When you hear the name of Tokyo city, you surely think about the city’s bustling lives and seamless blend of futuristic technologies. Yes it is true, Tokyo is one of the rarest cities on earth which welcomes most of the world’s nomads to explore its uniqueness of cultures, traditions, cuisines, technologies and people’s kindness. If you ask me which city you wish to visit so often throughout your travel journey, I vividly say Tokyo, Japan.
If you decide to pack your backpack to Tokyo city is always a welcoming idea. But before going to visit you need to know some things regarding where to stay in the city’s best neighbourhoods. Choosing a proper place or district to stay to cover most of the city’s major attractions is a really good idea if you’re a complete beginner to Tokyo city. Because Tokyo is genuinely overwhelming, not just that, so bustling, vast and diverse compared to rest of Asian cities.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Picking the right neighbourhood here in Tokyo is more crucial than choosing a luxury or finest hotel. So, we came up with 6 best neighbourhoods to stay in Tokyo and what are the ideal accommodations available within those neighbourhoods (including Budget conscious, Mid- Range and Luxury hotels). Each district here in Tokyo is a place to find unique Japanese cultures, traditions, and the city’s diversity.
1. Shinjuku- Ideal Place to Stay for First Time Visitors
Even today, plenty of visitors who have already visited Tokyo city would choose the Shinjuku neighbourhood as their first preference, recommended even for those who are newcomers. Located in the heart of Tokyo city where most of the city’s shopping, restaurants and neighbourhood lights exist. The neighbourhood is a great spot to cut down transportation costs just for traveling, shopping or restaurants to try local dishes.
Shinjuku stands as a city’s major transportation hub so it is easy to explore other parts of the city without getting too much stress about train access and schedule of bullet trains. Shinjuku train station welcomes major trains from all parts of the country including the popular Narita Express (coming from Tokyo Airport).
Things to do in Shinjuku are very important. While shopping, surely you’ll catch the region’s futuristic neon sign boards, towering skyscrapers, electronic bill boards and noisy arcades. Memory Lane is a place symbol to say Shinjuku is a place with a blend of modern and traditional touches. Tokyo’s known streets are filled by 80 tiny izakayas and yakitori stalls. Each time while you are walking amidst this Omoide Yokocho things like red lanterns, charcoal smoke and retro dining vibes make you wait and explore.
Looking where to eat in Shinjuku, plenty of locations serve both vegan and non-vegan cuisines to visitors. Try to start your culinary trip from Zen, a restaurant where more delicious okonomiyaki are cooked on a grill in front of visitors, even for vegetarians. Visit Curry House CoCo Ichibanya is an ideal location to try the city’s diverse collections of curry chains.
Where to Stay in Shinjuku
1. Budget Friendly Hotels
1.1 The Capsule Hotel Transit Shinjuku
Budget friendly hotel for those who are looking for a practical stay at the Shinjuku district’s prime location. The hotel boasts spacious wide pods that help guests sleep more comfortably and the hotel is a great place to enjoy classic Japanese capsule experiences.
1.2 APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae
A more clean and modern hotel is available to you at a very affordable price in Shinjuku region in Tokyo. Contains a total 411 rooms and each one has a public bath and on site dining features. Vending machines are located in every part of the APA hotel and even guest can closely access popular Shinjuku gyoen National Garden.
2. Mid-Range Hotels
2.1 Trunk Yoyogi Park
It is located between Shinjuku and Shibuya neighbourhood, and a great choice for those who are looking to stay nearby Yoyogi Park and neighbourhoods boutiques, cafes and shopping complexes.
3. Premium Hotels
3.1 Hotel Granbell Shinjuku
The most elegant hotel is located close to many convenience stores, train lines and iconic Golden Gai. Offers the most sweeping views of Shinjuku skyline, caters lofty rooms with 11 foot ceilings and individual terraces to get panoramic views of Tokyo.
3.2 Hotel Groove Shinjuku
Hotel Groove Shinjuku located in the heart of Shinjuku neighbourhood known for its clean and well organised 538 rooms under its elegant and artistic styles. Each room which is located on the 18th to 38th floors helps us to get easy views of the city.
