Tokyo for me is a city beyond comprehension. If its sheer size doesn’t boggle you, it’s food, culture and speed will. An assault on the senses, my three weeks in Tokyo was spent amongst neon lights, throngs of locals and tourists alike and an increasingly knowing feeling that I was never, ever going to get my head around this mega city.
It was exhausting, it was overstimulating, it was nothing like I’d experienced on my travels thus far.
I loved it.
Whether you are a veteran traveller or a newbie, no one is exempt from the wonder that is Tokyo. This city is on a scale rarely seen elsewhere in the world. And with a city this big, the possibilities of what to do, where to eat and where to stay seem endless…ergo, overwhelming.
With 14 million people sprawled over 47 neighbourhoods, sorting through the best areas to stay in Tokyo can seem like an impossible task. After my three weeks in Tokyo, I have by no means even begun to scratch the surface, but I have a pretty good idea of what each base has to offer.
Think of this as your first foothold in Tokyo. I cannot promise you an expert after this guide, but it will give you enough direction to pick a neighbourhood, drop your bag, and start inhaling sushi while leaning fully into the weird and wonderful-ness that defines this city.
Let’s get stuck in.
Photo: @audyscala
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Photo: Stefan Ertmann (WikiCommons)
Shinjuku
Central, chaotic in a good way, and stacked with transport links. Shinjuku gives you a bit of everything, food, nightlife, shopping, parks, and easy access to the rest of the city. It’s one of the most practical bases in Tokyo, making it one of the best bases for first timers in Tokyo.
Asakusa
Historic streets, temples, shrines, and some of the better-value accommodation in the city. Asakusa keeps costs down without cutting you off from the action, making it the strongest pick for travellers watching their spending.
Roppongi
Bright lights, loud bars, and late nights. Roppongi is Tokyo turned up to full volume and suits travellers who prioritise going out over early mornings and quiet streets.
Shibuya
Home to the famous crossing and a mash-up of subcultures. Shibuya’s sprawl covers everything from polished shopping streets to scruffy, creative backstreets. It’s busy, energetic, and never dull.
Tokyo Bay
More space, bigger hotels, and easy access to theme parks including Disney and Legoland. Tokyo Bay trades inner-city buzz for convenience and kid-friendly attractions.
Tokyo is enormous. It’s the most populated metro area on the planet and thrives on movement, noise, and crowds. This is not a city that does quiet, but it does do efficient. With around 1,000 train stations across the city, getting around different places in Tokyo is rarely the issue, no matter where you stay.
Accommodation options cover the full spectrum, swanky hostels, budget guesthouses, slick Airbnbs, and luxury hotels that take minimalism very seriously. Neighbourhoods are well connected, so staying slightly outside the centre doesn’t mean missing out.
Tokyo rewards curiosity. Pick a base that fits how you travel, then let the trains get you everywhere in between.
The Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo
Tokyo looks intimidating on a map, but on the ground it runs like clockwork. Trains are fast, frequent, and painfully efficient, which means staying slightly off-centre never feels like missing out completely.
Wherever you base yourself, the city’s neon chaos, hidden ramen joints, shrines, and late-night convenience store feasts are never far away. Saying that, the city is deceptively big. What may look like a neighbouring area could mean over an hour away by transport.
Below are the areas that actually make sense to stay in, broken down by travel style, budget, and how much sleep you plan on getting.
1. Shinjuku – Where to Stay in Tokyo for your First Time
Shinjuku is Tokyo at full throttle. Neon everywhere, streets that never really switch off, and an absurd amount of food packed into a few square kilometres. It’s messy, loud, and relentlessly alive (yet somehow still runs like a well-oiled machine). One turn lands you in a department store the size of a small country, the next drops you into a backstreet with six-seat ramen joints and bars barely wider than the doorway.
It’s also one of the easiest places to base yourself. Shinjuku Station connects to just about everywhere, which makes exploring the city simple and late nights less of a logistical exercise. Accommodation covers the full spectrum, from capsule hotels to surprisingly decent mid-range options.
