absolutely incredible.

I didn’t end up staying here this time because it’s definitely on the pricier side, but it’s high on my list for a future Japan trip. If you’re looking for a more refined, traditional experience in Tokyo and don’t mind spending a bit more, this looks like a fantastic option. And if you do stay here… please report back, because I’m very tempted.

Book Here: Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku

2. Tokyo Hotels in Shibuya

Hotel Indigo Shibuya

Hotel Indigo Shibuya was actually the hotel I originally wanted to stay at, but it was fully booked during my time in Tokyo, which was such a shame. The more research I did, the more I realized how great it looks, especially since some rooms have incredible views over the Tokyo skyline.

I personally love staying in Shibuya because it still feels very Tokyo with neon lights, tall buildings, lots going on, but without the slightly grimy nightlife vibe you get in parts of Shinjuku. It feels busy, exciting, but a bit more polished.

Hotel Indigo also has a gym and a really cool rooftop, so overall it offers a lot for the price. It’s high on my list for my next Tokyo trip, and if you manage to snag a room here, I think it’s an excellent choice.

Book Here: Hotel Hotel Indigo Shibuya

Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel

Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel is where I actually ended up staying, and I was genuinely very happy with it. The location is the real standout here, within two minutes of walking out the door, I was already at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, which honestly felt pretty incredible.

Since it was my first time in Tokyo, I wanted everything to feel as “Tokyo” as possible, and this location absolutely delivered. I also had breakfast included, which I really enjoyed and found perfect for fueling up before long days of exploring.

Like most hotels in Tokyo, the rooms are on the smaller side, but that’s just part of the deal here. Other than that, I had a great experience and would happily stay here again, especially if location is your top priority.

Book Here: Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel

3. Accommodation Tokyo Asakusa

Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu

One thing I really loved about Asakusa is how much more traditional it feels compared to areas like Shinjuku or Shibuya. Even though I’d still recommend those neighborhoods first for a first-time trip, Asakusa felt calmer, more local, and a lot more rooted in old-school Tokyo and that definitely shows in the accommodation options too.

Asakusa is one of the best areas in Tokyo to stay in a ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese inn, and Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu is a really cool one I found when doing my research. It looks beautifully maintained, very authentic, and the fact that it has an onsen with views of Tokyo Skytree is honestly pretty special. I didn’t stay here myself, but if you’re looking for a more traditional experience without leaving the city, this would be a fantastic choice.

Book Here: Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu

Richmond Hotel Asakusa

If you prefer something more modern, the Richmond Hotel Asakusa is a great alternative. It’s comparable to the hotels I’ve mentioned in Shinjuku and Shibuya, but usually a bit more affordable simply because of the location.

The hotel is within walking distance of Sensō-ji, which was one of the most beautiful temples in Tokyo that I had visited, and also close to Tokyo Skytree, Japan’s tallest observation tower. The rooms look fairly spacious by Tokyo standards (which is never a given), the hotel is modern and comfortable, and it offers breakfast in a really solid location. Overall, this is a great pick if you want convenience and comfort while staying in a quieter part of the city.

Book Here: Richmond Hotel Asakusa

4. Best Tokyo Hotels in Ginza

Hotel The Celestine Ginza

I’ve already mentioned how upscale (and expensive) Ginza is, and that definitely applies to the hotels here as well. To be fully transparent, I didn’t stay in Ginza myself, since it was a little out of my budget, but I did spend quite a bit of time exploring the area.

Hotel The Celestine Ginza is genuinely one of the most beautiful hotels I came across in Tokyo. The design is sleek and modern, the rooms are noticeably more spacious than what you usually get in Tokyo, and the views over the city skyline look incredible. Ginza has always been an area I’ve wanted to stay in because the location is just so convenient, but this one is probably more of a “next time” stay for me.

That said, if you’re planning a more upscale or luxury trip to Tokyo and want to stay in one of the city’s most polished neighborhoods, The Celestine Ginza is a fantastic choice.

Book Here: Hotel The Celestine Ginza

Hotel Grandbach Tokyo Ginza

Another luxury option in Ginza that I think looks incredible is Hotel GrandBach Tokyo Ginza. It’s a high-end boutique-style hotel with beautifully designed rooms, excellent amenities, and a very refined feel overall.

The location is also spot on, right in the heart of Ginza, surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and cafés, with easy access to public transport. If you’re looking for a quiet, elegant base in Tokyo that still puts you right in the middle of everything, this is a great option to consider.

Book Here: Hotel Grandbach Tokyo Ginza

FAQs About Staying in Tokyo Japan

Is Tokyo worth visiting?

Absolutely. Tokyo is one of my favorite cities in the world, and after spending a full week there, I can confidently say it’s worth every second. The skyline, the neon lights, the constant buzz, the shopping, and some of the best sushi and ramen I’ve ever had all come together to make Tokyo incredibly iconic. In my opinion, Tokyo belongs on every Japan itinerary.

What area in Tokyo should I stay in?

If it’s your first time in Tokyo, I really think Shinjuku or Shibuya are the best choices. I stayed in both and found them perfect for exploring the city, with great transport connections and that full-on Tokyo feel right outside the door. If you’re after something more upscale and polished, Ginza is also a great option.

Where in Tokyo should I stay?

One of my top picks is Hotel Indigo Shibuya. The location is fantastic, just a couple of minutes from the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and some rooms have amazing views over the city. It’s a great mix of comfort, style, and location.

When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

I visited Tokyo in November and thought it was pretty much perfect. It was a bit cooler and occasionally rainy, but I loved the crisp weather. Walking around was much more comfortable, and things like hot ramen and onsens were even better. Personally, I’m very much team cooler weather when it comes to Japan.

What is the best hotel in Tokyo?

My personal favorite is Hotel Indigo Shibuya, and it’s already on my list for a future winter trip. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, The Celestine Ginza is one of the most upscale and beautiful hotels in Tokyo.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Tokyo Japan

From my experience, location really matters in Tokyo. I was very happy staying in both Shinjuku and Shibuya because it allowed me to explore so much of the city easily. Being able to walk straight out of the hotel and explore entire neighborhoods on foot made a huge difference for me. Tokyo is massive, and I personally wouldn’t enjoy having a long subway ride every morning just to get started.

As for hotels, I loved my stay at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. It was chaotic, a little crazy, and felt like a very full-on Tokyo experience in the best way. That said, Tokyo does have a huge range of accommodation options, so it’s fairly easy to find something that fits your style and budget. Hotels here are definitely on the pricier side compared to other places in Japan, but for me, the experience was absolutely worth it.

I hope this guide helped you figure out where to stay in Tokyo. Enjoy Japan and happy travels!