Where to Stay in Tokyo - Best Areas for First-Timers, Families & Couples

The best areas to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors include Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa. But there are other neighborhoods to consider for special interests.

In this guide, we go beyond the usual lists of districts and hotels.

We'll introduce you to the best places to stay in Tokyo based on your preference, whether you are first-time visitors, a family, a couple, a budget traveler, or a food lover. You will find your best area to stay. More importantly, we'll help you understand what to watch out for and give you insider tips.

1. Shinjuku - Best Place for First-Time Visitors

• Best for: First-time visitors, shoppers, nightlife lovers

Shinjuku, Tokyo's bustling shopping and transportation hub, is definitely the best place to stay for first-time visitors.

You will find huge department stores, various eating options, and bustling nightlife here.

As the transportation center, you can easily reach major spots in Tokyo and the nearby areas, including Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Nikko, etc, from this area. Shinjuku station also offers a direct connection to Narita Airport by Narita Express train.

Where to stay in Shinjuku?

Shinjuku has two main areas: West Exit (Nishiguchi) and East Exit. East Exit is famous for its nightlife (Kabukicho- Tokyo's major red-light district is here), and is noisy. The West Exit is quieter and home to many luxury hotels.

We recommend staying on the west side of the area for the quiet atmosphere and more hotel options.

Of course, if you love the bustling nightlife, stay on the east side: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is a great choice right in the heart of it.

Average hotel prices: Mid to high range, about 150–500 USD per night.

Nearby attractions: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Kabukicho, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and Yoyogi.

Recommended Hotels in Shinjuku

• Park Hyatt Tokyo: A Famous luxury hotel with skyline views. Quiet location in the skyscraper district
• Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo: A short walk to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Easy access to Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Shrine.
• Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside: A practical choice on the quieter edge of the nightlife zone. Just a few minutes' walk to multiple metro lines.

2. Shibuya - the Best Place for Young Couples

• Best for: Young travelers, fashion lovers, first-time visitors

Shibuya is another bustling area in Tokyo that features youth culture and the latest fashion.

It's right next to Harajuku, Omotesando, and Daikanyama, perfect for exploring Tokyo's latest trends, design shops, and café culture.

Staying here, you are close to the top attractions like Meiji Shrine, Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Yoyogi Park. The Yamanote Line makes it easy to get around Tokyo from here.

But keep in mind that the area can be quite crowded and noisy, especially around the Shibuya Crossings.

For a quieter stay, we recommend the Kamiyamacho or Sakuragaokacho, peaceful pockets just a short walk away.

Recommended Hotels in Shibuya

• Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu: Directly connected to Shibuya Station, with rooms overlooking the famous crossing.
• Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel: A luxury hotel with spacious rooms and panoramic city views, just steps from the action but quiet inside.

3. Asakusa - Best for Families

If you're traveling with family and want a peaceful base, Asakusa is a perfect choice. This part of Tokyo feels quieter and more traditional, with charming streets, temples, and ryokans. Many hotels here offer family rooms or connecting rooms.

The area is home to Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise shopping street, and the nearby Tokyo Skytree. All are must-visit for a first trip to Tokyo.

We recommend you stay near Asakusa Station

You're within walking distance of Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street, and plenty of cafés and restaurants. The station also connects you easily to other parts of Tokyo via the Ginza Line and Tsukuba Express.

But keep in mind that the area is also a bit far from Tokyo's main shopping districts. You may need to have two or more transfers to get to Shibuya or Shinjuku. Don't worry! With our private tours, you'll enjoy direct transfers from your hotel to the city's top spots.

Best Hotels in Asakusa

• Asakusa View Hotel Annex Rokku: A modern hotel just steps from Senso-ji Temple, offering spacious rooms, great for families and first-time visitors to Tokyo.
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo Asakusa - Millennium: A stylish and tranquil stay with Skytree views, ideal for couples and travelers who value comfort and design in historic Asakusa.

4. Tokyo Station/Marunouchi -Best for Day Trips

• Best for: first-time visitors, business travelers

If you're looking for a luxury stay in a calm, elegant area with easy access to the rest of Japan, Tokyo Station is a great pick.

As Tokyo's main transport hub, it offers Shinkansen connections to Kyoto, Osaka, etc. It is also excellent for day trips from Tokyo to Mt Fuji, Hakone, etc.

You will find some fine dining and designer shopping nearby. Ginza is just a short walk away, and Tsukiji Market, Tokyo's largest food market, is close by.

For first-time visitors, it's especially convenient because you're close to the Imperial Palace, Hibiya Park, and Tsukiji Outer Market. If you are a food lover, you will definitely not miss the Tsukiji Outer Market for the fresh seafood.

Most hotels in this area are high-end, including Aman Tokyo, The Peninsula, and the Bulgari Hotel.

Things to know: The area is quiet at night, with fewer izakayas or lively streets.

5. Ueno: Quieter with Good-Valued Hotels

This area has an old atmosphere and is filled with ancient buildings, temples, and museums. Many hotels here offer connecting rooms or family suites.