Because of it’s central location, expect to fork out a pretty penny for the convenience. What you spend to stay in Shinjuku, you’ll surely save in hours on the train. It’s up to you to debate whether that’s worth the sacrifice.
- Best For: First-timers, nightlife, food
- The Vibe: Neon chaos, busy, high-energy
- Proximity to Airport: Direct trains available
- Transport Level: Excellent
- Budget: Mid-range to high
- Crowds: Very busy
Top things to do in Shinjuku:
- Shop till you drop at places like Odakyu, Lumine, Beams Japan, and Takashimaya Times Square. There are heaps of shopping malls here!
- Spot the iconic Gorilla Head peaking out inbetween buildings.
- Stroll around the old-world area of Golden Gai.
- Go bar hopping in Kabukicho.
- Soak up the views from the 45th-floor observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
- Wander through the delightful garden of Shinjuku Gyoen.
- Wander around Shinjuku Central Park.
- Ride in a swan boat and see a shrine honouring the sea goddess of Benzaiten at Inokashira-Koen Park.
- Get a sense of nostalgia at Omoide Yokocho. Snap a selfie with the LOVE statue.
GLOU Higashi Shinjuku | Best Hotel
Staying in Shinjuku usually means accepting the price tag that comes with the postcode, which is why this place feels like a saving grace. Rooms are compact in the very Japanese sense of the word, but if you’re using it as a base between long days and late nights, it does exactly what it needs to do. For the location, this is a sensible, no-nonsense option that keeps costs in check without sacrificing comfort.
Imano Tokyo Hostel | Best Hostel
Located in the heart of Shinjuku, Imano Tokyo Hostel offers private rooms and single-sex dorms, with capsule-style beds and privacy curtains. There are common areas for dining and socialising, while also providing workspaces for digital nomads.
Buona Casa | Best Airbnb
Another solid value find, Buona Casa is about as affordable as Shinjuku gets without cutting corners. Location-wise, it’s an easy five-minute walk to a JR station, with convenience stores practically on the doorstep. Masami-san and Yoko-san are genuinely lovely hosts and go out of their way to make you feel welcome. If you want to stay central without blowing your budget, this place makes a lot of sense.
2. Asakusa – Where to Stay in Tokyo on a Budget
Asakusa is one of the quieter, more traditional parts of Tokyo, and it feels like it. Mornings are calm, nights wind down early, and the streets feel like more of a glimse into local life than other flashier tourist hotspots. It’s centred around Senso-ji and a cluster of old-school eateries, souvenir shops, and no-frills cafés that have been doing the same thing for decades.
If travelling to Japan on a budget, Asakusa will be music to your ears. Accommodation here leans budget-friendly, with hostels, guesthouses, and smaller hotels that cost noticeably less than central nightlife districts.
Asakusa connects via the Ginza, Asakusa, and Tobu lines, which get you to Ueno, Akihabara, Ginza, and Tokyo Station without changing lines. Shinjuku and Shibuya take longer and usually require at least one transfer, so nights out elsewhere mean planning the trip home.
This area suits travellers who want lower prices, cultural sights on their doorstep, and a base that stays quiet once the sun goes down.
- Best For: Budget travellers, first-timers, slower-paced stays
- The Vibe: Traditional streets, temples, old-school Tokyo that still feels lived-in
- Proximity to Airport: Direct access to Narita via Skyliner from nearby Ueno; reasonable to Haneda
- Transport Level: Well-connected by metro and nearby JR lines
- Budget: Budget to mid-range
- Crowds: Very busy
Top Things to do in Asakusa:
- Admire the modern wonder of Tokyo Skytree, before visiting one of the observation decks for fabulous city views.
- Watch a wrestling match at the National Sumo Stadium Kokugikan.
- Visit the beautiful Senso-ji Temple and marvel at the towering pagoda and gleaming statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy.
- Window shop down Nakamise Shopping Street.
- Step back in time at the 17th-century Edo-period Asakusa-jinja Shrine.
- Appreciate modern works at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
- Rub the sacred cow’s stomach at Ushijima Shrine.
- Step back in time in Asakusa Underground Shopping Street.
