Struggling with figuring out where to stay in Tokyo?

I totally get it.

There are so many neighborhoods to choose from, and each has its pros and cons. Ginza is central but expensive. Asakusa is cheap but far away. There seems to be no place that checks all the boxes.

When planning my first trip to Tokyo, I was so overwhelmed by all the different places to stay (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa) that I stopped looking. I procrastinated until almost all the best hotels had filled up.

Don’t put off this very important decision!

I’m going to help you make sense of all the different neighborhoods and help you find a place to stay in Tokyo that is

• affordable even for those on a budget (without resorting to a hostel)
• easily accessible to the airport
• easily accessible to other parts of the city
• close to restaurants, cafes, and tourist sights
• located in a neighborhood where you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of Japan

So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s find the perfect place to stay in Tokyo!

Table of Contents

• Overview of Tokyo Neighborhoods
• Average Price for Accommodations
• 5 Tips for Finding a Place to Stay in Tokyo
• Where to Stay near Tokyo Station
• Where to Stay in Ginza
• Where to Stay in Shinjuku
• Where to Stay in Shibuya
• Where to Stay in Asakusa
• Where to Stay in Ueno
• Where are the Best Places to Stay in Tokyo

Overview of Tokyo Neighborhoods

How Much is a Hotel Room in Tokyo?

This is how much you can expect to pay for accommodations if you book 5 months ahead of time:

• Hostel: US$29 – $50
• Budget Hotel (2-star): US$54 – $88
• Mid-Priced Hotel (3-star or 4-star): US$100 – $200
• Mid-Priced Hotel (4-star): US$200 – $300
• Luxury Hotel (5-star): US$800 – $1,200

5 Tips for Finding a Place to Stay in Tokyo

These are my key tips for finding a place to stay in Tokyo:

1. Find a hotel or hostel within walking distance of a subway station—ideally 5 minutes, but not more than 10 minutes. You don’t need to be on the Yamanote Line. Any subway line is good.
2. Book a hotel that you can easily get to from Narita or Haneda Airports, especially one you can take a direct train or bus (no transfers).
3. Ideally, book your hotel or hostel 5 to 6 months ahead of time in order to get the cheapest price and most room options. Make sure that it’s 100% refundable. Booking.com and Agoda often give you the option to cancel for free up to a certain date. If you can’t book so far in advance, don’t worry. You’ll still find a good hotel.
4. Message your hotel or hostel before arriving in Tokyo for directions from the airport.  Booking.com or Agoda provide you with tools to easily contact your hotel in English.
5. When you arrive at the airport, also ask the information desk at the airport for info on how to get to your hotel. The airport often has the most detailed and latest information. I have also provided info here on how to get to and from Narita and Haneda.

Places to Stay Near Tokyo Station

Marunouchi and Nihonbashi are the business districts of Tokyo—lots of skyscrapers, office buildings, boring government offices, posh shops and restaurants, and luxury hotels. The districts are busy during the work week but almost dead on weekends.

The center of the districts is the historic Tokyo Station—built in 1914, the brick facade looks more European than Japanese. The station is the main terminal in Tokyo—4,000 trains depart from and arrive daily. There are subway lines that’ll get you to all parts of the city. If you want to travel by Japan Rail to anywhere else in Japan, you’ll most likely leave from Tokyo Station.

The other major landmark is the Imperial Palace. This might sound like a fascinating place to stay near, but you can’t enter the palace and you can’t see much of it except for a couple of gates and one tower.

What to do around Tokyo Station

Imperial Palace – The palace is on the grounds of the old Edo Castle. Now it’s where the Emperor lives. The palace is closed to the public (except for two days per year). What you can see are the Higashi gardens. 

Tokyo Station – This is an architecturally stunning red brick building. It feels like you’ve stepped into pre-war Japan. Underground, is an endless warren of shops and restaurants. You could walk forever and not come to the end of it.

Nihombashi Bridge – The bridge was famous for being the point at which everything in Edo was measured from. In the past the area around the bridge was part of the shitamachi filled with warehouses and moneylenders. Today the area is plastered with banks, trading companies, and office buildings. There’s not much of its past here.

National Museum of Art – I didn’t get a chance to see this because it took so long to walk across the Imperial Plaza and around Higashi Kyoen. It contains Japanese art from the Meiji era and beyond.

How to get from Narita to Tokyo Station

• The JR Narita Express (N’EX) train from Tokyo Station. It should cost ¥2,870 and take one hour.
• Take the Keisei Sky Access from Narita to Nihonbashi Station. It should cost ¥1,350 and take one hour and 10 minutes.
• Take the Airport Limousine Bus. It should cost ¥1,100 and take one hour.

How to get from Haneda to Tokyo Station

• Keikyu Airport Line to Takaracho Station or Nihonbashi Station for ¥470 and it should take 45 minutes.
• Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsuchō Station, where you’ll transfer to the Keihin Tohoku Line. It should take 30 minutes and cost ¥660.
• Airport Limousine Bus for only ¥1,100 and it should take 50 minutes.

Tokyo Station Area is Good for Travelers Looking for:

• Luxury accommodations for at least US$500 a night
• Medium-priced hotel (US$150 – $250)
• A place to stay the night before an early morning flight because it has good connections to Narita and Haneda airports

Pros & Cons for Staying near Tokyo Station

My recommendations for Staying near Tokyo Station

Would I stay in Marunouchi or Nihonbashi?

If I had the money, I would stay in one of the many luxury hotels in this area. They are some of the best in the city.

But the two neighborhoods don’t have a lot of budget or mid-priced hotels like Asakusa. And the restaurants and shops are on the high end. So the area isn’t the best for those on a budget.

The other reason I’m not too keen on these districts is that they lack the charm and cool and fun vibe that other parts like Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Shibuya have. They’re just a bit too stuffy and uptight.

However, its proximity to Tokyo Station makes it a good place to stay. It’s good to stay here if you’re arriving late at night from another part of Japan and you’re leaving Japan the next day.

