The Open Road Travel

One of the world’s most famous megacities, with dozens of distinct districts, deciding where to stay in Tokyo can seem pretty daunting at first.

Tokyo’s various neighbourhoods and communities each have their own unique flavour and character, making it tricky to choose just one.

In today’s post, we will be going over the best areas to stay in Tokyo to make the most of your stay in the Japanese capital. From affordability to nightlife and where is best for sightseeing, I’ll help you narrow down which area best suits your personal priorities.

The Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area has the highest population of any city in the world, with close to 38,000,000 people calling the Japanese capital home.

Covering an area of 13,500 km² (5212 square miles), it has an average population density of 2642 people per square kilometre.

In the notoriously overpopulated city centre, this rises to around 6158 people per square kilometre. To deal with the overcrowding, Tokyo has developed a global reputation for innovations in compact living.

Known to have been settled by the 11th century, Tokyo was established as the capital of Japan in the 19th century. Its long history can be observed in the many ancient and culturally significant buildings and shrines that still stand throughout the city.

Filled with traditional sites and modern attractions, it’s little surprise that Tokyo sees around 11,000,000 tourists each year.

Between its cult favourite media exports that draw fans to visit the locations of their beloved franchises and its hosting of major international events, including the recent 2020 Olympic Games, Tokyo’s popularity amongst the global tourism community is sure to keep growing.

Spring, when the cherry blossoms paint the city pink, is often considered the best time to visit Tokyo. Usually blooming around march or April, the exact time that they appear varies each year.

They’re only around for a week or two so, if appreciating their iconic beauty is your primary goal, you’ll want to keep an eye on one of the various forecasts that track their yearly sweep across the country.

Tokyo’s climate stays fairly comfortable year-round. It can get fairly hot in the summer and quite chilly in the winter, but neither season is particularly extreme. The only truly bad time to visit would be monsoon season, which typically strikes in early summer, from June to July.

There are tons of great places to stay in Tokyo but today we will be focusing on what I believe to be the four best areas to stay in Tokyo. I’ll take you through their main attractions and appeals and discuss why each of these four spots specifically deserves your consideration.

Located to the north of the city centre, Asakusa is positively bursting with popular attractions, making it ideal for first time visitors looking to pack in as much sightseeing as possible.

In addition to traditional ryokan guesthouses, Asakusa is also known for its plentiful affordable hotels. If you are trying to keep your accommodation costs down without compromising on location and convenience, then Asakusa is perfect.

The star of Asakusa is Sensoji Temple, one of the most iconic symbols of Tokyo. Dating back to the 7th century, it is the oldest temple in Tokyo.

Consisting of various shrines, both Buddhist and Shinto, pagodas and koi ponds, and the famous Nakamise market street, Sensoji exudes tradition and culture.

Since Sensoji gets pretty busy, you may want to escape to a quieter shrine instead. In that case, take a short walk north to Imado Shrine. Imado is one of two locations in Tokyo speculated to be the original home of the lucky cat, or maneki-neko, statues.

Just across the river from Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most popular modern attractions, SkyTree.

As the tallest freestanding tower in the world, the panoramic views from the viewing platforms at the top are unparalleled. You can gaze across the entire city whilst enjoying lunch at the café or taking in an exhibition.

Asakusa is also within walking distance of several other popular tourist districts. Ueno, with its sprawling park full of shrines, museums, and glistening boating lakes is just a short walk away to the west.

Meanwhile, the iconic ‘Electric Town’ of Akihabara is just a 40 minute walk, or a couple of metro stops, away to the south.

Stay In Asakusa If:

• It is your first time visiting Tokyo
• You want to immerse yourself in the history and tradition of Japan
• You are trying to keep to a smaller budget
• You want a central location with plenty of major sights and attractions nearby
  

There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the history and tradition that saturates Asakusa than by staying at a ryokan. These traditional guesthouses are a mainstay of Japanese travel culture and a fantastic welcome into the country’s heritage.

Cyashitsu Ryokan is a stunning example, showcasing the Japanese skill of seamlessly blending natural beauty, traditional features, and modern comforts.

The hotel itself is stunning, just a short walk from Sensoji Temple, and provides a zen atmosphere to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The traditional, Japanese style rooms are furnished with futon bedding and tatami floors. Private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi are standard and some rooms boast balconies with views of SkyTree or the nearby temple.

A traditional Japanese breakfast is included in your stay and delivered to your room. An onsite bar, terrace, and communal lounge provide space for guests to mingle and relax throughout the day.

Guests also have access to a Japanese, open-air onsen bath. It’s perfect for if you want the traditional onsen experience but are barred from public bathhouses due to having tattoos.

If you are looking for a good time come nightfall, there are few areas of Tokyo as notorious for their vibrant nightlife as Shinjuku. The bright lights and neon signs create the colourful, cyberpunk night scene that is such an iconic image of Tokyo.

The area is packed with cool bars and fashionable clubs. Restaurants, karaoke rooms, and various entertainment centres ensure that however you prefer to spend your evenings, everyone will have a good time in Shinjuku.

Shinjuku’s Kabukicho neighbourhood is Tokyo’s red-light district. It’s full of eclectic izakayas and bars, including the famous robot restaurant, along with hostess bars and love hotels.

Kabukicho is also home to one of Tokyo’s most famous nightlife streets, Golden Gai. The narrow alley is lined with tiny bars, most with only a handful of seats. The unique and intimate setting always provides an unforgettable evening.

During the day, there are plenty of shops and museums for you to explore. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden provides 144 acres of green space for you to relax and escape the press of skyscrapers and concrete.

Meanwhile, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers a completely free observation deck, providing impressive views of the city.