It is also close to Ueno Park: Perfect for kids to explore the zoo, enjoy open green spaces, and visit museums like the Tokyo National Museum.

The area enjoys Convenient access to Narita Airport and is located on the JR Yamanote Line, so it is easy for you to reach popular spots like Shinjuku and Akihabara.

Attractions close to Ueno: Tokyo Skytree, Senso-ji, Akihabara, Ueno Park, and Tokyo National Museum.

Where to Stay in Ueno?

Hotels cluster mainly around two areas: Ueno Station and Ueno Park.

• If your family wants budget-friendly hotels and easy access to the city, stay near Ueno Station.
• For a quieter stay with more mid-range hotel options, choose the area around Ueno Park

6. Roppongi - A Romantic Spot for Couples

Roppongi is Tokyo's artsy hotspot with world-class museums like the Mori Art Museum. It's packed with chic restaurants and bars, perfect for memorable nights. Don't miss the incredible city views from Roppongi Hills and the nearby Tokyo Tower lit up at night — truly romantic!

It's also super convenient for exploring Tokyo, just a few subway stops from Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Where to Stay in Roppongi?

Roppongi nightlife can get noisy, so pick your spot carefully. We suggest you consider the following areas:

• Stay near Roppongi Hills if you want to be in the heart of the action: stylish, buzzing, and full of nightlife options
• If you prefer a quieter, more relaxed vibe, try the Tokyo Tower or Shiba Park area, with peaceful streets and romantic evening walks.

Recommended Hotels in Roppongi

• The Prince Park Tower Tokyo: Spacious rooms and great for families, near Tokyo Tower with park views.
• Shiba Park Hotel: Close to Tokyo Tower. There are many rooms for 3 people.
• The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo (Tokyo Midtown): 5-star luxury with stunning city views, top-notch service, and a peaceful vibe above the city.
• Grand Hyatt Tokyo (Roppongi Hills): Sleek, stylish, and right in the heart of the vibrant districts.

7. Ginza - Most Luxurious Hotels and Shopping

• Best For: Travelers who are seeking a luxurious experience

Located in Tokyo's true city center, Ginza is close to the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station.

Ginza is Tokyo's upscale district for shopping, dining, and living. There you will find high-end hotels, brand fashion, and Michelin-starred dining. If you prefer a luxury experience, Ginza is the best choice

Hotel prices here are among the highest in Tokyo, around 200 - 800 USD. If you love the atmosphere but not its price, consider staying nearby in Minato Ward, especially around Shiodome or Shiba Park.

Nearby attractions: Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Outer Market, Hibiya Park, Hamarikyu Gardens

Recommended Hotels around Ginza:

• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza Premier: Stylish and modern with great city views.
• Imperial Hotel, Tokyo: A historic luxury hotel near the Imperial Palace.
• The b Ginza: Modern hotel offering cozy rooms with easy access to Ginza's shopping and dining hotspots.

8. Ikebukuro – Great for Budget Travelers

This lively residential and commercial district offers a wide range of budget hotels, business hotels, serviced apartments, and Airbnb options.

It's popular among anime fans, and you will find Otome Road and the Animate flagship store, plus many themed cafés here.

While it doesn't have Tokyo's major landmarks, Ikebukuro Station is on the Yamanote Line, so it is easy for you to travel to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ueno.

9. Akasaka – Perfect for Returning Visitors

• Best for: Repeat visitors, business travelers, food lovers

If you want a calm, elegant base in central Tokyo away from the tourist crowds, Akasaka is a hidden gem. This embassy district is where diplomats and executives stay, so the streets feel refined and peaceful.

Akasaka is not a hotspot for shopping or major landmarks. You won't find giant malls or temples here, but you will find quiet streets, luxury hotels, and some of the best dining in Tokyo. From exclusive ryotei and intimate kaiseki restaurants to sushi, cozy izakayas, and local ramen shops, food lovers will be in heaven.

Getting around is easy. Akasaka is surrounded by Shibuya, Ginza, and Shinjuku, all just a quick subway ride away. You can even walk to Omotesando or the Imperial Palace.

Things to know: Most hotels in Akasaka are luxury or boutique-style, with few mid-range options. You also won't find big shopping malls or must-see tourist landmarks in the immediate area.

10. Odaiba/Tokyo Bay - Best for a Family-Friendly Disneyland Stay

If Disneyland is a big part of your Tokyo trip, staying in Odaiba can make things much easier. It offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and convenient access to the parks.

Hilton Tokyo Bay, located in Odaiba, provides a free direct shuttle to Tokyo Disneyland

In Odaiba, you can also expect larger rooms (often 35 sqm or more) than the rest of Tokyo. You can easily find big family rooms here. Many hotels even have indoor or outdoor pools, which are rare in central Tokyo.

Beyond Disneyland, Odaiba is packed with kid-friendly attractions: high-tech museums, a giant Gundam statue, a 4D cinema, huge shopping malls, and waterfront walks.

It's also super convenient for visiting teamLab Borderless and LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Some hotels even offer fast-track entry.

