Where To Stay In Tokyo

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Where should you stay in Tokyo? In this section, I’ll give you my picks for the best, most convenient and most interesting neighborhoods (and hotels) in Tokyo as of January 2026.

The exterior of the Palace Hotel Tokyo with elements of the curved metal and glass frontage reflected in the moat of the neighboring Imperial Palace.Palace Hotel Tokyo © Chris Rowthorn

The Takeaway

As of January 2026, the following are the best, most convenient areas to stay in Tokyo, listed in order of preference. This is based on living in Tokyo for several months, writing several guidebooks about the city for Lonely Planet, and staying in hotels all over the city (as well as getting feedback from my consulting and tour clients):

  1. Tokyo Station and Marunouchi Area
  2. Shinjuku
  3. Shibuya
  4. Roppongi
  5. Ginza and Hibiya
  6. Shimbashi, Shiodome and Hamamatsucho
  7. Ebisu, Meguro and Daikanyama
  8. Shinagawa

At the end of this page, you’ll find a map that shows exactly where all these places are located.

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The Details

Tokyo is a huge city. In fact, it’s better to think of Tokyo as a group of cities connected by a great transport system. Thus, it’s really important to choose a good area in which to stay.

There are three criteria I look at when ranking the best places to stay in Tokyo:

  1. It must be near the Yamanote Line, which is the most important form of transport in the city,
  2. It must have lots of good restaurants and shops within easy walking distance,
  3. The area must be attractive.

I’ll go through the best places to stay one-by-one below.

Recommended Mid Range Tokyo Hotels Hotel RyumeikanHotel RyumeikanTokyo StationMore InfoKyushu BlossomKyushu BlossomShinjukuMore InfoMarunouchi HotelMarunouchi HotelTokyo StationMore InfoCentury Southern TowerCentury SouthernShinjukuMore Info

The Best Places To Stay In Tokyo

Here is my list of the best places to stay in Tokyo, listed in order of preference, along with my favorite hotels in each district.

View of the skyscrapers surrounding Marunouchi Square, as two people sit and relax, with the distinctive red-brick Tokyo Station building to the left.Tokyo Station and Marunouchi area © Chris Rowthorn

Tokyo Station/Marunouchi Area

The Tokyo Station/Marunouchi area, the city’s main transport hub, is the best place to stay in Tokyo. This is usually where I stay when I’m in Tokyo. You’ve got the most important train station, including the terminal station of the Tokaido shinkansen line (for easy access to Kyoto etc). And, within easy walking distance you’ve got all the city’s main department stores in Ginza, Nihombashi etc. And, the area is literally awash with restaurants. Nearby, you’ve got the Imperial Palace and adjoining parks. And, best of all, the streets around here (especially in Marunouchi) are broad and pleasant.

Key Points

  • Positives: transport hub of Tokyo, great shops, restaurants and hotels
  • Negatives: can feel a little dead in the evening
  • Best for: almost anyone, especially those looking to do a lot of exploring

Here are a couple of pics to give you a feeling for the Tokyo Station and Marunouchi area that I took in February of 2025.

Daytime view of the Tokyo Station Yaesu Side, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, Japan, with the station Granroof, designed by Helmut Jahn, visible to the right, and some parked vehichles in the foreground.Tokyo Station Yaesu Side in early spring 2025 © Chris Rowthorn An evening view of the historic red-brick Tokyo Station illuminated with warm lights, standing in contrast to the towering modern glass skyscrapers behind it. In the foreground, a spacious paved plaza is filled with pedestrians, bordered by a patch of green lawn on the left under a twilight sky.Tokyo Station Marunouchi side in the evening © Chris Rowthorn

Best Hotel Picks For The Tokyo Station/Marunouchi Area

Our top hotel picks in the Tokyo Station/Marunouchi area are:

A spacious luxury hotel room with high ceilings and classic European decor. Two twin beds with tall, tufted grey headboards take up the right side, dressed in white linens with deep purple runners and patterned bolster pillows. A gold chandelier with multiple lampshades hangs centrally. On the left, a dark wood dresser holds a flat-screen TV. A lime-green armchair sits near a tall window draped with sheer and heavy curtains at the far end of the room, standing on a carpet with a geometric maroon and beige pattern.The Tokyo Station Hotel guest room © Chris Rowthorn
  • Local Luxury: Tokyo Station Hotel - Located directly above Tokyo Station (in the same building), this hotel is superb. There’s no hint of train noise and the rooms are spacious. Despite the huge rooms, impeccable service and great concierges, the price is extremely reasonable. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Luxurious suite room in the Shangri-La Hotel with large corner windows, sofa and armchair, subtle lighting, and views of the city.Shangri-La Tokyo corner suite © Chris Rowthorn
  • International Luxury: Shangri-La Tokyo - I love the Shangri-La Tokyo. It’s in a tower right above Tokyo Station with eye-popping views in every direction. The hotel has the feeling of a secret sanctuary in the sky and the rooms, restaurants and spa are sublime. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Luxurious guest room in the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Tokyo, with two large beds, wall-length wooden desk, and incredible views of the city skyline.Mandarin Oriental Tokyo guest room © Chris Rowthorn
  • International Luxury: Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo - Located high atop a tower in Nihombashi, within walking distance of Tokyo Station, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is arguably the best hotel in Tokyo. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Double corner guest room in the Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo, Japan, with large double bed facing a freestanding TV and wall-length corner windows overlooking illuminated night view of the city.Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo - The Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo is the best midrange hotel in Tokyo and I usually stay here when in the city. Located directly across the street from Tokyo Station, this hotel is a great value. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

If you’re a traveler who wants the conveniences of home, check out the excellent Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo, which offers great serviced apartments. And if you’re on a budget or traveling with the family, check out the karaska hotel colors Tokyo Yaesu, which offers connecting rooms and reasonable rates just steps from Tokyo Station.

For a list of my favorite hotels in this area, see my Tokyo Station/Marunouchi Places To Stay section.

View of tall contemporary buildings in West Shinjuku, Tokyo, from an elevated walkway, on a bright, sunny days, including the distintive Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower.Towers of West Shinjuku © Chris Rowthorn

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is a close second as the best place to stay in Tokyo (and it may rank first if you love nightlife and don’t mind crowds). This is one of the city’s biggest transport hubs and it’s on the all-important Yamanote Line. There are several huge department stores, huge electronics shops, literally thousands of restaurants, and Tokyo’s best bookshop: Kinokuniya. Note that the east side of the station is chaotic and crowded (but fun) and the west side is quieter and calmer. But if you really don’t like crowds, consider somewhere quieter like the Tokyo Station/Marunouchi area or Ebisu, Meguro or Daikanyama.

Key Points

  • Positives: great transport connections, amazing shopping and dining
  • Negatives: east side can be a bit overwhelming for kids
  • Best for: young people, foodies, shoppers and bar-hoppers

Here are a couple of pics to give an idea of the street level vibe of Shinjuku. First, here’s West Shinjuku, which is the calmer side:

View from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, Japan, of one of West Shinjuku’s main streets with traffic and lined with large buildings, looking towards the Park Hyatt tower.West Shinuku, looking toward the Park Hyatt tower © Chris Rowthorn View of the West Shinjuku train tracks towards the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building on the left and the Hotel Century Southern Tower on the right.Train tracks of Shinjuku Station (West Shinjuku) with Hotel Century Southern Tower visible on right © Chris Rowthorn

Here’s East Shinjuku, which is the busier nightlife side:

Daytime image of Godzilla Road with Godzilla himself peeping up over the side of the Hotel Gracery in East Shinjuku, Tokyo.East Shinjuku with Gracery Hotel in middle © Chris Rowthorn Daytime Yasukuni Street scene in the Kabukicho area of East Shinjuku, Tokyo, with many shops and restaurants.East Shinuku street scene © Chris Rowthorn

Best Hotel Picks For Shinjuku

Our top hotel picks in Shinjuku are:

Corner guest room in the Kimpton Shinjuku hotel, Tokyo, Japan, with contemporary interior design with double bed, L-shaped leather sofa, and corner seating area.Kimpton Shinjuku
  • Luxury: Kimpton Shinjuku - The Kimpton is a reasonably priced and very stylish luxury hotel on the west side of Shinjuku, within walking distance of the convenient Shinjuku Station. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Corner guest room on the upper floors of the Hotel Century Southern Tower, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, with chaise longue and armchair, looking out on the city skyscrapers and large park area.Hotel Century Southern Tower
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Century Southern Tower - With one of the best locations in Tokyo, great views, comfortable rooms and reasonable rates, the Hotel Century Southern Tower is one of the best midrange hotels in the city. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Twin guest room in the Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, with padded headboards and strip lighting above the pillows, brown carpet with sprial geometric patterns.Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku
  • Budget: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku - Located in East Shinjuku, directly next to a subway station, the Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku is an excellent value and well-run business hotel. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Family room in the Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West hotel, Tokyo, Japan, with two sets of twin beds, long dining table with sofa seating, and contemporary update on traditional minimal Japanese style.Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West
  • Family: Mimaru Shinjuku West - The Mimaru Tokyo Shinjuku West is THE BEST FAMILY HOTEL IN TOKYO. It’s got a great location in west Shinjuku, which is our favorite place to stay in the city, and it’s got a variety of large rooms (apartments?) with simple cooking facilities and comfortable beds. And the rates are very reasonable. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

You may also want to check out the Hundred Stay Tokyo Shinjuku, which offers great family rooms at amazingly reasonable rates.

For my list of Shinjuku’s best hotels in all price ranges, see my Shinjuku Places To Stay section.

Recommended Luxury Hotels In Tokyo Mandarin OrientalMandarin OrientalTokyo StationMore InfoThe PeninsulaThe PeninsulaTokyo StationMore InfoRitz-CarltonRitz-CarltonRoppongiMore InfoConrad TokyoConrad TokyoShiodomeMore Info Aerial view looking down on the famous Shibuya Crossing and illuminated buildings at twilight in Tokyo, Japan.Shibuya in the evening © f11photo / Shutterstock.com

Shibuya

Shibuya is another huge shopping and transport hub on the west side of the Yamanote Line. It’s pretty similar to Shinjuku and the reasons I rate this highly are the same as for Shinjuku: convenient transport connections (including the Yamanote Line), plenty of shops and restaurants, and lots of attractions. It’s just slightly less busy than Shinjuku and a bit more youth oriented, in case that matters. My kids love this area and I’m more comfortable staying here with them than I would be in Shinjuku.

Key Points

  • Positives: fun, trendy, great shopping and dining
  • Negatives: station area is almost always crowded
  • Best for: families, young people, shoppers

Here are some photos I took in the spring of 2025 that give a feeling for the streets of Shibuya:

The Finger Ave crossroads in a bright early morning view of Shibuya in early spring, as a handful of people pass the Parco and Moncler stores.Shibuya street view © Chris Rowthorn Pedestrians pass the shops and cafes of Shibuya Tokyo on an early spring morning, close to the famous Shibuya Scramble crossing.Shibuya streets early morning 2025 © Chris Rowthorn

Best Hotel Picks For Shibuya

Our picks for the best hotels in Shibuya are:

Large double suite in the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, with huge bed, various cushioned seating areas, and wide windoes offering city views.Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
  • Luxury: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel - The Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is a large and reasonably priced luxury hotel in Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s best places to be based. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Twin guest room in the Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya, Japan, with joined twin beds with two sofa chairs at the foot and bleached wooden floors, as well as city views.Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya - With a central Shibuya location, attentive staff, great boutique style and comfortable rooms, the Indigo is one of the best hotels in Shibuya and a great choice for those in the market for a stylish upper mid-range hotel in Tokyo. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Pink neon and atmospheric lighting as people relax in the lounge of The Millennials capsule hotel in Tokyo.The Millennials Shibuya
  • Budget: The Millennials Shibuya - The Millennials Shibuya is best described as a “boutique capsule hotel.” It’s great for those who want to be right in the heart of the action in Shibuya and for those who really want to meet other travelers. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Also be sure to check out the Hyatt House Shibuya, which opened in 2024. It offers apartment-style accommodations and is great for those traveling with the family.

For a list of my favorite hotels in Shibuya, see my Shibuya Places To Stay section.

