Tokyo is the world’s largest metropolis, with a number of distinctive different wards, that have unique areas, all within Japan’s most diverse city. So if you’re going for the first time… where should you stay? Well, let us take you through where to stay in Tokyo the first time. We’ll break down the best neighbourhoods for you to stay in based in your needs and the goals of your trip.
Shinjuku
Who should stay here?
Shinjuku, in the heart of Tokyo, is arguably the best place for anyone new to the city to stay. With its central location, exciting nightlife, and proximity to shops that have both Western and Japanese brands, this is a no-brainer for anyone who has never been to Tokyo before.
Transport Connections
Shinjuku Station itself is the busiest train station in the world, and this is a reflection of how many lines there are that pass through. The station serves the following lines: the Yamanote Line, the Chuo Main Line, the Chuo-Sobu Line, the Saikyo Line, the Shonan-Shinjuku Line, the Keio Line, the Keio New Line, the Odakyu Odawara Line, the Oedo Line, the Shinjuku Line, and the Marunouchi Line.
Hotel Suggestions
For those on a budget, the Hotel Livemax is very affordable, With prices starting from around ¥7,000/night (or even cheaper using some booking apps), it’s known as a comfortable and clean place to stay.
For a place a little more family-friendly, the Yuen Shinjuku offers incredible service, and onsen facilities from roughly ¥20,000/night. Guests praise the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the food.
For those looking for something a little more upscale, for prices that start at roughly ¥90,000/night, the Bellustar Tokyo comes highly recommended. With its prime location, luxurious rooms, and extraordinary facilities and services, it comes highly recommended for anyone who wants an unforgettable stay.
Ueno
A much quieter area than Shinjuku, Ueno is less well known for its nightlife, but it is home to several museums, as well as a beautiful park. It is also only a short hop away from the historic Asakusa district, making it a perfect place to stay for those who want their days a little more slowly paced.
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Transport Connections
Ueno Station serves the Ginza Line, the Yamanote Line, the Hibiya Line, the Utsunomiya Line, the Takasaki Line, the Keihin-Tohoku Line, and the Joban Line, as well as the Shinkansen. Its proximity to Nishi-Nippori makes it easy to get to for anyone coming from Narita Airport.
Hotel Suggestions
The Centurion Hotel enjoys a reputation for being a great place to stay for those on a budget, with rooms starting at roughly ¥6,000/night, whilst also being cozy and comfortable.
For a more high-end experience, the Mimaru Tokyo Ueno Okachimachi is an excellent choice. With accommodation starting at roughly ¥60,000/night, it gets excellent reviews for the service and family-friendly amenities.
Roppongi
Based in Tokyo’s midtown, Roppongi is a solid choice for those who may be a little bit nervous about their ability to navigate in Japanese. Because Roppongi is home to a number of embassies and expats, many people in the area can speak English, and there are a lot of English-language instructions. It is still authentically Japanese, however, and there are many family-friendly restaurants, along with a lively nightlife.
Transport Connections
The nearest two stations are Roppongi Station, on the Hibiya Line and the Oedo Line, and Ropongi-Itchome, on the Namboku Line. While neither are major transport hubs, they are still centrally situated, and getting to other parts of Tokyo is not difficult.
Hotel Suggestions
The Act Hotel, whose prices start at roughly ¥6,500/night, is a good deal for anyone travelling on a budget, with guests citing the terrific location and the amenities provided.
Anyone looking for something a little fancier should check out the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo. A name that needs no introduction, anyone staying here will be greeted with world-class hospitality, facilities, and immaculate rooms.
Chiyoda
Chiyoda is the home of Tokyo Station, and it is also where the Imperial Palace is located, as well as the Japanese Parliament, the Diet. This preponderance of government and state operations means that it is less lively than Shinjuku or Roppongi, but that is not to say that it is boring. In addition to the Imperial Gardens, the National Museum of Modern Art, and the Akihabara electronics district. It’s a great place to stay for anyone who doesn’t want too much noise, but also want great connections to Tokyo’s action.
Transport Connections
Tokyo Station, at the heart of Chiyoda, is a major transport hub. In addition to the Shinkansen, it serves the Yamanote Line, the Chuo Line, the Sobu Line, the Keihin-Tohoku Line, the Tokaido Line, the Keiyo Line, the Ueno-Tokyo Line, the Yokosuka Line, the Marunouchi Line, the Tozai Line, the Maronouchi Line, the Hanzomon Line, the Mita Line, the Oedo Line, the Asakusa Line, and the Shinjuku Line.
Hotel Suggestions
For those looking after their pennies, the Tosei Hotel Cocone Kanda is an excellent choice. While the rooms may be on the smaller side, guests praise the location and the facilities.
On the higher-end, the Peninsula Tokyo is pricey, starting at roughly ¥140,000 per night. However, you get what you pay for with those prices: world-class cuisine, immaculate and beautiful rooms, and service to die for.
Nakano
A neighbor of Shinjuku, Nakano has many of the advantages of being close to the center of the city, but is much less intense. Ideal for families or people who are wary of spending their entire vacation in Shinjuku’s large crowds, Nakano nevertheless has many excellent restaurants and bars for those who want to enjoy the Japanese nightlife.
Transport Connections
Nakano Station is the main transport hub here. It is served by the Chuo Line, the Sobu Line, and the Tozai Line.
Hotel Suggestions
If you’re counting your coins, Toyo House is a cheap and cheerful hostel, with guests highlighting the helpful host and prime location. Prices for rooms start at roughly ¥6,500/night.
If you have a little more cash to splash, then for ¥17,000/night you could stay at Give Araiyakushi. Situated very close the Nakano’s shopping district, people who stay love how cozy it is. It has kitchens available for use, making it perfect for families, or anyone with particular eating habits.
Tokyo has a wealth of hotels, guest houses, and hostels for people to stay in: this list is just a small sample of the kinds of places that you can visit as a first-timer.