But keep in mind that Odaiba is quite far from central Tokyo; it can take up to an hour to reach areas like Shinjuku.

To save your family from long daily commutes, we plan your trip in two parts: you'll first stay in a central area with easy access to Tokyo's main attractions, then move to Odaiba for your Disneyland visit

11. Nakameguro

Nakameguro is calm and green, full of cozy cafés, small restaurants, and art galleries, great for relaxed, romantic strolls. It's a bit off the beaten path, but perfect if you want to escape the city buzz.

Tips on How to Choose Where to Stay in Tokyo?

1. Base yourself along the Yamanote Line

This JR loop line is Tokyo's backbone, connecting most major tourist areas and attractions, including Shinjuku, Harajuku, the Imperial Palace, Ueno Park, and more. Staying near a Yamanote Line station makes it easy for you to get around.

2. Stay near a metro station on the major lines

In addition to the Yamanote Line, stations along the Ginza Line and Marunouchi Line are very convenient for sightseeing and shopping. You can reach places like Ginza, Tokyo Station, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro quickly.

Taxis aren't the best way to get around Tokyo, as it is very expensive - 15 minutes can cost around US$30. So public transport is usually a smarter choice.

3. Consider your Interest

• First-time visitors: Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Asakusa for convenience and lively streets
• Families: Ueno or Odaiba for spacious rooms and kid-friendly attractions.
• Couples: Roppongi, Akasaka, or Nakameguro for romantic vibes and quieter streets.
• Anime lovers: Akihabara for themed hotels and gaming shops.

4. Consider your day trip plan

If you're planning day trips outside Tokyo, like Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Nikko, or Kamakura, consider staying near a major station.

For example, Shinjuku Station is best for Mt. Fuji and Hakone trips, while Tokyo Station or Ueno Station works well for Nikko and Kamakura. This makes early departures and late returns much easier.

Of course, if you travel with our private transfers, you won't need to worry about transport at all; you can just focus on your interests when choosing where to stay.

Tokyo Accommodation FAQ

Shinjuku or Shibuya – Which is better to stay?

For most travelers, Shinjuku is a better choice. It's a major transport hub with lots of shopping and easier access to sights like Meiji Shrine. It's also more convenient for day trips and offers a wider range of hotels, from budget to luxury.

If you're into youth culture and creative vibes, Shibuya might suit you more. Expect trendy cafes, boutique shopping, and buzzing nightlife. It's also walkable to places like Harajuku and Omotesando.

Shinjuku or Ginza – Which is better?

Stay in Ginza if you prefer a refined, elegant experience. Go to Shinjuku for a more lively atmosphere.

Shinjuku is lively, colorful, and packed with options for all budgets, from local izakayas to luxury hotels.

Ginza is quieter, more upscale, and perfect for high-end shopping, art galleries, and fine dining. It also offers easy access to Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace.

Where to stay in Tokyo for food Lovers？

If experiencing Japanese food is a big part of your trip, we recommend Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Ueno.

Shinjuku offers a wide range of dining options, from high-end restaurants to casual street food. You can hop between ramen shops, izakayas, and quirky eateries all in one neighborhood.

Asakusa is perfect for street food lovers. Around Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street is packed with local snacks, from sweet taiyaki to fluffy melonpan.

Ueno is another hotspot for street food. Try Ameyoko Market by the Ueno Station for fresh seafood to fried snacks, and candies.

Where to Stay in Tokyo for Easy Access to Narita and Haneda Airports?

For the easiest access to Narita Airport, Ueno, and Tokyo Stations are the best choice.

From there, the Narita Express can get you to the airport in about 1 hour. Ueno is great for budget hotels, while Tokyo Station offers high-end options.

For Haneda Airport, Shinagawa is the best place. A quick ride on the Keikyu Line takes you straight to Haneda in just 12 minutes.

But if you'd rather stay somewhere you love, like Shinjuku, Ginza, or even Odaiba, don't worry! With our private transfer service, we'll pick you up at your hotel and get you to the airport on time, stress-free.

Where to Stay in Tokyo for Anime Lovers?

If anime is your thing, Akihabara is the dream. It's packed with electronics stores, maid cafés, VR arcades, and retro game shops. Most importantly, there are sci-fi hotels.

Most hotels here are themed boutique hotels. You'll find sci-fi rooms and anime-inspired designs, but no international five-star options.

If you're an anime enthusiast, staying here can feel like living inside your favorite series: Checking into a sci-fi room, walking 5 minutes to Super Potato, and hearing anime BGM in the elevator.

But keep in mind, there are no other interesting things to do. If you want to enjoy both anime and easy access to other Tokyo sights, we'll plan a full Akihabara day for you while keeping you based in Shinjuku. You'll get around easily and won't miss the best anime spots.

Plan Your Visit to Tokyo

We help you choose the perfect place to stay based on your interests, travel pace, and travel schedule, whether you're visiting Tokyo for the first time or planning something special.

Discover personalized and meaningful ways to explore Tokyo and beyond:

• A 9-day Japan Trip with Tokyo Highlights: Spend Unforgettable Moments with Your Loved One
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