- Ride the antiquated roller coasters at Hanayashiki, an amusement park that’s been operating since 1853.
- Relax in Sumida Park and see the beautiful cherry blossom when in season.
Agora Place Asakusa | Best Hotel
Agora Place is one of the best hotels in Asakusa and offers some amazing affordable accommodations in Tokyo. It’s within walking distance of the neighbourhood’s major sights and is well situated close to public transport for getting further afield. It’s ideal if you’re looking for luxury hotels that won’t break the bank.
Sakura Hostel Asakusa | Best Hostel
A lively and sociable purpose-built hostel, this place offers a number of events including Geisha shows, Sumo matches, and walking tours. There’s a kitchen to help keep costs down, and a lounge complete with a TV and PS2. The onsite bar and terrace are perfect places to chill and mingle with other travellers.
Entire rental unit in Taito City, Japan | Best Airbnb
This place is perfect for a trip to Japan. It’s in a nice, quiet spot at night, just a short hop from Asakusa Station. You’ll find plenty of food and shopping options around Asakusa, so everything you need is right there. The bed is super comfy, the bathroom is spotless, and the apartment has all the amenities you need for exploring the capital. It can house up to siz guests, making it a great spot to keep costs low if you’re travelling with the gang.
3. Roppongi – Where to Stay in Tokyo for Nightlife
Roppongi is Tokyo’s after-dark playground, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything else. This is where the lights stay on late, the music spills onto the pavement, and sleep becomes optional. Bars, clubs, and late-night restaurants are stacked on top of each other, with an international crowd that skews heavy on expats, travellers, and anyone who considers midnight a warm-up.
During the day, Roppongi pulls a complete personality switch. It’s home to major museums, galleries, and polished developments like Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown, which means coffee shops, office workers, and art spaces quietly take over your Tokyo itinerary until sunset flips the switch again.
- Best For: Nightlife, social travellers, expats
- The Vibe: Loud, late nights, international crowd
- Proximity to Airport: Good connections via metro and airport transfers
- Transport Level: Two major subway lines (Hibiya and Oedo) with direct links to Shibuya, Ginza, Ueno, and Shinjuku
- Budget: Mid-range to high-end
- Crowds: Busy, especially at night
Photo: @audyscala
Top Things to Do in Roppongi:
- Visit Nogi-jinja Shrine, dedicated to war hero General Nogi.
- Gaze up at the soaring Tokyo Tower before heading to one of the two observation decks for panoramic city views.
- Climb the huge lantern-lit stone steps at Atago-Jinja Shrine to reach Tokyo’s highest natural point.
- Connect with your inner creative at diverse art museums and galleries such as the National Art Centre Tokyo, and the Mori Art Museum.
- Shop, dine, and be entertained at the massive Roppongi Hills complex.
- Take in some local culture and history at the 14th-century Zojo-Ji Temple, home to a gigantic Edo-era bell.
- Enjoy fresh air and nature at Hinokicho Park.
- Party all night at one of the nightclubs in the area.
APA Hotel Roppongi SIX | Best Hotel
The location is the real star of the show here. Getting around is effortless, with two metro stations within easy walking distance, plus the main street close by and no shortage of good places to eat. The room follows the classic boxy Japanese hotel formula. Compact, efficient, and no wasted space. It’s not generous, but it’s functional, and with a bit of smart organisation it works exactly as intended.
The Millennials Shibuya | Best Hostel
The hostel is in a lively area just a short drive from Roppongi. You can control the lights and AC in your capsule with an iPod which is super cool. The amenities are great too: clean, modern bathrooms with hot showers, a fantastic coffee machine, fresh towels, and even free beer during happy hour. What more could you ask for?
Entire rental unit in Minato-ku | Best Airbnb
This is a small, well-used room that sleeps up to three with a bed and a futon. It’s compact, comfortable, and clearly aimed at travellers who’d rather spend money on food and trains than unused floor space.
Azabu-Juban Station is three minutes away, with a direct run to Haneda in around half an hour. The neighbourhood has real-life appeal rather than tourist gloss, with supermarkets, solid local restaurants, shrines tucked between streets, and a shopping strip that locals actually use.
