Where to stay in Tokyo: the best areas for your trip

In short: for a first visit, stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya, near the Yamanote loop line. For a traditional atmosphere and a gentler budget, Asakusa; with kids, Ueno; for comfort and the Shinkansen, Ginza and Tokyo Station. In Tokyo, the nearest station matters far more than the neighbourhood.

Understanding Tokyo in two minutes

Tokyo is huge, but its metro and trains are among the most efficient in the world. The key landmark is the Yamanote line, a loop linking the major districts: Shinjuku and Shibuya in the west, Ikebukuro in the north, Ueno and Tokyo Station in the east, Shinagawa in the south. Staying near a station on this line, or a well-connected metro station, puts you less than 30 minutes from almost everything.

The right area for your trip

First visit and nightlife: Shinjuku

Shinjuku is the most convenient area for a first visit: its station, one of the busiest in the world, serves the whole city, plus Narita Airport (Narita Express) and Mount Fuji by bus. Skyscrapers, restaurants, the tiny bars of Golden Gai and Shinjuku Gyoen park. The Kabukichō area, very lively at night, is noisier: choose the south or west side of the station to sleep.

Youth and shopping: Shibuya

The famous crossing, boutiques and cafés: Shibuya is lively and central, a short walk from Harajuku and Meiji Shrine. Ideal for solo travellers and couples.

Tradition and budget: Asakusa

Around Sensō-ji temple, Asakusa has kept the feel of old Tokyo, with its lanes, craftspeople and views of the Skytree. Accommodation is often more affordable, and you will find ryokans (traditional inns). Slightly off the Yamanote line, but well connected by metro.

Comfort and the Shinkansen: Ginza, Marunouchi, Tokyo Station

Department stores, luxury boutiques and refined restaurants: Ginza and the Marunouchi business district are elegant and quiet at night. Tokyo Station is where Shinkansen leave for Kyoto and Osaka: ideal before a trip out of town.

With kids: Ueno

Ueno Park is home to museums (including the Tokyo National Museum) and a zoo, and the Ameyoko market is lively. The Keisei Skyliner train links Ueno directly to Narita Airport.

Other options

• Ikebukuro: a major transport hub, often more affordable.
• Roppongi: nightlife and contemporary art museums.
• Shinagawa: handy for Haneda Airport and the Shinkansen.

Getting to Tokyo

• Haneda, the closest to the centre: the Keikyū line and the monorail run into the city.
• Narita, further out: the Narita Express serves Tokyo Station, Shinjuku and Shibuya, and the Keisei Skyliner runs to Ueno.

For timetables and fares, check the official websites. A private transfer takes you straight to your accommodation.

What type of accommodation?

• Business hotels: small, spotless and well located, the most common choice.
• Ryokans: traditional inns with tatami mats and futons, often with baths; try at least one night.
• Capsule hotels: an unusual, budget-friendly experience for a night or two.
• Apartments: handy for families, but check that the listing is properly registered with the authorities.

Our booking tips

1. Look at the nearest station and the line serving it: that is criterion no. 1.
2. Book early for cherry blossom season (late March to early April), Golden Week (late April to early May) and autumn colours.
3. Check-in times are often strict (mid-afternoon), but hotels will gladly keep your bags.
4. Travel light: rooms are small, and luggage delivery services (takkyubin) can send your suitcases from one hotel to the next.
5. Choose free cancellation when it is offered.

Once you’re there

To plan your days, see our guide Things to do in Tokyo, and for the rest of your trip, our guide Travel in Japan. The areas and useful services are on our Tokyo page.