Shinjuku is well connected to the rest of the city, with plenty of metro stations. The main Shinjuku station is one of the main train terminals in the city, so you’ll have no trouble getting around Tokyo.

It’s also the busiest train station in the world, so you’d probably want to consider walking a little further to a different station during peak hours.

Stay In Shinjuku If:

•  Being surrounded by vibrant nightlife is a priority
• You want to stay in one of the coolest areas of Tokyo
• Staying super central is a must
  

Just a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku station, Kadoya Hotel is the height of convenience. A 24-hour check-in desk, free internet, laundry services, and laptop hire ensure that you will have everything you need when you’re not out exploring the city.

The rooms are simple but chic, spacious, and comfortable. Each boasts a flat-screen television, mini-fridge, tea and coffee facilities, and air conditioning. You can also enjoy the use of a complementary yukata, a type of thin kimono designed for warmer periods.

Japanese and western style breakfasts are available from the hotel café, while an onsite izakaya serves drinks and small plates in the evenings.

If you love splashing out on indulgent shopping sprees, then you’ll love Shibuya. The district is home to several of Tokyo’s top shopping areas, including Tokyo’s main shopping street, Omotesando.

The leafy avenue is lined with designer brands like Dior and Prada, along with independent boutiques and traditional craft stores. There are plenty of chic cafes and restaurants for you to take a break in when you tire of browsing the shops.

Shibuya is also where you will find the quirky Harajuku district. Centred around bustling Takeshita street, Harajuku is the heart of Tokyo’s alternative fashion and street-style scene. The area is home to an abundance of quirky boutiques and artsy cafes.

Aside from shopping, Shibuya is best known for the world-famous Shibuya Crossing. The best time to visit Shibuya crossing is during rush hour when hoards of commuters flood the street in ‘the scramble’.

It’s much less impressive if you visit during a quieter time. Staying nearby means you can get here during peak time without having to deal with rush hour traffic or get up too early.

When you want to indulge in a little cultural appreciation, head to Yoyogi Park. The forested park is home to one of Tokyo’s most famous shrines, Meiji Jingu. Nestled amongst the trees, wandering around the wooden shrine feels worlds away from the bustling city just metres away.

You Should Stay In Shibuya If:

• You enjoy spending your vacation hitting the shops
• You want to stay somewhere super central
• Visiting Shibuya Crossing during peak time is a priority for you
  

Trunk Hotel is a stunning property that expertly celebrates natural beauty in chic, contemporary design. Tucked away right in the heart of Shibuya, Trunk provides a tranquil oasis that feels far removed from the busy commercial district beyond its walls.

The rooms epitomise minimalist comfort, with innovative touches and thoughtful elements creating an understated space to relax.

The rooms and apartments are bright and airy, with private bathrooms, mini-bars, flatscreen televisions, and free wifi. Some boast balconies or terraces with views of the gardens and surrounding city.

The hotel has two onsite restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop, and a communal terrace, so there is plenty of space to relax and mingle with fellow guests.

If you’re looking for luxury and have the cash to splash, Minato can be your playground. Home to some of Tokyo’s most affluent neighbourhoods, this is the place to stay for a city break with a designer edge.

The Ginza shopping district is packed with designer brands, upmarket department stores, and exclusive boutiques. When not hitting the shops, you can relax in glamourous bars and the city’s most fashionable restaurants in a neighbourhood where even the streets sparkle.

Roppongi is where to go for nightlife when you want something a little more refined than what Shinjuku has to offer. Amongst the glistening skyscrapers you’ll find a host of chic bars and clubs to keep you entertained through the night.

In keeping with the area’s air of exclusivity, some of Tokyo’s most prestigious attractions are located in Minato.

Most notably, this is where the home of the Japanese royal family, the Imperial Palace, is located. Although the palace itself is only open to the public on rare occasions, you are free to enjoy the East Gardens and surrounding grounds, filled with historic castle gates and out-buildings.

At night, the orange glow of Tokyo Tower can be seen for miles around. Once Tokyo’s main broadcasting tower before it became surrounded by signal blocking skyscrapers, Tokyo Tower is now primarily a tourist attraction offering stunning views from its observation deck.

Another illuminated landmark in Minato is the Rainbow Bridge. Connecting across to the commercial hub of Odaiba, a walk across the Rainbow Bridge provides stunning views of the Sumida River.

Stay In Minato If:

• You are planning a luxury vacation
• You have a generous budget
• High-end shopping is a highlight of your travels
  

Located within Shiba Park, the Prince Park Tower hotel offers guests the chance to enjoy a room with stunning views of Tokyo Tower and Zozo-ji temple. The stunning hotel is exquisitely designed in an elegant manner that perfectly complements the location.

The tasteful rooms exude comfort and style, spacious and functional with touches of luxury. Flatscreen televisions, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi are included with all rooms. The sumptuous bathrooms come complete with plush robes, to allow you to sink into relaxation.

The hotel boasts an impressive nine restaurants with a range of cuisines ranging from traditional Japanese to French. Other onsite entertainment options include a bowling alley, karaoke, a fitness centre and swimming pool, and a hot spring.

Now that you are more familiar with what each of the best parts of the city can provide for your vacation, you should have a much better idea of where to stay in Tokyo.

Whether you are interested in Japanese cuisine or seeing the city's top attractions, you should now know where to find them.

No matter if it’s your first time in the city or you are a returning visitor looking to see a new side to the capital of Japan, knowing the best areas to stay in Tokyo can have a big impact on your trip.

Don’t be too terribly stressed about your decision though. Tokyo has one of the most comprehensive public transport networks in the world, so you should have little trouble getting around no matter where you choose to make your base.