Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the world's largest metropolises. Here, modernity and tradition coexist, offering truly unique landscapes and views: temples, royal palaces and shrines alternate with districts and financial districts with tall skyscrapers. And, in such a large and dispersed city, the choice of where to stay becomes essential! The golden rule is to always find accommodation close to the metro in order to be able to move easily between the different attractions.
Here's everything you need to know about where to stay in Tokyo, the best districts and those to avoid!
Useful tips: the best neighbourhoods to stay in
Ueno is the most central neighbourhood, a good compromise between location, affordability and accommodation. Other districts to consider if you want a central location are Chiyoda and Chuo, which represent the centre of Tokyo! These are also recommended areas for families, due to the ease of getting around!
If you are looking for nightlife,opt for Shunjuku and Shibuya, respectively the centre of nightlife and the 'young city', i.e. the district of the new generation. Minato is also a good compromise, with affordable prices, located just 15 min from the main attractions and close to Roppongi, another nightlife district (which we'd rather not recommend to stay in, mainly due to the absence of the metro).
Finally, the best areas to save money are Ueno, Asakusa, Sumida and Arakawa. If Ueno is also a good compromise because of its central location, the other three districts are a little further away, but very well connected to the centre by metro!
Recommended areas tosave money: Ueno, Asakusa, Sumida, Arakawa
Recommended areas forfamilies with children: Ueno, Chiyoda, Chuo
Recommended areas foryoung people: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Minato (specifically the Akasaka area, i.e. the area closest to Roppongi)
Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Tokyo. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking
If you are in Tokyo on business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com
Guide to areas of Tokyo
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is one of the largest cities in the world. It covers an impressive 2,187.66 square kilometres and has almost 14 million inhabitants.
The metropolis is divided into three large areas with different administrations: the Tokyo special districts, which represent the central area of the city, the most populated and where the most touristy districts are located; the Tama area, which occupies the western part of the special districts and includes smaller towns and villages that are part of the metropolis; and finally the island area, which includes two archipelagos and smaller islands.
From a tourist point of view, the districts to stay in and the main attractions are located in Tokyo's special districts. Here are what are considered the three central districts of Tokyo, namely Chiyoda, Chuo and Minato, which represent the financial and business heart of the city, and all the other recommended districts to stay in: Ueno, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Sumida and Arakawa.
Areas to avoid: Kabukichō is a red light area full of night clubs and love hotels in the Shinjuku special district. As it is run by the Yakuza (Japanese Mafia), it is a place where one can make unsavoury encounters. Although it is frequented by many locals due to the abundance of clubs and karaos, it is a place where honest people would never want to live. Roppongi is also an area where caution is advised. In fact, its fun nightlife could attract weirdoes, drunks and brawlers.
Ueno
Ueno is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo, especially if you are short on time. It represents a great compromise between good location and affordable prices! It is also home to Ueno Park, Tokyo's green lung, and the National Museum of Tokyo.
It is an ideal neighbourhood for families and those who want to save money. Families can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Ueno Park, while those who want to save money can find great accommodation while still having all the amenities close at hand. In general, it is a very suitable neighbourhood for everyone, given its excellent location.
The area isserved by Ueno Station, which will take you to all parts of Tokyo in no time. It will only take you 5 minutes to reach the central station.
Average prices in the neighbourhood range from around €30.00 for low-cost accommodation to €450.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel only 3 min walk from Ueno Station and close to Ueno Park. 24-hour reception, luggage storage service, currency exchange machine, restaurant. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel 700 m from Hozenji Temple. 24-hour reception, shared lounge and kitchen, Wi-Fi in all areas. Private rooms or dormitories. Ideal for young people | |
Residence of flats with fully equipped kitchen, lounge area and bathroom with bathtub. Units for 4 to 10 people. Ideal for families and groups | |
4-star hotel 500 m from Shitaya Shrine. 24-hour reception, concierge service, luggage storage, restaurant and fitness centre. Ideal for couples and families |
Asakusa
Bordering the district of Ueno is Asakusa, one of Toyko's traditional districts. To stay here is to step back in time. The district is also home to the famous Sensoji Temple, considered the oldest structure in Tokyo! And after visiting the temple, you can lose yourself in the market and stalls of Nakamise Shopping Street.
