Where to stay in Tokyo: Shinjuku, Shibuya or Ginza
In Tokyo, location matters more than the hotel itself. How to choose between Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza, with real hotels for every budget.
Tokyo is enormous and, unlike other cities, the neighborhood you sleep in really changes how you experience the trip. It's the place where it pays most to think about location first and the hotel second. These are the three areas we recommend and when to pick each one.
Shinjuku: the default choice
This is the one we recommend to start with. It has the best train and subway connections in the city and plenty of atmosphere. At night it's the neon and nightlife district: alleys like Omoide Yokocho, with tiny restaurants and a local feel, or Golden Gai, with minuscule, very authentic bars. If it's your first trip to Japan and you want everything within reach, this is where to begin.
Shibuya: for the younger side of the city
Shibuya is the famous crossing, the giant screens and the Shibuya Sky viewpoint, one of the best views of Tokyo. It's a very lively, very well-connected area, ideal if you want a young atmosphere and restaurants and shops within walking distance.
Ginza: calmer and more elegant
Ginza is a luxury district, with shops and modern architecture. It's the choice for anyone who prefers a more relaxed, polished atmosphere. On our route it appears as an extra option for the final stretch in Tokyo, along with Nakameguro and Daikanyama.
Real hotels by budget
Recommended areas: Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza.
Low cost (€50 - €100)
- APA Hotel: there are many around the city and they offer good value for money.
- Hotel Mystays Higashi Ikebukuro: very good value, clean, functional and well connected.
- Sakura Hotel Jimbocho: very social and affordable, ideal if you want something simple but well located.
Mid range (€120 - €300)
- Shinjuku Granbell Hotel: modern and well located, with a rooftop and a young atmosphere.
- Hotel Century Southern Tower: rooms with great views and a perfect location near the station.
Luxury (€400 - €1,500)
- Aman Tokyo: Japanese minimalism and extreme luxury.
- Mandarin Oriental Tokyo: one of the best hotels in the city, especially for its food.
In Tokyo, location outweighs everything else. A small room in the right place beats a beautiful hotel half an hour from everything.
Our recommendation
For a first trip, Shinjuku. For something younger, Shibuya, and for a calm day, Ginza. Prices are approximate and vary a lot by season, so compare before you book. You'll find every hotel and restaurant by city in our 14-day Japan itinerary.
Our favorite activities in Japan
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