Tokyo is one of our favorite cities to visit, but with so many different areas and neighborhoods to choose from, we know it feels overwhelming. You want to consider things like train stations, shopping, and the general vibe of the different nieghborhoods. There are a lot of different areas, but here are our favorite places to stay in Tokyo!
1. Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the busiest and most vibrant district in Tokyo. It’s home to the world-famous Kabukicho, also known as the red-light district in Tokyo. Despite the intimidating name, Shinjuku is also known for other popular tourist attractions, like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Golden Gai. We stayed in this area on our recent trip to Tokyo, but mostly because of the central train station. Shinjuku station is the busiest train station in the world, and is connected to all the major lines.
When we told friends we were staying in Shinjuku, some told us to be careful because of the seedy nightlife you can come across, and crime. But we were fine! Just be smart, as you would in any other foreign city, and be respectful to those around you. We really enjoyed staying here!
Stay in Shinjuku if…
- You like the vibe of Times Square in NY
- You want to be in the heart of the action, and don’t mind busy streets and loud music
- You’re interested in nightlife – and we mean nightlife
- You’re planning on using the train a LOT
- The Robot Restaurant, Golden Gai, Kabukicho, and The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building are at the top of your list.
Shinjuku Hotel Recommendations:
2. Shibuya
Shibuya is another great option for first-time visitors to Tokyo. It’s a lively and exciting neighborhood with a lot to offer. Known for its scramble crossing and the Hachiko Statue, a beloved landmark dedicated to a loyal dog, you’ll see lots of tourists walking around Shibuya at all hours of the day. We personally love Shibuya because of how good the shopping is, and how you can easily find a good meal on every street. It’s also home to Harajuku, which is an absolute must if you’re in Tokyo.
Stay in Shibuya if…
- You like the vibe of Manhattan generally, and its proximity to different neighborhoods
- You want to browse shops and cafes
- You don’t mind the tourists
- You want to stay somewhere a little less overwhelming (ie. Shinjuku)
- You want to stay at a hotel with English speaking staff, which is common in Shibuya because of how many foreigners stay here
- Harajuku, Hachiko, Shibuya Crossing, and Shibuya Sky are at the top of your list
Shibuya Hotel Recommendations:
3. Omotesando
Omotesando is a more upscale neighborhood known for its high-end shopping and its beautiful Japanese gardens. It’s also a great place to stay if you’re interested in art and culture, as it’s home to a number of museums and art galleries, It’s technically also in Shibuya, but has a bit of a different vibe so we wanted to keep it sepearte!
Walking the streets of Omotesando is absolutely gorgeous, and at the top of our list for a future trip to Tokyo. As far as the train, It’s not as convenient to get to and from if you are planning on being out and about a lot in a lot of different areas, so keep that in mind.
Stay in Omotesando if…
- You enjoy NY’s SoHo or Chicago’s West Loop areas
- You’re interested in high-end shopping and luxury vintage shops
- You don’t mind paying a little more for hotels
- You want to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings in Japan
- You’re interested in cool coffee shops
- You want to be close to Shibuya (within walking distance), but in an area that’s less busy
- Omotesando Hills shopping complex, Meiji Shrine, Koffee Mameya, and different art galleries are at the top of your list
Omotesasndo Hotel Recommendations:
There aren’t any hotels directly in Omotesando, but there are some that are closer to the area:
4. Ginza
Ginza is known as the “Golden Triangle” of Tokyo, and it’s home to some of the city’s most luxurious shops, restaurants, and hotels. It’s like Omotesando, but one step higher. We learned that it’s Tokyo’s most modern, western-style area, with large skyscrapers and office buildings. Which is interesting because it was part of the downtown area of Edo, the olden days of Tokyo, and areas of Ginza have protected that history. We also had quite a few more expensive meals here, including Wagyu, that were absolutely delicious.
Stay in Ginza if…
- You like the vibe of Chicago’s Mag Mile or LA’s Beverly Hills and their surrounding areas
- You want to be in the center of Tokyo’s glitz and glamor
- You want to be in an area that is slightly more western-style
- Your want to eat at Michelin-starred restaurants (there are MANY in the area)
- Chanel, Cartier, and Hermes are at the top of your list
Ginza Hotel Recommendations:
Here are some additional tips for choosing where to stay in Tokyo:
- Consider your budget. Tokyo is huge, and different areas are more affordable than others, so be sure to factor in your budget when choosing a hotel.
- Think about your interests. If you’re interested in shopping, you’ll want to stay in a neighborhood like Shibuya or Ginza. If you’re interested in history and culture, you might want to stay in a neighborhood like Asakusa or Ueno.
- Think about your full Tokyo itinerary; can you walk to most places? Will you need access to a versatile train station?
- Split up your time in different neighborhoods if your trip is long enough
- Parts of Tokyo have restaurants that close sooner than others, so make sure to plan out where you’ll be eating
We hope this helped guide your decision about where to stay in Tokyo for your first trip! If you’re looking for more Japan travel tips, check out our recent blog about What To Pack for your First Trip to Japan, and a few more Things to Know Before you Travel to Japan!
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