You can still find some great budget hotels in Marunouchi and Nihonbashi for less than US$100 and some excellent 3- and 4-star hotels for less than US$200.

Check out my list below of the best places to stay in these two districts:

Top Budget Accommodations near Tokyo Station

There aren’t a lot of budget options around Tokyo Station.

• CITAN Hostel (8.8/10 – US$30) – free breakfast, kitchen & loads of private rooms – read my review below
• Backpackers Mini House
• Smile Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi (7.5/10 – US$54) – read my review below

1. CITAN Hostel

Lowest Price: US$30 | Breakfast: Included | Rating: 8.8 (833+ Reviews)

There are so many reasons why I love CITAN Hostel.

First, it not only has dorm rooms, but it also has loads of private rooms for less than US$100.

The dorm rooms are really basic, though. Don’t expect boutique-style dorm rooms like Japan is known for.

The other reason I like this hostel is that it has some good facilities including a shared kitchen, shared lounge, restaurant, and terrace. Most reviewers also say the hostel is clean and has good showers.

It gets even better: Breakfast is included!

The downside is that even though it’s in Nihonbashi, it takes 25 minutes to get to Tokyo Station by foot. Not to worry, though. Bakuroyokoyama Subway Station is a block away from the hostel.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Top Mid-Priced Accommodations Near Tokyo Station

You’ve got a few options for hotels between US$100 and $250 a night near Tokyo Station. All have clean and comfortable rooms.

Top mid-priced hotels near Tokyo Station (lowest approximate price):

• Karaksa Hotel Tokyo Station (8.7/10 – US$245) – Read my review below
• Daiwa Roynet Hotel (8.7/10 – US$149)
• Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo (8.6/10 – US$162)
• Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo (8.8/10 – US$130)

3. Karaksa Hotel Tokyo Station

Average Price: US$245| Breakfast: Included | Rating: 8.7 (4,330+ Reviews)

My choice for the best medium-priced hotel near Tokyo Station is the Karaksa. You can’t beat its location: just a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station, making it a good base for exploring the rest of Tokyo.

The other highlight of this hotel is the free breakfast. You can opt out of it but honestly, for Tokyo, it’s a good deal.

You get to choose between a western style and a Japanese-style room. The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable. Just be aware that many of the cheaper rooms have no view (brick wall). This might be ok for one or two nights but could be hard to take for five or seven nights.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Top Luxury Accommodations Near Tokyo Station

There are so many fabulous luxury hotels in the Morunouchi and Nihonbashi districts that it’s hard for me to choose just one.

• Mandarin Oriental (9.1/10 – US$861) – Read my review below
• The Palace Hotel (9.4/10 – US$1,200)
• The Peninsula (9.1/10 – US$1,400)
• Four Seasons (8.8/10 – US$1,400)
• Shangri-La (9/10 – US$1,100)

4. Mandarin Oriental

Average Price: US$861 – 1,100 | Breakfast: Not included | Rating: 9.1 (330+ Reviews)

My top choice is the Mandarin Oriental. Located in Nihombashi, this 5-star luxury hotel is a short walk to Tokyo Station and the Mitsukoshimae Subway Station. The Imperial Palace, Ginza, and Tsukiji Market are a longer walk or a short taxi or subway ride from the hotel.

The main reason I love the Mandarin Oriental so much is its breathtaking views of Tokyo’s skyline from huge windows in every room. Rooms are comfortable, spacious, and beautifully designed with touches of Japanese aesthetics.

The hotel has 10 restaurants and bars including the Michelin-starred Tapas Molecular Bar, an award-winning spa, sauna, jacuzzi, and fitness center.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Places to Stay in Ginza and Tsukiji

Ginza and Tsukiji are two of the best areas to stay for those looking for a hotel for less than US$200. It’s got loads of options. 

You can kind of figure out what Ginza is like by the meaning of its name: “place where silver is made.” Ginza was where coins were minted during Edo times.  Since then, money has always had a place in Ginza culture.

Today it’s where the wealthy go to shop and dine. The neighborhood is full of famous department stores, luxury name-brand shops like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton, and restaurants that are so expensive you’ll need to mortgage your house to eat there.

In 1872, a fire burned down all of Ginza’s wooden buildings. This gave the government a reason to modernize. They rebuilt all the buildings in brick, paved the streets, and added gas lamps. You can see a really cool miniature replica of the area at the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

Unfortunately, while the brick might have withstood a fire, it was not able to hold up against an earthquake, and the 1923 earthquake demolished the buildings. The fire-bombing during the war sealed the casket on what was left. Everything you see here is post-WWII.

Ginza is also home to Sukiyabashi Jiro, a sushi restaurant owned by Jiro Ono from the Netflix documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi. It was the first three-star Michelin sushi restaurant.

The two places I adore in this area are the Kabuki-za Theater where you can see kabuki performances for a reasonable price and Tsukiji Market, where you can eat street food and sushi. The actual fish and seafood market is gone, but the restaurants and street stalls are still around.

How to get from Narita to Ginza

• Take the Narita Airport Limousine bus. It should cost ¥1,300 and take 1.5 hours
• Take the Keisei Line. It will eventually turn into the Asakusa Line. Get off at Higashi-ginza Station. It should cost ¥1,150 and take 1 hour 40 minutes.
• Take the Keisei Sky Access. It will eventually turn into the Asakusa Line. Get off at Higashi-ginza Station. It should cost ¥1,1350
• To get from Ginza to Narita, take the Asakusa Line. It will eventually turn into the Keisei Sky Access or the Keisei Line. Make sure the train says Narita Airport Terminal 1 on it. Not all Asakusa trains go all the way to the airport.

How to get from Haneda to Ginza

• Take the Keikyu Line to Higashi-ginza Station. It should cost ¥470 and take 40 minutes.
• To get from Ginza to Haneda take the Asakusa Line from Higashi-ginza Station. It eventually turns into the Keikyu Airport Line.