Again, this is an ideal district for those who want to save money and experience the real Japanese atmosphere. In fact, it is a very active and busy district during the day, but quieter in the evening, so ideal if you don't want to be in the centre of the nightlife. Also recommended for families, given its proximity to the many attractions and its quiet and friendly atmosphere.
The district is served by Asakusa station. From here you will find it very easy to get around the city: for example, it takes about 20 min to get to Tokyo Central Station.
Average prices in the district range from around €15.00 for low-cost accommodation to €200.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Sleeping in a traditionalRyokan: this is a traditional Japanese inn, whose style has remained unchanged over time, with tatami floors, gardens with pavilions dedicated to the tea ceremony and rooms with a minimal and essential style. Sleeping in a Ryokan means living a characteristic and traditional experience, to be tried at least once!
Recommended accommodation
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel within walking distance of Tawaramachi Station. WiFi connection, parking and restaurant. Ideal for couples | |
Hostel with bar, laundry service and free WiFi. Private rooms, also family rooms, or dormitory beds. Ideal for young people | |
Entirely non-smoking ryokan. Rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, LCD TV, private bathroom and terrace, tatami floor. Ideal for couples | |
4-star hotel 800 m from Sensō-ji Temple. 24-hour reception, laundry service, restaurant. Rooms with kettle, private bathroom with bathtub and flat-screen TV. Ideal for couples and families |
Chiyoda
Chiyoda, together with Chuo, is the financial and modern centre of Tokyo. Here you will find yourself right in the heart of the city, and the district lies to the west of Tokyo Central Station. Attractions here include the Imperial Palace, the main official residence of the Japanese Emperor, and the National Museum of Modern Art. This is one of the best areas to stay if you only have a few days to spare.
In terms oflocation, it is perhaps the most convenient choice. Staying near the Central Station or the Marunouchi area will allow you to get around the whole city.
This neighbourhood is especially recommended for those staying in the city for a few days, but also for families with children, who are looking for a quiet area. Chiyoda is in fact very crowded during the day, but extremely quiet at night, as the nightlife is concentrated in other areas.
Average prices in the district range from around €20.00 for low-cost accommodation to €500.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 200 m from Yanagimori Shrine. Rooms with a work desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom and refrigerator. Family suites. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel just a 5-minute walk from Akihabara Station. Air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi in all areas, shared bathrooms. Ideal for young people | |
Hotel 1 min walk from Hanzomon Station. 24-hour reception, rooms with all facilities. Ideal for couples | |
5-star luxury flat hotel with hotel facilities. 2 min walk from JR Tokyo Station. Fitness centre, mettein space, business services, concierge service. Ideal for couples and business travellers |
Chuo
Photo by Morio. Like Chiyoda, Chuo represents the financial and commercial heart of Tokyo. It mirrors Chiyoda, in fact it occupies the eastern side of the central station. It is home to Ginza, considered Tokyo's upscale shopping district, and the historic Nihonbashi area, now a bustling commercial area.
It is an ideal district for families and those with little time to spend in the city. Like Chiyoda, it is a busy district during the day, but very quiet at night, with no particular nightlife.
Finally, by staying here you can get around the whole city: the district is served by Tokyo Central Station, as well as several smaller metro stations.
Average prices in the district range from around €30.00 for low-cost accommodation to €350.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3 star hotel with restaurant, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private bathroom, 24h reception and luggage storage. Family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel in the heart of the city with communal bathrooms and clean rooms. Free WiFi and communal lounge. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel 10 min walk from Tokyo Station. 24-hour reception, free WiFi and bar. Ideal for couples | |
5-star hotel with luxurious rooms with stunning city views, fine restaurants and a spa on the 37th floor. Ideal for couples and families |
Shinjuku
Here we are in Shinjuku, the centre of Tokyo's nightlife! This is the district that never sleeps, full of music, things to do and neon signs, definitely one of the most iconic corners of the whole city!
