Choose another country to see content specific to your location
The world's most populated city – Tokyo - isn't short of places to stay if you're visiting for business or leisure. Tokyo is Japan's sprawling capital, often described as the planet's largest metropolitan area.
Understandably, there are many options when you're looking for somewhere to stay.
Finding the best places to stay in Tokyo might be an overwhelming challenge, but our guide to Tokyo accommodation is here to help you make the most of your visit.
Being so big, Tokyo is split into many different neighbourhoods. There are 23 wards, each comprising several separate districts.
The best areas in Tokyo for tourists include Shinjuku, Ginza, Shibuya, Roppongi and the Tokyo Station Area. You may also have heard of other places including Harajuku, Tsujiki and Ebisu.
There are many factors when deciding on the top areas to stay in Tokyo. As well as a great atmosphere, and a very safe environment, you'll want somewhere that's convenient.
Each district has its own personality, so the majority of your decision will be based on personal preference.
Skip ahead to find out more about:
As the Tokyo scene that’s featured in countless movies, Shinjuku is truly the heart of the city. Get swept up in the hustle and bustle, with bright lights and towering skyscrapers.
Why stay in Shinjuku?
The Tokyo Station Area opens out to the district of Marunouchi. This is one of Tokyo's thriving business districts with towering skyscraper offices, endless shopping and Japan's major transport hub.
Why stay in Tokyo Station?
Ginza is amongst the best places to stay in Tokyo for luxury. Choose accommodation amongst designer stores, but with plenty of opportunities for more affordable dining and budget-friendly retail therapy.
Why stay in Ginza?
A lively, fun and youthful destination, Shibuya is vibrant and varied. It is home to attractions big and small, from museums and galleries to the bronze statue of famous Hachikō the dog.
Why stay in Shibuya?
Tokyo's most amazing nightlife can be found in the district of Roppongi. There are so many places to eat and drink in one of the leading leisure destinations in Tokyo.
Why stay in Roppongi?
A traditional hotel is a place to stay in Tokyo that most tourists have experienced before. Here you'll get your own room, typically with an ensuite, and usually with a desk and TV. Expect WiFi connections and air conditioning in the majority of Tokyo hotels.
Many hotels in Tokyo have their own restaurants, with some also offering leisure facilities including swimming pools and gyms. Hotels are an option for many different budgets.
If you're looking for low-cost places to stay, consider Tokyo's capsule hotels. These are something of a novelty for overseas travellers.
Also known as pods, capsule hotels include very small bedrooms in stacks. You may have someone else sleeping in a pod that's directly above your own. Your pod will be just large enough for your bed, perhaps with a shelf and power socket. In rare cases, pod hotels include room for a desk and/or TV. Other facilities, like toilets and showers, are available in communal areas.
If you just need somewhere to stay for the night, a pod hotel could be ideal. Be aware that you won't have much space, and light sleepers will struggle with noise.
If you're looking for traditional Japanese culture, consider a Ryokan as a contender for the best accommodation in Tokyo. A Ryokan is a traditional inn, furnished in traditional style. Your room will likely include Tatami mat flooring. You'll have access to shared bathroom facilities, or perhaps your own ensuite, and will likely have a warm welcome from a host in traditional clothing. This is more personal than a chain hotel in the city.
In Japan, a guesthouse might also be known as a gaijin house. This is usually the best option for extended or long-term stays, at least one week but usually considerably longer.
Instead of entering a rental contract, you can stay in a guesthouse at a reasonable price and will have your own space just like home. Choose from private or shared accommodation – it’s more of a temporary home than your usual holiday accommodation choice.
Guesthouses are not to be confused with Ryokan, with Ryokan being more like a guesthouse in other countries.
Consider protecting a trip to Japan with travel insurance and see the world with peace of mind.
Travel insurance can help protect against unforeseen expenses whilst in Japan, so check out some of our travel insurance options.
To get even more out of your visit to Japan, check out our Japan travel hub. We've got plenty of information about travelling to Japan, including how to find the best flights to Tokyo.
Please wait,
generating your policy.