Ginza and Tsukiji are Ideal for Those Looking for:

• A medium-price hotel
• A place to stay the night before your flight out of Japan

Pros & Cons of Staying in Ginaza and Tsukiji

My Recommendations for Staying in Ginza and Tsukiji

I stayed in the heart of Tsukiji Market during my first trip to Japan. It was the end of my three weeks in Japan, and I was coming back at night by train from Hakone and flying out the next day from Narita. It was also the time when the tuna auction was still running at Tsukiji and I had planned to wake up early in the morning to see it.

It’s a good area to stay in the night before your flight as you’ve got so many ways to get to the airport.

You’ll also find some really good deals here on places to stay in the medium-price range.

My only beef with this neighborhood is that it lacks the fun vibe of places like Shinjuku and Shibuya and the laid-back atmosphere of Asakusa. 

Check out my hotel recommendations below:

Budget Accommodations in Ginza and Tsukiji

• Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza (8.2/10 – US$54) – Read my review below

5. Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza

Lowest Prices: US$54 | Breakfast: Included | Rating: 8.2 (947+ Reviews)

The Henn na Hotel is an excellent place to stay if you’re on a budget and don’t want to do a hostel dorm. It’s conveniently located right next to the Shintomicho Subway Station and about an 8-minute walk from Tsukiji Market.

The highlights of the hotel are the good price and the free breakfast. It’s a bonus not having to eat convenience store food for breakfast every day.

The rooms are simple but clean and comfortable. Rooms contain an electric kettle, fridge, TV, and a styler that refreshes your clothes.

The hotel also has self-service laundry facilities.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Top Mid-Priced Accommodations in Ginza

There are so many hotels between US$100 and $150 in Ginza that it’s hard to choose just one. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in this price range. 

• Tokyu Stay Tsukiji – Read my review below
• Tokyu Stay Ginza
• Muji Hotel Ginza – Read my review below

6. Tokyu Stay Tsukiji

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

7. Muji Hotel Ginza

Lowest Price: US$166 | Breakfast: Not included | Rating: 9.0 (296+ Reviews)

Muji is a series of retail stores that sell minimalist household and consumer goods. They emphasize recycling, reducing packaging waste, and almost no marketing. Muji also has a fabulous hotel in Ginza designed in a warm minimalist style. It’s located in the same building as their flagship store.

The hotel is in an amazing location—equidistance from two subway stations: Ginza Station and Ginza-itchome Station.

The rooms are bright, comfortable, and clean. They’re designed in Muji’s minimalist style and natural wood. It feels very soothing and relaxing—a great place to rewind after a long day traipsing around busy Tokyo.

There’s a restaurant on site but no self-service laundry facilities.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Places to Stay in Shinjuku

When you think of Tokyo, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

For me, it’s the scene from Lost in Translation of Bill Murray in the car on the way from the airport. He’s sleeping when he suddenly wakes up to see all the bright neon lights of Tokyo.

This. Is. Tokyo.

Where to find THIS Tokyo?

Shinjuku, of course.

Being here at night is the ultimate Tokyo experience. That’s why it is one of my favorite areas to stay in Tokyo.

You might not be a partier. I’m not. I go to bed early and wake up early, but staying smack dab (Hotel Gracery) in the middle of the Kabuki-cho was the highlight of my second trip to Japan.

Shinjuku is filled with energy and buzz. The neon lights. The crowds. The crazy bars, cafes, and restaurants. The narrow alleyways of tiny bars and izakayas.

You will see signs for sex shops, sex shows, host and hostess bars, love hotels, etc. But you’ll also see crowds of tourists including families with children walking around. So, it doesn’t feel dangerous or seedy. 

And I felt very safe walking around the streets alone at night.

The interesting thing is that Shinjuku has always had a shady reputation. It began as a post town on one of Edo’s main highways, where travelers stopped to rest.

Then it became one of Edo’s six licensed pleasure quarters, catering to a more working-class clientele. Soon Shinjuku grew into a bustling area of shops, inns, theaters, and teahouses.

In the late 1800s, its population began to grow when newly-built railway lines began carrying passengers to Shinjuku. It grew even more after the 1923 earthquake destroyed much of the eastern part of the city.

Its shady reputation came back when immediately after the war, the yakuza opened Tokyo’s largest black market in Shinjuku.

Since the 1950s, Shinjuku’s dark alleys with their tiny bars and izakayas have attracted intellectuals and student radicals. Nowadays add a whole bunch of tourists to the mix and you

What to Do in Shinjuku

Kabuki-cho – This is the red light district. Just walking around and taking photos of the neon-lights is fun.

Ameyocho – Memory Lane or Piss Alley or whatever people call it nowadays – It’s just a very narrow alley lined with tiny bars and izakayas. It a fun area to walk down, take photos of, and stop for a drink and a bite to eat.

Golden Gai – It’s an area of 200 tiny bars. When I was there, Quentin Tarrantino had just left. How cool is that?

Samurai Museum – A museum devoted to the history of the Japanese samurai

Tokyo Metropolitan Building – You can go for free to the 56^th floor of this office building. The views are stunning, but you’ll be out of luck if you want to take photos from it at night. There’s a terrible glare.

Shinjuku Gyoen – This is a pretty park with Japanese, English, and French sections. There’s a teahouse in the park.

How to Get from the Narita Airport to Shinjuku

• Take the JR Narita Express N’EX to Shinjuku Station. It arrives in the bowels of Shinjuku Station, so you’ll have to walk a long way to get to Kabuki-cho. It costs ¥3,260 and takes one hour and 45 minutes.
• The Narita Limousine Bus is the best option. It costs ¥3200. If you’re taking the bus to Narita from Shinjuku, there’s a bus line that will stop at certain hotels and take you to the bus stop for the Limousine Bus. Ask your hotel for more info. You can also buy your bus ticket online.

