Japan’s most populous city, Tokyo, is one of the best places to visit if you come to Asia. There are a lot of places to explore and stay, and more than enough sites to occupy you. In Tokyo, moving around is not an issue because the city has one of the most efficient and interconnected transport systems on the planet.
Being the capital of Japan, Tokyo is massive and almost impossible to explore in a single visit. It is a vast city with twenty district wards and expensive taxis, so if you are coming to Tokyo, be prepared to go for subsequent visits because there’s a whole lot in store for you.
Seeing the difficulty you might have in getting around and making choices, we have put this guide together to help you find out the best places in Tokyo for you to stay on a budget, the best places for romance, families, or night lovers. Read on as we take you through the magnificent city of Tokyo.
Wondering Where to Stay in Tokyo?
Where to stay in Tokyo for nightlife – Roppongi
In the Minato District, Roppongi is infamous for partying and nightlife. In fact, it is regarded as the best area for nightlife in Tokyo. Its perks include tourist-friendly bars dispersed all over the area, nightclubs, and restaurants with the best meals. Expatriates in Tokyo come down to Roppongi to relax and have fun after a long day of hustle.
Asides from the parties, Roppongi has a lot more to offer. If you are an art enthusiast, you will surely love to be here as it houses the largest art museum in Japan – the National Art Centre. There’s also a chance to eat some fantastic Japanese food here. You will also find the Suntory Museum of Art and Roppongi Hills’ Mori Art Museum; these form the Art Triangle along with the National Art Centre.
Things to do in Roppongi
Visiting Roppongi is one of the best things to do in Tokyo, here are some amazing must-dos.
- Go shopping at United Arrows Roppongi Hills
- Enjoy a mouth-watering dessert at Kakigori Hotel and Bar Yelo
- Explore the best of art at the Art Basel and Frieze
- Get a bird’s eye view of the city from Tokyo City View
- Sniff the best scents at Fueguia 1833
- Get down to the Nogi Shrine and pay homage to the loyal General Nogi and his wife
- Survey backstreet art at Gallery Side 2
- Enjoy the finest sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi
Hotels to stay in Roppongi
Budget Hotel in Roppongi – FlexStay Inn
FlexStay Inn is a well-situated hotel that offers you the leisure of self-catering services. It is the best hotel to stay at in close proximity to Roppongi in this price range. The rooms are clean and compact and it is great for a single person stay.
Mid-range Hotel in Roppongi – Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka
Henn na Hotel Tokyo Akasaka is a simple hotel in the Minato District that offers convenience to the major attractions. The rooms are comfortable and offer basic appliances for a more comfortable stay.
Luxury Hotel in Roppongi – The Ritz Carlton
The Ritz Carlton in Midland is the perfect space for an exotic stay in Roppongi. They have friendly staff and good facilities. The rooms have a city view and it is directly connected to the Roppongi station.
Where to stay in Tokyo for romance – Ebisu
Ebisu is a world of its own, away from the busy schedules, bustle, and stress of the city. The serenity of this area makes it a safe haven for lovebirds. You don’t want to be stuck in traffic on your way to a romantic dinner – that’s why you should stay in Ebisu. If you are looking to get cupid’s arrow shot at you, this is the perfect place to make it happen.
Things to do in Ebisu
- Enjoy a romantic dinner at Yebusi Garden Place
- Take a walk through the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Photography
- Get down to burger paradise and enjoy the best Wagyu beef burger at BLACOWS
- Experience the originality of the Japanese sweet “Taiyaki” in a modern way at Hiiragi
- Have a taste of Japanese beer at The Beer Station
- Join in on the dance with locals at Ebisu Bon Odori Festival
- Experience the delectable taste of Japanese ice cream that will leave you longing for more.
Hotels to stay in Ebisu
Budget Hotel in Ebisu – Khaosan World Ryogoku
Khaosan World Ryogoku is a Japanese-style hotel with a private bathroom in each room and free Wi-Fi. It is a few minutes away from the principal attractions in Ebisu and a 15-minute train ride from Tokyo Station. The rooms are clean, and the staff is friendly.
