Planning my first trip to Tokyo felt genuinely overwhelming. This is a city with roughly the same population as the entire state of California, packed into one metro area. Every blog post said something different. Every hotel map looked chaotic. Every neighborhood sounded like the “best” one.
I knew a few things about myself going in. I didn’t want to spend half my trip commuting across the city. I didn’t want to end up somewhere loud or stressful just to save a little money. And I’m one of those travelers who actually believe where you sleep matters. A good hotel can shape your whole trip.
So if you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Tokyo, especially if this is your first time in Tokyo, I’ve got you. After spending almost a week in the city, staying in two different areas, and walking my legs off through multiple neighborhoods, this guide breaks down the best Tokyo hotels and the areas that make the most sense for Tokyo first-timers, families, and anyone who wants to enjoy the city without burning out.
Where To Stay In Tokyo For First Timers: Best Neighborhoods For Your Hotel
If you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time, picking the right area matters more than picking the fanciest hotel. These are the neighborhoods I’d actually recommend anchoring yourself in.
Shinjuku
This is where we stayed on our first Tokyo trip, and I’d happily stay here again. Shinjuku has one of the biggest train stations in the city, endless food options, neon chaos mixed with quieter residential pockets, and iconic spots like Golden Gai and the Godzilla Head. It feels energetic but still very Tokyo. For Tokyo first timers, this area just works.
Shibuya
Shibuya is busy, bright, and full of life. Think shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and some of the best people-watching in the city. It’s incredibly well connected, especially if you plan to bounce between Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Meiji Jingu. If you want energy and convenience, Shibuya Tokyo is a strong choice.
Ueno
Ueno surprised me in the best way. Ueno Park is massive and calming, with museums, temples, and space to breathe. The surrounding area has great food and shopping without feeling suffocating. It’s also practical if you’re coming from Narita Airport via Ueno Station.
Minato City
This is where we stayed on the second half of our trip. It’s calmer, greener, and gives you those postcard Tokyo Tower views. If you want a peaceful place to come home to at night without sacrificing location, Minato City is underrated.
Ginza
Ginza feels more polished and business-focused, but it’s incredibly central. You’re close to Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace, and multiple train lines. It works well as a home base if you want easy access everywhere.
Short On Time? My Top Picks For Tokyo Hotels
Top Tokyo Design Hotels
- Prince Park Tokyo Hotel for epic views of the Tokyo Tower
- Aman Tokyo for quiet, high-end design and serious calm
- Hoshinoya Tokyo for luxury, world class service and onsens.
Top Tokyo Budget Hotels That Still Deliver
- Hotel Granbell Shinjuku for location and value
- Keio Plaza Hotel for space, service, and easy access near Shinjuku Station
1. Shinjuku: Best For First-Time Tokyo Visitors
Shinjuku was my favorite area of Tokyo. We stayed here five nights during the first half of our trip, and it felt like the perfect intro to the city. You get major train access, wild neon streets, quieter side roads, and parks all in one neighborhood.
Evenings in Golden Gai were some of my favorite moments. Tiny bars, plum wine, chatting with travelers from all over the world. During the day, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden gave us a reset from the city buzz. I’m already planning to stay here again.
Where To Stay In Shinjuku
- Hotel Granbell Shinjuku: This is where we stayed. It’s a reliable Japanese hotel brand with a great location near convenience stores, train lines, and Golden Gai. Rooms are small but clean, functional, and higher floors have solid views. I’d book it again without hesitation.
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier: A more upscale option with clean design, a rooftop, and easy access to major sights.
- Hotel Groove Shinjuku: Funky, colorful, and fun if you want something less traditional.
- Park Hyatt Tokyo: Park Hyatt is one of my favorite hotel brands in the world, I recently visited the Park Hyatt Maldives. This is a luxury splurge spot, but if it’s in your budget, the service and rooms are next level. You can also use your Hyatt points here!
2. Shibuya: Best For Shopping And Food Lovers
Shibuya feels futuristic. Skyscrapers, crowds, neon, and constant motion. It’s home to Shibuya Crossing, some of Tokyo’s best shopping, and endless places to eat. You’re also well connected to Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, and beyond.
Where To Stay In Shibuya
- TRUNK Hotel: TRUNK feels like staying inside a beautifully curated lifestyle magazine. Concrete, warm wood, local art, and a lobby that turns into a social space at night. Walkable to Cat Street and Shibuya but calm once you’re inside.
- Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel: A grown-up Shibuya hotel with spacious rooms, wide city views, and a quiet, luxe feel once you’re upstairs.
- Shibuya Granbell Hotel: Compact rooms with smart design. Great if you want Shibuya energy without a giant hotel experience.
- The Millennials Shibuya: A design-forward pod hotel that’s social, comfortable, and budget-friendly without feeling grimy.
