Where to stay in Tokyo: the best neighbourhoods (2026)
Choosing where to stay in Tokyo means first choosing a neighbourhood: the Japanese megacity is an archipelago of cities within the city, each with its own feel and its own station. Sleeping in the buzz of Shinjuku, the fashion of Shibuya or the traditional Tokyo of Asakusa makes for very different stays.
Good news: the train and metro network (JR and Tokyo Metro) is fearsomely efficient, and sleeping near a major station changes everything. The real question is the atmosphere you want on your doorstep and your budget (expect 100 to 180 EUR a night for a good, well-located comfortable hotel, 25 to 60 EUR in a hostel or capsule hotel). This guide splits Tokyo into 5 neighbourhoods, each defined by the places most recommended by the Avygeo community.
At a glance: our picks by traveller type
Pick the profile that suits you to head straight to the recommended neighbourhood.
The neighbourhood map in Tokyo
Get your bearings on the neighbourhoods and must-see sights before choosing where to drop your bags. Click a name to jump to its description.
Shinjuku Ouest
for the buzz and convenience
Electric Tokyo at its finest: the busiest station in the world, skyscrapers with free observation decks, the neon signs of Kabukicho, the izakaya alleys of the Golden Gai and the peaceful haven of the Shinjuku Gyoen garden. Ultra connected and alive around the clock, perfect for exploring. The flip side: dense and noisy, and the Kabukicho nightlife district livens up the nights.
What to see & do in the area
Where to stay in this area
Park Hyatt Tokyo Luxury
The legendary luxury hotel of 'Lost in Translation', high atop a Nishi-Shinjuku tower, with a pool and views of Mount Fuji.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku Mid-range
Comfortable right in Kabukicho, famous for its Godzilla head on the terrace, in the heart of the action.
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Budget
A budget, functional hotel (in-room washing machine) a few minutes from Shinjuku station.
Pros
- Ultra connected, alive around the clock
- Skyscrapers, izakayas and Shinjuku Gyoen on your doorstep
Cons
- Dense and noisy
- The Kabukicho nightlife district is busy at night
Shibuya & Harajuku Sud-ouest
for fashion, youth and nightlife
Young, trendy Tokyo: the famous Shibuya crossing and the Hachiko statue, the fashion boutiques of Harajuku and Takeshita-dori, the calm of the Meiji shrine, and the cafés along the Meguro river. The epicentre of pop culture, shopping and nightlife. The flip side: the crowds are constant and hotels book up fast.
What to see & do in the area
Where to stay in this area
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel Luxury
A luxury hotel atop a Shibuya tower, with panoramic views over the city and Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu Mid-range
Comfortable above Shibuya station, with rooms overlooking the famous crossing, unbeatable for exploring.
Hotel Mystays Shibuya Budget
A well-kept budget hotel a few minutes from Shibuya station, practical and central.
Pros
- Fashion, cafés and nightlife on your doorstep
- The young, pop Tokyo at its best
Cons
- Constant crowds
- Pricey hotels that book up fast
Ginza, Tokyo Station & Marunouchi Centre
for luxury, central and a first visit
Chic, refined Tokyo: the department stores and luxury boutiques of Ginza, the red-brick Tokyo Station and the Marunouchi business district, the Imperial Palace and its moats, and the former Tsukiji market halls. Ultra central, elegant and perfectly connected (including the Shinkansen). The flip side: among the most expensive areas, and quieter at night on the office side.
What to see & do in the area
Where to stay in this area
The Peninsula Tokyo Luxury
A palace hotel facing the Imperial Palace and Hibiya park, steps from Ginza, with a spa and a spectacular rooftop bar.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier Mid-range
Comfortable and stylish right in Ginza, with a 16th-floor lounge overlooking the bay and Tokyo Tower.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ginza-Nanachome Budget
A modern budget hotel in the heart of Ginza, perfect for a central stay at a low price.
Pros
- Ginza, the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station on your doorstep
- Ultra central, chic and linked to the Shinkansen
Cons
- Among the priciest areas
- Quieter at night on the office side
Asakusa & Ueno Nord-est
for traditional Tokyo and small budgets
Old Tokyo (shitamachi): the great Senso-ji temple and its Nakamise shopping street, the Tokyo Skytree towering over the Sumida, the vast Ueno park with its museums and zoo, and a down-to-earth, affordable atmosphere. The most exotic and best value. The flip side: a little removed from the nightlife, and quieter at night.
What to see & do in the area
Where to stay in this area
Asakusa View Hotel Luxury
The tallest hotel in Asakusa, with Japanese-style rooms and views of the Senso-ji temple and the Skytree.
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon by Hulic Mid-range
Comfortable and stylish right by the Kaminarimon gate, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the temple and the Skytree.
Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge Budget
A cult design hostel with a sociable bar, in Kuramae near Asakusa, ideal for small budgets.
Pros
- The Senso-ji temple, the Skytree and Ueno park on your doorstep
- Traditional Tokyo and the best value
Cons
- Removed from the nightlife
- Quieter at night
Roppongi & Tokyo Tower Centre-sud (Minato)
for art, nightlife and views
Cosmopolitan, night-owl Tokyo: the orange-and-white Tokyo Tower, the Zojoji temple at its feet, the great art museums (Mori, National Art Center) and the Roppongi Hills and Midtown towers, the epicentre of international nightlife. Chic, cultural and lively late. The flip side: rather expensive, and Roppongi's party vibe isn't to everyone's taste.
What to see & do in the area
Where to stay in this area
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo Luxury
On the upper floors of the Midtown Tower, one of the highest hotels in the city, with a spa and breathtaking views.
Remm Roppongi Mid-range
A comfortable design hotel right in Roppongi, with well-appointed rooms (shiatsu massage chairs, great beds), central for going out.
Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo-Roppongi Budget
A practical budget hotel in Roppongi, good value near the museums and bars.
Pros
- Tokyo Tower, museums and nightlife on your doorstep
- Chic, cultural and lively late
Cons
- Rather expensive
- Roppongi's party vibe divides opinion
Our tips for booking the right place
- Sleep near a major station : In Tokyo everything revolves around stations: choose a hotel a few minutes' walk from a big station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno) linked to the JR lines and the metro. Get a rechargeable IC card (Suica or Pasmo) at the airport to travel without tickets. There's no need to rent a car: the train does everything, better and faster.
- When to book : Two peaks to book very early (3 to 4 months ahead): the cherry blossom (late March to early April) and the autumn colours (mid-November). Summer is hot and humid but a little cheaper; winter is clear and mild. Hotels often sell out during the Japanese holidays (Golden Week, early May).
- Small rooms, book early : Tokyo rooms are famously compact: pay a little more for a bit of space if you're staying several nights. Capsule hotels and business hotels (clean, practical, well located) are excellent budget options. Book early, the good addresses go fast.
- The heart of Kabukicho (Shinjuku) for families and light sleepers: very central but noisy and lively all night.
- Hotels near the airport (Narita/Haneda) except for a layover: you'll lose precious time in transit, when the city is lived near its central stations.
- Addresses in the far suburbs sold as near Tokyo: favour a central area on a JR line, even if it means a smaller room.
FAQ: where to stay in Tokyo
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