Hotels in Tokyo

Best places to stay in Tokyo

Tokyo, ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’ is a city where stark contrasts coexist. On one hand you have the ultra-modern landscape, futuristic architecture, trend-setting fashion, and geeky pop culture. On the other hand, are beautiful temples, ancient history and a city soaked in culture and traditions. With over 40 different unique neighbourhoods to choose from, it may be a challenge to decide where to stay when visiting Tokyo. Here are a few interesting neighbourhoods to consider:

Shinkuju

Shinkuju is the Tokyo that you see in films. Glitzy, neon-lit, futuristic high-rises, and streets filled with people, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Stay in exclusive luxury at the Park Hyatt Tokyo which is set on the upper floors of the striking Shinkuju Park Tower, and features sleek modern rooms with views of Mount Fuji. Located near the busy Shinkuju Station South Exit, you have the Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower, with spacious rooms and modern amenities.

Shibuya and Harajuku

Shibuya is a youngster’s paradise where you will spot scores of teenagers in bright clothes and coloured hair at the main plaza outside the Shibuya train station. Harajuku, a smaller area within Shibuya, is the centre of Tokyo’s gothic / zombie culture with dozens of speciality stores selling strange clothes and accessories. Both areas boast plenty of cafés, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Stay at the elegant Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel in the centre of the entertainment district overlooking the famous Shibuya crossing. Enjoy boutique accommodation at the Shibuya Granbell Hotel, which is just a 3-minute walk from the Shibuya train station.

Ginza, Tokyo station and Tsukiji

A modern, luxurious area with boulevard-like streets and high-end shopping, Ginza is an upscale and mature neighbourhood. It is also home to the Marunouchi business district, The Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station and The Tsukiji Market. Book classy, modern rooms, and experience top notch service at The Tokyo Station Hotel which is set in a grand redbrick building in the Marunouchi business district. Or you can choose the modern, minimalist rooms of the Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo which overlooks the iconic Kabuki-za Theatre and is a short walk from Ginza station.

Roppongi

Roppongi is home to several art museums and galleries, shopping centres and theatres. Indulge in a luxurious stay at the spacious and elegant The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, located in a 53-storey tower with spectacular views of the city. Try Hotel S Tokyo, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Roppongi amid plenty of bars and restaurants.

Ueno

For a quieter and more economical stay, you may want to choose the Ueno neighbourhood which is also home to several museums, parks, art galleries and the zoo. Stay at the Hotel Coco Grand Ueno Shinobazu, which boasts colourful rooms overlooking the Shinobazu Pond and is just a 5-minute walk from Ueno station.

Asakusa

A quiet, laid-back area with low-rise residential buildings, Asakusa is home to Ryogoku Kokugikan, the national Sumo stadium. It is an excellent area to shop for traditional Japanese handicrafts and souvenirs. This area also features the handful of remaining Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns). Enjoy the traditional Japanese life of the Edo era, when you stay at the Sadachiyo Sukerokunoyado, a ryokan filled with Japanese antiques, where you will sleep on futons and relax with an Onsen (hot spring bath).

Akihabara and Iidabashi

Akihabara, also called Akiba, is full of geeks and nerds, and it’s a Mecca for manga and anime fans. This area is home to the lush green Kitanomaru Park and the go-to place for new and used electronics of all kinds. A 2-minute walk from the Suehirocho train station, you have the Super Hotel Akihabara, Suehiro-cho, which features small but clean rooms, and free use of an Onsen hot spring bath.

Odaiba and Tokyo Bay

This neighbourhood is slightly different from the rest of Tokyo, and its planned development is evident in the form of wide roads, massive buildings, waterfront promenades and walkways. Enjoy a resort-like stay at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba hotel which is just a 5-minute walk from the Tokyo Bay beach, featuring spacious rooms, some with impressive bay views. For a mid-range budget, consider the Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, Tokyo, which is located on the upper floors of the Shiodome Tower and offers stunning city views along with a convenient location.

