Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas and Recommended Hotels by Budget
Tokyo is one of the world’s most exciting cities, but choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming. With so many neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and attractions, picking the area and hotel where you’ll stay can be difficult.
I’ve lived in Tokyo for over four years, and while I didn’t stay in Tokyo hotels myself, I’ve helped family and friends plan their trips and find great accommodations. I’ve also stayed in plenty of hotels across Japan, so I know what to look out for when choosing where to stay. The hotel recommendations below are based on reviews, location, and overall value and would be places I would genuinely choose for myself if I were visiting.
Whether you want to be in the middle of the action, prefer a quieter base, or need convenient access to transport, I hope this guide can help you decide.
Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo
Shibuya: Perfect for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first time in Tokyo and you want to be at the heart of the action, then Shibuya would be a top choice. Famous for its bustling scramble crossing and Hachiko statue, neon lights, shopping, and nightlife, this area puts you right in the middle of Tokyo’s bustling energy. Staying here means easy access to Shinjuku, Harajuku, and central Tokyo, countless restaurants to try, and stores to stop by (such as the Pokémon and Nintendo stores in Shibuya Parco, huge Tokyu Hands and Loft stores, and so much more). As a result, it is also one of the busiest and most expensive areas to stay in Tokyo.
I’ll write a detailed article on my favorite spots in Shibuya in the future, so make sure to subscribe to my free monthly newsletter to know when it’s published.
Recommended Hotels in Shibuya:
Affordable: Tokyu Stay Shibuya, with an amazing value for its modern design, functional rooms with a kitchenette, and great location, or Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya Jingumae Hot Spring, with its relaxing on-site hot spring, free nighttime ramen, and convenient location between Shibuya and Harajuku.
Mid-range: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, a stylish hotel with an unbeatable location directly above Shibuya Station, with rooms offering great views of the iconic scramble crossing.
Luxury: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, with large and very comfortable rooms, exceptional service, and breathtaking city views from high floors.
➡️ Shibuya has a wide range of hotels, so it’s a good idea to compare deals and availability on Agoda or Booking.com.
Ebisu and Meguro: Quieter but Still Central
Respectively just one and two stops from Shibuya, Ebisu and Meguro offer a quieter atmosphere with great restaurants, easy access to Tokyo's major sites through the connection to the Yamanote line, and more affordable prices than Shibuya. While Ebisu is more known for its sophisticated yet laid-back vibe and excellent restaurants, Meguro provides a similar tranquil, residential charm with proximity to the famous Meguro River, where you can enjoy a charming evening stroll along its canal. Personally, I’m a big fan of Meguro, firstly because this is where my favorite sushi restaurant is located, and because it offers plenty of lesser-known gems to discover in a quiet setting.
Recommended Hotels in Ebisu
Mid-range: Ebisuholic Hotel, with its quiet yet convenient location, one stop from Shibuya, with comfortable beds and a welcoming lobby with free drinks, and Prince Smart Inn Ebisu, highlighted for its spotless, modern rooms and easy check-in process.
Luxury: The Westin Tokyo, a luxury hotel known for its spacious, elegantly furnished rooms and attentive service.
Recommended Hotels in Meguro
Affordable: Tokyu Stay Meguro Yutenji, located four stations from Shibuya on the Toyoko line in a quiet neighborhood, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with a kitchenette and a laundry machine, ideal for longer stays.
Luxury: Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, a hidden gem with a museum-like interiors with traditional Japanese art, luxurious spacious rooms, and a serene atmosphere close to Meguro Station (compare prices on Klook). Even if you’re not considering staying there, I’d highly recommend stopping by this hotel in your Tokyo itinerary to admire its stunning interiors and Japanese garden, and fantastic temporary exhibitions! UPDATE: Hotel Gajoen is undergoing a temporary closure starting October 1, 2025 and will post updates on its reopening schedule on its official website once it’s decided.
Hotel Gajoen Tokyo
Asakusa: Charming Atmosphere and Great Views
Asakusa is one of my personal favorite areas to recommend, and it’s where I’ve suggested my family to stay. It’s home to the famous Senso-ji temple, charming streets, plenty of dining options (in particular for okonomiyaki/monjayaki but not only), and amazing views of the Tokyo Skytree. Staying here means you can visit Asakusa early in the morning or late afternoon/evening, giving you the chance to admire this impressive temple without the crowds. It’s also very convenient for visiting the nearby Ueno area, or the Sky Tree area on the other side of the Sumida river, or if you’re planning a day or weekend trip to Nikko in Tochigi prefecture.
