It's important to know the best places to stay in Tokyo when you're planning your trip to Japan's capital. Tokyo is an absolutely massive city with various districts, activities, and proximity to transportation and accommodations. Choose wisely, and you'll have an easy time navigating the city and be comfortably relaxed after a long day. Choose poorly, and you'll be trying to navigate the sprawling metropolis with a lack of public transportation, trying to make your way through the warren of streets to even find a food vendor. That's why today, we're talking about the best places to stay in Tokyo.
Tokyo is absolutely massive. There are barely words to describe how big it is. My daughter and I thought we were prepared for how huge this city really is, but nothing can really get the point across like seeing it for yourself. The districts are so huge, that Tokyo is more like several cities combined into one, with their public transportation being the glue that holds it all together. It's important to know where to stay because you'll need access to that transportation, and you'll want to be near all the action that the city has to offer.
Each district has its pros and cons, but in general, the absolute best districts to stay in Tokyo are Shinjuku, the area surrounding Tokyo Station, Ginza/Hibiya, Shibuya, and Roppongi. Honorable mentions go to Nihombashi, Shinagawa, Hamamatsucho, and Shiodome. We'll be covering all of those as we go down the line. Whether you're looking for a five-star resort experience or just a cheap but cozy place to hang your hat, we're going to find the right hotel for you. So read on.
Types of Accommodations
Before we get into the best places to stay in Tokyo, it's important to understand the types of accommodations offered in the city. Of course, this huge city has hotels, but it also has unique options like ryokan or capsule hotels, although you'd only choose the latter if you're traveling solo and on a very tight budget. We'll be talking about each of them because the best places to stay in Tokyo differ based on what a person or family is looking for.
Hotels
Tokyo offers a variety of hotels from super posh, five-star affairs to frugal options that are surprisingly high quality. Luxury hotels command a luxury price, of course, while mid-range, “business hotels” are small, efficient hotels with excellent rates and just enough amenities to make them an excellent compromise.
Ryokan
Traditional Japanese inn are known as Ryokan. While this inns offer one of the most authentic lodging experiences in Japan, they are few and far between in Tokyo. The bombing of the city during World War II decimated most of the city and these traditional inns, but you can still find them scattered about.
Guesthouses
Found mostly in older areas of the city, guesthouses are the Japanese equivalent of AirBnB. There a quite a lot of them which cater to budget travelers and backpackers throughout the city.
Capsule Hotels
These are recommended only for solo travelers and only for those who really only use their accommodations for sleeping. These hotels are ultra-cheep, efficient affairs designed mainly for businessmen who missed the last train back home due to excessive after-work drinking. They're usually narrow capsules with a common bathing area, and they are usually for me. Although, there are a few that have women-only floors.
Best Places to Stay in Tokyo by District
So we've talked about Tokyo's gargantuan size and it's city-within-a-city district layout. Now, let's take a look at the best places to stay in Tokyo going by the districts we mentioned earlier. These accommodations will cover the gamut from ultra ritzy to budget-friendly, but they'll all have one thing in common. They all make for great hubs for your Tokyo adventures.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the Tokyo you know from television and movies. This bustling part of the city never sleeps. Bright neon lights, throngs of people, skyscrapers, and crackling energy come together to create an atmosphere of pure excitement and exploration. The restaurants, neon, and entertainment options of the district are located on the east side of Shinjuku Station, while the tallest of the city's high-rises, government offices, and hotels are on the west side.
Luxury Hotel Options
- Park Hyatt Tokyo – This hotel is one of the priciest in the city, but it's also one of the most iconic. Located in West Shinjuku, it's widely considered to be one of the most impressive hotels in the entire city.
- Hilton Tokyo – Hilton Tokyo is a great choice for those who want luxury with a less… luxurious price.
- Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo – This hotel offers an interesting mix of aesthetics. The hotel's interior features an elegant, European style, while a beautiful Japanese garden awaits outside.
Mid-Range Hotel Options
- Hotel Century Southern Tower – Excellent views and close proximity to Tokyo Station, make this hotel a great choice.
- JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku – One of the best hotels in this price range, this hotel features the best of everything for the price and close proximity to Shinjuku Station.
- Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku – Reasonable rates, comfortable accommodations, and excellent staff make for a pleasant stay for anyone.
- Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – This newcomer to the Tokyo hotel scene has become quite popular. It offers comfortable rooms, competitive rates, and is relatively close to Shinjuku Station.
- Shinjuku Granbell Hotel – This large business hotel has a modern design that still feels welcoming. The rates are excellent at this East Shinjuku hotel.
Budget Hotel Options
- Hotel Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku – With some of the lowest rates in Shinjuku, close proximity to a couple of subway stations, and comfortable clean rooms, Sunroute is an excellent budget hotel option.
- Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinjuku Kabukicho – Located in the center of Kabukicho, Shinjuku, this hotel has small, efficient rooms and excellent rates.