3. Ueno: Best For Tokyo Feel Without Chaos
Ueno hit a sweet spot for me. Ueno Park is serene and expansive, and wandering it was one of my favorite parts of the trip. We walked around and then visited the Ueno Park Christmas Market before visiting the TCG Board Games And Fun bar to have cocktails inspired by playing cars.
The surrounding area of Ueno feels lively without the towering intensity of Shibuya.
Where To Stay In Ueno
- The Barn Tokyo: A small, design-forward inn with a cozy, modern feel. Perfect if you like boutique hotels that feel personal.
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno: Polished, efficient, and right near Ueno Station. Great for museum hopping and airport access.
- Hotel Sardonyx Ueno: Solid value, comfortable rooms, and a practical location.
- Hotel Graphy Nezu: A creative, community-style hotel with shared spaces and a neighborhood feel.
4. Ginza: Best For High-End Shopping And Central Access
Ginza felt like Tokyo’s polished downtown. Luxury shopping, offices, and some of the city’s best connectivity. You’re close to Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace, and multiple neighborhoods.
Where To Stay In Ginza
- LYF Ginza Tokyo: Playful, social, and modern. A fun base near Tokyo Station.
- The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza: Moody, stylish, and very “treat yourself.”
- MUJI Hotel Ginza: Minimalism lovers, this one’s for you. Calm, thoughtful design right above the flagship store.
- Hotel Gracery Ginza: Clean, comfortable, and practical without feeling boring.
5. Minato City: Best For Tokyo Tower Views And Peace
We stayed here during the second half of our trip, and it felt like an oasis. Shiba Park, fall ginkgo trees, Zojo-ji Temple, and calmer streets made this area feel restorative after busy sightseeing days. It’s easy to reach other parts of Tokyo and taxis are straightforward if you’re hauling luggage.
Where To Stay In Minato City
- The Prince Park Tower Tokyo: Classic skyline views, spacious rooms, and Tokyo Tower right outside your window. Slightly old-school luxury in the best way.
- Hotel 1899 Tokyo: A tea-themed boutique hotel that feels warm and deeply Japanese without being gimmicky.
Other Tokyo Hotels Worth Booking For The Hotel Alone
Some of the best Tokyo hotels aren’t in the most obvious neighborhoods like Shinjuku or Shibuya. Instead, they’re tucked into side areas where the hotel itself becomes part of the experience. These are places I’d book specifically because the hotel is that good, not just because of the address.
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- Aoyama Grand Hotel: Aoyama Grand feels like a glam, grown-up hideaway perched between Shibuya and Omotesandō. The interiors lean retro-modern, the rooms have great city views, and the restaurants and bars are places people actually go even if they’re not staying overnight. This is the move if you want to be in Tokyo’s fashion and design triangle but come home to something that feels like a stylish private members’ club instead of a standard city hotel.
- K5 Hotel: K5 is very “design person’s Tokyo.” It’s a former 1920s bank reimagined as a Nordic-Japanese boutique hotel, with genuinely large rooms by Tokyo standards, statement furniture, and beautiful natural materials. The café, bar, and library spaces blend together in a way that makes you want to linger. I love hotels like this where you’re just as happy spending an afternoon inside as you are heading out to explore.
- Hoshinoya Tokyo: I stayed at Hoshinoya Fuji and completely fell for the brand, so this one was always on my Tokyo radar. Hoshinoya Tokyo takes that same meticulous, sensory approach and drops it into a sleek tower in central Tokyo. Tatami floors, kaiseki meals, and a top-floor onsen somehow make it feel like a ryokan retreat in the middle of Otemachi. If you want your Tokyo nights to feel deeply Japanese without leaving the city, this is it.
- Palace Hotel Tokyo: Palace Hotel Tokyo is classic, understated luxury done right. Rooms are spacious and serene, many with balconies overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens and moat. The service is quietly flawless without feeling stiff. This is an ideal choice if you want to feel cocooned in calm while still being a short walk from Marunouchi, Tokyo Station, and some of the city’s best dining.
- Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills: Andaz strikes that sweet spot between polished and playful. Think warm modern design, high-floor rooms with skyline views, and a rooftop bar that really does feel like the place for a “this is my Tokyo moment” cocktail. It’s perfect if you like lifestyle luxury that feels relaxed and social, but still want top-tier comfort, service, and views.
Where To Stay In Tokyo With Family Or Kids
Tokyo hotel rooms are small. That’s just reality. If you’re traveling with family or kids, you’ll either need to budget for larger rooms at hotels like Keio Plaza Hotel or Four Seasons Tokyo, or consider renting a Tokyo Airbnb so everyone can spread out.
I have a list of my favorite Airbnbs in Tokyo for you to check out. If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Tokyo with kids, I would start first with the biggest Airbnb you can find with a large family area and less on the location.