2. Shibuya- Best Neighbourhood to Make Shopping and Try City’s Variety Cuisine Styles
Your Tokyo city expedition is just to enjoy culinary delights and make elegant shopping to buy trendy fashion stuff, then your stay must be close to Shibuya neighbourhoods. As we know that Shibuya is a great place to see the world famous Shibuya Crossing where 3,000 pedestrians cross simultaneously making it the world’s busiest pedestrian in the world. However, Shibuya is witnessing 5,00,000 people crossing daily. Don’t forget to be a part of that daily pedestrian.
Shibuya is a more futuristic neighbourhood home to vast numbers of skyscrapers, neon boards and elegant restaurants. But its shopping options should be appreciated by every backpacker. Scramble Crossing and Shibuya Sky are perfect landmarks to find malls like Shibuya Scramble Square, Shibuya 109 and Parco. Each time while you wander within these malls trendy bags, clothing stores both men and women, Gucci stores are lined one by one.
Try Japanese food like sushi at Uobei, and Yakitori, Wagyu Ramen and Pastrami Burgers usually served at Sagatani at the price of $2.50. Buy drinks or beers at Japanese renowned vending machines located outside of Oreryu Shio- Ramen restaurant. Despite the restaurant, Shibuya is an ideal location to try local beers, wine and bar foods at Good beer Faucets and Ishino Hana Bar.
If you’re tired from the bustling atmospheres and the busiest crowds of Shibuya after exploring its pedestrians and fashion stores, we recommend you to spend time at Meiji Jingu or Shrine for tranquil experiences. Meiji Shrine is a most prominent Buddhist shrine primarily dedicated to the spirit of Emperor Meiji in 1920. An interesting part is that the shrine located in the midst of 70 hectares of forest features 1,200 trees and offers more calm and tranquil ambiances to visitors.
If you take just 10 minutes’ walk from Meiji Jingu to Harajuku, plenty of colorful streets like Takeshita streets welcome those who love youth cultures, trendy boutiques, avenues of luxury brand stores and weekend events like Sunday street performances.
Where to Stay in Shibuya
1. Budget Conscious Hotels
1.1 Turn Table Hostel
With little cost, plenty of amenities are provided to their guests. Turn Table Hostel is cleaner and grabs the visitor’s attention from its high quality on site dining’s. Easy location to catch Shibuya crossing and Shibuya nightlifes along with the region’s major shopping complexes.
1.2 Almond Hostel and Cafe
Wish to stay along cafe atmospheres and wooden capsule style accommodation with your budget try to book your rooms at Almond Hostel and Cafe. Often known for its privacy when it comes to accommodations and safety locker facilities. Active lobby cafes serve BBQ pork and curry.
2. Mid-Range Accommodation
2.1 Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
Even though the cost is medium, the hotel elegantly treats its every guest like what most luxury hotels do. Stylish hotel for mid-range budget holders at above Shibuya station. Every time while you are dining at its rooms you’re much fortunate to watch people often passing at districts renowned Shibuya crossing.
3. Luxury Accommodation Hotels
3.1 Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyo
The close proximity of Shibuya station serves guests from its vintage style rooms and superior decoration with creative vibes. Each room in Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyo exhibits clear views of Shibuya crossing and its surrounding, thanks to vast glass windows.
3.2 Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
City’s one of the top 5 star premier hotels allow visitors to spend more time with the hotel’s variety of dining options, pool and jazz club. Each time while sleeping in its spacious rooms you’re gonna catch high rise city views. To reach this hotel all you need to do is to use Google Map from Shibuya station, don’t worry it won’t take more than 5 minutes to reach by walk.
3. Ueno- Place for Those Who Seek Tranquil Ambiances
Ueno is a kind of neighbourhood in Tokyo city that offers more serene and tranquil atmospheres to wander, if you truly visit Tokyo for leisure purposes. Thanks to the city’s elegant Ueno Park and Scenic Shinobazu Pond. However, for your mind relax, try to spend more time at Ueno Zoo and world class museums like Tokyo National Museum.
Start your walking from world famous Ueno Park, maybe this could be your perfect gateway to start your Ueno neighbourhood expeditions. Ueno Park, often known for its incredible gardens and picturesque pedestrian sidewalks, helps us to indulge in the most romantic experience for strollers. What I personally like here in Ueno Park is its vast numbers of Cherry Blossom trees, approximately 1,200 trees are lined at parks pathways and Shinobozu Pond. To make your Ueno Park journey more memorable visit during Ueno Sakura Masturi, held every March to April.
