Where to Stay in Tokyo (Best Places & Areas in 2025)
👉 Jump to: Best Places to Stay in Tokyo | Neighborhoods & Areas | Tips | FAQ
I scouted the best areas and hotels in Tokyo to make this epic guide for Travel Lemming readers like you.
First time in Tokyo? Stay in Shibuya. It’s the most popular for visitors, well-connected to transit, and filled with dining, nightlife, and attractions. My #1 Tokyo hotel is here: the Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya. It’s modern, clean, and perfectly located. Some rooms have views of the famous Shibuya Scramble crossing (scroll for a timelapse from my room).
Another popular area is the iconic Ginza neighborhood. Ginza is ideal for short visits, as it’s located near Tokyo station (where trains will take you to the airport or around Japan). I stayed at the karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza and loved it. It’s a great mid-range option that offers touches of luxury (like a lounge with free food and drinks).
Celebrating something on your trip? Or just looking to splash out? Spoil yourself with the epic Tokyo Tower views pictured above, which you can find at the Prince Park Tower Tokyo Hotel in Shiba Park.
You have many more options, though! Read on for a detailed breakdown of the 11 areas I think most Tokyo visitors should stay in. For each, I’ll give pros & cons, a map, hotel suggestions, and an area mini guide. Stay through the end for my best Tokyo tips and tricks. You can also leave me a comment if you have questions.
First up, a quick summary for readers in a rush:
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Best Places to Stay in Tokyo (Quick Version)
Are you just looking for a quick answer on the best places to stay in Tokyo? Here are my top picks:
- 🏆 My #1 Overall Pick: Hotel Indigo Shibuya
- 🗺️ Best Location: karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza (mid-range) or The Tokyo Station Hotel (luxury)
- 📷 Most Photogenic: Prince Park Tower Tokyo
- 👨👩👦 For Families: Ascott Marunouchi
- ❤️ For Couples: Prince Park Tower Tokyo
- 💎 For Luxury Travelers: Imperial Hotel Tokyo
- 🏨 Best Hostel: The Millennials
- 🛏️ Best Budget: Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel or Akihabara Washington Hotel
Next, let’s deep dive into Tokyo’s best areas and neighborhoods:
11 Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo (Detailed Guide)

Tokyo is a massive metropolis and each district provides a distinct atmosphere. So, although you can get around easily via public transit, it’s still crucial to choose your Tokyo neighborhood wisely.
Below is our epic guide to Tokyo’s essential neighborhoods. For each one, I’ve put pros and cons, hotel suggestions, and a “mini-guide” for each neighborhood. It’s comprehensive and a lot to digest, so click the neighborhood names of this map to jump around:
Shibuya
Best Area For First-Timers | 👉 Browse Shibuya hotels on Booking
✨ Best Shibuya Hotels: Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya • The Millennials • Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
If it’s your first visit to Tokyo, you can’t go wrong staying in Shibuya. It’s one of the busiest areas of Tokyo. If you are like most Tokyo visitors, you’ll want to spend a lot of time in Shibuya to experience its attractions, shopping, dining, and nightlife scene.
We loved the views from the modern Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya. Our room overlooked the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection. Every 2 minutes, we could watch as up to 2,000 pedestrians did “the scramble.” The Scramble-view rooms book up quickly, so snag one if they’re available!
Beyond the view, the Hotel Indigo is perfectly located, super clean, offers a fantastic breakfast, and has a massive terrace perfect for escaping the bustle of Shibuya. I’d stay at the Hotel Indigo again in a heartbeat, which is why it’s my #1 overall recommendation in Tokyo.
If it’s booked out, another popular option nearby is the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, which also offers fantastic views but more Japanese-style rooms and a classic Tokyo vibe.
For budget travelers, The Millennials is a super cool option in Shibuya. It is one of those “pod-style” hotels, which is a unique experience in Japan. And the common spaces look swanky too.
While in Shibuya, try conveyor belt sushi at Uobei, have a drink at Moon Walk Shibuya Center-Gai, sip cocktails from BAR Legacy, and check out the 360-degree city views from Shibuya Sky.