4. Shibuya – Coolest Place to Stay in Tokyo
Shibuya is loud, busy, and constantly in motion. It’s the bit of Tokyo most people picture first, the crossing, the screens, the crowds moving in every direction at once. It never really slows down, and that energy bleeds into everything from the shopping streets to the side alleys packed with bars and late-night food.
Beyond the obvious chaos, Shibuya spreads out into smaller pockets with very different personalities. One street is polished and commercial, the next is scrappy, creative, and full of tiny venues and secondhand shops. It’s a magnet for younger crowds, fashion-forward locals, and travellers who like being right in the middle of things rather than observing from a distance.
Shibuya works for travellers who want constant buzz, easy transport, and don’t mind crowds or noise. If you’re looking for calm evenings or cheap rooms, this won’t be it. If you want Tokyo at full volume from morning to last train, it delivers.
- Best For: First-timers, nightlife, shopping, people who want constant buzz
- The Vibe: Busy, youthful, high-energy
- Proximity to Airport: About 60–75 minutes to Narita or Haneda by train
- Transport Level: Major hub with JR, metro, and private rail lines connecting across Tokyo and beyond
- Budget: Mid-range to high-end
- Crowds: Very busy
Photo: @monteiro.online
Shibuya Tobu Hotel | Best Hotel
This spot nails the Shibuya brief. You’re a short walk from the Crossing, surrounded by shops, places to eat, and the general sensory overload that defines the area. Shibuya Station is close enough that getting anywhere else in Tokyo stays painless.
Rooms are compact in the way Tokyo rooms tend to be, but the price reflects that reality. If you’re here to explore, eat, and stay out late rather than lounge around indoors, it’s a smart base in a very loud neighbourhood.
The Millenials | Best Hostel
The Millennials is an awesome hostel that lets you live comfortably for an unbelievable price! It offers Smart Pods, the accommodation provides guests with private and functional sleeping areas. There’s a workspace, kitchen and lounge for getting to know other travellers. The best thing about Millennials has to be the free beer, which is unlimited throughout your stay and it’s close to Shibuya station.
Pippin’s Inn | Best Airbnb
This charming, cosy spot is the ultimate haven for cat and stationery lovers. Dive into books from the library shelf and raid the stationery drawer to your heart’s content. The host has thought of everything – snacks, drinks, clean towels, and all the amenities you could ever need. It’s like home, but better! For those seeking something a bit weird and wonderful for their Tokyo trip, Pippin’s Inn may right up your street (but book well in advance, friends!)
Top Things to do in Shibuya:
- Travel back in time at Nonbei Yokocho and grab a drink in one of the dinky isakayas.
- Brave the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the WORLD!
- Examine the collections at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum.
- Feel on top of the world at Shibuya Sky for EPIC views of the city skyline.
- Feast your eyes on the marvelous Meiji-Jingu Shrine, the most opulent shrine in Tokyo.
- Bag a bargain on second-hand clothes along Cat Street and Harajuku Street, or give your credit cards a workout along the high-end Omotesando street.
- Go people-watching in Harajuku, an area known for its quirky stores and alternative atmosphere.
- Snap a picture of the bronze effigy of Hachiko, a Japanese Akita with a sad tale.
- Head to Yoyogi Koen (Park) at the weekends to watch varied street performers entertaining passersby.
Shibuya Neighborhood Guide
Shibuya is an enormous neighbourhood, so there are a variety of districts to choose from. Some of these include:
- Daikanyama – This small, eccentric neighborhood is only a short walk from Shibuya but is worlds away in terms of vibes. Where Shibuya is bustling and hectic, Daikanyama is languid and best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Some people have described this area as “Tokyo’s Little Brooklyn,” which can only be a good thing.
- Ebisu – This satellite neighborhood is a more residential part of Shibuya. It’s a laid back area, better for relaxing with a beer or some street food following a long day of exploring Tokyo. Locals love to hang out in the ubiquitous and microscopic tachinomiya (standing-room bars) that are dotted throughout the district. If you’re searching for unique places to stay in Tokyo, you’ll find some around here.