Ueno Zoo is Ueno Park’s inside attraction known as the first Japanese zoo with vast collections of Giant Pandas and Sumatran Tigers. However, today the zoo is home to 3000 different sorts of animals and 300 species making it a great place to see original inhabitants of local as well as sub-continent wild animals.
Shinobazuno Pond is another epic place to escape from bustling Tokyo busy life’s. A largest natural pond available at the centre of the Ueno Park offers boat rides like swan boats and row or pedal boats. If you’re an art lover or very curious about ancient artefacts or Asian art collections, visit Tokyo National Museum. There are plenty of Japanese artefacts, more than 1,20,000 art works, 89 national treasures and 650 unique sorts of Japanese cultural properties available to explore. Artifacts and art collections may be good options to move away from the city’s stressful atmospheres.
Where to Stay in Ueno Neighbourhood
1. Budget Oriented Hotels
1.1 Noga Hotel Ueno
Just a 10 minutes stroll from Ameyoko shopping market, Noga Hotel Ueno offers more artistic friendly rooms with vast areas of public spaces filled with furniture and room amenities. However, the hotel holds locally inspired craft stuff and a popular bistro at its major parts.
1.2 Hotel Resol Uen
Another spectacular cost effective hotel includes most comfortable rooms for their guests to enjoy the sense of peace, relaxation and calmness of Ueno. Choose to stay at Concept room ART X ZOO, known for its intrinsic decoration of Ueno’s iconic panda.
2. Mid-Range Stay
2.1 Misturi Garden Hotel Ueno
Coming from Narita Airport or covering most of Tokyo’s attractions from one place including Asakusa or Akhibara, then Misturi Garden Hotel Ueno is a great choice with your little budget. Since its location near Ueno station, most bullet trains are available from JR Ueno station. Nevertheless, hotels’ Panda Rooms are more attractive, including curtains, and decorative pillows.
3. Luxury Hotel Options
3.1 Noha Hotel Ueno Tokyo
Located within a walking distance from Ueno Station, Noha Hotel is an ideal hotel to stay at Taito artisan inspired rooms. Even today the hotel is witnessing a centre of galleries, art and museum inspired amenities making it one of the region’s more craftsmanship oriented stay options.
3.2 Minn Ueno Hotel
Compared to the rest of Tokyo’s hotels, Minn Ueno Hotel’s family friendly approach is really welcoming. Perfect stay option for those who are looking to stay with family or partners. Each of its amenities ranging from apartment style rooms to kitchenettes to dining areas is perfectly decorated according to family backpackers.
4. Asakusa- Ideal Location to Enjoy City’s Japanese Traditional Culture
Asakusa is the most historical neighbourhood in Tokyo and allows visitors to stay at the nearby iconic Sensō-ji Temple. Temple recognised as the one of the country’s oldest and most religious Buddhist temples which was founded during 628. Often called Asakusa Kannon, today the temple is worshiped by Kannon, a god of mercy. As a backpacker your duty is to be part of the annual 20 million visitors who are coming to appreciate the deep traditional temples’ unique architectures and cultural values of the Japanese and how they preserved them.
While you head towards this Sensō-ji Temple, you must pass through the Grand Kaminarimon Gate. This gate stands as the symbol of Asakusa and always welcomes visitors from its massive colossal red lantern, statue of a deity and beautiful gardens, make it one of the perfect symbols of Japanese spiritual legacy. If you’re looking for the perfect place to take an epic photo in Tokyo, then Kaminarimon Gate could be the ideal location to take pictures of lights, especially during night time.
Asakusa is a place with an abundance of traditional Japanese shops along restaurants and shopping areas. But you have to take a stroll amidst Nakamise Shopping Street. While you are walking amidst the streets you are very blessed to choose 90 shops who are seriously selling hand-erected souvenirs such as Yukata robes, woodblock prints, Daruma dolls and folding fans. Don’t skip to try ningyo-yaku and agemanju at any of your nearby restaurants.
However, Kappabashi Street is another epic place which has more than 100 years of history when it comes to traditional Japanese culinary shopping. Street often called “Kitchen Town” where visitors can buy stuff ranging from kitchenware to plastic food models like different types of chopsticks, knives, plastic food samples and lacquerware.
Where to Stay in Asakusa
1. Economical Hotel in Asakusa
1.1 Asakusa Central Hotel
Close location of Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Since its ideal location and easy access to reach (centrally located) Asakusa Hotel is the perfect hotel to catch. Due to its easy reach and locations, the hotel is recognised as a ‘Perfect stay option for first time visitors’. Don’t miss to visit and enjoy free drinks, traditional dining and shopping at its different floors.