How to Get from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku

• Take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station, where you’ll transfer to the JR Yamanote Line. Get off at Shinjuku Station. It should cost ¥500 and take one hour.
• Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsuchō Station, where you’ll transfer to the JR Yamanote Line. Get off at Shinjuku Station. It should cost ¥700 and take one hour.
• Take the Haneda Airport Limousine Bus directly from the airport to Shinjuku. It should cost ¥1,510 and take one hour and five minutes.

Shinjuku is an Ideal Place for Those Looking for…

• Quintessential Japanese experience
• Mid-priced accommodations

Pros & Cons of Staying in Shinjuku

My Recommendations for Staying in Shinjuku

• Nishi-Shinjuku is west of Shinjuku Station. This is the area where you’ll find Tokyo’s skyscrapers like the Tokyo Metropolitan Building and the Shinjuku Park Tower. Lots of the luxury hotels are here including the Park Hyatt, where Scarlett Johansen and Bill Murray’s characters stayed at in Lost in Translation. To be honest, though, this is a really BORING area. Not many restaurants, cafes, or bars. After dark it’s dead. Don’t stay here unless you can afford the Park Hyatt.
• Higishi-Shinjuku is east of Shinjuku Station. This is the fun area with the neon lights, the small alleyways, pachinko parlors, host and hostess bars, izakayas, tiny bars, etc. That’s where I’d suggest staying.

Top Budget Accommodations in Shinjuku

There aren’t a lot of budget choices for Shinjuku, so book early if you really want to stay in this area. 

Here are some of the better hotels and hostels for under US$100:

• Book and Bed Hostel (7.4/10 – US$24) – Great location
• APA Hotel Higashi Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower (8.3/10 – US63) – Great location
• Hotel Matsunoi (8.5/10 – US$79)
• Rembrandt Cabin Shinjuku Shin-Okubo (8.3/10 – US$36)

8. Book and Bed Hostel

Lowest Price: US$24 | Breakfast: Optional | Rating: 7.4 (1,500+ Reviews)

The main reason to stay at Book and Bed Hostel is for its fabulous location—it’s the only hostel that’s right in Kabukicho—the heart of Shinjuku. If you want to stay out late and party your heart out around Tokyo, this hostel is an excellent choice. It’s also one of the cheaper hostels in Tokyo.

The hostel has been around for years and probably needs some remodeling or something. It doesn’t get rave reviews about its cleanliness.

There are bookcases and books all around the hostel, which is rather cool if you’re a bookworm.

The beds are capsule style. You get a private curtain, light, and safe.

Breakfast is optional. You might want to consider it, though, as many reviewers rave about the food in the café.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Top Mid-Priced Hotels in Shinjuku

• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (8.6/10 – US$140) – Read my review below
• La’gent Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho (8.4/10 – US$101) – good location and good price
• Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku (8.6/10 – US$88 – $133) – good price but far from Kabuki-cho
• Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside (8.7/10 – US$123 – $172)
• Sakura Cross Hotel Shinjuku East (8.8/10 – US$229)

9. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Lowest Price: US$140 | Breakfast: Not Included | Rating: 8.6 (515+ Reviews)

If you find yourself in Kabukicho, you can’t miss the Hotel Gracery. It’s the building with the Godzilla head sticking out of it. Every hour (8:00 pm is the last time) Godzilla breathes fire and roars. It’s super cheesy but also a lot of fun.

Not only does the Hotel Gracey have its very own Godzilla, but it’s also located in the perfect spot in Shinjuku. It’s smack dab in the middle of Kabukicho. You can easily walk to all the main attractions in Shinjuku as well as the Station.

I stayed here at the end of my second trip to Tokyo and loved it.

My room was very comfortable and clean. The size was decent.

The breakfast was delicious. It was a buffet that serves both Japanese and western food. It wasn’t included in the price of the room but still worth paying extra for it.

Service at the front desk was professional. The staff gave me good advice on how best to get to the airport.

The hotel also has self-service laundry facilities.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Top Luxury Hotels in Shinjuku

Most of the luxury hotels are west of Shinjuku Station, which is a pretty boring part of the area. It’s just government buildings and office buildings. At night, it’s pretty much dead.

But the hotels are beautiful with amazing views of the skyline of Tokyo. Here are the best ones:

• Park Hyatt Hotel (9.1/10 – US$1,200) – Read my review below
• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (8.4/10 – US$350 – $469)
• Hilton Tokyo Hotel – (8.3/10 – US$549)

10. Park Hyatt Hotel Tokyo

Lowest Price: US$1,200 | Breakfast: Not Included | Rating: 9.2 (200+ Reviews)

The hotel is known for its spectacular views. If it’s a clear day, you can actually see Mt. Fuji if you’re room is facing west (most likely only in the winter).

Facilities include an indoor swimming pool and fitness center with amazing views of the city, a spa, hot tub, sauna, four restaurants, two bars, a bakery, and a deli.

The only problem with the Park Hyatt is the location. It’s in the not-so-fun section of Shinjuku—with its boring office buildings. Not a lot of attractions nearby. And it’s quite a walk from Shinjuku Station.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

You might be interested in these hidden gems of Japan:

• Takayama Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Japan's "Little Kyoto"
• Travel Guide to Shirakawago: Enter a Japanese Fairy Tale
• Day Trip to Nara: A Suggested Itinerary

Places to Stay in Shibuya & Harajuku

You know that scene in Lost in Translation when Scarlet Johansen’s character is walking across a busy intersection surrounded by neon lights. She’s gazing up at two dinosaurs walking across a video screen. And there are masses of people converging on her from all directions.

That’s the Shibuya Scramble.

To be at the Scramble in person is the most unforgettable Tokyo experience.

Staying in Shibuya is also amazing. The nightlife and the energy of the place give you the perfect Tokyo experience.