Pros of Staying in Shibuya Neighborhood:
- Well-located near other neighborhoods
- Hotels at a variety of price points
- Tons of restaurants
- Diverse nightlife scene
Cons of Staying in Shibuya Neighborhood:
- Extremely busy
- Lots of tourists (though that also means lots of English)
📚 Shibuya Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for First-Timers
Google Maps
✨ Best Hotels – Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya • The Millennials • Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Shibuya
🍽️ Where to Eat – Hakuritabai Hanbey ($$), Shabu Zen Shibuya ($$$), Kaikaya by the Sea ($$), Gyukatsu Motomura Ueno ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – moon walk Shibuya Center-Gai, OLIM Bar, BAR Legacy
🎟️ Top Attractions – Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Sky, Yoyogi Park
Shiba Park (Minato City)
For Epic Views & Special Occasions | 👉 Browse Shiba Park Hotels on Booking
✨ Best Shiba Park Hotels: Prince Park Tower Tokyo • Shiba Park Hotel • Hotel The Celestine Tokyo Shiba
Located in the Minato City ward, the Shiba Park area is a quiet but central place to stay. It’s home to the Tokyo Tower and within walking distance to the teamlab Borderless digital art room. I highly recommend a visit to both, even if staying elsewhere.
My personal favorite stay in Tokyo was definitely at the Prince Park Tower Tokyo Hotel, one of a handful of hotels bordering Shiba Park.
The views of the Tokyo Tower from our room were just dreamy. We could also see the tower from the breakfast restaurant, the glitzy rooftop bar, and the lounge for premium rooms.
The hotel had so many resort-style amenities: multiple restaurants, multiple pools, a massive gym, tons of shopping, and even a bowling alley. It felt like a vacation within a vacation!
In this area, you’ll find a lot of greenery, but you won’t find a lot of commercial areas. It was by far the most relaxed Tokyo area we stayed in. Shiba Park felt like an oasis within the bustle of Tokyo.
Other top-rated hotels in this area include the Shiba Park Hotel and Hotel The Celestine Tokyo Shiba.
Overall, Shiba Park is perfect if you want to ensure you leave Tokyo with a camera roll of Instagram-perfect pictures. It’s also a good choice for couples, families, or groups looking for a quiet but still central stay.
Pros of Staying near Shiba Park:
- Fantastic Tokyo Tower views
- Lots of greenery
- Quiet & relaxed vibe
- Walkable to Ginza and Roppongi
Cons of Staying near Shiba Park:
- Only a handful of dining and nightlife options (most within the hotels)
📚 Shiba Park Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Epic Views
Google Maps
✨ Best Hotels – Prince Park Tower Tokyo • Shiba Park Hotel • Hotel The Celestine Tokyo Shiba
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Minato City
🍽️ Where to Eat – Wagyu Creative Cuisine ($$$$), Restaurant de Nouilles ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Sky Lounge Stellar Garden (epic views from top of Prince Park Tower Tokyo Hotel)
🎟️ Top Attractions – Tokyo Tower, teamLab Borderless: Mori Building Digital Art Museum
Ginza
Best Area For Short Stays | 👉 Browse Ginza Hotels on Booking
✨ Best Ginza Hotels: karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza • Imperial Hotel Tokyo • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi PREMIER • MUJI Hotel Ginza
The iconic Ginza neighborhood offers a prime location right in the middle of Tokyo’s shopping and business district. The nearby Tokyo station is where you can catch the Shinkansen bullet train to destinations like Kyoto and Osaka, so stay here if you want to maximize every minute of your Japan trip.
We stayed in Ginza just to check out the highly-rated karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza (pictured above). The hotel chain has an almost cult-like following in Japan, and I wanted to see why.
The coolest thing about the karaksa premier? All guests get access to a lounge with free food and drinks! I also loved the sparkling clean rooms and the location near Ginza Corridor Street’s trendy sushi spots and cocktail bars.
Looking for a large hotel with amenities? The Imperial Hotel Tokyo is the best I could find in this area. You could also check out Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi PREMIER or the tastefully designed MUJI Hotel Ginza.