Mid-range Hotel in Ebisu – Grand Residence Nakameguro
Grand Residence Nakameguro has services as grandiose as the name implies. It is just 1.6km away from Ebisu. It is perfect for a two-person trip or a one-night stay. It’s a great place to stay if you are interested in local food and city strolls.
Luxury Hotel in Ebisu – Ebisuholic Hotel
Ebisuholic Hotel is a three-star hotel located in the heart of Ebisu. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, the staff is hospitable, and the facilities are decent. The surrounding area is excellent for shopping, and it is close to most of the fun places in Ebisu.
Where to Stay in Tokyo for Business – Yurakucho
If you are interested in commerce and business, Yurakucho is just right for you. This business area loosely links Tokyo Station to Hibiya. It houses a large number of shops and restaurants to cater to the rapid influx of people to the city.
Restaurants vary in class, ranging from the wholly expensive to the small, airy, packed spaces. The transport links are well situated to reduce shoves during the rush hour. Ginza and Marunouchi are just a short distance away, providing posh retail districts to cater to almost every need.
Things to do in Yurakucho
- Visit the Tokyo International Forum
- Go shopping at Muji and Loft
- Visit the BIC camera
- Get down to the Mullion Complex
- Shop for food at Kotsu Kaikan
- Hang out at an Izakaya under train tracks
Hotels to stay in Yurakucho
Budget Hotel in Yarakucho – Hotel New Tochigiya
Hotel New Tochigiya is a compact space, convenient for those that just want to spend a night. If you are on a budget, this is a great place to relax and cool off after a day’s work. There is a hot water pool and sauna available for optimum relaxation.
Mid-range Hotel in Yarakucho – APA Hotel Asakusa Ekimae
APA Hotel Asakusa Ekimae in the Taito District is a great place to experience the historical culture of Tokyo. It is 16-minutes away from the Edo Tokyo Museum. The service is great, with comfortable rooms and services for the handicapped. The facilities are decent and the food is nice.
Luxury Hotel in Yarakucho – Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo
Dai-ichi Hotel Tokyo is a hotel located just five minutes from Ginza, so when you are here, you get all the Ginza shopping vibes. It offers an airport shuttle and world-class service. It is at the heart of Tokyo, where you’ll find all the attractions.
Where to stay in Tokyo on a budget – Asakusa/ Marunouchi
Asakusa – infamous for the Buddhist temple Sensō-ji – is Tokyo’s biggest pleasure district that can support a visitor who wants to cut down on spending. It is dotted with small shops and street food vendors. Here, you’ll find all kinds of people, like artists, beggars, actors, and writers. Alongside Marunouchi – Tokyo’s well-known business area – Asakusa is the best place to stay if you don’t want to spend so much.
Marunouchi encloses the Tokyo Station. This means it will be a lot easier to explore Tokyo at cheap rates. There’s also a terminal for the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Not only does the Tokyo line offer transport services, but it also has restaurants, hotels, and an art gallery. Marunouchi has some great shopping spots at cheap prices. It is the best place you can stay if you are on a budget.
Things to do in Marunouchi and Asakusa
- Visit the Emperor’s Residence at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace; visitors are not allowed to enter, so you can view the building from outside.
- Get to the East Gardens
- Visit the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum
- Take a short walk to the Tsukiji Fish Market and shop for fresh vegetables and fish.
- Pay homage at the Sensoji Temple,
- Shop at Nakamise Shopping Street
- Get to the Asakusa Engei Hall
- Explore the Tokyo Skytree
- Take a tour of Asakusa on a hand-pulled rickshaw – be sure to hire a Jinrikisha
Hotels to Stay in Marunouchi and Asakusa
Budget Hotel in Asakusa – Asakusa Hotel Fukudaya
Asakusa Hotel Fukudaya is a cozy and affordable place to stay if you are on a budget. You’ll find that it’s easy to reach transport services from here. It is a good choice for tourists who like to take city strolls, visit temples and take short tours. There’s a bicycle rental where you can hire a bike for a tour around the city.