The district next to Shibuya is Harajuku—another cool area that most travelers love. You’ll see some crazy fashions and trends. Long lines of young people waiting for the hippest thing. Cool stores selling everything under the sun in every shade of pastel or neon. 

Shibuya and Harajuku have a lot of character and staying in these two areas would allow you to immerse yourself in Tokyo’s unique culture. It’s fun and exciting.

However, is it the ideal place to stay?

Let’s find out.

What to see and do in Shibuya and Harajuku

Shibuya Crossing – Can’t miss this fun neon-saturated crosswalk!

Hachiko Memorial Statue – This is the famous statue of the dog, Hachiko, who continued to meet his owner at Shibuya station long after his owner had passed away. I think there was a movie starring Richard Gere based on the story.

Meiji Shrine – THE most important shrine in Tokyo, dedicated to the Meiji Emperor

Takeshita-dori – A fun street filled with young people shopping til they drop

Ometo-sando – shopping street with lots of ritzy name-brand shops

Ota Memorial Museum of Art – a small and lovely art museum on ukiyo-e paintings

Nezu Museum – an art museum dedicated to Asian traditional art. The highlight is a beautiful garden with teahouses and Buddhist statues

How to get from Narita to Shibuya

• The JR Narita Express (N’EX) goes directly from Narita to Shibuya and vice versa. It costs ¥3,050 and takes 1.5 hours.

How to get from Haneda to Shibuya

• To get from Haneda to Shibuya, take the Keikyu main line to Shinagawa, where you’ll transfer to transfer to the JR Yamanote line. It should cost ¥470 and take one hour.
• Another way is to take the Monorail from Haneda to Hamamatsuchō Station, where you’ll transfer to the JR Yamanote line. It should cost ¥700 and take one hour.
• You can also take the Haneda Airport Limousine Bus It should cost ¥1,100 and take about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Staying in Shibuya is Ideal for those Looking for…

• Medium-priced hotels between US$200 – US$300

Pros & Cons of Staying in Shibuya

My Recommendations for Staying in Shibuya

So, is Shibuya a great place to make your base?

Yes and no.

You’ll have a lot of fun staying in either Shibuya or Harajuku. There are tons of things to see and do here. Just being in Shibuya at night is a special experience.

Tokyo subways stop running at midnight, so if you’re really into partying and want to stay out late, then staying in this area would make sense.

And if you’re willing to pay over US$200, yes it’s a great place.

But if you’re on a tight budget and can’t afford anything over US$200, I’d say no.  

There aren’t a lot of budget options within walking distance from Shibuya Center.

You’ll need to book early to get a good price.

Here are my recommendations on where to stay in Shibuya:

Top Budget Accommodations in Shibuya

Shibuya is the hardest place to find budget accommodations. The nearest budget hotels and hostels are at least a 25-minute walk from the Shibuya Scramble. There’s a capsule hotel that’s ridiculously expensive. Honestly,

• The Millennial Shibuya (8.7/10 – US$88) – Crazy expensive for a capsule hotel
• Almond Hostel and Café (7.8/10 – US$27) – far from Shibuya Scramble
• Wise Owl Hostel (7.6/10 – US$31)

11. The Millennials Shibuya

Lowest Price: US$88| Breakfast: Optional | Rating: 8.7 (1,100)

Want to get close to the Shibuya Scramble and Shibuya’s nightlife but can’t afford anything over US$100?

Your best bet is The Millennials.

This capsule hotel is perfectly located within walking distance of Shibuya Station. The décor is stylish. The facilities are in good condition and quite comfortable. There’s a nice friendly atmosphere.

The sleeping situation is a pod. You can do a female-only section or a mixed-gender section. You can adjust the bed to lie flat or to recline so you can sit up. There’s also room in your pod to stand up and change your clothes.

Everything you could possibly want in a hostel.

Except that…

It’s very pricey for a hostel. Expect to pay around US$100 a night!

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Top Mid-Priced Accommodations in Shibuya

You can find hotels for under US$100 but they’re going to be at least a 20-minute walk from the Shibuya Scramble. If you want to be right around the famous intersection, you’ll need to pay between US$200 and $350.

Top Medium-Priced – High-Priced Hotels in Shibuya

• Shibuya Stream Excel Tokyu (8.6/10 – US$275) – Read reviews Below
• Shibuya Excel (8.4/10 – US$200) – Views of Shibuya Scramble
• Nihon Seinenkan (9/10 – US$129) – Between Shibuya and Harajuku
• Tokyu Stay Shibuya (8.2/10 – US$158) – 20-minute walk to Shibuya Scramble
• Dormy Inn Premium (8.3/10 – US$167) – Halfway between Harajuku and Shibuya
• Trunk Hotel (9/10 – US$600-$1200) – Really cool hotel

12. Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu

Lowest Price: US$275-$328 | Breakfast: Optional | Rating: 8.6 (885+ Reviews)

The Shibuya Stream Excel is one of the coolest hotels in Shibuya. A modern vibe with excellent views of the Tokyo skyline and Shibuya. Plus you can’t beat the location–right above Shibuya Station and a few minutes’ walk from the Scramble.

The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and clean. I love the décor of the rooms. A bit more color than most Tokyo hotel rooms.

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13. Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya-Jingumae

Lowest Price: US$167| Breakfast: Not included | Rating: 8.3 (940+ Reviews)

The Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya-Jingumae is a hotel chain found across Japan. You can’t go wrong here.

There are two reasons you might want to consider this hotel: its location and its amenities.

First, location: It’s between Shibuya and Harajuku, so you get the best of both neighborhoods. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to get to the Meiji Jingumae Harajuku Station.

Second, it’s got an onsen (hot springs) bath and sauna! It’s nice to soak in the onsen after a long day walking around Tokyo.

Rooms are clean and comfortable.

