Are you travelling to Tokyo for the first time? If so, I am very jealous of your luck in visiting such a magical place. The first time you enter this city, you’ll feel an overwhelming burst of feelings. The architecture, the food, and the overall pace of life there made me revisit.
Tokyo is famous for electronics, manga, anime, and video games. The centre of it all is Akihabara, which becomes like a jungle of different colours and lights at night, making it a sensory overload for anyone who visits.
READ MORE: Check out our Japan travel guide to learn more about the land of the rising sun
When deciding to visit, you have to decide where to stay in Tokyo. In fact, having to find the best places to stay in Tokyo, based on your preferences can be a challenge given how vibrant the city really is. To help you out, we’ve listed some of the top places to stay in Tokyo in 2022. Also, set aside at least five days when you take this trip to Japan. Trust me – you’ll need it.
Top places to stay in Tokyo
- Odaiba and Tokyo bay for an urban holiday
- Akihabara and Iidabashi for anime fans
- Asakusa for a quiet getaway
- Ueno for a budget-friendly vacation
- Roppongi for the fun-loving travellers
- Ginza for a city break
- Shibuya and Harajuku for a busy and vibrant break
- Shinjuku has it all
The culture in Tokyo is attractive to visitors because it’s a perfect blend of Western modernity and Eastern traditions that can’t be seen elsewhere. Sumo wrestling is another trait of Tokyo, along with numerous festivals, sports clubs, and museums. The spicy food they offer can’t be copied and trying their Edo-style sushi, Tendon, Tempura, Unaju, and Monjayaki will give you an unforgettable sensation.
Where to stay in Tokyo: A guide for all kinds of travellers
The best places to stay in Tokyo will depend on what you like. Here are some of the best places to stay in Tokyo based on different preferences.
Stay in Odaiba and Tokyo bay if you like urban planning
This part is different from the rest of Tokyo as it was rebuilt recently in the 1990s with wide streets, big buildings, and a modern vibe. If you want to stay away from the busy city centre – Odaiba is the best area to stay in Tokyo.
The Tokyo Disney Resort is nearby, along with the beautiful Rainbow Bridge that’s especially lovely at night. For those who like to get a tan and lay on the white sand – there’s the beautiful Tokyo Beach. Don’t miss the Fuji TV Building from 10-18 Tuesday-Sunday to see Kenzo Tange’s architecture.
The three top hotels here are the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (five minutes from Tokyo Beach with saunas, Jacuzzis, and a swimming pool), the Park Hotel Tokyo (with a view of Tokyo Tower), and the Royal Park Hotel Shiodome (15 minutes from the Tsukiji market).
Choose Akihabara and Iidabashi if you are an anime fan
This neighbourhood is the centre of Geek culture and is perfect for anime and manga fans. If you like a little craziness, you’ll find it in the streets of Akiba. It’s also the best place to stay in Tokyo if you are fond of the Edo-era.
North of the Kokyo Higashi-Gyoen (the Imperial Palace), you can find the beautiful Kitanomaru Park with several museums surrounded by a moat. During the Cherry Blossom season, you can take breathtaking photos here.
Nowadays it’s like an Electric Town where you can find used and new electronics for bargains of all kinds. The top hotels to stay in this area are the Super Hotel Akihabara Suehirocho (with small but clean rooms and a buffet-style breakfast) and the Hotel Mystays Asakusabashi (very affordable).
Stay in Asakusa if you like quiet, laid-back areas
Asakusa is considered one of the cheapest places for accommodation and an excellent place to shop for traditional Japanese souvenirs in exquisite crafts. This is arguably the best place to stay in Tokyo for those who are travelling on a budget. Must-sees in this area are the Tokyo Sky Tree – the world’s tallest communication tower and the Senso-Ji Temple.
For accommodation, choose between The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic (relatively new hotel), and the MyCube by MyStays (for those travelling solo and like unique cube hotels).
Pick Ueno if you want cheaper hotels
When deciding where to stay in Tokyo, consider Ueno. It is an affordable neighbourhood for those who like parks, art galleries, museums, and zoos. A must-see here is the Ueno-Koen Park – one of Tokyo’s top gems ever since the Edo period. It also incorporates the most prominent National Museum in Tokyo.
You can choose between the Hotel Coco Grand Ueno Shinobazu (with great Japanese dishes offered) and The Dormy Inn Ueno Okachimachi (with a rooftop to gaze at the Tokyo sky tree).
Roppongi should be your first choice if you like entertainment
If you don’t know where to stay in Tokyo, find your nightlife vital – Roppongi is the place to stay. Aside from frenzy nightlife, it contains galleries, museums, theatres, and shopping centres.
The Roppongi Hills, the new heart of Roppongi, is a complex that includes shops, cinemas, hotels, art museums, and over 220 restaurants. The best hotels are The Ritz-Carlton (a bit pricey), the Roppongi Hotel S, and Hotel Monterey Akasaka (with European style and excellent cuisine).
Stay in Ginza if you find New York attractive
Ginza has boulevard-like streets with luxurious hotels that look like New York’s Fifth Avenue or London’s Oxford Street. If you like shopping and famous brands – you can find them here in Chuo Dori, the most prominent shopping street.
Hotels to choose from are: The Tokyo Station Hotel (near Tokyo station), the Palace Tokyo Hotel (overlooking the Imperial Garden), the Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel (with upscale restaurants and shopping), and the Tokyu Stay Tsukiji (right next to Tsukiji fish market).
Shibuya and Harajuku are vibrant and fun
This part of Tokyo is perfect for the younger crowd. Teens gather at Hachiko Plaza, right in front of the train station of Shibuya, to hang out in their attractive futuristic clothes and different hairstyles and hair colours.
The Omote-Sando street in Shibuya is the best place to find modern and chic designer boutiques and international fashion brands. Hotels to choose from are the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, Shibuya Granbell Hotel, and the Tokyu Stay Shibuya.
Shinjuku is the place in-between that has it all
In this area of Tokyo, you can really experience it all – nightlife, affordable accommodation, entertainment, shopping, futuristic skyscrapers, and a train station that can take you literally anywhere in Tokyo.
It incorporates the Golden Gai district, where you can have a peek into post-war Tokyo. Hotels to choose from are the Park Hyatt (with a view on the New York Bar Grill where Bill Murray used to reside) or the Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower.
Next, there’s the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (getting some rave reviews lately), Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (located in a tranquil street), and the Tokyu Stay Shinjuku (a few minutes walk from the station).
Based on your budget and preferences, I hope this line-up has helped you decide where to stay in Tokyo. Plan wisely and make sure you have enough time to see all the fabulous places close to your accommodation. Don’t miss out on their food – sometimes it’s spicy for newcomers, but you’ll grow fond of it!
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