Overall, Ginza is probably the single most convenient district to stay in Tokyo. The reason why I don’t rank it at the top of my list? Well, honestly, to me it feels a little too glitzy and, arguably, too “business-y” if that makes sense. Nothing wrong with that: I just personally enjoyed the character of Shibuya and the views of Shiba Park more. But, if you only have a short visit and need to maximize your time, Ginza’s a great choice.
Pros of Staying in Ginza Neighborhood:
- Central location
- Shinkansen bullet trains go to Tokyo Station
- Luxury shopping scene
- Gorgeous hotels
Cons of Staying in Ginza Neighborhood:
- Higher-end prices
- A very busy area
📚 Ginza Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Central Location
Google Maps
✨ Best Hotels – karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza • Imperial Hotel Tokyo • The Tokyo Station Hotel • Daiwa Roynet Hotel Tokyo Kyobashi PREMIER • MUJI Hotel Ginza
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Ginza
🍽️ Where to Eat – Kyūshū Jangara Ginza ($), Sakai ($$), Dazzle ($$), Magic Restaurant ($$$), Air ($$$$)
🍸 Where to Drink – High Five, Ginza 300 Bar, Orchard Ginza, Bar Landscape
🎟️ Top Attractions – Ginza Corridor Street, Chuo-dori Avenue, Godzilla Statue
Chiyoda City
Best Area For Families | 👉 Browse Chiyoda City Hotels on Booking

✨ Best Chiyoda Hotels: The Tokyo Station Hotel • Hotel Niwa • Belken Hotel Kanda • Ascott Marunouchi
For families traveling with children, Chiyoda City is the place to stay. You’ll find family-friendly historical and cultural attractions here, such as the Imperial Palace, Hie Shrine, and the Science and Technology Museum.
The massive Tokyo Station is also located nearby, so it’s the perfect jumping-off point for day trips around the region or to continue your voyage around Japan.
The Tokyo Station Hotel sits on probably the single best location in the city, and the renovated rooms bring this historic property to life.
Ascott Marunouchi is another perfect family-friendly place in Chiyoda City to recharge after busy days exploring Tokyo. Their rooms can accommodate a family of five, there is a nice indoor swimming pool, and the hotel provides a top-notch buffet breakfast.
While there are lots of great things about Chiyoda, note that its central location tends to also come with prices that match the convenience.
Pros of Staying in Chiyoda Neighborhood:
- Convenient location
- Attractions in the neighborhood
- Access to Tokyo Station for day trips
- Range of restaurant options
Cons of Staying in Chiyoda Neighborhood:
- Less intense nightlife
- Pricey
📚 Chiyoda Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Families
Google Maps
✨ Best Hotels – The Tokyo Station Hotel • Hotel Niwa • Belken Hotel Kanda • Ascott Marunouchi
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Chiyoda
🍽️ Where to Eat – Ninja Tokyo ($$$$), Karashibi Miso Ramen Kikanbō Kanda Honten ($$), Manten Sushi Marunouchi ($$), Kanda Matsuya ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Low-Non-Bar, BAR Kanbee, Royal Bar
🎟️ Top Attractions – Imperial Palace, Hie Shrine, Chidorigafuchi Moat, Science and Technology Museum
Asakusa
Best Budget Area | 👉 Browse Asakusa Hotels on Booking or Hostels on Hostelworld

✨ Best Asakusa Hotels: Hotel Gracery Asakusa • Hotel MONday • Asakusa Tobu Hotel • Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel
Asakusa is a charming area a bit outside the center. It’s home to some of the more affordable accommodations in Tokyo, so is a good area for budget travelers.
A stay at the sparkling clean and highly-rated Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel, for example, can cost as little as $113 a night depending on the season.
Stroll along Nakamise-dori to watch the vendors selling Japanese snacks and souvenirs. Take a photo under Hōzōmon Gate. Reach the stunning Senso-Ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most famed cultural attractions. All of these are free things to do in Asakusa. It’s also close enough that you can walk to the Skytree in nearby Sumida.