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Luxury Accommodations in Shibuya

• Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel (8.7/10 – US$320) – good location, pool, and views
• Trunk Hotel (9/10 – US$600 – $1200) – boutique hotel

14. Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

Lowest Price: US$320 – $400 | Breakfast: Optional (US$31) | Rating: 8.7 (580+ Reviews)

The Cerulean is one of the most perfectly situated hotels in Tokyo. Just a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station and an 8-minute walk to the famous Shibuya scramble.

This five-star hotel is jampacked with facilities: 7 restaurants, 2 bars, 1 club, and 1 pastry shop. It also includes a fitness center with an outdoor deck, indoor swimming pool, exercise equipment, sauna, and spa.

Rooms are spacious with excellent views of the Tokyo skyline. On a clear (usually in the winter months), you can see Mt. Fuji from some rooms.

The other cool thing about the Cerulean is that they have an airport transfer service for a fee.

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Places to Stay in Asakusa

I’ve stayed in Asakusa twice and I really loved the area. It’s got a laid-back, local vibe that’s less chaotic than Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Perfect for your first time in Tokyo. 

The area has got loads of options for budget and mid-range travelers. If you’re looking for a hostel, you’ll find loads of choices. It’s also a good location to find traditional Japanese-style ryokans with onsens (hot springs).

Not to worry about getting to other parts of the city. There are four train/subway lines connecting to Asakusa: Asakusa, Ginza, Tsukuba, and Tobu. You can also catch trains to Nikko from here.

Asakusa’s history is the most fascinating of all the districts of Tokyo. During Edo times, Asakusa was also THE most important entertainment district: teahouses, kabuki theaters, archery ranges, and brothels. It was also the location of Edo-Tokyo’s most important licensed pleasure quarters: the Yoshiwara. This is where you’d find the highest-class geishas.

Unlike Shinjuku, Asakusa is no longer so infamous. There aren’t any kabuki theaters or brothels. But you’ll still find neon lights and lots of fun restaurants and cafes. It’s much quieter than Shinjuku and less pretentious than Ginza. More laid back and down-to-earth. In the morning, the narrow streets are as quiet as a village. At night, you’ll find some streets dark and deserted, others filled with locals sitting outside drinking and eating, and still, others filled with tourists. Overall, a mellow atmosphere.

Unfortunately, you’re not going to find any traditional wooden houses from the Edo or Meiji era. Earthquakes, fires, and war did away with all of that. Everything you see is post-World War II, including the famous Senso-ji Temple, which was rebuilt after the war.

Things to See and Do in Asakusa

Senso-ji Temple – This is a terrific temple. You’ll get some fabulous shots here. Try going at night when the temple is all lit up.

Tokyo Skytree – This is the tallest building in Tokyo. It’s a bit pricey to go up, but you’ll be able to take some photos of the night sky of Tokyo without the glare from the interior lights.

How to get from Narita to Asakusa and vice versa:

• From Narita Airport to Asakusa, take the Keisei Sky Access Express (¥1,310). But stop by the information desk at Narita to find out exactly which Keisei train to take.
• From Asakusa to Narita Airport, take the Toei Asakusa Line. Not all Toei Asakusa trains go all the way to the airport. Check Google Maps for the correct train. You’ll want a train that becomes the Keisei Sky Access Express (¥1,310)..

How to get from Haneda to Asakusa and vice versa:

• From Haneda Airport to Asakusa, take Keikyu Line bound for Asakusa. It’s direct, and it should cost ¥530.

Asakusa is ideal for those looking for…

• Budget accommodations
• Hostel
• Mid-priced accommodations
• Ryokan – traditional Japanese-style hotel

Pros & Cons of Staying in Asakusa

My Recommendations for Staying in Asakusa

I think Asakusa is one of the best areas to stay in. I love its easy access to both airports, laid-back atmosphere, history, and the price of its accommodations. Don’t be scared off by its location.

If you’re interested in staying in a Japanese traditional inn with a hot spring, then you’ll find some good options here in Asakusa.

Here are my recommendations for staying in Asakusa:

Top Budget Accommodations in Asakusa

You’ve got loads of budget choices in Taito and Asakusa. Thanks to the pandemic, the hostel I stayed at no longer exists. Here are some top-rated hostels: Nui Hostel,

Here are my top budget recommendations:

• Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo (9.1/10 – US$46) – Read my review below
• Nui Hostel and Bar Lounge (8.6/10 – US$33) – Good price but far from Asakusa historic center
• Tokyo Hikari Guesthouse (9.6/10 – US$41) – friendly and social but far from Asakusa historic center
• The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa (8.6/10 – US$64) – single room and rooftop terrace
• K’s House Oasis (8.7/10 – US$72) – good location
• Taito Ryokan (8.2/10 – US$30) – good price and excellent location
• Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu (8.1/10 – US$59) – single room, hot spring and good location

15. Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo

Lowest Price: US$46 (dorm) US$100 (private room) | Breakfast: Not Included | Rating: 9.1 (174+ Reviews)

Hostel Chapter Two is probably the best hostel in Tokyo. It’s located a very short walk from Asakusa Station and right along the river.

The highlight of the hostel is the rooftop terrace with its views of Tokyo city. The hostel also has a shared lounge and bar. It’s unclear whether there’s a kitchen or not. Some guests say there is while others say there isn’t. Weird.

The dorm rooms are pods with a privacy curtain, light, outlets, locker, and rod with hangers. More expensive pods have a small window.

Chapter Two is on the pricier side at US$50 a night. If that’s too much for you, check out my next choice in this guide to staying in Asakusa:

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Top Mid-priced Accommodations in Asakusa

Asakusa has some of the best medium-priced hotels for under US$100 in Tokyo. A lot of them have some special touches like views of Tokyo Sky Tree, balconies, rooftop terraces, and hot springs. Terrific value!

The hotels I’ve stayed in before no longer exist.