It is the ideal neighbourhood for those looking for nightlife and fun, without giving up a good location. Absolutely not recommended for families!
Be careful, however: when looking for accommodation, we advise you to avoid the small Kabuki-cho district, i.e. the red-light district of Toyko, where you will mainly find gambling parlours, called Pachinko, and numerous prostitution premises, where foreigners are not allowed.
Finally, staying here also puts you in a great location: the area is mainly served by Shinjuku station, with trains and metro lines taking you to Tokyo Central Station in about 15 or 20 min.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €300.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Sleeping in a capsule hotel: Shinjuku is one of the best districts in which to experience sleeping in a Capsule Hotel. These are hotels, with a structure similar to that of hostels, with very small "rooms", where the space is reduced to almost the size of a mattress, it feels like being inside a capsule (hence the name). Worth a try if you don't suffer from claustrophobia or have no problems with cramped quarters.
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 2 min walk from Nishi-Shinjuku Station. Luggage storage, laundry and dry cleaning service. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel with 24-hour reception, shared kitchen and lounge, laundry service and restaurant. Private rooms or dormitory beds. Ideal for young people | |
Capsule hotel with female and male rooms. 24-hour reception, laundry service, shared bathroom and lounge. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel 4 min walk from Shinsen-Shinjuku and JR Shinjuku stations. 24-hour reception, restaurant, luggage storage, dry cleaning services and storage of valuables. Ideal for couples |
Shibuya
Along with Shinjuku, Shibuya is the district of young people and new trends! Its symbol is definitely the intersection of the same name, one of the busiest in the world. It is also home to the statue of the dog Hachiko, made famous by the film of the same name. It is the ideal place to go shopping, to be captivated by the many neon lights and to spend an over-the-top evening.
It is in fact a district that is especially recommended for young people and those looking for a good time, but not at all recommended for those seeking peace and quiet and travelling with their families. In this area you can find numerous hostels, capsule hotels and budget accommodation, but also luxury hotels!
Finally, staying in Shibuya will put you in a great location: from Shibuya station you will be at Tokyo Central Station in less than 20 min! For Shinjuku it will only take you 5 min.
Average prices in the district range from around €40.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel with air-conditioned rooms, shared bar and lounge, restaurant, 24-hour reception and family accommodation. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel 3 min walk from Yoyogikoen and Yoyogi-Hachiman stations. Non-smoking, air-conditioned, shared bathrooms, coin-operated washing machine and luggage storage. Ideal for young people | |
Capsule Hotel 400 metres from Hachiko Statue. Female-only or mixed dorms available. Business centre, terrace, rooms with free WiFi, shared kitchen and lounge. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel 500 m from Konno Hachimangu Shrine. Restaurant, private parking, fitness centre, bar and 24-hour reception. Ideal for couples |
Sumida
Sumida is a less touristy district, but in a great location just outside the centre. But that's not all: although it is an area that tourists don't visit much, here you will find interesting attractions such as Sumida Park, ideal to visit during the cherry blossom season, the Edo-Tokyo Museum and the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the world's most important sumo venue! Finally, don't forget the Tokyo Skytree observation deck!
This is an ideal district for those who want to save money: given the location just outside the centre and the lack of interest in terms of tourism, prices here are lower, but without sacrificing quality. You can find hotels, residences and hostels, but also luxury accommodation.
The district is served by several stations, such as Ryogoku Station or Tokyo Skytree Station. From here, you can reach Tokyo Central Station in an average of 20 minutes, which is also a good option if you only have a few days to spare.