The affordability of this area extends to the food scene as well. Restaurants like Kazu, Kura Sushi, and Gyoza Bar Keisuke are popular budget choices.
The biggest negative of staying in Asakusa is that it’s located a bit far from the main city center. Fortunately, Tokyo’s excellent public transit system makes that a fair enough trade for those looking to exchange a bit of convenience in exchange for cheaper accommodation.
Pros of Staying in Asakusa Neighborhood:
- Cultural attractions nearby
- Many budget hotels
- Delicious, affordable food
- Fun, laidback nightlife scene
Cons of Staying in Asakusa Neighborhood:
- Far from Central Tokyo
- Limited clothing shopping
📚 Asakusa Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Budget Travelers
Google Maps
✨ Best Hotels – Hotel Gracery Asakusa • Hotel MONday • Asakusa Tobu Hotel • Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Asakusa
🍽️ Where to Eat – Misojyu ($$), Sometarō ($$), Ichiran Asakusa ($$), Kudaka Tepannyaki Asakusa ($$$), Kazu ($), Gyoza Bar Keisuke ($), Kura Sushi Global Flagship Store Asakusa ($)
🍸 Where to Drink – Kamiya Bar, HUB Asakusa Shop, The Tavern in Asakusa
🎟️ Top Attractions – Senso-Ji Temple, Nakamise-dori Street, Asakusa Hanayashiki, Hōzōmon Gate
Harajuku
Tokyo’s “Hipster” Area | 👉 Browse Harajuku Hotels on Booking
✨ Best Harajuku Hotels: Dormy Inn Premium • TRUNK (HOTEL)
Though it might offend some, I personally call Harajuku the “hipster area of Tokyo.” Technically, it’s a sub-area of Shibuya. Harajuku is the sort of place you’ll see someone wearing an intricate outfit that will make you stop and stare.
Harajuku is particularly renowned for its vintage and thrift shopping at stores like Chicago Harajuku and JAM Harajuku. Our team member Sky particularly loved the “kindal harajuku” second-hand store on her visit.
As the area caters to the youth crowd, that means you can find lots of reasonably-priced options for drink and dining. I had a memorable dinner with my local friend at Sakura-tei, an okonomiyaki restaurant where you barbeque your own food right there on the table!
Hotel options in Harajuku are a bit limited, but there are some good ones like Trunk Hotel Cat Street and the more affordable Dormy Inn Premium. Both hotels are also conveniently walkable to the nightlife and transport options of central Shibuya.
Pros of Staying in Harajuku Neighborhood:
- Quirky clothing/vintage shopping scene
- Unique attractions, including animal cafes
- Reasonably priced restaurants
- Near other neighborhoods
Cons of Staying in Harajuku Neighborhood:
- Very few hotels to choose from
- Not as many direct train connections
📚 Harajuku Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Vintage Shopping & Unique Fashion
Google Maps
✨ Best Hotels – Dormy Inn Premium • TRUNK (HOTEL)
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Harajuku
🍽️ Where to Eat – Sakura-tei ($$), Gyukatsu Motomura ($$), AFURI Harajuku ($$), YOGORO ($$), CENSU TOKYO ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Moch, Beer Brain, Bonobo
🎟️ Top Attractions – Takeshita Street Square, HARRY HARAJUKU terrace, Hedgehog Cafe & Pet Store HARRY Harajuku
🛍️ Best Stores – Chicago Harajuku, kindal harajuku second hand store, RAGTAG, Allsaints Harajuku Cat Street Store, JAM Harajuku
Akihabara
Anime & Arcades Area | 👉 Browse Akihabara Hotels on Booking

✨ Best Akihabara Hotels: Nohga Hotel • Akihabara Washington Hotel • remm Akihabara • Akihabara Bay Hotel (Female Only)
Akihabara is famous as Japan’s center of anime and gaming culture. The area has even earned the nickname “Electric Town” for being a technology and electronics hub for over 75 years.
