Tokyo offers the perfect mix between traditional culture and modern vibes. Here you can learn all about where to stay to get the most out of your vacation in the Japanese capital.
With everything from rich culture and history to an unlimited choice of shopping, entertainment and restaurants – Tokyo is the perfect vacation spot. Tokyo is actually the world's most populous metropolis and is also known for its innovative technology and fashion.
Are you headed for Tokyo and want to find the best place to stay? Take part of our guide to this unique city and find the right spot no matter your travel constellation or your budget.
It’s no understatement to say that Tokyo is a large city – listed below we have gathered some of the most popular parts of town hopefully making it a little easier for you choosing where to stay.
Shinjuku: This is probably the best choice for tourists and first time visitors to Tokyo. Shinjuku has everything from great shopping and restaurants to museums and many other tourist attractions.
Shibuya: Shibuya is known for its youthful vibe and its nightlife. The area also offers lots of shopping and is well connected to the rest of Tokyo.
Ginza: Another great choice for tourists is Ginza, which is a good place to pick if you are interested in sightseeing and prefer something that is a little less crowded than Shinjuku and Shibuya.
Tokyo Station: Being the main transportation hub in the country, this is the perfect spot thanks to its central location. You can easily reach other parts of the town and you also find lots of restaurants and tourist attractions in the area.
Ueno: If you are looking for an area that is a bit more quiet and relaxed, Ueno is a great choice. In the area you find lots of museums, a huge park and hotels at a lower price range than in many other parts of town.
Asakusa: In Asakusa you will experience historic temples and interesting architecture. This old part of Tokyo offers a unique atmosphere and lots of culture.
Roppongi: Roppongi is the most cosmopolitan part of Tokyo filled with entertainment, restaurants and nightlife.
Odaiba: Odaiba is actually an artificial island, and doesn’t really offer much of a Japanese vibe. With that being said, this is a very family-friendly part of Tokyo with a variety of activities for all ages.
As previously mentioned, the best place to stay for tourists visiting Tokyo for the first time is probably Shinjuku. The area is filled with lots of things to experience together with shopping, restaurants and many tourist sites. It is also a great transportation hub and has hotels of all price ranges.
Tokyo can definitely be a good vacation spot if you are traveling with your family – but where is the best place in town to stay with your kids? This mainly depends on the age of your children and what you want to experience. For example, the area around Tokyo Station can be a good choice thanks to its central location. Here you can easily get around town and access popular tourist attractions, museums and shopping.
Another popular choice for families is to stay in Odaiba. This Westernized part of town holds a lot of family-friendly activities and the popular Disney Resort.
It’s safe to say that Tokyo is a large city, and here you can find hotels of all sizes, shapes and price ranges. When it comes to more affordable stays you should probably look for a hotel in for example Ueno. This part of Tokyo is a bit more calm and relaxed than the most central locations, and also has hotels at a lower price range.
With this being said, you can find cheap hotels in other parts of the city as well. The best way to get a good deal is to continuously compare hotel prices – this way you will find the optimal timing. In general, it is beneficial to book your stay well in advance to keep the cost down.
The Japanese capital is filled with interesting sites – here we have gathered some of the spots you shouldn’t miss out on when visiting Japan.
Tokyo Tower: This Eiffel Tower inspired structure is a famous tourist site in the Japanese capital. The tower has both shops, restaurants and several look-out points.
Sensoji Temple: The colorful and iconic temple is located in the Asakusa district and a must-see if you are visiting Tokyo.
Tokyo National Museum: Tokyo National Museum is both the largest and the oldest museum in the country. Here you find a top collection of art and close to a hundred national treasures.
Tokyo Skytree: Being one of the tallest buildings in the world, Tokyo Skytree offers a spectacular view of the city.
Ueno Park: This large park is famous both for its many museums and for having more than 1000 (!) blossoming cherry trees during spring.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks with a tranquil feel, open lawns and lots of cherry trees.
Meiji Jingu Shrine: At this Shinto shrine you find interesting architecture and beautiful scenery, and it is a popular destination for both tourists and Shinto practitioners.
The Greater Tokyo Area is served by two international airports – Haneda Airport and Narita International Airport. Haneda is located the closest to the central parts of Tokyo with 15 kilometers to Tokyo Station. The most convenient way to get from the airport to Tokyo Station is by train, which takes about 20 minutes.
If you are flying to Narita International Airport, it is good to know that this airport is located way further from the city center than Haneda. Narita is found about 70 kilometers east of central Tokyo and the fastest transfer option is to go by train, with a travel time of around an hour.