- Ibis Tokyo Shinjuku – This hotel offers reasonable rates and is in close proximity to the Tokyo Metro Shinjuku and JR Shinjuku train stations.
- Hotel Mystays Nishi Shinjuku – This apartment-style hotel features comfortable rooms that are small but serviceable and is within easy walking distance to the local station.
- Hotel Villa Fontaine Shinjuku – With small, no-frills rooms, Hotel Villa Fontaine leans heavily into the fact that it is extremely budget-friendly.
Tokyo Station and Marunouchi
In addition to being a major metropolitan hub, the Tokyo Station and Marunouchi District offers shopping, dining, great hotels, and even some top-notch museums and art galleries.
Luxury Hotel Options
- Mandarin Oriental Tokyo – The rooms and suites offered at the Mandarin are the epitomai of luxury. This five-star hotel is a masterpiece of comfort, and it's even in has a relatively convenient location in Nihombashi.
- The Peninsula Tokyo – With a location that puts it close to everything, unmatched comfort, and wonderful staff, The Peninsula is always in the running for the top hotel in all of Tokyo.
- The Aman Tokyo – If you're looking for the ultimate in posh, look no further than The Aman. This hotel features lovely Japanese design, a pool, a world-class spa, and close proximity to Tokyo Station.
- Palace Hotel Tokyo – Get a view of the Imperial Palace, classic Japanese luxury, and the best in service at this wonderful hotel. Another great bonus is that the rates are significantly lower than other luxury hotel options.
- Hoshino Tokyo – Immerse yourself fully in the traditional Japanese inn experience at Hoshino. It is without question the best ryokan in Tokyo. It also offers a convenient location, as well.
Mid-Range Hotel Options
- Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo – This is the best of the best in mid-range hotels. Excellent rooms, service, and rates combine being across the street from Tokyo Station to make this a top mid-range hotel on my list of best places to stay in Tokyo.
- Marunouchi Hotel – This hotel is almost a hybrid of mid-range and five-start accommodation options. It's as elegant and stylish as any lower-end five-star establishment while still maintaining its affordable mid-range pricing. It's also in close proximity to Tokyo Station.
- Sotestu Fresa Inn Tokyo Kyobashi – Sotestu Fresa has a lot going for it. To begin with, it's pricing is on the low end of the mid-range bracket. In addition, the rooms are simple but clean, and the hotel is close to the station.
- Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Station – If you've ever stayed in a Marriott Courtyard here in the States, then you know exactly what you're getting. Simple but stylish rooms that make for a nice ending to a long day of sightseeing.
Budget Hotel Options
- Smile Hotel Nihonbashi Mitsukoshimae – Smile hotel is a basic business hotel. It has standard amenities and nothing else, however, it also has excellent rates.
- Pearl Hotel Yaesu – The Pearl offers simple, comfortable rooms. A 10-minute walk from the Tokyo Station and nice rooms for the price make it a great value.
Shibuya
Much like Shinjuku, Shibuya is the Tokyo foreigners imagine when they think of the city. Japanese teens in over the top looks, giant department stores, and nightlife are the calling cards of Shibuya. Rather than being full of sight-seeing opportunities, all of Shibuya is the sightseeing opportunity. This district is all about shopping, seeing and being seen, and partying.
Luxury Hotel Options
- Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel – Cerulean Tower offers the beauty, space, and comfort we've come to expect from luxury hotels. It's also close to Shibuya Station for easy transportation. Perhaps the best part of this hotel is what it doesn't have: an exorbitant price. It's much cheaper than the majority of luxury hotels in the city.
- Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu – This hotel has luxury amenities but feels more like an upscale business hotel. It's connected directly to Shinbuy Station, so transportation is easy. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, as well, and like Cerulean, the rates are more reasonable than most other luxury hotels in Tokyo.
Mid-Range Hotel Options
- Hotel Unizo Tokyo Shibuya – Located in Shinbuya's shopping district, Hotel Unizo is a small business hotel with an excellent location and reasonable rates.
- Shibuya Tobu Hotel – This standard business hotel has a great location in Shibuya's shopping district, good rooms, and reasonable rates.
- Tokyu Stay Shibuya – This apartment-style hotel is a 10-minute walk to Shibuya Station and a 3-minute walk to Shinsen Station. In addition to an excellent location, the hotel features small but serviceable rooms and a great value.
- Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel – One of the best values in the mid-range class, this hotel is incredibly close to Shibuya Station and runs like a well-oiled machine.
- Shibuya Granbell Hotel – At literally a stone's throw from Shibuya Station, Shibuya Granbell is a great choice for comfort, convenience, and a great price.
Budget Hotel Options
- Hotel Fukudaya – Although this ryokan-style hotel is about a half-hour walk from Shibuya Stations, its rates more than make up for the inconvenience.