When we visited, we loved playing the wacky games in Akihabara’s many arcades like GiGO Akihabara Building 3 and HEY (Hirose Entertainment Yard). There is also a big anime and game-related shopping scene around Akihabara at stores like Animate Akihabara and Mandarake Complex.
There are lots of hotels near Akhihabara. The Nohga Hotel is the highest reviewed in the area. The Akihabara Washington Hotel and remm Akihabara are affordable budget options conveniently located right at Akihabara station. And the Akihabara Bay Hotel offers female-only capsules perfect for solo women travelers.
Pros of Staying in Akihabara Neighborhood:
- Big gaming, manga, and cosplay culture
- Enormous arcades
- Variety of accommodations
- Access to other Tokyo neighborhoods without being too close
Cons of Staying in Akihabara Neighborhood:
- Commercial atmosphere
- May be too busy / overwhelming for some
📚 Akihabara Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Arcades & Anime Culture
Google Maps
✨ Best Hotels – Nohga Hotel • Akihabara Washington Hotel • remm Akihabara • Akihabara Bay Hotel (Female Only)
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Akihabara
🍽️ Where to Eat – Jiromaru Akihabara ($$$), Tonkatsu Marugo ($$), Tsukada Nojo Akihabara Chuo Dori ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Game Bar A-Button, Alchemist, Akihabara Dear Stage
🎟️ Top Attractions – Animate Akihabara, GiGO Akihabara Building 3, HEY (Hirose Entertainment Yard) Taito
Shinjuku
Best Area for Long Stay | 👉 Browse Shinjuku Hotels on Booking

✨ Best Shinjuku Hotels: WPU Shinjuku • Sakura Cross Hotel • Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower • UNPLAN Kagurazaka
Shinjuku is one of the most hectic areas of Tokyo, which comes with both benefits and potential problems depending on who you are. The neighborhood is home to one of Tokyo’s largest train stations. This makes it easy to embark on day trips from Shinjuku.
Shinjuku offers a wide array of affordable hotels, like WPU Shinjuku, and hostels, such as UNPLAN Kagurazaka.
There are also places to meet fellow travelers in Shinjuku, such as the cozy, social bar scene around Omoide Yokocho and Golden-Gai. Although there is a lot going on, it is still a very safe area.
The nightlife in Shinjuku is a little more casual than places like Roppongi. It’s more like a place that locals go to decompress after work.
Shinjuku is very crowded. However, it doesn’t have many big attractions in the neighborhood itself. Additionally, it’s a bit removed from other major Tokyo neighborhoods. It’s a good place to stay if you’re planning a longer visit to Tokyo and want to have lots of dining and nightlife options nearby, but don’t mind traveling for sightseeing.
Pros of Staying in Shinjuku Neighborhood:
- High-quality restaurants and fun bars
- Major train station in the district
- Easy to meet people
- Accommodation options from budget to luxury
Cons of Staying in Shinjuku Neighborhood:
- Extremely busy
- Few attractions
- Outside of the city center
📚 Shinjuku Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Long Stay
Google Maps
✨ Best Hotels – WPU Shinjuku • Sakura Cross Hotel • Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower • UNPLAN Kagurazaka
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Shinjuku
🍽️ Where to Eat – Shinjuku Kappo NAKAJIMA ($$), Nabezo Shinjuku Sanchome Store ($$), Katsukura Shinjuku Takashimaya ($$), Mitsuya ($$), KABUKI Sushi ($$$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Deathmatch in Hell, ARAKU, Zoetrope, BAR PSY, Shinjuku Whisky Salon
🎟️ Top Attractions – Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Omoide Yokocho, Tokyo City Hall, Golden-Gai
Roppongi
Party Area + Cheap Hotels | 👉 Browse Roppongi Hotels on Booking

✨ Best Roppongi Hotels: remm Roppongi • Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo • Mitsui Garden Hotel Roppongi Tokyo Premier
Roppongi is known for its affordable accommodations and party scene. It is conveniently situated between Shibuya and Ginza, so it’s easy to get around.