1.2 Sakura Hostel Asakusa
Great option for those willing to stay in the region’s most inspired hostel style accommodations, especially at Askusa neighbourhood’s central point. Hotels affordable bunk beds in female only and mixed dormitories are special features that usually welcome international backpackers, solo and even couples.
2. For Medium Budget Holders
2.1 Via Inn Prime Akasaka
In simple Via Inn Prime Akasaka is more comfortable and clean when it comes to accommodations. Each compact room here is well designed featuring ‘Akane no Yu’ is a hotel which allows guests to bathe both indoor and outdoor public baths.
3. Deluxe Hotels
3.1 Asakusa Tobu Hotel
No need to walk too much. Just opposite the Tobu Asakusa Station, Asakusa Tobu hotel is an elegantly decorated one with high end amenities options like clear rooms and spacious layouts. I think this hotel could be the great choice for those who are looking for family friendly accommodation under deluxe stay options.
3.2 Asakusa Kaede
Asakusa Kaede is the place where Tokyo’s most themed suite rooms exist. Each room perfectly blends traditional crafts items. Currently only 9 rooms are available for us to stay but each one is colorful and decorated by Japanese craft cultures and traditions. If you’re going with your family try to book at Edo suite, a stylish loft offers clear views of Senso ji temple and Asakusa station.
5. Ginza- Great Place for High-end Shopping
As the name represents, Ginza is a kind neighbourhood in Tokyo exclusively known for visitors who expect more elegant/stylish fashions stores and shopping’s. Besides its diverse shopping options, plenty of amazing restaurants are awaiting to cater visitors who are truly willing to try local and overseas cuisines.
Despite the restaurants, each time you wander its streets plenty of department stores, boutiques, art galleries and night clubs are lined one by one, this one you shouldn’t miss out. We recommend you start your Ginza shopping from Ginza Six. Neighbourhood largest shopping complex people have an option to buy cosmetics and fashion attires as well as some interior designs to your house.
Mitsukoshi well known high end departmental stores allow us to buy clothing, shoes, cosmetics and luxury handbags from world’s top companies like Gucci, Chanel and Prada. Buy Niessing watches displayed with multiple styles and price ranges. Don’t forget to buy traditional Japanese kimonos and yukatas. For your additional shoppings visit Chanel or Dior, both display classic flap and saddle bags, Caro backpacks, jackets, vintage gold jewellery and other branded leather accessories.
Visit Ginza Ukai-tei and Kyubey Ginza Honten to taste Omakase sushi, Kyubey sushi, Tempura Konda, Hida Beef and Tori Paitan. If you have sea bream dishes or region oriented cakes or coffee collections at your restaurant menus don’t miss taste, more recommended things to enjoy. Despite all its wide varieties of stylish fashions stores and shopping options, Ginza is a district close to Japan’s 2 major attractions like Imperial Palace and Tsukiji Fish Market.
The Imperial Palace of Tokyo is a historical landmark known for its rich history once palace served as a major residence to the Emperor of Japan. Its architecture elements like stone walls and moats give it a more traditional touch. Tsukiji Fish Market place where you’ll find top quality sea food including sushi breakfasts. The market boasts a number of shops that cater sashimi, scallops, wagyu beef and street foods vendors.
Where to Stay in Ginza
1. Affordable Hotels
1.1 Tokyo Ginza Bay Hotel
Located near to Tsukiji Shiji station and Ginza district that helps guests make shopping’s and find nearby restaurants without spending any cost to travel so far. The hotel attracts people from its capsule style of pod, brilliant locker facilities, and individual sleeping pods. Besides its features, the hotel is close to Japan’s iconic Imperial Palace and Tokyo Tower.
1.2 LYF Ginza Tokyo
LYF Ginza Tokyo offers cities’ most trendy, prime and elegant budget friendly accommodation options at the central part of the city. The hotel is known for its social spaces like co working spaces, and shared kitchen. They try to interact with different peoples at one place and build strong friendly atmospheres.
2. Mid- Range Hotel
2.1 The Square Hotel GINZA
Another spectacular mid-range hotel situated central point of the Tokyo’s shopping district/Ginza station. Amenities include separate baths for both men and women, fitness rooms, cafes and free breakfasts and social lobby.