Recommended Budget Tokyo HotelsCompact double room with desk and television in the Dormy Inn Akihabara hotel, Tokyo, JapanDormy InnAkihabaraMore InfoA guest room in the Remm Hibuya hotel, Tokyo, Japan, with orange interiors, bed, shower room, and massage chairRemm HibuyaGinzaMore InfoTwin beds in a Touganeya Hotel double room, Tokyo, JapanTouganeya HotelUenoMore InfoDouble bed with overhead single bunk in a Super Hotel Asakusa triple room, Tokyo, JapanSuper HotelAsakusaMore Info Quiet early morning view of a street in the Roppongi Hills area of Tokyo with a branch of Tsutaya Books visible to the left.Roppongi Hills area in February 2025 © Chris Rowthorn

Roppongi

Roppongi is another great place to stay. In fact, I am sure there are plenty of Tokyoites and regular visitors who would rank this at #1. The only thing that stops me from doing so is the fact that Roppongi is not on the Yamanote Line. I do a lot of moving around when I’m in Tokyo, so being on the loop line is important. If you don’t plan to do so much bouncing around, then Roppongi might well be your first choice. If you rate great dining, exciting nightlife and plenty of attractions highly, then you should strongly consider staying in Roppongi. This is the sexiest and most cosmopolitan part of the city. It’s where the big money (both Japanese and foreign) eats and drinks.

Key Points

  • Positives: sexy, glamorous, dining and nightlife
  • Negatives: not on the Yamanote Loop Line
  • Best for: young people, fine diners, clubbers

Here are a few pics in snapped in February 2025 that convey the general vibe of Roppongi:

Entrance and forecourt of the Grand Hyatt hotel in Roppongi, Tokyo, with a distinctive angular metal canopy jutting out over the driveway above the doors.Grand Hyatt entrance in Roppongi © Chris Rowthorn Daytime street view of the Roppongi area of Tokyo with the distinctive Roppongi Hills flyover to the left and a branch of Wendy’s First Kitchen to the right.Roppongi street scene © Chris Rowthorn

Best Hotel Picks For Roppongi

Our top hotel picks around Roppongi are:

Large double guest room in The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo hotel, Japan, with bed and twin armchairs, brown striped carpet, and wide windows with nighttime city views.The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
  • Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo - High atop a soaring tower in Roppongi, one of Tokyo’s most exciting districts, the ultra-luxe Ritz-Carlton is a good choice for a comfortable stay in Tokyo. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
The exterior entrance of The Okura Tokyo, featuring a prominent grey stone sign surrounded by lush greenery and willow trees. A wide paved area and a low water feature sit in the foreground, with tall, modern office buildings rising in the background.The Okura Tokyo © Chris Rowthorn
  • Local Luxury: The Okura Tokyo - Okay, the Okura is not quite in Roppongi (it’s in Toranomon Hills) but it’s close and it’s eminently deserving of a mention here. I just revisited this classic Tokyo hotel and it’s as beautiful as ever. The lobby is a masterpiece of modernist style and the entire hotel just feels elegant. And don’t miss the fine garden on the hotel grounds. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Compact twin guest room in the Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo-Roppongi, Japan, with two beds, separated by a three-man sofa, opposite a wall-mounted TV, and pleated curtain drawn against the window.Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo-Roppongi
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo-Roppongi - Located just above Roppongi-itchome subway station, a short walk from central Roppongi, the Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Tokyo-Roppongi is a very convenient mid-range business hotel. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Simple double guest room in the Hotel Asia Center of Japan, Tokyo, with large double bed facing a wide window overlooking the city at night.Hotel Asia Center of Japan
  • Budget: Hotel Asia Center of Japan - Located in Akasaka, a bit north of Roppongi, the Hotal Asia Center of Japan is a decent and economical hotel in a quiet neighborhood. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Loft room in The Lively Tokyo Azabujuban hotel with four large bunks and stylish living area.The Lively Tokyo Azabujuban
  • Boutique: The Lively Tokyo Azabujuban - A short walk south of Roppongi – one of Tokyo’s most happening nightlife districts – the Lively is a beautiful island of style in a quiet area. With great service and an intimate feeling, the Lively feels like it should cost significantly more. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

For a list of my favorite hotels in Roppongi, see my Roppongi Places To Stay section.