- Harajuku – Harajuku is weird, but in that uncanny Japanese way that we’ve all come to know and love. This eccentric neighborhood has helped breed many of the most popular youth fashions in Tokyo, including the notorious kawaii (hyper-cuteness) and ‘oh-so-bad’ Tokyo-goth. A walk around this area is a culture shock to the max voltage and you will walk away either astounded or just confused.
5. Tokyo Bay – Where to Stay in Tokyo for Families
Tokyo Bay trades the classic Tokyo chaos for space, water views, and a slower pace. This is Tokyo spread out instead of stacked on itself. Streets are wider, hotels are bigger, and everything feels calmer by default. You’re not here for neon backstreets or late-night bar hopping, you’re here because you want things to be easy.
It’s the go-to area for families for a reason. Major attractions like Tokyo Disney Resort sit right on the bay, and accommodation is geared towards comfort and convenience rather than squeezing every possible yen out of a tiny room. Hotels tend to be modern, well-equipped, and noticeably more spacious than anything you’ll find in central Tokyo.
The downside is distance. Tokyo Bay isn’t walkable to the city’s main sights, so trains are part of daily life here. That said, rail links are straightforward and reliable, and you can still reach central areas like Tokyo Station or Ginza without much hassle if you plan your days. I’d suggest spending a few nights here max before moving to another neighbourhood to sink your teeth into sight seeing.
- Best For: Families, theme parks, travellers wanting space and quiet nights
- The Vibe: Calm, spacious, modern
- Proximity to Airport: About 45–60 minutes to Haneda; around 60–75 minutes to Narita
- Transport Level: JR and private rail lines with direct routes to Tokyo Station and central areas
- Budget: Mid-range to high-end
- Crowds: Moderate, busiest around theme parks
Top Things to do in Tokyo Bay:
- Meet your favourite characters, have thrills and spills on the rides, and be thoroughly enchanted at Tokyo Disney.
- Visit Odaiba, a futuristic, man-made island in Tokyo Bay, connected to central Tokyo by the Rainbow Bridge
- Leap into the future at the National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation, AKA Miraikan.
- Enjoy retail therapy at places like DiverCity Tokyo Plaza, Palette Town, Aqua City, Venus Fort, and Decks Tokyo Beach.
- Soak up some rays at Tokyo Beach and chill out at Odaiba Seaside Park.
- Take tons of cool pictures at the Tokyo Trick Art Museum.
- Be impressed by plastic fantastic at Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo.
LOISIR HOTEL SHINAGAWA SEASIDE | Best Hotel
This place is all about ease. You’re next to the station and right beside an AEON Style Mall, which quietly solves a lot of problems, especially if you’re travelling with kids or just want food and supplies without overthinking it.
The reception area has a relaxed, welcoming feel, and some rooms look out over the shipping docks in Tokyo Bay, which is oddly satisfying to watch. Rooms are standard Tokyo-sized, but for the location and price, it feels like fair value rather than a compromise.
plat hostel keikyu haneda home | Best Hostel
Need to catch a flight? This hostel is perfect as it’s just a short walk to the airport. It’s got clean facilities and is in a great neighborhood with plenty of food options nearby. The dorm beds have curtains for privacy which is always a non-negotiable for me! Plus, the staff are always super friendly.
Apartment in Yokosuka-shi, Japan | Best Airbnb
This apartment is hands down the best value in Yokosuka. The hosts go above and beyond to make you comfortable, tidying up daily. The place is spacious with two cozy bedrooms, and you’ve got a small fridge, kettle, and microwave at your disposal. Train stations are just 8-14 minutes away, with a laundromat, 7-11, and supermarkets close by.
6. Ginza – Best Place to Stay in Tokyo for Big Spenders
Ginza is by no means budget-friendly. In fact, it’s considered one of the most expensive districts in one of the most expensive cities in the world. As one of the richest neighbourhoods in Tokyo, Ginza is the epicentre for all things luxurious, classy, and chic. High-fashion retailers line the streets here and upscale restaurants serve exorbitant dishes that cost more than most could ever afford.