Top 3-star and 4-star hotels in Asakusa

• Asakusa Tobu Hotel (9.0/10 – US$133) – Read my full review below
• Onyado Nono Asakusa with Hot Springs (8.9/10 – US123-$140) – Read my full review below
• Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel (9.1/10 – US$158) – Stylish décor and terrace
• Hotel Gracery (8.9/10 – US$102) – large rooms and great location for good price
• The Gate (8.8/10 – US$109-$137) – rooftop terrace and views of Sky Tree
• Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa (8.6/10 – US$122-$138) – outdoor bath on balcony
• Asakusa View Hotel (8.4/10 – US$200) – swimming pool and views of Sky Tree

16. Asakusa Tobu Hotel

Lowest Price: US$133 | Breakfast: Optional add-on | Rating: 9.0 (2,000+ Reviews)

Perfect location! The highly-rated Asakusa Tobu Hotel is across the street from Asakusa Station and from the train that you take to Nikko. It’s also a short walk to all the great restaurants and main attractions in Asakusa like Senso-Ji Temple.

The rooms are spacious (for Japan) and clean with comfortable beds. Some rooms have a view of the Sky Tree, but getting one is more about luck of the draw. Other rooms, sadly, have views of a brick wall, which can be hard to take if staying for a long time.

Rooms come with an electric kettle and free tea.

The bathrooms are excellent. The toilet is in its own separate room and the bathtub/shower is as well separated from the sink area.

Breakfast is buffet-style. It’s optional for US$20 more a night.

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17. Onyado Non Asakusa Natural Hot Spring

Lowest Price: US$123 – $140 | Breakfast: Not Included | Rating: 8.9 (1,600 Reviews)

What a gem of a find!

Onyado Nono Natural Hot Springs has an onsen on site. Perfect for relaxing after a hard day sightseeing around Japan. Tattoos are forbidden unless you can cover them up. Ask the front desk for a patch to put over them.

The hotel also gives its guests free snacks of noodles and ice cream! So cool!

The location is good. It’s near Senso-ji Temple and 10 minutes from Asakusa Station. This can be a slight problem when arriving from Narita and Haneda Airports. During my first trip to Japan, I stayed at another hotel nearby and when I exited Asakusa Station, I was completely lost and had no WiFi on my phone (you can’t download Google Maps for Japan). I had no idea which direction to even start walking in, so I ended up taking a taxi from Asakusa Station to my hotel for around US$9.

The rooms are good. Some are Japanese-style with tatami mats. If you’re lucky, you can get a room with views of the Sky Tree and Senso-ji Temple. Bathrooms include a shower and toilet in separate spaces from the rest of the bathroom. There’s also a safe, electric teapot, and pajamas.

When you first enter the hotel, you need to take off your shoes. You’ll be given slippers that you use to walk around the hotel.

Onyado Nono has a Japanese-style traditional breakfast for around US$18.

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You might be interested in these Japan travel posts:

• Kyoto Itinerary 4 Days: A City of a Million Temples
• The Best Ever Guide to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• Kamikochi Hiking: A Perfect Day Trip from Takayama

Places to Stay in Ueno & Yanaka

Another great district to stay in for those on a budget is Ueno. It’s got a decent selection of budget and medium-priced hotels and a hostel located in a traditional Japanese-style house (even has a garden!). Ueno has also got great transportation links and lots of things to do. It also borders Yanaka—one of the few traditional neighborhoods left in Tokyo.

If you stay in Ueno, you won’t have any trouble getting around Tokyo. Ueno Station is home to 2 metro lines (Ginza and Hibiya), five train lines including the JR Yamanote Line, and six Shinkansen lines connecting Tokyo to other parts of Japan. You’ll also find two trains (Skyliner and Keisei) connecting Ueno with Narita.

Ueno also has tons of things to do. It is also home to Ueno Park, many museums including the superb National Museum, many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, and the former Ameyoko shopping street.

On the other side of Ueno Park is one of the few neighborhoods in Tokyo that retains the Edo period’s shitamachi feel—Yanaka.

You’ll find winding streets lined with Japanese traditional wooden pre-war buildings. There are old crafts shops, a small art museum, bathhouses, temples, a huge cemetery, and a cool shopping street called Yanaka Ginza.

When you walk through the neighborhood, it’s so quiet that you’ll think that you’re no longer in Tokyo. In a neighboring district is my favorite shrine in Tokyo: Nezu Shrine.

What to see and do in Ueno & Yanaka

Here is a list of things to do in Ueno, Yanaka, and Nezu districts. 

Tokyo National Museum – You can find several museums in Ueno Kyeon, but Tokyo National Museum is the best museum in Tokyo. Great for learning about the art and history of Japan.

Ueno Koen – This is one of Tokyo’s most popular parks, especially during the cherry blossom viewing season.

Yanaka Ginza – A traditional shitamachi pedestrian-only shopping street with lots of small shops and cafes.

Nezu Shrine – You can visit Tokyo’s most colorful and peaceful shrine. Dedicated to a Tokugawa shogun, Ienobu.

Yanaka Cemetery – You can stroll throuhg the largest and oldest cemetery in Tokyo where many famous people are buried. Many temples.

Shitamachi Museum – A small museum that tells the history and culture of the Shitamachi.

Ameyoko – Near Ueno Station, a vibrant outdoor market selling everyday stuff; lots of outdoor restaurants

How to Get from Narita to Ueno

• Take the Skyliner directly to Ueno Station from Narita. It should cost ¥2,570 and take a little over one hour.
• Take the Keisei Limited Express Line directly from Narita to Ueno Station. It should cost ¥1,050 and take a least an hour and 20 minutes.

How to Get from Haneda to Ueno

• Take the Monorail to Hamamatsuchō Station, where you’ll transfer to the JR Yamanote Line. It should cost ¥670 and take 45 minutes.
• Take the Keikyu Airport Train to Shinagawa Station, where you’ll transfer to the Ueno Tokyo Line. It should take ¥500 and take 45 minutes.