Cheap hotels in Tokyo

Most hotels in Tokyo offer excellent service and comfortable rooms with all the basic amenities. Hotel rates differ by the neighbourhood you choose but there are plenty of affordable options in almost every area. Stay at the Tokyu Stay Shinkuju and you will be in an excellent location amid shopping and entertainment, or the Tokyu Stay Shibuya located on a quiet street near Shinsen station. The Tokyu Stay Tsukiji which is near The Tsukiji (fish) Market entrance, is a great option if you want to attend an early morning tuna auction. A 15-minute walk from Ueno station, you have the Kotobukiya Dormy Inn Ueno / Okachimachi. In Asakusa, along a main road lined with shops and eateries, you can stay at MyCUBE by MYSTAYS Asakusa Kuramae, a contemporary capsule hotel, a 4-minute walk from Kurumae subway station. HOTEL MYSTAYS Asakusa-bashi is just a 2-minute walk from the nearest station, and is surrounded by plenty of cosy restaurants in the neighbourhood.

A city that feeds on motion and progress, Tokyo is the epitome of all things fast and animated. Futuristic style and trend-setting is what you will see in most aspects; be it architecture, fashion, art, or cuisine. In contrast, the city is also about deep-set Japanese traditions, culture, ancient history and spirituality. With such a diverse set of offerings, plan your itinerary well to make the most of your Tokyo visit.

• In Shinkuju, visit the beautiful Shinkuju Gyoen garden. Go boating in a row boat or swan pedal boat on the pond at Inokashira Park. Shop for photography equipment at the line of stores near Shinkuju station. Go bar hopping in the narrow winding alleys of the Golden Gai district.
• At Shibuya crossing, also called ‘The Scramble’, just stand on the pavement and enjoy a dizzying sight of this busy pedestrian crossing. Take a picture with the Hachiko Statue. Visit the 1920-built Meiji Jingu shrine. Enjoy a picnic at the enormous Yoyogi Park. Visit the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum.
• At Ginza, a visit to the world’s biggest seafood market, The Tsukiji Market, is a must. Take a tour of The Imperial Palace and stop by to look at the redbrick building of Tokyo Station. Relax and enjoy a cup of matcha green tea at the 1704-built, beautiful tea house in the Hama-rikyu Gardens.
• In Roppongi, visit several art museums such as the Mori Art Museum, The National Art Center Tokyo, and the Suntory Museum of Art. Enjoy impressive city views from the observation deck of Tokyo Tower. Visit the Zojoji temple belonging to the Jodo sect of Buddhism, and the legendary stone stairway at the Atago Jinja shrine.
• In Ueno, visit the all-encompassing exhibition of Japanese art, scriptures, crafts, and lifestyle at the Tokyo National Museum. Admire replicas of various sculptures and shrines in the surrounding Ueno Park. Meet the giant pandas Ri and Shin at the Ueno Zoo. See interesting art collections at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Enjoy the interactive exhibits of the National Museum of Nature and Science.
• At Asakusa, go to the top observation deck of the Tokyo Sky Tree for views of Mount Fuji, and visit the Sumida Aquarium housed within the tower. Admire the early-Edo architecture at one of Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, the Asakusa Shrine. Watch a sumo match at the Ryogoku Kokugikan. If you are visiting during spring, enjoy magnificent views of the cherry blossoms at the Sumida Park.
• In Akihabara, wander through the 8-storeys of electronic items and parts at the Akihabara Radio Center. Shop for manga comic and action figures at scores of specialty shops and malls in the area. Spend time at the beautiful Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens which were built in the 17th century. Visit the Tokyo Dome, the home stadium of top baseball team Yomiuri Giants. Indulge in a bit of fun as you sip a cup of coffee or soda at one of the Maid Café locations where waitresses dressed as French maids treat customers as masters.
• In Odaiba and Tokyo Bay, enjoy the white sands of Tokyo Beach. Walk over the suspended Rainbow Bridge from Shibaura Pier to the Odaiba waterfront. Spend a day at the Tokyo Disney Resort. Experience futuristic science and technology at the highly interactive and impressive Miraikan – National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

How long do people stay in Tokyo?

The average length of stay in Tokyo is 4 nights.

How much does a hotel cost in Tokyo?

The cost of a hotel room in Tokyo will vary according to demand, location and star rating. On average, rooms will cost around $128 per night.

When is the best time to book a hotel in Tokyo?

June is the cheapest month to book a hotel in Tokyo. Prices can be 41% lower than other, busier months, so this is a great time to get a good deal.

Which day is cheapest to stay in Tokyo?

At the moment the cheapest day to stay in a hotel in Tokyo is Friday, with Tuesday being the most expensive.

How much does a hostel in Tokyo cost?

Hostels in Tokyo (including hotels rated 2 stars and below) cost $37 per person, per night on average. This is $92 per night cheaper than the average cost of hotels in Tokyo.