The district itself is a bit of a tourist attraction in Tokyo by now and is still worth experiencing. You can do all the window shopping and people watching you like here, as there are endless supplies of both here.
Just down the road is Tsukiji, one of the largest and most important fish markets in all of Japan. For almost a century, the enormous Tsukiji Fish Market has provided Tokyo with nearly every kind of seafood product imaginable. You can find just about anything here, from the finest cuts of maguro (bluefin tuna) to live tako (octopus) to creamy hotate (scallops).
- Best For: Luxury stays, shopping, business travellers
- The Vibe: Polished, calm, upscale
- Proximity to Airport: About 45–60 minutes to Haneda or Narita via Tokyo Station connections
- Transport Level: Multiple metro lines plus walking access to Tokyo Station
- Budget: High-end
- Crowds: Busy during shopping hours, quiet at night
Things to do in Ginza:
- Shop till you drop…this is Ginza after all.
- Visit the famous Ginza Crossing.
- Join the masses on Chuo-Dori street during the weekends – the streets are all closed to vehicles during this time so it’s pedestrian-only.
- See a show at one of the many theaters, which host both traditional and contemporary performances.
- Visit iconic flagship stores of brands for a cool shopping experience.
- Learn about Japanese cinema at the National Film Archive of Japan.
- Browse the mega-shops of some of Japan’s most famous brands, like Yamaha and Sony.
- Check out the free exhibitions of the Pola Museum Art Annex, located on the third floor of the Pola Ginza Building.
- Check out the awesome Seiko House Ginza Clock Tower.
Tokyo Stay Tsukiji | Best Hotel
This hotel is literally located in the Outer Market of Tsukiji! That means you can grab some of the best sushi in Tokyo simply by walking out the front door. The facilities are excellent and some apartments even come equipped with a kitchenette (just in case you want to prepare your own sushi).
Guest House One More Heart at TSUKIJI 1 | Best Guesthouse
Considering how boujey an area Ginza is, this guesthouse is an absolute steal. And more money saved on accom means more spending money to shop, right? It’s in a quieter suburb, away from hustle and bustle, but with easy access to the brilliance that is Tokyo’s subway system. It has a kitchen, washing machine and toiletries, making it great for longer stays.
nestay inn | Best Airbnb
The location is hard to fault, sitting right near Tokyo Station and making the rest of the city easy to reach. The place is spotless and well cared for, with everything you actually need already there. Bedding is fresh and comfortable, and the whole setup feels looked after rather than thrown together.
Getting around is simple by MRT or bus. The surrounding streets stay on the quieter side with fewer shops, but Ginza is an easy walk when you want brighter lights, more food options, and a bit more buzz.
7. Shimokitazawa – Most Hipster Place to Stay in Tokyo
Although Daikanyama has been called the “hipster capital of Tokyo”, it’s started to become over-touristy. The real area for all things counterculture in Tokyo is the Shimokitazawa district!
Shimokitazawa is a Tokyo neighbourhood that values artistry, self-expression, bohemian lifestyles, and anything else that’s not related to mass consumption. In fact, this neighbourhood was founded from grassroots ideas, originally being the quarters for rural farmers escaping to Tokyo from the fields.
Where Daikanyama and Shibuya are defined by boutique stores and charming little coffee joints, Shimokitazawa has gritty street art and dusty vintage shops.
So if you’re looking for the actual most hipster place in Tokyo, Shimokitazawa is it.
- Best For: Creative types, café-hopping, vintage shopping
- The Vibe: Laid-back, artsy, neighbourhood feel
- Proximity to Airport: Around 60–75 minutes to Haneda or Narita with one or two transfers
- Transport Level: Odakyu and Keio Inokashira lines with direct access to Shibuya and Shinjuku
- Budget: Budget to mid-range
- Crowds: Moderate, busiest on weekends
Photo: Guwashi999 (Flickr)
Things to do in Shimokitazawa:
- Go hunting for graffiti.
- Buy some secondhand clothing at one of the many thrift stores.
- Get your organic, gluten-free, farm-to-table food here.
