StayAreasShinjuku or Shibuya: where should you stay in Tokyo?
- Shinjuku is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $145 a night, against $175 in Shibuya.
- Shinjuku is closer to 5 of the 7 big sights we timed; Shibuya wins on 1.
ShinjukuNeon, izakayas & the busiest stationPick Shinjuku if
- First-time visitors
- Night owls
- Travellers planning day trips to Hakone or Mount Fuji
ShibuyaThe crossing, fashion & nightlifePick Shibuya if
- Young travellers and nightlife lovers
- Shoppers and fashion fans
- First-time visitors who want Tokyo at its busiest
Shinjuku vs Shibuya, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Shinjuku | Shibuya |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Sep 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $80 (better) | $95 |
| Mid-range double | $145 (better) | $175 |
| Luxury double | $400 | $400 |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Tokyo Station | 15 min (better) | 25 min |
| Shibuya Crossing | 26 min | 1 min walk (better) |
| Meiji Jingu | 29 min (better) | 40 min walk |
| Tokyo Station | 29 min (better) | 37 min |
| Tsukiji Outer Market | 32 min (better) | 36 min |
| Tokyo Tower | 33 min | 34 min |
| Tokyo Skytree | 36 min (better) | 50 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Haneda | 45 min | 45 min |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Very good (better) | Good |
| Nightlife | Excellent | Excellent |
| Quiet at night | Poor | Limited (better) |
| Food | Excellent | Excellent |
| Families | Good | Good |
| Transport | Excellent | Excellent |
Hotels in Shinjuku and Shibuya
Booking through our links costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission. Learn more
Shinjuku or Shibuya: questions
Is Shinjuku or Shibuya better to stay in?
Shinjuku is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $145 a night, against $175 in Shibuya. Shinjuku is closer to 5 of the 7 big sights we timed; Shibuya wins on 1. Shinjuku suits first-time visitors and night owls; Shibuya suits young travellers and nightlife lovers and shoppers and fashion fans.
Which is cheaper, Shinjuku or Shibuya?
Typical doubles in Shinjuku: $80 budget, $145 mid-range, $400 luxury. In Shibuya: $95, $175 and $400. Rates outside peak events, updated Sep 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, Shinjuku or Shibuya?
Door to door: Shibuya Crossing is 26 min from Shinjuku and 1 min walk from Shibuya; Meiji Jingu is 29 min from Shinjuku and 40 min walk from Shibuya; Tokyo Station is 29 min from Shinjuku and 37 min from Shibuya; Tsukiji Outer Market is 32 min from Shinjuku and 36 min from Shibuya.
How far is Haneda from Shinjuku and Shibuya?
45 min to Shinjuku and 45 min to Shibuya, door to door by public transport.