Mid-range Hotel Hotel Gracery in Asakusa – Hotel Gracery Asakusa
Hotel Gracery Asakusa is one of the most sought after 4-star hotels in Tokyo. It is 17 minutes away from the Tokyo Skytree and 17km from the nearest airport and it offers an eagle-eye view of the city from each room. The staff are friendly and the service is superb.
Luxury Hotel in Asakusa – Dormy Inn Express Asakusa
Dormy Inn Express Asakusa is the perfect chic hotel that’s ideal for couples. The facilities are decent and the staff friendly. It offers a sauna for a relaxing bath and free Japanese noodles every night. It is close to the Asakusa station and a convenient area to shop.
Where to stay in Tokyo – Shinjuku
When you visit Tokyo and you want to explore the best attractions in the city, be sure to go to Shinjuku. Shinjuku is everything you see about Tokyo on TV – dazzling skyscrapers, neon lights, ever-busy streets, train stations, big shopping malls, and exquisite public parks.
The train stations make mobility easy and allow you to get to every corner of Tokyo. Shinjuku is perfect for those that love fast-paced city life and modern attractions. It has the most convenient accommodation options – from luxury hotels to budget accommodations that are relatively affordable.
Things to do in Shinjuku
- Go shopping and dining in and around the Shinjuku Station
- Explore the nightlife and enjoy entertainment at Kabukicho,
- Visit the Golden Gai
- Get to Omoide Yokocho
- Enjoy the scenery from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Observation Deck
- Get to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Park and feed your eyes
Hotels in Shinjuku
Budget Hotel in Shinjuku – OHA Guesthouse
OHA Guesthouse is a capsule hotel that offers ambiance when you need a quick shower and rest. The rooms are air-conditioned and comfortable. It is 17km away from the closest airport, which makes it easily accessible.
Mid-range Hotel in Shinjuku – G-Stays Shinjuku
G-Stays Shinjuku is located close to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It is suitable accommodation for couples. The rooms are cozy and each has a flat-screen TV. It is 17km away from the Tokyo Haneda International Airport. It’s a great place to tour Shinjuku because of its proximity to important tourist attraction sites.
Luxury Hotel in Shinjuku – Keio Plaza Hotel
Keio Plaza Hotel is in Shinjuku Skyscraper District. Every room has a mini-bar, a flat-screen TV and an electric kettle. It has an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub, toiletries, hairdryer, free robes, and slippers. There is a pool and fitness center. It highly recommended for convenience, state of the art facilities and its proximity to the airport.
Where to stay in Tokyo for families – Shibuya
On the west side of the Yamanote train line, Shibuya is one of the larger transport and shopping hubs in Tokyo. It is convenient for families because it is not as busy as other areas. Lots of shops, bars, restaurants, attractions, and transport connections make it a perfect place for a family get-away.
It takes pride in its youthful vibe and displays the best of youth Japanese culture and fashion. You can get lost in the myriad of funky trends and hot fashion. There are lots of huge billboards with digital displays and neon advertisements. Just in front of the Hachiko exit of the station in Shibuya is a large intersection. When the pedestrian light turns green, a massive surge of people cross over; this has become a photo hot spot so be sure to bring your camera.
Things to do in Shibuya
- Experience the Shibuya Pedestrian scramble when the traffic light goes green
- Go shopping at Harajuku
- Go to see the Hachiko Statute
- Visit Nonbei Yokocho
- Get to Manga Cafe
- Take a ride to the Love Hotel hill
- Experience a game tour at Panchinkos in Tokyo
- Try out a capsule hotel
- Attend the Ohara Matsuri Festival
- Visit Sakuragaoka-Cho
- Try out the best sushi
Hotels in Shibuya
Budget Hotel in Shibuya – Hotel New Tochigiya
Hotel New Tochigiya is a male-only hotel located in Taito. It is a compact cozy hotel that gives you convenience on a budget in a grand city. It is a five-minute walk from Kaminarimon. There’s a hot public bath, a sauna, and Wi-Fi.