- Walk into one of the many old cinemas like Honda Gekijo.
- Go antique shopping, and by that, I mean window shopping because the prices can be steep.
- Attend one of the annual flea markets.
- Get cheap drinks and be sure to drop one of the many music venues in the area.
MUSTARD HOTEL SHIMOKITAZAWA | Best Hotel
MUSTARD HOTEL SHIMOKITAZAWA is in a killer location, close to everything, including two metro stations. The vibe is exciting, contemporary, and hip, with a great local community hanging out in the foyer. Don’t want to go far for your morning coffee? There’s an amazing coffee and bagel shop onsite, plus a vinyl player in the room for those slow lazy mornings.
almond hostel & cafe Shibuya | Best Hostel
This is about as close as a hostel gets to the vibe of Shimokitazawa. Just a short walk from the madness in Shibuya, Almond Hostel sits in a cracking location near two subway stations, which makes getting in from Narita International Airport far less painful than expected.
The café and common area is genuinely lovely and guests can bring their own snacks and drinks without drama. Dorms are on the snug side, but the huge lockers under each bunk easily handle full backpacks and suitcases, keeping everything out of the way and life feeling a lot more organised.
Shimokitazawa Independent Apartment | Best Apartment
If you’re on a tight budget, Shimokitazawa isn’t the smartest option to base yourself as it’s a desert for hostels. Luckily, this apartment is as budget an alternative you’ll find. In an excellent location, it’s about 100 meters or so from the train station, with bars and restaurants even closer. Small but mighty, the apartment is clean and well equipped with all of the important amenities. What you’ll love the most is the ability to ‘live like a local’ without a lot of other tourists nearby.
8. Meguro – The Best Place to Stay in Tokyo for Cherry Blossoms
When springtime rolls around, this district goes absolutely nuts as local Tokyoites pile into Meguro to see the blooming cherry blossoms. The Meguro River runs through the middle of the neighbourhood and is lined with over 800 of these trees. When they’re in bloom, it’s magical.
If you’d like to see the cherry blossom trees, there is no better area to stay in Tokyo than Meguro. Having a picnic under the trees is one of the best things to do in Tokyo, but, fair warning, it’s prime real estate.
When the cherry blossoms are over, Meguro is a laid-back residential area. Over the past few years, it’s actually picked up a trendier reputation as lots of art galleries and cafes are opening up. Combine those with an interesting selection of museums, and Meguro offers plenty to keep you occupied.
- Best For: Slower stays, couples, longer visits
- The Vibe: Calm, residential, leafy
- Proximity to Airport: About 60 minutes to Haneda or Narita via JR and metro connections
- Transport Level: JR Yamanote Line access plus metro lines into central Tokyo
- Budget: Mid-range
- Crowds: Light to moderate
Photo: Kakidai (WikiCommons)
Tokyu Stay Meguro Yutenji | Best Hotel
This hotel is in a quiet area and is recommended for two travellers. Rooms are bright and modern, and full of amenities to make your stay comfortable. There are a number of supermarkets close to the hotel, as well as museums, parks and shrines.
Wise Owl Hostels Shibuya | Best Hostel
While this hostel is technically located in Shibuya, it skims the northern edge of Maguro and is the only backpacker lodge in the area.
That being said, you can now benefit from the best of both worlds! You can drink and party in Shibuya and then have a chill day in Meguro, which is a win-win if you ask me. Given the outstanding reputation of this hostel, we think it’s a good option if you’re looking for budget accommodations in Tokyo when springtime rolls around.
Private Room in a Boutique Hotel | Best Airbnb
This trendy accommodation in Meguro is newly renovated and stunningly detailed. It sleeps four guests and includes a kitchen, washing machine and wifi. Shinsen gourmet street is within walking distance from the property, as well as other major shopping areas.
Things to do in Meguro:
- Take a stroll down the cherry blossoms-lined Meguro River.
- Dive into the weird and wonderful at Meguro Parasitological Museum.
- See some Art Deco at the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum.
- Check out the famous bamboo forest at Suzume-no Oyado Ryokuchi Park this is one of the most Instagrammable places in Tokyo.