We walked through Roppongi a lot in the evenings when we were staying nearby at Shiba Park, and even went out here one evening with a friend. I can say Roppongi is definitely where Tokyo’s partiers hang out.
remm Roppongi is an affordable place to stay in this neighborhood. Reviewers praise the pristinely clean room. Plus, it’s located right near a major metro station and offers soundproof rooms.
The flipside of this area being a fun, exciting neighborhood with endless bars is that there is a lot of activity around Roppongi in the evenings. It can get loud and crowded, with frankly a fair bit of intoxicated people around. Personally, I feel a bit too old to stay here, but I mention it in case all-night partying is more your vibe.
Pros of Staying in Roppongi Neighborhood:
- Range of different bars
- Budget-friendly hotels
- Excellent location
Cons of Staying in Roppongi Neighborhood:
- Noisy
- Big party crowds (and characters) at night
📚 Roppongi Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Partying & Cheap Hotels
Google Maps
✨ Best Hotels – remm Roppongi • Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo • Mitsui Garden Hotel Roppongi Tokyo Premier
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Roppongi
🍽️ Where to Eat – Ukai-tei Roppongi ($$$), GYOPAO Gyoza Roppongi ($), Ippudo ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Bar Quest, Geronimo Shot Bar, BAUHAUS, Mogambo Tokyo
🎟️ Top Attractions – Roppongi Hills, Mohri Garden, Tokyo City View, Mori Art Museum
Bunkyō
Peaceful Area with Local Culture | 👉 Browse Bunkyō Hotels on Booking

✨ Best Bunkyō Hotels: Tokyo Dome Hotel • Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo • Annex Katsutaro Ryokan
Bunkyō can be nearly an hour away from central neighborhoods like Shibuya and Harajuku by train. It sounds inconvenient, but it can be quite nice to stay in an area that’s fully removed from the hustle and bustle in the heart of Tokyo.
It’s a lot quieter and less congested around this area. There are smaller traditional sites to visit, such as Nezu Shrine and Yushima Shrine. Here, you can appreciate the local culture without all the crowds pushing you around.
Bunkyō is an excellent place for foodies to get a taste of authentic Japanese cuisine as well. Tensen is a little-known crispy tempura joint and Watabe is the go-to spot for eating unagi.
One of Bunkyō’s shortcomings is that there aren’t many bars around the area. But, you won’t have to worry about that if you stay at Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo. They have a bar on-site as well as 6 different dining options including a kid-friendly buffet.
Pros of Staying in Bunkyō Neighborhood:
- Authentic, welcoming eateries
- Peaceful and quiet
- Several pretty temples
Cons of Staying in Bunkyō Neighborhood:
- Few bar choices
- Far from Tokyo center
📚 Bunkyō Ward Mini Guide 📚
Best Area to Stay for Authentic Food & Peaceful Vibe
Google Maps
✨ Best Hotels – Tokyo Dome Hotel • Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo • Annex Katsutaro Ryokan
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Bunkyo
🍽️ Where to Eat – Tensen ($$), Kisushi ($$), Watabe ($$$), Jojoen Tokyodomushitirakuaten ($$$)
🍸 Where to Drink – Bonjour Tokyo Bar, Rush International Shot Bar
🎟️ Top Attractions – Tokyo Dome, Nezu Shrine, Yushima Shrine, Rikugien Gardens
Sumida City
Tokyo Skytree Area | 👉 Browse Sumida City Hotels on Booking

✨ Best Sumida City Hotels: Smi:re Stay Oshiage • Jeffery Skytree Residence Tokyo • AET & o3 HOTEL
Located across the river from the city center, Sumida provides a low-key environment that may suit families and couples. The streets are a little more peaceful, but there are still a few iconic attractions like the Tokyo Skytree around this district.
Smi:re Stay Oshiage in Sumida is good for large groups because it can fit up to six guests in one room. Since it is a little more quiet, there are fewer accommodations around this area. Book in advance.
Even if you don’t stay in Sumida, you should definitely reserve tickets to visit the Tokyo Skytree. At 2,080 feet, it’s the third-largest structure in the world and the tallest tower. After your visit, get an introduction to onsens with a dip at Daikoku-yu.