Recommended Hotels in Asakusa:
Affordable: APA Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon (or another in the area), with its compact but spotless rooms, friendly staff, and unbeatable location just steps from Senso-ji Temple and easy access to Asakusa Station.
Mid-range: Onyado Nono Asakusa Hot Springs or Onyado Nono Asakusa Bettei Hot Spring, for its design mixing modernity and tradition, the on-site natural hot springs, and thoughtful amenities like free ice cream after a relaxing soak. I’ve stayed in an Onyado Nono hotel in another city and loved my experience there. Alternatively, SAKE Bar Hotel Asakusa seems like a great option with its rooftop footbath overlooking Skytree, and warm service in a cozy boutique setting just steps from Senso-ji.
Luxury: The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon by Hulic, a chic modern hotel with a rooftop terrace with stunning views of Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree, all within a minute’s walk from Kaminarimon gate.
Ginza: Luxury, Shopping, and Central Location
Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale district, full of designer and department stores, elegant cafés, gourmet restaurants, and sophisticated hotels. In addition to its central location, if you stay here, you’ll have easy access to experiences beyond shopping and fine dining, like watching a kabuki performance at the historic Kabukiza Theatre or taking a quiet stroll in nearby green spaces such as Hibiya Park or Hama Rikyu Gardens.
Recommended Hotels in Ginza:
Affordable: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ginza, a reliable business hotel with compact but well-designed rooms, ideal for solo travelers or anyone looking for an affordable stay in one of Tokyo’s most expensive areas.
Mid-range: Dormy Inn Premium Ginza Hot Springs, a favorite for its comfortable rooms, relaxing on-site hot spring, and the classic Dormy Inn perks like free late-night ramen and ice cream
Luxury: Muji Hotel Ginza, a minimalist design hotel built on Muji’s signature philosophy, offering a stylish yet calming stay right above the Muji flagship store. For a more classic luxury experience, Imperial Hotel Tokyo is a long-standing favorite, known for its spacious rooms, impeccable service, and a blend of modern comfort with nostalgic charm.
➡️ Ginza has plenty of amazing hotel options, so it’s worth comparing prices and availability on sites like Agoda or Booking.com to find the one that best fits your budget and travel dates.
Akasaka: a Hidden Gem in Central Tokyo
Akasaka is often overlooked, but it’s one of my favorite “hidden gem” areas. It has lots of excellent restaurants, affordable yet quality hotels, lesser-known shrines and temples like Hie Shrine, and super convenient metro connections that can take you across the city. Hotels for a similar value here are often cheaper than in Shibuya or Ginza.
Recommended Hotels in Akasaka:
Affordable: Hotel Hillarys Akasaka or Super Hotel Premier Akasaka, both being great budget-friendly options with clean, modern rooms, convenient access to multiple metro lines and public baths!
Mid-range: Via Inn Prime Akasaka, with excellent reviews praising the helpfulness of the staff, the impeccable comfort and cleanliness, hot springs, and the delicious breakfast or OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka by Hoshino Resort praised for its exceptional value for the money.
Luxury: The Kitano Hotel Tokyo, a refined boutique choice with Japanese aesthetics and excellent service, or The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, a luxury favorite with spacious rooms, panoramic city views, and a serene atmosphere despite its central location.
Look for deals
Other Tokyo Areas to Consider
While the five areas above are my top picks, there are other neighborhoods in Tokyo that can be great bases depending on your budget, interests, or travel plans.
Ikebukuro: More Affordable Hotels, Shopping Malls, and a Busy Transport Hub
Ikebukuro is a major station in north Tokyo and one of the city’s most budget-friendly areas to stay. Hotels here tend to be cheaper than in Shibuya or Shinjuku, and you’ll still have great transport connections to explore the rest of the city. It’s also home to plenty of dining options and big shopping malls like Sunshine City, which includes not only shops (such as a Pokémon Center and a Ghibli Donguri store) but also attractions such as an aquarium and a planetarium. If you don’t mind a longer commute to certain sights, Ikebukuro offers excellent value.
Recommended Affordable Hotels in Ikebukuro:
Kimi Ryokan, a traditional Japanese ryokan experience at budget prices, praised for its warm hospitality, tatami rooms, and great location near Ikebukuro Station.
Dormy inn Ikebukuro Hot Spring, modern comfort with an on-site hot spring bath, free evening ramen, and easy access to Ikebukuro’s shops and transport.
