Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas and Hotels for First-Timers
Tokyo is huge, but for a first visit the choice comes down to a handful of neighborhoods on or near the JR Yamanote loop line. Pick one of them and you can reach almost everything in 30 minutes. This guide compares Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza and Tokyo Station, and Asakusa, with a well-reviewed hotel in each.
This guide has affiliate links (details) · Last updated October 2026 · Based on official hotel info and verified Agoda reviews (how we research)
Best areas to stay in Tokyo at a glance
| Area | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | First-timers, transport, nightlife | Busiest station in the world; Kabukicho is lively late at night |
| Shibuya | Younger travelers, shopping, cafés | Central and fun, but crowded |
| Ginza / Tokyo Station | Shinkansen trips, calm and upscale | Quieter in the evening, higher prices |
| Asakusa | Traditional Tokyo, value | Further from Shinjuku and Shibuya |
Our pick for most first-timers is Shinjuku: it has direct trains to the airports and to Mount Fuji, and something open at every hour. If you plan several bullet train day trips, Tokyo Station or Ginza saves time.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku has the biggest choice of hotels and the best transport links, including the Yamanote line, the Narita Express and the buses and trains to Mount Fuji. East of the station are Kabukicho’s neon streets and the tiny bars of Golden Gai; Shinjuku Gyoen garden is a short walk south.
1. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Kabukicho)
Price: Mid range · Best for: First-timers, nightlife · Guest rating: 8.7/10 on Agoda (30,728 reviews)
- In Kabukicho, a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku Station
- Known for the Godzilla head on the building
Why guests like it: The location and the huge number of positive reviews. Rooms are compact but well laid out.
Watch out for: Kabukicho is Tokyo’s nightlife district, so it’s busy and noisy late into the night.
2. Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside (Kabukicho)
Price: Mid range · Best for: Longer stays, families · Guest rating: 8.7/10 on Agoda (7,782 reviews)
- On the east side of Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Tokyu Stay hotels are known for in-room washers in many rooms
Why guests like it: Guests on longer trips like being able to do laundry in the room.
Watch out for: Check the room type if you need a washer; not every room has the same features.
Shibuya
Shibuya is home to the famous scramble crossing, plenty of shopping and some of the city’s best cafés and nightlife. It’s slightly smaller than Shinjuku but just as central.
3. Shibuya Stream Hotel (Shibuya)
Price: Mid to upper range · Best for: Couples, design lovers · Guest rating: 9.0/10 on Agoda (8,741 reviews)
- In the Shibuya Stream complex, connected to Shibuya Station
- Modern rooms with city views
Why guests like it: Guests highlight the direct station access and the quiet rooms above a busy area.
Watch out for: Shibuya Station is large and confusing at first; allow extra time to find your exit.
Ginza and Tokyo Station
Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, calmer at night than Shinjuku or Shibuya. Tokyo Station, a short walk away, is where most bullet trains leave from, which makes this area a good base for day trips to Kyoto, Nikko or Kanazawa.
4. Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier (Ginza)
Price: Mid to upper range · Best for: Couples, shinkansen trips · Guest rating: 8.8/10 on Agoda (11,810 reviews)
- On the upper floors of a tower in Ginza 8-chome
- City and bay views from many rooms
Why guests like it: High-floor views and a calm, central base.
Watch out for: Ginza is quiet late at night, so it suits people who want a calm base more than nightlife.
Asakusa
Asakusa is the old-Tokyo side of the city, with Senso-ji temple and Nakamise shopping street, and views of the Tokyo Skytree across the river. Hotels here usually cost less than in Shinjuku or Shibuya.
5. Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International (Asakusa)
Price: Mid range · Best for: Value, sightseeing · Guest rating: 9.0/10 on Agoda (16,172 reviews)
- In Asakusa, within walking distance of Senso-ji
- Some rooms look toward the Tokyo Skytree
Why guests like it: A 9.0 rating from more than 16,000 reviews, with Senso-ji on the doorstep.
Watch out for: Asakusa is quieter at night and about 30 to 40 minutes by train from Shinjuku and Shibuya.
Things to book for Tokyo
- teamLab Planets: The walk-through digital art museum in Toyosu sells timed tickets that often sell out. Check teamLab Planets tickets (rated 4.6 from 14,800+ reviews).
- Mount Fuji day trip: See our full guide on how to visit Mount Fuji from Tokyo, or book the most-reviewed Fuji day tour.
- Staying connected: See Airalo Japan eSIM plans
- More ideas: Browse Tokyo tours and tickets on GetYourGuide
FAQ
Where should I stay in Tokyo for the first time?
Shinjuku, for most people. It has the most hotels, direct airport and Mount Fuji connections, and the Yamanote line to everywhere else.
Is it better to stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya?
Both are central and lively. Shinjuku has more hotels and better long-distance connections; Shibuya feels a little younger and is better for shopping and cafés.
Which area is best for families?
Ginza and Tokyo Station are calmer at night, and apartment-style hotels like Tokyu Stay offer more space and laundry.