Look No More! A Guide to : Where to Stay in Tokyo

Have you ever wondered "where is the best area to stay in Tokyo?"
Tokyo is vast and each area has its own unique character, making it difficult for first-time travelers to choose an area to stay.
We will provide a thorough guide to the basics of staying in Tokyo, including the appropriate number of days, regional structure, and transportation conditions, as well as the best places to stay in Tokyo for the first time.
From places to enjoy traditional culture to the best spots for nightlife and shopping, here is a complete guide.

1. Basic Information about Staying in Tokyo
2. Recommended Areas for First Timers
3. Popular Areas in Tokyo for Tourists
   • Shinjuku - A metropolis where you can find everything
   • Shibuya - A city of youth, culture and trends
   • Asakusa - A traditional Edo downtown
   • Ginza - A sophisticated and upscale area
4. Area Guide by Purpose of Stay
5. Tips for Accommodation
6. Summary

1. Basic Information about Staying in Tokyo

2. Recommended Areas for First Timers

If you are visiting Tokyo for the first time, the Shinjuku and Shibuya areas are the best places to stay in terms of convenience.
Located in the heart of the city, there are plenty of options for sightseeing, shopping, and dining.
In fact, many travel guides refer to Shinjuku as "the best place to stay for the first time in Tokyo."
On the other hand, for those interested in traditional Japanese culture, the Asakusa area is also very popular.

3. Popular Areas in Tokyo for Tourists

Shinjuku - A metropolis where you can find everything

Shinjuku is Tokyo's largest downtown area, bustling with activity day in and day out.
The area offers everything from shopping and dining to entertainment.
The iconic skyscrapers offer a wide range of hotel options, from the Park Hyatt Tokyo, which was the setting for a movie, to the Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, which is conveniently located near the station.

Shibuya - A city of youth, culture, and trends

Shibuya is known as a center of youth culture, and the excitement of the Hachiko-Mae Scramble Crossing is a highlight of Tokyo sightseeing.
It is a trendy town where you can enjoy the latest fashions and music scene, and is lively at night.
Accommodation costs are slightly higher than in Shinjuku, but there are some unique hotels such as the stylish SHIBUYA HOTEL EN.

Asakusa - A traditional Edo downtown

Asakusa is a downtown full of Edo atmosphere and has some of Tokyo's most famous tourist attractions such as Kaminarimon and Nakamise shopping street.
The entire town has a retro atmosphere and is a popular area for travelers who want to experience traditional Japanese culture firsthand.
Near the temple is the modern Japanese-style “The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon,” where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Sensoji Temple and Sky Tree from the lobby.

Ginza - A sophisticated and upscale area

Ginza is Tokyo's leading upscale shopping district, with a sophisticated atmosphere.
As a brand name district, Ginza is also home to first-class hotels, including the long-established Imperial Hotel Tokyo, and a wide range of luxurious accommodations.
If you stay in Ginza, you can enjoy an elegant shopping spree during the day and rest in a relatively quiet environment at night.

4. Area Guide by Purpose of Stay

For those who want to experience traditional culture

Asakusa is perfect for experiencing traditional culture.
In this area, where many old shrines and temples are located, festivals are held frequently, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere that is uniquely Japanese.
Here are 4 Photogenic Shrines to Visit in Tokyo and A Guide to Traditional Japanese Festivals in Tokyo!
In addition to Asakusa, Tokyo is dotted with towns that retain a good old-fashioned atmosphere, such as Yanaka and Kagurazaka, and staying at a small ryokan or guesthouse to experience the local lifestyle is also recommended.

For those who want to enjoy nightlife

If nightlife is important to you, the Roppongi or Shinjuku (Kabukicho) areas are recommended.
Roppongi is an international entertainment district with clubs and bars that are popular among foreigners, and the area is always lively.
Shinjuku and Kabukicho are Japan's largest nightlife districts, bustling with countless bars and clubs.
Shibuya is also lively until late at night, especially among young people, and is a place where you can have fun to your heart's content.

For those who want to enjoy shopping to the fullest

If you are looking for luxury brands, Ginza is the best place to go, with its many flagship stores of the world's top brands.
Akihabara is a mecca for the latest consumer electronics and anime goods.
For trendy fashion for young people, the Shibuya/Harajuku area is the place to be.

5. Tips for Accommodation

Booking early

Hotels fill up quickly during popular seasons (cherry blossom season, autumn foliage season, consecutive holidays, etc.), so make sure to secure your accommodations as soon as you solidify your plans.
If you choose a no-cancellation plan, you can flexibly make changes.

Location and Transportation

In Tokyo, transportation is mainly by train, so choosing a hotel close to a train station is a good idea for your base of operations.
If you have large luggage or will be traveling late at night or early in the morning, a hotel in an area with direct access to the airport by train or limousine bus will make it easier to get around.

Type of accommodation

There are a variety of lodging styles in addition to hotels, including hostels (guesthouses), capsule hotels, and traditional ryokan (Japanese-style inns).
Choose a hostel (shared room) for the cheapest price, or a private room in a hotel for privacy.
If you want to experience a taste of Japan, you can stay in a Japanese-style room with tatami mats at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn).

Airbnb

Airbnb has become increasingly popular in Tokyo in recent years, and it is possible to rent a room in an apartment and stay there as if you were living there.
If the apartment has a kitchen, you can cook your own meals, which is attractive to those who want to stay for a longer period of time and experience the local lifestyle.
However, there are some differences from hotels, such as the lack of front desk service, so be sure to confirm check-in procedures in advance.

For groups / families

For groups of 4 or more people or families, apartment-type accommodations are more convenient than multiple rooms in a hotel.
For example, apartment hotels such as MIMARU can accommodate 4 to 6 people in one room, so even large groups can all stay in the same room.
Even if you are traveling with small children, you can stay in a room with a kitchen and a washing machine.

6. Summary

Tokyo is a city where the atmosphere can vary dramatically from area to area.
Your travel experience will depend on which area you choose as your base, so find an area that matches your priorities (convenience, budget, interests, etc.).
If in doubt, choose a classic area such as Shinjuku or Shibuya and you won't go far wrong.
Be sure to plan and prepare early, and enjoy your stay in Tokyo, one of the world's great cities, to the fullest!

What are we?

We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.

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