- Capsule Hotel Shibuya – This hotel is so old-school it doesn't even have its own website. However, if you're a man and looking to spend the least amount of money possible, it's for you.
- Sakura Fleur Aoyama Hotel – Located close to Shibuya Station, this hotel offers easy access to transportation. It can be a noisy place, and it doesn't allow children, but its rock-bottom pricing is what attracts its guests.
Roppongi and Akasaka
Roppongi is THE place for nightlife among foreigners. The district is packed with restaurants, bars, and clubs, and any traveler can reasonably expect almost all of them to have either English menus and/or English-speaking staff.
Luxury Hotel Options
- The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo – What can be said about this hotel? It's the Ritz, which comes with all the elegance – and price – that the name entails. It's one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for sheer luxury.
- Grand Hyatt Tokyo – With all the features you'd expect from a luxury hotel, spacious rooms, and excellent location, you might be surprised to find out that this hotel actually has rates that are quite competitive for this price range.
- Intercontinental ANA Tokyo Hotel – While this hotel might not be quite as posh as the Grand Hyatt or the Ritz-Carlton, its rates are much, much lower, making it an attractive option.
Mid-Range Hotel Options
- Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi – Located right above a subway station, and close to central Roppongi, this business hotel has good rooms and is close to restaurants and shops.
- The B Tokyo Akasaka – The biggest selling point of this small business hotel is its cheap rates. This simple hotel has some of the lowest in the city.
- Hotel Monterey Akasaka – This attractive gem of a business hotel has a boutique vibe, easy access to the subway, and excellent rates.
- Roppongi Hotel S – Close to central Roppongi, this hotel features an attractive mix of Western and Japanese style rooms.
- The B Tokyo Roppongi – Considering the location – the heart of Roppongi – and its simple but elegant rooms, this hotel has excellent rates.
Budget Hotel Options
- Hotel Asia Center of Japan – This hotel offers a decent mix of quality and value. It's a bargain hotel, but it doesn't feel cheap.
Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho, and Shinagawa
This collection of districts is a bit of a melting pot. Shiodome is the most modern of these districts, a collection of high-rise hotels, office buildings, and shopping complexes, all looking over Hama-Rikyu Teien Garden. Shinagawa is a transportation hub, where trains from various sections of the city meet. Finally, Shimbashi and Hamamatsucho are more lower-middle-class sections of the city. While Shimbashi is largely a hub for eating and drinking after a long workday in the city, Hamamatsucho has a few interesting sights.
Luxury Hotel Options
- Conrad Tokyo – With gorgeous views of Tokyo Bay, comfortable, spacious rooms, and excellent staff, the Conrad is one of the best places to stay in Tokyo.
Mid-Range Hotel Options
- The Royal Park Hotel Shiodome – A highly recommended hotel located in Shiodome tower, this hotel boasts comfortable rooms, nice views of the area, and reasonable rates. It's one of the best places to stay in Tokyo in this price range.
- Park Hotel Tokyo – Sitting on top of a high rise in Shiodome, this hotel with an art theme offers unique rooms, bird's eye views, and great rates.
- Hotel Mystays Hamamatsucho – Another of the best places to stay in Tokyo for the price, this hotel is located in Hamamatsucho near a plethora of restaurants. Its rooms are small but comfortable, and it's highly affordable rates occasionally drop into the budget range.
- Keikyu EX Inn Shinagawa Ekimae – A great business class hotel, the Keikyu is close to Shinagawa Stations and features excellent rooms for the value.
- Shinagawa Prince Hotel – This large business-class hotel close by Shinagawa Station has middle of the road rooms and competitive rates.
Budget Hotel Options
- Hotel 1899 Tokyo – Located in the dining and entertainment district of Shimbashi, Hotel 1899 offers clean rooms that are both comfortable and affordable.
- Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome Tokyo – With excellent rates and convenient location in Shiodome, this Villa Fontaine Shiodome is a stand out in this class.
- Sotetsu Fresa Inn Hamamatsucho Daimon – This business hotel in Hamamatsucho is on the small side, but the savings are definitely on the large side.
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-Gai – Mitsui Garden's less than ideal location between Shiodome and Hamamatuscho is mitigated by its exceptionally low rates.
- Capsule Hotel Anshin Oyado Tokyo Shimbashi – This hotel is an excellent way to explore the capsule hotel experience. Like all capsule hotels, it's “rooms” are just for sleeping, but they are comfortable and highly affordable.
The Best of the Best Places to Stay in Tokyo
There you have it – the best of the best places to stay in Tokyo by district and price. If you're planning a trip to Tokyo, whether it be for pleasure or business, you can't go wrong with any of these hotels. If you have the scratch, you'll find accommodations like no other in Tokyo with the luxury hotels listed here. If you're more budget-minded, you'll find no end of cheaper options here as well. Whatever you need this list of best places to stay in Tokyo has you covered.
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