Pros of Staying in Sumida City Neighborhood:
- Calm atmosphere
- Less crowded
- Home to Tokyo Skytree
- Lots of options to eat
Cons of Staying in Sumida City Neighborhood:
- Limited nightlife
- Fewer accommodation options
📚 Sumida City Mini Guide 📚
Best Near Tokyo Skytree
Google Maps
✨ Best Hotels – Smi:re Stay Oshiage • Jeffery Skytree Residence Tokyo • AET & o3 HOTEL
🏠 Apartments – Browse Top Rentals in Sumida
🍽️ Where to Eat – Gatsun ($), Unazen ($$$), Uosai ($$)
🍸 Where to Drink – TOKYO Sumidagawa Brewing, TakeYourTime
🎟️ Top Attractions – Tokyo Skytree, Sumida Aquarium, Daikoku-yu onsens
Tips for Planning Your Stay in Tokyo
Tip #1 – Learn About Tokyo’s Amazing Public Transportation System

The Tokyo metro system is fantastic. It’s fast, efficient, and affordable. This makes it easy to whisk around the city and visit different areas you aren’t staying in.
It IS, however, undeniably complex. I found Google Maps made it relatively easy to navigate the trains.
It also helps to get a prepaid IC transit card. There are several, but the biggest are Suica and Icoca. You just buy the card once. Most of the central JR rail stations sell them (including Tokyo, Shibuya, and Shinjuku stations). Just ask the main ticket counter.
You can top up at machines in most stations along the way to add to your balance. English is an option at most such machines. You can even use the card as a form of payment for many places, including convenience stores like 7-11 and Lawson. Note that there is a ¥500 deposit, which you can get back if you return the card at the end of your trip.
Tip #2 – Tokyo’s Trains Stop Running Around Midnight and You Don’t Want to Get Stuck in the Wrong District
The trains in Tokyo are great – but come with a catch! Think of yourself like Cinderella in Tokyo because if you don’t make it on the last train at midnight, you’re in trouble. Keep an eye on the clock.
Tokyo is a big city and losing track of the time can put you an hour or more away from your hotel with only expensive ways to get back.
Tip #3 – Pre-Book These Popular Tokyo Attractions

Tokyo is a popular destination, so many ticketed attractions tend to sell out. Don’t assume you can just show up and buy a ticket!
In particular, I’d recommend pre-booking your tickets for:
- teamlab Planets (if you only have time for one, do this one – it was the absolute highlight of my last Tokyo trip!)
- teamlab Borderless (also fantastic, and different than Planets)
- Tokyo Skytree (we had to wait in a long line for tickets that you could skip by pre-booking)
I highly recommend the teamLabs digital art installations. They were highlights of our entire trip to Japan. It’s hard to explain why, but I tried on Episode 1 of the Travel Lemming Podcast (around minute 15).
Tip #4 – You Can Ship Your Bags Between Hotels in Japan

One cool Japan travel hack is that you can easily ship your bags between hotels for a very affordable price (around $15).
This service makes it so much easier to travel between cities on public transportation and pack everything you need for Japan without worrying about transporting bulky bags.
Most hotels will provide this service upon request. On the rare occurrence that they don’t do luggage shipment, you can go to pretty much any convenience store like 7-Eleven or Lawson.
Tip #5 – Learn a Bit About Japanese Culture & Customs Before Your Trip
One of the reasons why Japan is such a fascinating destination is that its culture is quite distinct from the Western culture to which many visitors are accustomed.
For example, the Japanese prefer silence on public transit. Even mild talking can be perceived as rude (though of course you’ll still hear foreigners doing it).
See Sky’s article on Japan’s cultural taboos to learn more ways you might accidentally embarrass yourself.
Tip #6 – Many Tokyo Hotels Come With Pajamas!

Do you know how many nice hotels give you slippers and a bathrobe? Well, in Japan, the hotels take this to the next level by also offering pajamas.
Every single hotel we stayed at in Japan had pajamas in the room. Just note they are loaner PJs – you’re not supposed to take them home.