Ueno is good for those looking for…

• Budget hotel under US$100
• Hostel
• Mid-priced hotel between US$100 – $150

Pros & Cons of Staying in Ueno

Top Budget Accommodations in Ueno

Ueno has a couple of excellent hostels and some pretty good ryokans for the budget traveler. Ideally, get as close to a subway station as you can.

• Guesthouse Toco – (8.9/10 – US$32) – traditional Japanese-style home with garden – Read Full Review Below
• Grids Hostel – (8.4/10 – US$18-$40) – near Ueno Station and good prices – Read Full Review Below
• Sakura Ryokan Asakusa Iriya (8.6/10 – US$53) – good price but not near subway station
• Hotel Sardonyx Ueno (8.3/10 – US$87) – breakfast included
• Hotel Graphy Nezu (8.4/10 – US$30) – located in Yanaka

18. Guesthouse Toco

Lowest Price: US$18 – $40| Breakfast: Optional | Rating: 8.4 (1,200+ Reviews)

Are you looking for a hostel with loads of character?

Guesthouse Toco is overloaded with character. It’s in a traditional Japanese-style house with a garden, shared kitchen, and bar. Very friendly staff and a nice social atmosphere.

There are dorms and private rooms. The bunk beds are simple but do have privacy curtains. The private room has a balcony.

Guesthouse Toco is located two blocks from Iriya Station—very doable with luggage.  If you’re coming from Narita, it might be a bit of a slog, though. The good thing is that you can take the Keisei Skyliner directly from Narita to Ueno, but the bad thing is that you then need to change stations and take the Hibiya line one stop to Iriya station.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

19. Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel and Hostel

Lowest Price: US$18 (dorms) US$54 (private rooms) | Breakfast: Optional | Rating: 8.4 (1,200 Reviews)

If you’re looking for a hostel within walking distance of Ueno Station, Grids is a great choice. Price is the cheapest you can find in Tokyo for a dorm room if you book way ahead of time (US$18 – $24).

The hostel has a good social vibe. It has a shared kitchen, shared lounge, bar, and self-service laundry facilities. Breakfast is optional.

Grids also offers a variety of choices of room types: female dorms, mixed dorms, and private rooms. For the dorms, each bed has its own privacy curtain, light, and hangers.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Priced Accommodations in Ueno

There are plenty of mid-priced hotels in Ueno. The price is good but I’d say you can get a better deal in Asakusa.

• Landabout Tokyo (8.9/10 – US$88 – $200)
• Hotel Resol Ueno (8.7/10 – US$109)
• Nohga Hotel Ueno (8.8/10 – US$154)

20. Landabout Tokyo

Lowest Price: US$88 – $200 | Breakfast: Not Included | Rating: 8.9 (2,100+ Reviews)

Landabout Tokyo is a fantastic value if you take the compact room for less than US$100. The bigger rooms are around US$200.

It’s a short walk from Uguisudani Subway Station, which is on the JR Line, and Ueno Park. Ueno Station is also within walking distance.

The hotel is well designed and has a good vibe. There’s a restaurant, bar, shared lounge, and self-service laundromat.

Rooms are clean and comfortable with city views and nice décor.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

21. Hotel Resol Ueno

Lowest Price: US$109 | Breakfast: Optional | Rating: 8.7 (3,000+ Reviews)

I loved my stay at the Hotel Resol in Kyoto. The one in Ueno looks like it’s just as good and at an even better price.

The location is perfect. Right next to Ueno Station and a short walk to Ueno Park and the National Museum.

Lots of restaurants and cafes nearby.

The rooms are comfortable, clean, and spacious.

You’ll find the same chain of hotels in every tourist part of Tokyo.

READ REVIEWS & BOOK YOUR STAY: Booking.com | Agoda

Where would I stay in Tokyo?

Here is where I would stay if it were my first time in Japan and Tokyo:

I would stay in one neighborhood when I arrived in Tokyo. Then I’d travel around Japan. When I returned to Tokyo to fly out of the country, I’d stay in a different area of the city. In this way, I could experience two different parts of Tokyo.

I would first stay in Asakusa because…

• Asakusa is connected by a direct train from Narita Airport and Haneda Airport – You don’t need to transfer trains, which can be a real pain when you’ve got all your luggage and when you’ve got jet lag. Navigating subway stations in Japan can be really overwhelming when it’s one’s first time in Japan
• Asakusa has great deals on budget and mid-priced hotels. Some hotels have views of the Sky Tree, onsens, and rooftop terraces. The price is cheaper than in other parts of Tokyo.
• Asakusa has got Senso-Ji Temple, which is really beautiful to see all lit up at night
• It’s got 4 subway and train lines: Asakusa Toei Line, Ginza Line, Tobu and Tsukuba Express
• The subway stations are small, so they don’t overwhelm you like Shinjuku and Tokyo Stations.
• It’s got a train station for trains leaving to Nikko.
• Good shopping for handicrafts and high-quality souvenirs
• Good restaurants
• It’s more laidback and quieter but not so stuffy and uptight like Ginza and Tokyo Station
• Lots of history here – it used to be the old pleasure quarter during Edo times.

On my way out of Japan, I’d stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku.

• I like to be surrounded by the neon lights of Japan—lots of energy
• Both are such fun districts to hang out in at night
• Good restaurants here
• Staying here gives you another side of Japan that’s different from the more laidback and quieter Asakusa.
• Shinjuku Station can be overwhelming, so it’s good to stay here after you’ve gotten used to navigating around Tokyo.
• The Limousine Bus takes you directly to Narita and Haneda Airports.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a place to stay in Tokyo may feel like an impossible task, but it’s really not as overwhelming as it seems.

If your trip to Tokyo is part of a larger trip to Japan and you’re both arriving in and leaving from Tokyo, stay in two areas of the city.

At the beginning of your trip, try a more traditional and laid-back area like Asakusa with its direct access to both airports. Then when you’re leaving Japan, stay in exciting Shinjuku or Shibuya so you can immerse yourself in Japan’s neon-soaked nightlife.