FAQ: Where To Stay In Tokyo
Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Tokyo For First Timers?
If this is your first time in Tokyo, I’d stick to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, Ueno, or Minato City. These areas are well connected by major train stations, easy to navigate even when jet lag hits, and close to the sights most Tokyo first timers want to see.
Shinjuku is usually my top recommendation because it balances energy, convenience, food, nightlife, and transit better than anywhere else.
Is Shinjuku Or Shibuya Better For A First Time Visit?
It depends on your travel style.
- Shinjuku is better if you want a central base with huge train access, classic Tokyo nightlife, and lots of hotel options at different budgets.
- Shibuya is better if shopping, food, and being in the middle of the action matters more to you than having the biggest station in the city.
For most first timers, Shinjuku wins simply because it’s easier to get everywhere else.
Where Should I Stay In Tokyo If I Want To Be Near Tokyo Station?
If being close to Tokyo Station matters to you, look at Ginza, Marunouchi, or Otemachi. These areas are extremely well connected and great if you’re taking the Shinkansen, moving cities, or want a very central base. Ginza in particular works well if you want easy access without staying in a purely business district.
Where To Stay In Tokyo On A Budget?
Tokyo budget doesn’t mean bad, but it does mean smaller rooms.
For budget-friendly hotels that still feel clean and safe, look at:
- Shinjuku and Ueno for the most options
- Business-style hotels like Hotel Granbell, Mitsui Garden, or Hotel Sardonyx
- Pod hotels like The Millennials if you’re okay with compact sleeping setups
Ueno tends to offer slightly better value than Shibuya or Ginza.
Where To Stay In Tokyo With Family?
If you’re traveling with family, space becomes the real challenge.
Your best options are:
- Hotels with larger room layouts like Keio Plaza Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel or Palace Hotel Tokyo
- Staying near major stations like Shinjuku or Tokyo Station for easy transport
- Renting a Tokyo Airbnb if you need separate sleeping areas or more luggage space
Tokyo hotels are efficient but compact, so planning for space upfront matters.
Where To Stay In Tokyo With Kids?
For families with kids, I’d prioritize easy transit, quieter streets at night, and room size.
Good areas include:
- Shinjuku near the park and quieter side streets
- Ueno for access to Ueno Park, museums, and the zoo
- Ginza or Tokyo Station area for stroller-friendly sidewalks and straightforward navigation
Avoid nightlife-heavy streets if your kids are light sleepers.
Are Tokyo Hotels Really That Small?
Yes. Even nice hotels in Tokyo tend to have smaller rooms compared to the US or Europe. This is normal and not a reflection of quality. You’ll usually get excellent service, spotless rooms, and smart layouts, just not a ton of floor space.
If room size is important to you, look for:
- Higher-end hotels
- Family-friendly properties
- Newer hotels with modern layouts
What Area Has The Best Tokyo Tower Views?
For Tokyo Tower views, stay in Minato City, especially near Shiba Park. Hotels in this area are known for skyline and Tokyo Tower views, and the neighborhood is quieter and greener than Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Is Ginza A Good Place To Stay In Tokyo?
Ginza is a great place to stay if you want:
- Central access to multiple neighborhoods
- Easy walking distance to Tokyo Station
- A quieter, more polished vibe at night
It’s less chaotic than Shinjuku or Shibuya but still very convenient for sightseeing.
Where Should I Stay If I’m Flying Into Haneda Airport?
If you’re flying into Haneda Airport, staying in Minato City, Ginza, or near Tokyo Station makes airport transfers easy. These areas are well connected and reduce travel time on arrival and departure days.
How Many Nights Should I Stay In One Tokyo Hotel?
If possible, I recommend staying in one hotel for at least four to five nights. Tokyo is big, and moving hotels eats up more time than you think. If you’re splitting stays, limit it to two areas max, like Shinjuku and Minato City.
Is It Better To Stay Near A Train Station In Tokyo?
Yes. Being close to a major station will save you time, energy, and frustration if you’re transferring to other cities like Kyoto after. Tokyo’s train system is incredible, but it’s also massive. Staying within a short walk of a station makes daily sightseeing much smoother, especially for first timers.
PS use my travel guide for all the best things to do in Tokyo!
Should I Stay In A Hotel Or Airbnb In Tokyo?
Hotels are usually easier for short stays, first-time visits, and solo or couple travel.
Airbnbs can make more sense for families, longer trips, or travelers who want extra space. Just be sure your Airbnb listing is licensed and clearly explains check-in and house rules.
What Area Should I Avoid Staying In As A Tourist?
There aren’t many unsafe areas, but I’d avoid booking far outside central neighborhoods unless you’re familiar with Tokyo. Being too far out can mean long commutes and less flexibility. Convenience matters more than saving a small amount on your hotel.