Tip #7 – Book Your Tokyo Accommodation Well in Advance!

Tokyo is a big city, so there will always be a hotel available somewhere. But the best hotels in Tokyo? Those tend to book up pretty far in advance. I booked our hotels two months in advance of our last trip, and I still had trouble booking my preferred rooms at several.
You can find lots of Tokyo hotels on Booking that offer free cancellation.
Not sure what hotel is right for you?
You can’t go wrong with any of my top hotels in Tokyo:
- 🏆 My #1 Overall Pick: Hotel Indigo Shibuya
- 🗺️ Best Location: karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza (mid-range) or The Tokyo Station Hotel (luxury)
- 📷 Most Photogenic: Prince Park Tower Tokyo
- 👨👩👦 For Families: Ascott Marunouchi
- ❤️ For Couples: Prince Park Tower Tokyo
- 💎 For Luxury Travelers: Imperial Hotel Tokyo
- 🏨 Best Hostel: The Millennials
- 🛏️ Best Budget: Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel or Akihabara Washington Hotel
👉 Traveling around Japan? Bookmark our mega-guides to where to stay in Kyoto and where to stay in Osaka.
Common Questions About Tokyo Trip Planning
Have a Tokyo question I haven’t covered or need personalized help deciding where to stay? Leave me a comment below! I usually reply within a day or so. I’ll help if I can!
It’s my first visit to Tokyo. Where should I stay?
Shibuya and Ginza are the best areas to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors, in my opinion. These neighborhoods are optimally located in the city center. They have convenient access to top attractions, other districts, good restaurants, and many accommodations.
With that said, those areas are expensive, so I get that maybe those accommodations aren’t for everyone. Fortunately, Tokyo is well-connected by public transit. If you find a hotel you love in another part of the city, just check a map application to see how far it will be to travel to the attractions you care about. You might be surprised how even long distances can be covered quickly if you’re willing to take public transportation.
How is safety in Tokyo?
All of Tokyo is fairly safe and it is even considered to be the safest city in the world as of 2024 [Source]. All 11 areas mentioned above are generally safe for tourists to stay in, and you should feel confident booking any accommodations you find in those areas.
Where should budget travelers stay in Tokyo?
Asakusa, Roppongi, Akihabara, and Shinjuku are the best parts of Tokyo to stay on a budget. All of these areas have a range of affordable hotels and hostels available, cheap things to do around the area and plenty of low-cost places to eat and drink.
Where should families stay in Tokyo?
In general, Tokyo is fairly family-friendly – though you should be prepared for a fair bit of noise and chaos in a city this large. Probably the single best part of Tokyo for families is Chiyoda City. It’s central to the sites and transportation options, making it convenient for families to visit and return to the hotel for breaks during the day.
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You’re officially in the know about where to stay in Tokyo! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions.
Traveling elsewhere in Japan? Bookmark our guides to where to stay in Kyoto and in Osaka.
–Sky Ariella contributed to drafting this article



















































Hi Nate,
we are planning a 2 night stay in Tokyo , on our way to Vancouver. Where would be a good area to stay where we can just walk around , maybe catch the double decker bus city tour ? I am not interested in much shopping. But some nice eateries would be good.
Thank you Kerri
Hi Kerri – I would suggest Shibuya or Ginza for a short stay.
This highly-rated bus tour offers pickup from Ginza. It is not double decker, but has panoramic windows and better reviews than the double decker ones I’ve seen.
I hope you enjoy your visit to Tokyo!
-Nate
Hi Nate,
Your article is wonderful and useful to read for first timers in Tokyo like us! I’m wondering if you have one for neighboring district in Seoul, Korea as well. Would greatly appreciate if you can please send us the link! Thank you much!
Best regards,
Lisa & Gary
Hi Lisa & Gary –
We don’t have a guide to Seoul yet, though it is on our list to expand. I am glad you enjoyed our Tokyo guide and grateful to you for reading Travel Lemming!
Cheers,
Nate