An atmospheric image of a busy Ginza street in the evening, as the street, shops and vehicles light up against a red sky.Ginza in the evening © Chris Rowthorn

Ginza/Hibiya

Ginza and Hibiya are two districts a short walk south of the Tokyo Station Area. Hibiya is famous for its expansive park while Ginza is known as an upscale shopping and dining area. Both are great choices for those who want to avoid the really busy hubs like Shinjuku and Shibuya. And for easy access to transport, you’ll find it hard to beat these two attractive districts.

Key Points

  • Positives: close to Tokyo Station, great shopping and dining
  • Negatives: can feel more like a shopping district than a neighborhood
  • Best for: older travelers, well-heeled travelers

Here are some photos that give you an idea of what Ginza and Hibiya’s streets look like.

A daytime view of Ginza’s Matsuya-dori Street, looking towards the Solaria Hotel, with a Starbucks to the left and the Oji concert hall to the right.Ginza streets by day © Chris Rowthorn A daytime view of the Peninsula Hotel building and neighboring Hibiya Park in the Ginza and Hibiya district of Tokyo, Japan.Peninsula Hotel in overlooking Hibiya Park © Chris Rowthorn

Best Hotel Picks For Ginza And Hibiya

Our top hotel picks around Ginza and Hibiya are:

Double guest room in The Peninsula Tokyo hotel, Japan, with large double bed behind a wide sofa and coffee table, adjacent to dining table and big windows overlooking the river.The Peninsula Tokyo
  • Luxury: The Peninsula Tokyo – The Peninsula Tokyo is always in the running to be the best hotel in Tokyo. It offers a brilliant location near Tokyo Station and superb facilities and service. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Guest room in the Gate Hotel Tokyo, Japan, with bed facing free-standing TV unit, L-shaped sofa and armchair, as well as wall-sized corner windows.The Gate Hotel Tokyo
  • Mid-Range: The Gate Hotel Tokyo – The Gate Hotel Tokyo is a smart new hotel with a super-convenient location within easy walking distance of Tokyo Station, Yurakucho and Ginza. Rooms are spacious, the restaurants are smart and the service is excellent. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Large twin beds with geometric pattern carpet and wide, corner windows in a Royal Park Ginza 6-Chome hotel guest room, Tokyo.Royal Park Hotel Ginza 6-Chome guest room
  • Mid-Range: Royal Park Hotel Ginza 6-Chome – The Royal Park Hotel Ginza is a brand new and spotless hotel that’s perfectly situated for shopping and dining in Ginza. I love the ability to walk to the Yamanote Line (Yurakucho Station) in 5 or 10 minutes and Tokyo Station in about 15 minutes. View on Booking.com.
Compact twin guest room in the Remm Hibiya Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, including two beds with orange styling, relaxing chair, purple dotted carpet, and curtained window.Remm Hibiya Hotel
  • Budget: Remm Hibiya Hotel - Located on the north side of Ginza, very near lovely Hibiya-koen Park, the Remm Hibiya is a stylish little boutique hotel with rock-bottom rates and in-room massage chairs! Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
A cosy guestroom in The Tokyo EDITION hotel with modern, natural-shaded furnishings, wooden bed and window panelling, and a warm thrown draped across the comfortable bed.The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza guestroom
  • Boutique: The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza – A sublime boutique hotel in the heart of Ginza, this EDITION is a boutique beauty. With a concierge team that can handle any requests to make your stay special, for those who can afford it, the EDITION is a great choice. Some of my favorite shops are just steps away and Tokyo Station is an easy walk. View on Booking.com and Agoda.com.

For a list of my favorite hotels in Ginza, see my Ginza Places To Stay section.

Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo, Sumida River, Chuo district, Japan, with oriental japanese garden during Hanami, and the Hama Rikyu contrasting with the skyscrapers of the adjacent Shiodome district.Shiodome district seen from Hama-Rikyu Gardens © Benny Marty / Shutterstock.com

Shimbashi, Shiodome and Hamamatsucho

A short distance south of Tokyo Station, these three adjoining districts are just far enough from Tokyo Station to mean cheaper hotel rates but close enough so that you can be there in a few minutes. And there are some good places to eat around here. I occasionally stay in either Hamamatsucho or Shimbashi because hotel rates are cheap here and it still feels very close to Tokyo Station (and Hamamatsucho is where you catch the monorail to Haneda).

Key Points

  • Positives: convenient to Tokyo Station and Haneda Airport
  • Negatives: relatively few shops and restaurants
  • Best for: business travelers, solo travelers

Best Hotel Picks Around Shiodome

Our top hotel picks around Shiodome are:

Living area of a Conrad Tokyo hotel suite with sofa and armchair around a wall-mounted TV, separate sleeping area beyond, and dining area beside the window overlooking the nighttime bay.Conrad Tokyo
  • Luxury: Conrad Tokyo - Located in Shiodome, with a commanding view over Tokyo Bay, the Conrad Tokyo is a fine luxury hotel with an attentive staff and ripping views from the rooms. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
A sunlit corner hotel room featuring two twin beds with patterned runners and a gold abstract feature wall behind them. Large wrap-around windows offer a city view and cast long shadows across the green carpet, while a bench and wall-mounted TV occupy the right side of the room.Deluxe corner twin at the Hotel 1899 Tokyo © Chris Rowthorn
  • Budget/Mid-Range: Hotel 1899 Tokyo - Hotel 1899 Tokyo is an unusual green tea-themed hotel on the edge of Shimbashi that I love for its beautiful, clean rooms, healthy breakfast and surprisingly cheap rates. It’s within easy walking distance of Shimbashi Station. Read our review or view Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Large guest room in the Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome-Tokyo with large mattress on a built-in wooden platform, over patterned rug, and with desk area, twin easy chairs and coffee table, and platform beside windows overlooking city greenery.Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome-Tokyo
  • Budget: Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome-Tokyo - The Villa Fontaine Shiodome-Tokyo offers mid-range hotel rooms at super-reasonable rates in a convenient Shimbashi location. It’s a great deal! Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

For a list of my favorite hotels in this area, see my Shiodome Places To Stay section.

Recommended Tokyo Ryokan Asakusa ToukaisouAsakusa ToukaisouBudgetMore InfoAsakusa ShigetsuAsakusa ShigetsuMid RangeMore InfoKamogawa AsakusaKamogawa AsakusaLuxuryMore InfoRyokan KatsutaroRyokan KatsutaroMid RangeMore Info Aerial view of the Ebisu area of Tokyo, with skyscrapers and train lines, and other buildings.Aerial view of Ebisu © TAGSTOCK1 / Shutterstock.com

Ebisu, Meguro and Daikanyama

Ebisu and Meguro are two small urban hubs on the southwest side of the Yamanote Line. Daikanyama is a small hub just west of Ebisu. These three areas are considered the most desirable places to live by Tokyo’s fashionable and wealthy elite. There are a few hotels in these areas that allow you to enjoy the things that locals love: great cafes, hip restaurants and bars, boutique shopping, and pleasant strolling on attractive streets.

Key Points

  • Positives: fashionable, hip, low-key
  • Negatives: expensive for shopping and dining
  • Best for: solo travelers, couples, hipsters

Best Hotel Picks For Ebisu, Daikanyama And Meguro

Our picks for the best hotels in Ebisu, Daikanyama and Meguro are:

Double guest suite in The Westin Tokyo hotel, with sofa and armchair around a coffee table, dining area beside window view of Tokyo greenery, and adjoining room with double bed.The Westin Tokyo
  • Luxury: The Westin Tokyo - The Westin Tokyo is a large international-class hotel with all the facilities you’d expect and spacious, comfortable rooms and reasonable rates for this class. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Twin guest room in the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo, with two wide beds and dining area beside balcony window.Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo
  • Mid-Range: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo - The Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo is a large, international-class hotel with good facilities and very reasonable mid-range rates. The location is not ideal but not too bad. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Simple guest room in the Hotel Mid in Meguro Ekimae, Tokyo, Japan, with pink bed and matching desk with anglepoise lamp, and shelf above bed with small vase of flowers.Hotel Mid in Meguro Ekimae
  • Budget: Hotel Mid in Meguro Ekimae - The Hotel Mid in Meguro Ekimae is a simple and very reasonably priced business hotel that is close to Meguro Station. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

For a list of my favorite hotels in this area, see my Ebisu, Meguro and Daikanyama Places To Stay section.

