Tokyo is a vibrant, multifaceted metropolis and a global hub for nearly everything imaginable. From fashion and culture to history and nightlife, there’s an incredible array of experiences waiting for you! 
Whether you're a budget traveler, traveling with family, or on a business or leisure trip, it's essential to choose the best location that aligns with your travel preferences. Ultimately, it’s about finding an area that is both accessible and affordable, along with the amenities you desire. 
If you plan to visit the city’s major landmarks, you’ll naturally want to stay close to nearby attractions. So, if you’re pondering where to stay in Tokyo, here are a few recommendations worth considering.

Where to Stay in the City?

There’s no dearth of good places to stay in the city, provided you know what you’re looking for and are clear about your travel preferences. 
Let’s take a look at some of the top destinations to delight almost every visitor.

Shinjuku- Stay at the Heart of the Action!

It’s undoubtedly the best place to stay in Tokyo if you want to stay where all the action is! Of course, with almost 337,500 residents here, including a sizable concentration of foreigners, it does get busy at times. But that’s not what characterizes this neighborhood.

Who Is it For: Leisure travellers, nightlife and shopping lovers

What You’ll Love:

• Shinjuku’s excellently connected through the Shinjuku station (the busiest in the world) with its 13 lines. 
• There’s also the Busta Shinjuku bus terminal on the roof of the station in case you’re planning to hit the highway! 
• Being in Shinjuku means you’re in a skyscraper country, with some of Tokyo’s tallest buildings here (and incredible views to match). 
• Don’t miss the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office which goes up to 243 meters.
• Movie buffs will love the trip to the Park Hyatt, where Lost in Translation was filmed. 
• Foodies will fall in love with the Ramen District and the amazing market stalls and restaurants (for feasting on traditional Japanese delights) at Omoide Yokocho or Memory Lane (aptly named!). 
• You shouldn’t miss Takadanobaba with its cafes, bars, and eateries.
• Koreatown is where several K-Pop outlets sell groceries, food, and merchandise.

What Else Can You Enjoy?

• If vibrant nightlife is your cup of tea, then Shinjuku won’t disappoint! Check out the Shinjuku Ni-Chome area for its clubs and bars (it’s also LGBT-friendly with 300+ such bars here). 
• Fancy more intimate experiences? Check out Golden Gai with its 200+ bars and eateries with smaller seating capacity. 
• Quite contrastingly from all the action, Shinjuku is also home to green spaces like the iconic Gyoen (a great place to view the cherry blossoms), Central Park, and the Meiji Shrine Outer Garden.
• Shopaholics will have a blast at the Shinjuku station exits with several department stores to check out nearby.

Shibuya- Embrace the Youthful Spirit

This is arguably the best area to stay in Tokyo if you’re into shopping, festive lights, buzzing streets, and a relaxed vibe. It is one neighborhood that proudly flaunts Tokyo’s modern outlook and makes no bones about it.

Who Is it For: Shopping buffs, foodies, couples

What You’ll Love:

• Witness the world’s most iconic pedestrian crossing (Shibuya Scramble Crossing) in the neighborhood and be mesmerized at the sight of innumerable people crossing at each green light! 
• Move on to the Hachiko statue (the legendary dog famous for waiting outside the station over a decade after his owner passed away) and relax at Center Gai, which is a quintessential shopping street. 
• Find the trendiest restaurants, cafes, and stores here, complete with buzzing J-Pop music!
• And then if you want to savor incredible views of Tokyo, check out Shibuya Sky and even the upper floors of the well-known Hikarie shopping centre. 
• If you’re not done yet, wander around the interestingly-named Drunkard’s Alley or Nonbei Yakocho, with its traditional and small bars (don’t miss the sake here).

What Else Can You Enjoy?

• Shibuya has plenty else to enjoy, including landmarks like the hallowed Meiji Jingu Shrine, which is surrounded by a pristine forest, and the enviable line-up of department stores like Tower Records, Shibuya 109, and Shibuya Parco. 
• Another attraction is Tokyo’s biggest Don Quijote store where you’ll discover fascinating bargains.
• Then there’s the ramen, sushi, latte art, and heartwarming coffee to keep you engaged, along with the awe-inspiring experiences at the Sky Observatory. 
• Shibuya is one place where you’ll never have a dull moment, without the maddening buzz of it all!