- Have some Japanese comfort food at Tonkatsu Tonki.
9. Akihabara and Ueno – Quirkiest Area in Tokyo
Akihabara runs on electricity and obsession. This is Tokyo’s epicentre for anime, manga, gaming, and electronics, stacked floor by floor in glowing buildings that never seem to sleep. It’s unapologetically niche, and that’s the appeal. We’re talking about the cosplayers, the hardcore gamers, the weirdly sexualized maids; everything that we have come to know about in Japanese otaku culture.
Akihabara (aka Electric Town) is a very active place – full of costumed hospitality workers with the sounds of arcades and video games in the background. If you like peace and serenity, this probably isn’t the best location.
Ueno is where you’ll see a practical side to Tokyo. It’s home to one of the city’s biggest parks, several major museums, and a transport hub that makes getting around refreshingly straightforward. The area feels more everyday than electric, with markets, local eateries, and streets that get on with things.
- Best For: Budget travellers, transport convenience, niche interests
- The Vibe: Busy and electric in Akihabara, practical and local in Ueno
- Proximity to Airport: Direct Skyliner to Narita from Ueno; around 45 minutes
- Transport Level: Major JR and metro hub with multiple lines covering the city
- Budget: Budget to mid-range
- Crowds: Busy during the day, quieter at night
Things to do in Akihabara and Ueno:
- See the cherry blossoms at Ueno Park.
- Walk around Akihabara with your best cosplay outfit! (Sunday is when the main street is pedestrian-only.)
- Hit the sticks in one of Akihabara’s many arcades.
- See the statue of Saigo Takamori – the man who inspired the fictional character Katsumoto in The Last Samurai – in Ueno.
- Visit the massive Tokyo National Museum in Ueno.
- Go to an anime-themed cafe in Akihabara.
- Shop for anime memorabilia, fantastic babbles, cheap electronics, and anything else you would’ve loved as a kid.
- Visit the Imperial Palace and take in the impressive facade of the Tokyo station.
Super Hotel Akihabara Suehirocho | Best Hotel
This is an all-around excellent hotel that provides awesome service and comfortable rooms for a great price. The style is a bit more old-school, but everything runs very smoothly. It’s also one of the best hotels in Tokyo on a budget, as breakfast is free.
&and Hostel Akihabara | Best Hostel
This hostel provides private rooms and cosy bunks in dorm rooms. It’s modern and clean and makes for a comfortable and affordable stay. It’s steps away from the Tokyo station, Ueno train station and the Imperial Palace, the main residence of the Imperial Family.
Quiet & spacious, Japanese style Tatami Apartment | Best Airbnb
This spacious apartment with two bedrooms and a good-sized kitchen has everything you need for your Tokyo adventures. Thoughtful touches like toiletries and plenty of hangers are included, and amenities come with clear instructions.The neighborhood is peaceful and family-friendly, with small supermarkets, a good bakery, and restaurants nearby.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Tokyo
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Tokyo.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs About Finding a Place to Stay in Tokyo
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Tokyo and where to stay.
Which Part of Tokyo Should You Choose?
Tokyo doesn’t have one “right” place to stay. It has moods, and where you sleep decides which version of the city you experience.
If it’s your first trip and you want the city served at full volume, Shinjuku makes life easy. Transport links are unbeatable, food is everywhere, and you can stumble home no matter how late the night runs. If you want energy without quite so much chaos, Shibuya gives you a similar experience with shopping, nightlife, and people-watching on another level, with fast links across the city.
If you’re travelling longer or keeping an eye on the budget, Asakusa and Ueno will stretch your yen further. Days are lively, hostels plentiful, and you get way more bang for your buck.
No matter where you choose to stay – make sure your accommodation is a short walk from the nearest station. A good base means nothing if you’re trawling home from a long day of exploring. Commuting is an inevitable part of life here, so do yourself a favour and don’t make it any harder!
So, what’s the best neighbourhood to stay in Tokyo? Well, there isn’t one. Where is best for you completely depends on the version of Tokyo you want to see. Once you decide that, the city will do the rest.
