Best places to stay in Tokyo
A city that loves its ‘anime’ and thrives on speed, movement, and neon-lit consumerism, Tokyo attracts a diverse set of travelers. While shopaholics find their haven in Ginza, nightlife revelers enjoy the sleepless Shinjuku, traditionalists are enthralled by remnants of traditional Edo monuments and temples in Asakusa, and young pop-culture fans are attracted to all things hip and funky in Shibuya. Choose where to stay based on what you wish to experience in Tokyo.
Ginza
The upmarket Ginza streets are packed with modern high-rises, swanky restaurants and hotels, and a wide range of shopping venues that cater to all types of budgets. Most hotels in this neighborhood are rather expensive. Check out the Conrad Tokyo hotel, set in a modern high-rise above the Tokyo Shiodome, and stay in contemporary rooms and suites that feature minimalist Japanese design, modern amenities, and panoramic views of Tokyo Bay. For a mid-range budget option, look at Bay Hotel Tokyo Ginza, a capsule hotel with several modern amenities in the heart of Ginza.
Shinjuku
A neighborhood that quite literally never sleeps, Shinjuku features glitzy skyscrapers, multi-story department stores, ramshackle bars along Golden Gai, and the neon-lit nightlife district Kabukicho. It is also home to the leafy green park, Shinjuku Gyoen. Consider the Park Hyatt Tokyo, a luxury hotel occupying the upper floors of Shinjuku Park Tower, offering chic suites with modern décor, original art work, and fascinating views of Mount Fuji. For compact, stylishly designed mid-range budget rooms, check out Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, set in a modern high-rise. It is only a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku train station as well as the Golden Gai district.
Asakusa
Asakusa is a relatively quiet neighborhood, featuring plenty of low-rise buildings, and shops selling traditional Japanese handicrafts and souvenirs. This area is also home to the city’s most venerable temples, and a handful of the remaining Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns). Consider staying in Sadachiyo Sukerokunoyado, a traditional ryokan that takes you back to the Edo-era. The rooms feature floors covered in tatami (straw-mats), walls decorated with Japanese antiques, and sleeping arrangements on traditional bedding called futons. You can also relax in the Onsen (hot spring bath), and enjoy a traditional Japanese meal in the ryokan.
Shibuya
The birthplace of all consumer crazes in Tokyo, Shibuya is a hip neighborhood, and the hub for all things funky and innovative. Packed with quirky eateries, colorful cafés, and specialty stores that cater to young fans of gothic / zombie culture, this area is a youngster’s paradise. Stay in modern, uniquely-styled rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and designer furniture in the Trunk, a chic hotel in the heart of the lively Shibuya district. Check out the stylish rooms and suites in Shibuya Granbell Hotel, just a 3-minute walk from Shibuya train station.
Cheap hotels in Tokyo
Almost all accommodation in Tokyo is expensive but you can still find a bunch of hostels, guesthouses, and capsule hotels at convenient locations in most of the neighborhoods. In Asakusa, you have some stylish hostels such as the Retrometro Backpackers, and Khaosan World Asakusa Ryokan & Hostel. For traditional Japanese-style hostels, consider the Anne Hostel Asakusabashi or Guest House Shinagawa-shuku. Also check out capsule hotels such as Tokyo ¥1980 hotel or the Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel.