StayAreasGinza or Shinjuku: where should you stay in Tokyo?
- Shinjuku is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $145 a night, against $200 in Ginza.
- Ginza is closer to 5 of the 7 big sights we timed; Shinjuku wins on 2.
- Shinjuku has more nightlife.
- Ginza has quieter nights.
- From Haneda, Ginza is quicker: 35 min against 45 min.
GinzaDepartment stores, sushi & calm eveningsPick Ginza if
- Couples and luxury travellers
- Shoppers
- Business travellers
ShinjukuNeon, izakayas & the busiest stationPick Shinjuku if
- First-time visitors
- Night owls
- Travellers planning day trips to Hakone or Mount Fuji
Ginza vs Shinjuku, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Ginza | Shinjuku |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Sep 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $105 | $80 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $200 | $145 (better) |
| Luxury double | $535 | $400 (better) |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Tokyo Station | 5 min (better) | 15 min |
| Tsukiji Outer Market | 15 min walk (better) | 32 min |
| Tokyo Tower | 19 min (better) | 33 min |
| Tokyo Station | 22 min walk (better) | 29 min |
| Tokyo Skytree | 26 min (better) | 36 min |
| Shibuya Crossing | 33 min | 26 min (better) |
| Sensō-ji | 29 min (better) | 38 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Haneda | 35 min (better) | 45 min |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Very good | Very good |
| Nightlife | Good | Excellent (better) |
| Quiet at night | Good (better) | Poor |
| Food | Excellent | Excellent |
| Families | Very good (better) | Good |
| Transport | Excellent | Excellent |
Hotels in Ginza and Shinjuku
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Ginza or Shinjuku: questions
Is Ginza or Shinjuku better to stay in?
Shinjuku is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $145 a night, against $200 in Ginza. Ginza is closer to 5 of the 7 big sights we timed; Shinjuku wins on 2. Shinjuku has more nightlife. Ginza has quieter nights. From Haneda, Ginza is quicker: 35 min against 45 min. Ginza suits couples and luxury travellers and shoppers; Shinjuku suits first-time visitors and night owls.
Which is cheaper, Ginza or Shinjuku?
Typical doubles in Ginza: $105 budget, $200 mid-range, $535 luxury. In Shinjuku: $80, $145 and $400. Rates outside peak events, updated Sep 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, Ginza or Shinjuku?
Door to door: Tsukiji Outer Market is 15 min walk from Ginza and 32 min from Shinjuku; Tokyo Tower is 19 min from Ginza and 33 min from Shinjuku; Tokyo Station is 22 min walk from Ginza and 29 min from Shinjuku; Tokyo Skytree is 26 min from Ginza and 36 min from Shinjuku.
How far is Haneda from Ginza and Shinjuku?
35 min to Ginza and 45 min to Shinjuku, door to door by public transport.