Large office buildings in front of Shinagawa Station in Tokyo on a sunny dayShinagawa Station area: OFFICE TK / Shutterstock.com

Shinagawa

Shinagawa is a major transport hub at the southern end of the Yamanote Line. It’s not the most exciting district, but it’s right on the loop line and the Tokaido Shinkansen line, so it’s quite convenient to stay here (especially if you plan to hop on and off the shinkansen). There are several excellent hotels here that take advantage of the area’s excellent transport connections.

Key Points

  • Positives: transport hub, direct train to Haneda Airport
  • Negatives: not many things to see or do
  • Best for: business travelers, frequent flyers

Best Hotel Picks For Shinagawa

Our picks for the best hotels in Shinagawa are:

Twin guest suite in the Conrad Tokyo hotel with large living area with sofa and armchair, cherry blossom carpet, and glass unit with bath and large illuminated mirror, as well as separate room with two beds.Conrad Tokyo
  • Luxury: Conrad Tokyo - in nearby Shiodome (see above). Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Twin corner guest room in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, with two wide beds, and sofa against the wide red window length sofa and view overlooking the city.Shinagawa Prince Hotel
  • Mid-Range: Shinagawa Prince Hotel - Within easy walking distance of Shinagawa Station, the Shinagawa Prince Hotel is a large business hotel that offers reasonable rates. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Angular twin guest room in the Hotel 1899 Tokyo, with two large beds, contemporary interior stylings with green patterns, wall-mounted TV unit and windows spread across two walls.Hotel 1899 Tokyo
  • Boutique: Hotel 1899 Tokyo in nearby Shimbashi – Hotel 1899 Tokyo is clean, comfortable and reasonably priced hotel in a convenient location in the dining and entertainment district of Shimbashi. Read our review or view on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

For a list of my favorite hotels in this area, see my Shimbashi, Shiodome, Hamamatsucho and Shinagawa Places To Stay section.

Tokyo Places to Stay Map

Click the menu icon on the top left of the map to see the name and ranking of each Tokyo district. On this map, the colors indicate the following:

  • Yellow: most desirable
  • Red: desirable
  • Purple: acceptable
  • Light gray: less desirable
  • Dark gray: only in a pinch

Types Of Accommodation In Tokyo

Tokyo has an incredible range of places to stay. The city has some of the best hotels in the world (with prices to match) and yet there are tons of perfectly acceptable business hotels that cost far less than their equivalents in other developed countries. And, yes, there are ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) in Tokyo, but not that many of them (Kyoto is the place for ryokan).

Hotels

Tokyo has a fantastic selection of hotels in all price ranges.

  • The city’s luxury hotels are on par with the best hotels anywhere. For more information, check out the Best Tokyo Luxury Hotels page.
  • The best value can often be found in mid-range and so-called “business hotels,” which are small but efficient hotels that often offer great rates. For more information, check out the Best Tokyo Mid-Range And Business Hotels page.
  • There is also a range of boutique hotels in Tokyo.
  • Tokyo is a great city to visit with kids. But, where should you stay? See my Best Tokyo Hotels For Families page.
  • If you’re looking for a romantic hideaway in Tokyo, you’ll be spoiled for choice. See my list of The Most Romantic Hotels In Tokyo, all personally inspected.
  • Finally, you might be surprised at just how cheap some of the city’s budget hotel rooms are. And, the quality is surprisingly high. For more information, check out the Best Tokyo Budget Hotels page.

Also see our overview on the Tokyo Hotels page.

You can check current Tokyo hotel availability at Booking.com and Agoda.com.

Ryokan

Because Tokyo was bombed flat during WWII, there aren’t many traditional accommodations left in the city. However, you can still find some ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) in the city.

