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Where to stay in Tokyo

Tokyo is huge, but its trains make almost anywhere workable. Pick Shinjuku or Shibuya for energy, Ginza or Marunouchi for calm and comfort, or Asakusa for old-Tokyo atmosphere and low prices.

Tokyo

Find your area, then your hotel

Tap one of our picks, or any area, to see its hotels on the map, what it costs, where we'd book and how long it takes to get around.

In short: our pick for each kind of trip. Tap one to see why.

Shinjuku, Tokyo
Should you stay in

Shinjuku?

Neon, izakayas & the busiest station

What a night costs

Budget
$80
Mid-range
$145
Luxury
$400

2nd cheapest of 5 areas, about $105 a night less than Marunouchi.

Where we'd book

The verdict

Skyscrapers, tiny bars and the world's busiest station. The easiest base for first-timers, with trains to everywhere, including day trips to Mount Fuji.

  • Stay here if
  • First-time visitors
  • Night owls
  • Travellers planning day trips to Hakone or Mount Fuji
  • Look elsewhere if
  • You want calm streets
  • Huge stations stress you out
  • You want a traditional, old-Tokyo atmosphere

Minutes to the sights

  • Shibuya Crossing26 min
  • Meiji Jingu29 min
  • Tokyo Station29 min
  • Tsukiji Outer Market32 min
  • Tokyo Tower33 min
  • Tokyo Skytree36 min

Stations and airports

15 min to Tokyo Station. Shinjuku Station (JR Yamanote and Chuo lines, Marunouchi and Oedo subway lines, private lines to Hakone).

  • From HanedaAirport limousine bus direct, or Keikyu and JR lines via Shinagawa45 min
Read the full Shinjuku guide →

Typical rates for a double outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Sep 2026 · How we rate areas · Minutes planned with the Transitous (MOTIS on published GTFS timetables and OpenStreetMap) for a weekday, including walking and waiting · Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more

Tokyo questions

What is the best area to stay in Tokyo for first-timers?

Shinjuku puts the big sights within easy reach and is 15 minutes from Tokyo Station. Ginza and Asakusa are good alternatives.

Which area of Tokyo has the cheapest hotels?

Asakusa and Shinjuku, with budget hotels from around $55 and mid-range around $105–$145 a night.

Where should families stay in Tokyo?

Asakusa has the best mix of parks, calm streets and sights for kids.

Where is the best nightlife in Tokyo?

Shibuya has the most bars, restaurants and late nights. Shinjuku are good alternatives.

Is it worth staying outside central Tokyo?

It can save around $145 a night on a mid-range room compared with Marunouchi, but adds travel time. Asakusa is 25 minutes and Shibuya is 25 minutes from Tokyo Station.