➡️ Ikebukuro has many hotels with great value, so it’s worth browsing Agoda or Booking.com to compare prices and availability.
Roppongi: Home to Art Museums, Vibrant Nightlife and Luxury Hotels
Roppongi is well-known for its elegant dining options, modern art museums, and lively nightlife. Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown both house excellent art museums, including the Mori Art Museum and Suntory Museum of Art, making this area appealing for culture lovers. I’m also a big fan of the National Art Center, for its beautiful architecture and variety of exhibitions.
Recommended Hotels in Ropongi:
Affordable: Act Hotel Roppongi, a great value option just two minutes from Roppongi Station. A friend who stayed here found it very clean, with English-speaking staff and a convenient location on a quiet street near Roppongi Hills. The rooms are small, but the suites feel spacious and even a bit luxurious. No breakfast is provided, but unlimited 24-hour ice cream is a fun perk.
Mid-range: Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi with a modern design, rooftop spa with city views, and convenient location steps from Roppongi Station.
Luxury: Grand Hyatt Tokyo, a renowned luxury hotel that is stylish and contemporary, directly connected to Roppongi Hills with easy access to dining, shopping, and the Mori Art Museum, or The Ritz-Carlton, a five-star stay with breathtaking views from the top floors of Midtown Tower, spacious rooms, refined dining, and world-class service.
Shinjuku: Famous for Nightlife and Entertainment
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most famous neighborhoods, known notably for its neon nightlife and the towering skyscraper area. If this is an aspect of Tokyo that you particularly interested in, then it might be the right area for you. Staying in Shinjuku also puts you next to one of Tokyo’s biggest transport hubs, which can be convenient for day trips.
➡️ Check hotel options in Shinjuku on Agoda or Booking.com.
Ueno: a Great Option for Museum Lovers and Families
Ueno is a great base if you love museums, art, and culture. Ueno Park is home to many of Tokyo’s best museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Western Art, as well as Ueno Zoo. The area has a more relaxed, local feel compared to Shibuya or Shinjuku. Hotels here also tend to be more affordable, making Ueno a practical choice for longer stays.
➡️ Look for hotel ideas in Ueno on Agoda or Booking.com.
Practical Tips for Booking Accommodation in Tokyo
The choice of hotels in Tokyo is so vast that it can seem overwhelming, but here are some tips to help you find the right hotel for you:
Stay within a 10-minute walk of a train station. Being close to a station saves you time and energy. That said, if a hotel is right next to the tracks, or in a nightlife district (like parts of Shibuya, Shinjuku or Roppongi for instance), I recommend checking reviews regarding room soundproofing to avoid potential noise issues.
Think about your Tokyo itinerary and onward travel. If you’ll be exploring all around the city, staying on or near the JR Yamanote Line (the loop line around central Tokyo) is one of the easiest choices. Metro lines like the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (for Shibuya, Ginza, and Asakusa), the Hibiya Line (for Roppongi, Ginza, Ueno), or the Marunouchi Line (for Tokyo Station and Shinjuku) are also very convenient.
Check room sizes carefully. Hotel rooms in Tokyo are generally smaller than what you might be used to, especially at budget and mid-range levels. So better to double-check the square meters listed before booking so you know what to expect.
Look at amenities. Even budget hotels in Tokyo often include little extras that make your stay more enjoyable. For example: hot springs or public baths, free happy hours, complimentary late-night ramen or ice cream, coin laundry, and on-site dining. Personally, I always look for hotels with hot springs or public baths (like Dormy Inn), because it feels amazing to soak in an onsen after a day of exploring the city.
Consider business hotels and reliable chains. Chains like Tokyu Stay, Dormy Inn, Sotetsu Fresa Inn and Candeo Hotels consistently deliver great value, clean rooms, and convenient locations across Tokyo. Other hotel chains you can also check out include to APA Hotels (very compact rooms, but affordable and widely available), Hotel Mystays, or Mitsui Garden Hotels (stylish mid-range hotels with bigger rooms than average).
To Conclude
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to where to stay in Tokyo. Ultimately, it comes down to choosing a neighborhood and hotel based on your travel style, interests, and budget (keeping in mind that Tokyo is most likely where you will spend the most on accommodation during your trip to Japan). I hope this guide has given you some ideas for hotels for your next stay in Tokyo!
Planning your Tokyo itinerary? Read more of my Tokyo articles for ideas of things to do in this formidable city.
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