3. High End Hotel
3.1 Hotel Gracery Ginza
Exclusively for those who would like to stay in high end luxury at the heart of Tokyo’s Ginza district. Hotel Gracery Ginza does not compromise when it comes to comfort and quality, each time while you stay here you’ll feel more clean and comfortable with 24/7 beverage services and friendly staff.
3.2 MUJI Hotel Ginza
MUJI Hotel Ginza another affordable luxury hotel located where most of Ginza district’s departmental stores, luxury shops, and street level stores are located. Boasts total 79 rooms and each one is long, narrow and features a smooth mattress. Its interiors are purely made of wood and stone inspired by the 100 years’ traditions. Its front desk always overlooks Ginza areas.
6. Ikebukuro- Budget Friendly and Family Friendly Neighbourhood
While searching Where to Stay in Tokyo, probably you’re not going to see Ikebukuro neighbourhood has included in the lists of major travel blogs and not many recommended districts to stay in. But what we personally believe is Ikebukuro is the best place to stay if you’re looking for a budget conscious stay option. However, Ikebukuro is an even more renowned place to explore with family visitors where more convenient staying options are available for kids too. So, therefore I decided to add Ikebukuro is must one stay option in Tokyo.
The neighbourhood is often ranked as the most affordable living area in Central Tokyo. Despite its affordable accommodations, the place witnesses some great things to explore like Taito Station. Taito is a well-known kid’s friendly arcade where music games, prize games, race, music and dance venues and shooting games are held every day. However, Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou Park is another epic place for children to spend time at the observation deck to enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo. Children can play at indoor displays and kids play areas.
Sunshine city is a must visit attraction containing the largest Pokemon stores, capsule toy store and Toshima Kida Park– offers free outdoor playgrounds. Spend more at Mejiro Garden and Planetarium Tenku for more educational experiences
Since the district is cheap, visiting Bandai Manco Cross Store is a good idea to catch the world’s largest gashapon store. Located inside of sunshine city, where numbers of capsule vending machines lined one by one. Anytime you come and buy toys and candy and gums.
Try the most delicious and mouthwatering cuisines like gyudon, ark shell sushi, mister donut, ringo and menys najagawa. And don’t miss out on these dishes if you find them on your restaurant’s menus. Restaurants like Kabuto and Yours Dining Ikebukuro often known for its serving fried pork cutlets and tender wagyu beef and quality of seafood options.
Where to Stay in Ikebukuro
1. Budget Friendly Hotels
1.1. Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro
Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro is a perfect option to stay since your intention of choosing Ikebukuro neighbourhood as a budget conscious one. The hotel serves a single room with private bathroom facilities and a restaurant that caters free beer, wine and even non-alcoholic drinking options.
1.2. Toyoko Inn Ikebukuro Kita Guchi No.2
Another budget conscious hotel known for its clean style rooms and free breakfast services. Staying at Tokyo Inn Ikebukuro Kita helps backpackers catch city’s transport options like JR Ikebukuro Station very quickly. Eat Japanese style breakfasts and free laundry amenities.
2. Medium Range Stay
2.1 Centurion Hotel Ikebukuro
Nestled in bustling streets of Ikebukuro contains premium air conditioned rooms with en suite bathrooms facilities, and slumberland mattress. From Centurion Hotel Ikeburo, guests can come out and visit regions popular landmarks like Sunshine Aquarium, Sunshine 60 observatory Reno Park, Seibu Department store and Tokyo Hands within 10 minutes of walking.
3. Luxury Hotels
3.1 Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
The most premier and elegant stay option in Ikebukuro. Offers a total of 805 rooms and each room allows you to get perfect views of Tokyo city. Since its location next to Ikebukuro station, visitors easily catch major railway and subway lines just by their walkable distances. Try to eat Chinese, Japanese and even Italian cuisines from its professional chefs and you can also be a part of its events like Tuna carving for deep culinary experiences.
3.2 Sunshine City Prince Hotel
Available within the iconic Sunshine city complex known for its luxurious retreats and modern accommodations options. The hotel does not just provide premier stays, moreover it makes your shoppings at Ghibli shops, Sunshine City complex much better and convenient and help to reach Sunshine aquarium.
Check out all our posts about Japan;
2. What is the Best time to Visit Japan.
3. Where to Stay in Osaka, Japan.
4. Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto, Japan.
For Your References;
2. Best Restaurants in Tokyo to Try Sushi
3. Places to Stays in Tokyo on A Budget.