Ginza- Stay Amidst Sheer Luxury

(Image Credits: Wikipedia)

Picture swanky surroundings that convey a sense of luxury and premiumness, with amazing shopping centres, luxury boutiques, fine dining, and art galleries. That’s one way to define Ginza, one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo without a doubt.

Who Is it For: Expats, corporate executives, well-heeled/affluent travellers, shopping buffs

What You’ll Love:

• Ginza has a lot to offer beyond the glitz, with symbols like the famous Seiko House (which dates back to 1932) and also towering skyscrapers like the Hermes Building which house the world’s finest brands. 
• The Mikimoto building is another marvel that looks just like a jewel. 
• Coming back to shopping, there’s not a lot that you won’t find here- designer Japanese boutiques, global names, department stores, premium shops (Chuo-dori main street)- the list is huge!

What Else Can You Enjoy?

• You’ll love the cosy cafes and restaurants that offer affordable experiences (that’s the beauty of the area) along with several galleries and museums. 
• Don’t miss a trip to the Kabuzika Theatre to see traditional Kabuki performances and also the Art Aquarium Museum that takes you into another world itself (picture goldfish turning into living art!).
• What’s best is that the main street is also closed every weekend from noon till 5 PM, letting you walk freely as a part of the Hokosha Tengoku or Hokoten event. 
• Enjoy the magic shows, musical performances, and fabulous vibes right in your alley! Nightlife is majorly selective, with most establishments in the Corridor-Gai zone.

Roppongi- Pulsating Nightlife & International Feel

(Image Credits: Wikipedia)

It’s one of the best Tokyo neighborhoods to stay in if you’re heavily into nightlife and prefer staying in an area with a large population of expats. It’s a vibrant district that will capture your heart with its museums, bars, nightclubs, hotels, and restaurants. 
The district becomes a tourist hotspot during the daytime and a throbbing entertainment zone at night.

Who Is It For: Expats/foreigners, hardcore tourists who want to stay near landmarks, nightlife lovers

What You’ll Love

• Staying near the Roppongi Hills skyscraper complex means that you get to tick off a big tourist landmark straight away! 
• Check out the Tokyo City View observation deck and the Mori Art Museum along with the Tokyo Midtown nearby (with plenty of museums, boutiques, and hotels). 
• And of course, there’s the iconic Roppongi Art Triangle which also includes the Suntory Museum of Art and the National Art Center.
• Along with Japan’s first design museum (21_21 Design Sight), check out the top nightlife spots in Roppongi, including Burlesque Tokyo, Odeon Tokyo, 10AK Tokyo, and Villa Tokyo- the list is endless. 
• If you’re more into live music, there’s Abbey Road, Bauhaus Roppongi, and plenty of other spots to visit.

What Else Can You Enjoy?

• Along with being a nightlife hub, Roppongi’s also synonymous with good food (and lots of it!). 
• Visit Edition Koji Shimomura or Sushi Saito if you’re looking for Michelin-starred dining or check out Fiorentina for delicious meals and craft brew. 
• Shopping lovers will have a gala time at Tokyo Midtown and Roppongi Hills, with all the brand stores and boutiques around.
• And finally, when you’re looking for a break from the buzz of city life, check out the refreshing Mori Garden or the Hinokicho Park in the neighborhood. 

That’s Roppongi for you- just when you think you’ve got it figured out, it will surprise you like no other!

Asakusa- Where Modernity Complements Rich Traditions

(Image Credits: Wikipedia)

If the Tokyo where to stay question still has you confused and you love history and tradition, look no further than Asakusa. The area is centred around an iconic temple complex (Sensoji Temple), with its famous Nakamise Shopping Street and Thunder Gate or Kaminarimon. If that’s not enough to get you hooked, there’s more to come!