Average prices in the district range from around €20.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
3-star hotel 3 min walk from Kinshicho station. 24-hour reception and luggage storage, WiFi throughout. Ideal for couples and families | |
Hostel with communal bar and lounge overlooking the river. Rooms with shared bathroom. Great location. Suitable for young people | |
Flats with fully equipped kitchenette, washing machine, tumble dryer and air conditioning. Free parking and WiFi. | |
4-star hotel 2 min walk from Oshiage station. 24-hour reception, restaurant, rooms with city views. Ideal for couples and families |
Arakawa
Photos by Real Estate Japan. Arakawa is a district located north of Ueno and Asakusa. It is not a particularly exciting area from a tourist point of view, in fact there are no particular attractions except for large green areas such as the Arakawa Natural Park. It is, however, an area where savings are at a premium.
It is, in fact, a district recommended only for those seeking the greatest savings! Hotels here offer numerous services at very competitive prices. Moreover, the location is really good as it is very well connected to the centre.
The area is mainly served by the Nishi-Nippori station, as well as other small stations. From here, in just 15 min, you will be at Tokyo Central Station and in just 6 min at Ueno Station!
Average prices in the district range from around €25.00 for low-cost accommodation to €250.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Hotel 1 min walk from Mikawashima station. Japanese-style interior, 24-hour reception and family rooms available. Ideal for couples and families | |
Residence with terrace and accommodation with balcony. Each accommodation has a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with bathtub. 24-hour reception and free WiFi. Ideal for groups | |
Capsule Hotel 5 min walk from JR and Keisei Nippori train stations. 24-hour reception, shared terrace and restaurant. Private rooms or dormitory bed, mixed or female. Ideal for young people | |
Residence with communal lounge, terrace and free WiFi. Very large accommodation with washing machine and dining area. Capacity for up to 16 people. Ideal for groups |
Minato
Finally, we find the Minato district, or rather the Embassy district, little known to tourists but conveniently located for getting around the whole city! In addition, attractions such as the Tokyo Tower, one of the symbols of Tokyo, can be found here.
Thereare two main areas to stay in the district: Akasaka and the Shinagawa Station area. The latter is a strategic point, as it is easy to move around the city from here. Akasaka, on the other hand, is ideal for those who want to reach the Roppongi district , known for its lively nightlife! It is, however, a district to visit and spend a few evenings in, but where it is not entirely recommended to stay, especially because of the lack of a metro. For this Akasaka is an excellent alternative.
If you stay in Minato, you can easily get around the whole city: from Shinagawa station you'll be at Tokyo Station in less than 10 min!
Average prices in the district range from around €25.00 for low-cost accommodation to €500.00 for high-budget solutions - compare the selection of the best accommodation on booking
Recommended accommodations
Accommodation | Description |
|---|---|
Residence with spacious rooms equipped with every comfort such as fridge, washing machine and kitchen utensils. Ideal for families | |
Capsule Hotel with shared lounge and kitchen, free WiFi and shared bathroom. Mixed or female dorms. Ideal for young people | |
4-star hotel a 3-minute walk from Mita Station. Stylish rooms with city views, free WiFi and flat-screen TV. Ideal for couples | |
5-star hotel above Shiba Park, with views of Tokyo Tower. Bowling alley, karaoke, spa and wellness centre, fitness centre and lounge on the 33rd floor. Ideal for couples and families |
Countries near Tokyo where to stay
Tokyo is a real metropolis, with attractions scattered throughout, travel time on transport that can easily exceed one hour and completely different neighbourhoods. The only solution is to sleep in the city, and in any case it will not be easy to find the most suitable and central area without spending too much at the same time.
Staying outside Tokyo has more disadvantages than advantages: first of all, you have to deal with public transport and its cost. They are always punctual, but the time would be too long, taking away from sightseeing. Moreover, in the immediate surroundings of Tokyo, it is not certain that you will find accommodation at more reasonable prices, as we have seen in the city there are solutions for all budgets!
