Japan · East Asia · City planning guide
Where to Stay in Tokyo
In Tokyo I’d choose the station before the hotel. Two hotels can both say Shinjuku and give you rather different walks home.
Rob’s quick picks
- First trips, food and rail connectionsShinjuku
- Central connections and onward trainsGinza and Tokyo Station
- Historic streets and quieter eveningsAsakusa
5 neighborhoods compared
Shinjuku
Best forFirst trips, food and rail connections
Why I’d stay hereGood for a trip that goes in several directions, with plenty of places to eat when you get back.
Worth knowingChoose the side of the station you’ll use and check which streets are lively late.
Ginza and Tokyo Station
Best forCentral connections and onward trains
Why I’d stay hereConsider this base if you’ll use Tokyo Station or want to combine central sightseeing with trips out of town.
Worth knowingCompare the exact station walk and room rates. Tokyo Station and your platform can feel like separate destinations with a suitcase.
Asakusa
Best forHistoric streets and quieter evenings
Why I’d stay hereStay here for Sensō-ji and the older streets around it. I’d go for a walk before the crowds arrive.
Worth knowingAllow longer for outings on the west side of Tokyo. Check where you’ll have dinner after a late return.
Ueno
Best forMuseums, park walks and value comparisons
Why I’d stay hereWorth comparing if your plans include Ueno Park and you’d like a base with several rail options.
Worth knowingLook at the route to your planned station entrance and check which airport connection suits your dates.
Shibuya
Best forShopping, food and evenings out
Why I’d stay hereChoose Shibuya if you want the energy of the crossing, shops and lots of options for dinner nearby.
Worth knowingIf crowds or noise wear you down, look away from the busiest streets.
Before you book
Walking and step-free access
For a Ginza hotel, start with Tokyo Metro’s station map and match the lift to your line and direction. For example, the Ginza Line map lists a lift route from the Asakusa-bound platform through the Ginza-yonchome gate to exit A7. Map the walk from there to the hotel. Check Ginza’s barrier-free routes.
Check the hotel’s street entrance and route to the room separately. For sightseeing, see the city guide.
Look up the hotel-to-platform walk and the route to the airport you’re actually using. Check station exits and lifts if stairs are an issue.
Read the Tokyo city article
Planning a wider trip? Explore the Japan travel guide.
Planning reference · Tokyo neighborhood information