Finding where to stay in Tokyo is relatively easy—if you know what you’re looking for.
On the other hand, if you’re unsure of what best suits your needs based on the activities you plan to do in Tokyo, you might make a poor choice and end up paying more than necessary.
This article aims to guide you with key information on each area so you can select the best option for yourself based on your priorities.
Let’s dive in!
Is it expensive to stay in Tokyo? Tips for affordable accommodations
Tokyo has a wide range of hotels, and while there are high-end accommodations with prices to match, there are also affordable options for those who need them.
The key to finding cheap hotels in Tokyo is to look in the right areas, as even within the same district, some hotels charge more due to their proximity to popular attractions.
Choosing where to stay in Tokyo can impact the overall costs of your trip.
For instance, you might sacrifice a few luxuries in exchange for a more budget-friendly hotel close to a train station, which also improves your ability to move around the city.
Ultimately, it will depend on your preferences and the type of trip you’re planning in Tokyo.
Best areas to stay in Tokyo
The best areas to stay in Tokyo are Shinjuku, Ginza, Shibuya, Nihonbashi, and Roppongi, due to their tourist appeal, ease of transportation, and diverse lodging options.
Let’s explore each area’s highlights.
Shinjuku
Many consider Shinjuku the best area to stay in Tokyo.
This is because Shinjuku hosts many of the city’s top attractions, while still offering enough tranquility for restful sleep.
Shinjuku’s nightlife is one of its highlights, with numerous nightclubs, bars, and restaurants operating late into the night, all of very high quality.
The Hotel Rose Garden Shinjuku is a top choice in the area, as it offers great value for money. While not strictly a low-cost hotel, it is quite accessible.
The hotel provides rooms with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay, free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and two on-site restaurants—one of which offers complimentary breakfast to guests.
Explore Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife worry-free, thanks to the ‘Tokyo: 24, 48, or 72-hour Metro Pass,’ essential for moving around the city and discovering it at your own pace.
Ginza
Ginza is a bustling district located very close to Tokyo Station, from where you can catch a bullet train to various other cities. This makes Ginza an excellent choice if you plan to travel around Japan daily.
The area is filled with high-end brand stores, upscale restaurants, and popular bars frequented by locals. However, this popularity means that prices are higher here, which is also reflected in hotel costs.
If you can afford it, staying in Ginza gives you access to some of the best hotels in Tokyo.
Several hotels are located in the heart of Ginza, making it convenient to stay close to major stations like Tokyo Central, Shinbashi, or Yurakucho, ideal for getting to other parts of Tokyo.
One highly recommended option is The Square Hotel Ginza, offering quality service at a reasonable price, with free WiFi and breakfast for two guests per room. It’s also close to a train station.
Hotel Unizo is another great choice, with compact rooms equipped with essential amenities. It’s one of the more affordable hotels in Ginza and even offers a women-only café.
After a day exploring Ginza, unwind with a ‘One-Day Excursion to Mount Fuji, Oshino Hakkai, and Onsen Hot Springs’—the perfect getaway to rejuvenate and enjoy nature. Book your experience here: link here.
Shibuya
The Shibuya district is known for its numerous stores, restaurants, and bars, popular with local professionals who have high purchasing power.
This often means slightly higher prices compared to other areas.
Nonetheless, it’s still one of the best places to stay in Tokyo. Hotels in Shibuya are visitor-friendly, offering all the services you might need during your Tokyo visit.
While there aren’t many hotels right near the most popular attractions, two stand out for their good location and affordable rates:
- Shibuya Granbell Hotel offers some rooms at very reasonable rates. Each room provides free phone use and WiFi access, and breakfast is usually included in the room rate.
- Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel has compact rooms with basic amenities and free WiFi in common areas. One unique feature is that room rates drop on Sundays.
Nihonbashi
Nihonbashi is a great area for accommodations in Tokyo, with attractions like its iconic department store, Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi.
This store has been around for over 100 years and complements the Coredo Muromachi shopping complex, which offers a variety of restaurants, shops, bars, and entertainment options.
Hotels in this area may not be as well-known as those in other districts, but they offer excellent options.
Here are some recommendations for Nihonbashi:
- Hotel Horidome Villa is an excellent choice with very affordable rates. The rooms are small but perfectly suited for a night’s stay before continuing your journey. This hotel is conveniently located close to the Kodenmacho and Ningyocho metro stations.
- For a more luxurious experience, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo offers spacious rooms and outstanding service. While the room rates are high, the experience justifies it, as the hotel is located near the Shin-Nihonbashi train station and Mitsukoshi-mae metro station.
Roppongi
Roppongi is the perfect area for experiencing Tokyo’s nightlife with a more laid-back vibe.
There are plenty of trendy restaurants, bars, and nightclubs frequented by tourists and, even more so, by local residents.
- The B Tokyo Roppongi is an unpretentious hotel, and this is reflected in its price. While it doesn’t stand out in any specific features, it doesn’t lack essentials. It’s conveniently located just a few minutes from the metro station.
- The Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Roppongi is a boutique-style hotel offering minimalist rooms with essential amenities. Its common areas are so attractive that they even draw in visitors who aren’t staying at the hotel.
The pricing is justified by its location.
Types of Accommodation in Tokyo
Tokyo offers a variety of accommodation types suited to its unique culture, such as:
- Hotels
Hotels in Tokyo’s various districts are designed with the traditional concept of a hotel familiar worldwide.
They provide rooms with standard amenities like breakfast, pools, air conditioning, full bathrooms, and comfortable beds.
However, keep in mind that rooms are often smaller than those found in European hotels.
- Ryokan
Ryokan are a type of traditional Japanese inn, homes adapted for tourists.
They offer various comforts, including tatami floors, onsen baths, kitchens, and private gardens. The aesthetic is immaculate, and these inns are especially popular with Western tourists.
- Minshuku
This type of accommodation is very affordable, offering a more modest experience overall, making it budget-friendly. Minshuku are similar to ryokan but feature minimalist rather than luxurious elements.
In some cases, certain factors contribute to keeping prices low. For example, bed linens may not be provided, and guests may need to bring their own.
Another aspect is that check-in and check-out times tend to be a bit restrictive.
- Shukubo
Shukubo are a type of Japanese temple that offers lodging to tourists.
They serve Shojin Ryori, a vegetarian cuisine traditionally eaten by the monks living there.
Some Shukubo also give guests the chance to participate in various prayer sessions, especially the early morning rituals.