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Choosing where to stay in Tokyo can quickly become overwhelming.
The city is enormous, but it's also incredibly well connected, and every neighbourhood has its own unique atmosphere. Finding accommodation that suits your budget, travel style, and sightseeing plans isn't always easy.
Whether you're visiting for pop culture, amazing food, ancient temples, or futuristic cityscapes, here's a guide to the best areas to stay in Tokyo.
I've also included the travel times between neighbourhoods, reasons to stay there, and some of the best things to do nearby.
If you're travelling on a tighter budget, Ueno is one of the best places to stay.
You'll find more affordable hotels, business hotels, and hostels here than in premium areas such as Shibuya or Ginza.
The atmosphere feels more local, it's quieter in the evenings, and the beautiful Ueno Park makes it a lovely neighbourhood to explore.
Ginza is Tokyo's most elegant neighbourhood.
Expect luxury boutiques, five-star hotels, fine dining, immaculate streets, and a sophisticated atmosphere.
Accommodation here is generally among the most expensive in Tokyo.
It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a premium, comfortable, and central stay.
The area also becomes pleasantly quiet in the evenings.
If you'd like to experience old Tokyo, Asakusa is the perfect choice.
This historic neighbourhood is home to the famous Senso-ji Temple and feels completely different from Tokyo's modern districts.
With its red lanterns, narrow streets, traditional ryokans, and peaceful atmosphere, it's especially charming after dark
Accommodation is often more affordable than in Shibuya or Shinjuku.
You can find all these places, plus many more, on my interactive MY MAP JAPAN
Shinjuku is the beating heart of Tokyo.
Skyscrapers, neon lights, restaurants open until late, and an incredible nightlife make this one of the city's most exciting districts.
If it's your first visit to Tokyo, Shinjuku is often the most practical place to stay because it's so well connected.
Hotel prices range from moderate to expensive due to its popularity.
Shibuya is modern, energetic, and youthful.
It's famous for stylish cafés, shopping, and contemporary city life.
Many travellers find it slightly more organised than Shinjuku, while still offering plenty of excitement.
Accommodation is generally quite expensive because it's one of Tokyo's most popular neighbourhoods and perfectly located for first-time visitors.
If you're visiting Tokyo for manga, anime, gaming, or Japanese pop culture, Akihabara is the place to be.
The entire neighbourhood feels like one giant playground for geeks, with endless arcades, figure shops, gaming stores, and anime merchandise.
Accommodation prices are generally mid-range and often slightly cheaper than in Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Harajuku is famous for colourful fashion, quirky cafés, unique boutiques, and its creative atmosphere.
It's also just a short walk from Meiji Shrine.
Discover all these locations, plus many more, on my interactive MY JAPAN MAP.
Roppongi is known for its nightlife, contemporary museums, international restaurants, and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
It's particularly popular with expats.
Built on a man-made island, Odaiba offers giant shopping centres, futuristic attractions, entertainment complexes, and incredible views across Tokyo Bay.
It's slightly further from Tokyo's main tourist districts, making it one of the less convenient places to stay, but hotels here are often much larger than those in the city centre.
The good news is... not really!
Even if you're not staying in the absolute city centre, you won't lose much travel time.
Tokyo has one of the world's best public transport systems, particularly thanks to the famous Yamanote Line, which loops around many of the city's most popular neighbourhoods.
Most major districts are only 5 to 30 minutes apart by train. The trains are punctual, clean, efficient, and very easy to use.
Especially if you're travelling during cherry blossom season or autumn, hotels fill up quickly.
Tokyo offers several options:
Being less than a five-minute walk from a metro or train station can make a huge difference during your trip.
Tokyo hotel rooms can be surprisingly small.
Some double rooms are only 10-12 square metres, so always check the room dimensions and, of course, read recent guest reviews before booking.
See you very soon for another blog!
Ana
Bruxelles ma belle, aujourd'hui je me devais de vous faire un article sur cette ville que j'ai toujours aimée. J'y allais autrefois tous les week-ends (ou presque). J'ai toujours été fan de cette ville que beaucoup considèrent comme boring ou laide comparée à d'autres capitales européennes.
L'article de blog ayant beaucoup de succès. Je me suis permise de mettre a jour (mai 2026) avec de nouvelles adresses et lieux à visiter pour votre prochaine visite (ou même si vous êtes résidents)
Ahhh Londres, une ville que j'aime et dont je ne me lasse jamais. Après y avoir vécu un petit moment (et même y avoir trouvé mon homme), je me suis dit que j'allais partager quelques tips pour visiter des lieux uniques de façon gratuite. Car c'est un secret pour personne, Londres reste une ville très chère. Mais ne vous...
