StayAreasAsakusa or Shinjuku: where should you stay in Tokyo?
- Asakusa is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $105 a night, against $145 in Shinjuku.
- Both are about as close to the big sights: each is quicker to 3 of the 7 we timed.
- Shinjuku has more nightlife.
- Asakusa has quieter nights.
- Asakusa has an easier time with kids.
AsakusaTemples, old Tokyo & lower pricesPick Asakusa if
- Budget travellers
- Families
- Travellers who want old-Tokyo atmosphere
ShinjukuNeon, izakayas & the busiest stationPick Shinjuku if
- First-time visitors
- Night owls
- Travellers planning day trips to Hakone or Mount Fuji
Asakusa vs Shinjuku, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Asakusa | Shinjuku |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Sep 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $55 (better) | $80 |
| Mid-range double | $105 (better) | $145 |
| Luxury double | $270 (better) | $400 |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Tokyo Station | 25 min | 15 min (better) |
| Sensō-ji | 6 min walk (better) | 38 min |
| Tokyo Skytree | 16 min (better) | 36 min |
| Tokyo Station | 26 min (better) | 29 min |
| Shibuya Crossing | 49 min | 26 min (better) |
| Meiji Jingu | 52 min | 29 min (better) |
| Tsukiji Outer Market | 30 min | 32 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Haneda | 40 min (better) | 45 min |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Excellent (better) | Very good |
| Nightlife | Limited | Excellent (better) |
| Quiet at night | Very good (better) | Poor |
| Food | Very good | Excellent (better) |
| Families | Excellent (better) | Good |
| Transport | Very good | Excellent (better) |
Hotels in Asakusa and Shinjuku
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Asakusa or Shinjuku: questions
Is Asakusa or Shinjuku better to stay in?
Asakusa is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $105 a night, against $145 in Shinjuku. Both are about as close to the big sights: each is quicker to 3 of the 7 we timed. Shinjuku has more nightlife. Asakusa has quieter nights. Asakusa has an easier time with kids. Asakusa suits budget travellers and families; Shinjuku suits first-time visitors and night owls.
Which is cheaper, Asakusa or Shinjuku?
Typical doubles in Asakusa: $55 budget, $105 mid-range, $270 luxury. In Shinjuku: $80, $145 and $400. Rates outside peak events, updated Sep 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, Asakusa or Shinjuku?
Door to door: Sensō-ji is 6 min walk from Asakusa and 38 min from Shinjuku; Tokyo Skytree is 16 min from Asakusa and 36 min from Shinjuku; Tokyo Station is 26 min from Asakusa and 29 min from Shinjuku; Shibuya Crossing is 49 min from Asakusa and 26 min from Shinjuku.
How far is Haneda from Asakusa and Shinjuku?
40 min to Asakusa and 45 min to Shinjuku, door to door by public transport.