These are our picks for the best ryokan in Tokyo:

  • Tokyo Station Area: Hoshinoya Tokyo - Hoshinoya Tokyo is the finest ryokan in Tokyo. Full stop. If you’re looking for Japanese-style luxury accommodation in a very convenient location, it’s a fantastic choice. Read our review or view on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
  • Asakusa Budget: Ryokan Asakusa Mikawaya Honten - The Ryokan Mikawaya is a mid-range ryokan located a stone’s throw from Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. It’s got spacious Japanese-style rooms which can easily accommodate families. Read our review or view on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
  • Asakusa Mid-Range: Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu - With a superb location just around the corner from Senso-ji Temple, the Asakusa Shigetsu is the best ryokan in Asakusa. It’s a great place to sample the ryokan experience in Tokyo. Read our review or view on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
  • Asakusa Luxury: Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa - With a superb location in Asakusa, the moderately-priced Ryokan Kamogawa Asakusa is our favorite ryokan in Tokyo. The rooms are perfect for families who want to stay together. Read our review or view on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
  • Ueno: Ryokan Katsutaro - A short walk from Ueno-koen Park, the Ryokan Katsutaro is a friendly little ryokan that offers traditional rooms at reasonable rates. Rooms here can accommodate up to four people, making it a good choice for families. Read our review or view on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
  • Yanaka: Annex Katsutaro Ryokan - Located in Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s most traditional neighborhoods, this fine budget ryokan is the perfect place to sample the ryokan experience in Tokyo. It’s a modern building but the rooms are ryokan style. Read our review or view on Booking.com and Agoda.com.

For more information, check out the Tokyo Ryokan page.

If you’re not going to visit Kyoto and you really want to try a night in a ryokan, then by all means, stay a night or two in a ryokan in Tokyo. But, if you are going to visit Kyoto, you might want to have your ryokan experience in Kyoto. For details, visit our Kyoto Ryokan page.

Guesthouses

In addition to hotels and ryokan, there are quite a few guesthouses in Tokyo that cater to budget travelers and backpackers. You’ll find most of them in the old parts of town like Asakusa. We recommend K’s House Tokyo Oasis.

Capsule Hotels

You’ve probably heard of capsule hotels, those ultra-cheap and efficient accommodations designed for salarymen who’ve gotten drunk and missed the last train home. They usually consist of narrow coffin-like capsules and a common bathing area. Most are only for men, but there are a few that also accept women (and have women’s only floors). For our picks, check out the Best Capsule Hotels In Tokyo page.

Peak Season: March-April and November

A FRIENDLY WARNING: Tokyo accommodation gets booked out months in advance for busy seasons like the late March to mid-April Tokyo cherry blossom season and the November fall foliage season. Book well in advance for these times.

You can check current Tokyo hotel availability during March, April and November on Booking.com and Agoda.com.

Visiting Kyoto?

If you’re visiting Kyoto as well as Tokyo, be sure to check out my Where To Stay In Kyoto page on Inside Kyoto’s companion website, InsideKyoto.com.

Visiting Osaka?

Similarly, if you’re visiting Osaka, see my Where To Stay In Osaka page on InsideOsaka.com.

Where Are These Places Located?

See these places on the Truly Tokyo Google map:
  • Open the Tokyo map
  • You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
  • Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
  • Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
  • If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Tokyo Vacation Checklist

  • ESSENTIALS – For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
  • HOTELS – Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
  • WHERE TO STAY – Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
  • BULLET TRAIN – You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
  • SIM CARDS – You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
  • PACKING LIST – See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
  • FLIGHTS – Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
  • JAPAN RAIL PASS – If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
  • TRAVEL INSURANCE – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
  • WANT HELP? – Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help

Tokyo District Map

Click a Tokyo District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
  • Asakusa
  • Ueno
  • Imperial Palace Area
  • Tokyo Station
  • Shimbashi Shiodome Hamamatsucho Shinagawa
  • Ginza
  • Tsukiji
  • Akihabara Kanda
  • Odaiba
  • Roppongi Akasaka
  • Harajuku Aoyama
  • Shinjuku
  • Ebisu Daikanyama Meguro
  • Shibuya

Tag » Where To Stay In Tokyo