Mid-range Hotel in Shibuya – Mustard Hotel
Mustard Hotel Shibuya is located in the heart of the city and is only 800 meters away from the Hachiko statue. It features a lounge, sea view, and bar. There is good food and it has great facilities. It is 63 km from the airport and close to some of the tourist hotspots. The Shibuya Center Town is a 13-minute walk away.
Luxury Hotel in Shibuya – Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel
Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel offers good service with spacious rooms and city views. Its location is central, giving you the opportunity to tour the city easily. It is close to many important landmarks like the Tokyo Tower and the Japan Imperial Palace. It is a great place to stay.
Where to stay in Tokyo for shopping – Ginza
Ginza is famous for shopping, entertainment, and the best food. It has many boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs. The shops and stalls cater to almost every need. The restaurants range from cheap to mid-range. It is usually closed during weekends.
Things to do in Ginza
- Try out the heart-pumping Ginza crossing
- Visit the Kabuki-za Theatre
- Go shopping for fish and seafood at the Tsukiji Fish Market
- Visit the Itoya Stationery Store
Hotels in Ginza
Budget Hotel in Ginza – Hotel New Koyo
Hotel New Koyo is one of the few hotels you can find in Ginza on a budget. However, you don’t get to stay for a night here – you’d have to pay for two nights to get the budget price. It is close to major towns and important tourist attractions. The service is superb and this hotel gives you good value for money as well as great hospitality. It is suitable for couples.
Mid-range Hotel in Ginza – Tokyo Ginza Bay Hotel
Tokyo Ginza Bay Hotel in the heart of Ginza offers lavish treatment at the most affordable prices. The rooms are capsule rooms with free Wi-Fi and it is a nice place for couples. It is only an 8-minute walk from the Shinbashi Station and it’s easy to get a train from there to anywhere in Tokyo.
Luxury Hotel in Ginza – Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo
Courtyard by Marriott Tokyo Ginza is an exotic space to relax and experience the best of Tokyo. It is close to the popular shopping areas and tourist attractions. It offers airport shuttle services. Impressively, it is only a 5-minute walk away from the Ginza Subway station. You can shop for fish because the Tsukiji Fish Market is 10 minutes away on foot. It offers a bar, restaurant and fitness room.
Quick Japan Travel Tips
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Japanese: “Kon’nichiwa” and “Arigatō”
- How to say ‘Rabbit’ in Japanese: Usagi
- Currency: Japanese Yen – (JPY) – ¥
- Visa: Most Visitors to Japan can enter visa free for up to 90 days.
- Weather: The weather on Okunoshima varies depending on season. Japan celebrates four seasons. In the winter you can expect colder, windy temperatures, while summer is hot and humid. Spring and Fall are fantastic times to visit as the air is cool and crisp
What to Pack for Japan?
Wondering what to wear in Japan? You aren’t alone. Japan can be a very tricky country to pack for as there are so many styles you can go with, and of course, every season is different.
We’ve traveled to Japan during all their four seasons. Most of Japan is a four-season country and winter travel is vastly different than summer. Here are the essential Japan packing list items to bring with you depending on the season you visit!
Japan Travel Planning Resources
- Packing Guide — Check out our Japan Packing List to help pack your bags and ensure you don’t leave anything at home.
- Protect Your Trip — We don’t travel without travel insurance, and neither should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Travel Adapter – Find a good adapter to keep your electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Book an Experience – See all the best experiences and tours in Japan here.
- Get a Japan Rail Pass (Buy Here) – They make traveling around Japan much easier and cheaper. Read all about if it’s worth it here.
- Travel Shoes – Allbirds are the ultimate travel shoe. They are sustainable and last forever while looking good. Read our full Allbirds review.