Who Is it For: Tradition and history lovers, families with children, tourists

What You’ll Love:

• Of course, exploring the stunning temple complex and the massive gate is a must, along with the vibrant Nakamise shopping street where you’ll find amazing and quirky souvenirs worth taking back home!
• Stop at the Asakusa Hanayashiki retro theme park if you’re with the family and take a thrilling ride.
• Watch a show at the traditional local theater (Asakusa Engei Hall) and enjoy the riverside/waterfront views while taking a sunset boat cruise for unmatched relaxation! If you’re interested in learning more about the local culture, it’s a good idea to try a Japanese Rakugo storytelling performance at the temple.

What Else Can You Enjoy?

Enjoy the stunning views from the Tokyo Skytree and the Azuma-bashi Bridge, while boarding the Hotaluna waterbus for a thrilling ride. Rokku Broadway is where you’ll discover a fascinating line-up of restaurants and local eateries along with Samurai-themed parties and events nearby. Festivals like the Sanja Matsuri Festival are held every year, adding a unique flavor to your neighborhood experience.

Ueno- Ideal Family Environment with a Generous Sprinkling of Culture

(Image Credits: Wikipedia)

Ueno is probably the best place to stay in Tokyo for families, with its distinct community vibe and also for those who love local culture and immersive experiences. You’ll find a bustling food circuit as well in the neighborhood along with beautiful parks and interesting museums too.

Who Is it For: Families, culture lovers

What You’ll Love:

• For starters, there’s excellent connectivity with multiple train lines (including the famous bullet train) and also the link between the Haneda and Narita airports.
• You’ll enjoy exploring the massive Ueno Park with its lovely museums, pond with boating facilities, a pagoda and shrine, and a zoo (with the panda as its chief mascot).
• This is also where the cherry blossoms can be viewed every April and it is a spectacle worth staying here for! You can also wander further down to Ameyoko, a shopping street with everything from spices to clothing on offer.

What Else Can You Enjoy?

• Take a refreshing picnic on the Shinobazu Lake and capture the beautiful summer lotuses here.
• Discover museums nearby like the National Museum of Western Art (Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and more) and the National Museum of Nature and Science.
• The prestigious Tokyo University campus is nearby and the entire zone takes you back in time with its signature cultural fervor.

Akihabara- Where Tech and Lovers Meet

(Image Credits: Wikipedia)

Akihabara is quite an interesting area actually. You’ll find rows and rows of electronics outlets here while being the hub of the country’s Otaku or fan culture. Manga and anime are the defining buzzwords for the vibrant district, while the main street stays closed to cars on Sundays for a few hours to encourage residents to walk about freely.

Who Is It For: Technology and electronics buffs, Otaku culture lovers, gamers, couples

What You’ll Love:

• From the big Yodobashi electronics store beside the station to hundreds of big, medium, and small electronics stores- this is fantasy land for tech buffs.
• Find the latest and cheapest gadgets here while there are literally unlimited Otaku products on offer across Manga, anime, retro video games, figurines, card games, collectables, etc.
• Another fun attraction is the concept of the maid café where servers dress like characters and also Manga cafes where customers can watch videos and read comics. In short, Akihabara is a dreamland for video game lovers, gamers, tech enthusiasts, and couples looking for a quirky experience.

What Else Can You Enjoy?

• Akihabara is a buzzing area and you can have a blast playing games at the many stores here.
• At the same time, there are ample bars and cafes to enjoy, including some with Cosplay and other fabulous themes.
• Capture the colorful streets all around and bond over shared passions.

That’s Akihabara for you in a nutshell!

Tokyo Station/Marunouchi- Blending Connectivity & Culture

(Image Credits: Wikipedia)

The Tokyo Station/Marunouchi zone is a hotspot for business travellers due to its prime location and easy connectivity. But that’s one way of looking at it; there are doses of rich tradition at every corner, with Marunouchi being situated within the Edo Castle moats around 1603-1868.  Of course, it’s now the site of Japan’s biggest finance and business entities but that’s another story!

Who Is It For: Business travellers, corporates/professionals

What You’ll Love: 

• The glitzy skyscrapers (thanks to the recent facelift) are a welcome sight with several shops and restaurants to check out. And then of course, you’ll enjoy seamless commutes with the Tokyo Station towards the east. Interestingly, it also comes with an art gallery, restaurants, and a hotel.
• If you’re strolling to the Yaesu Side, enjoy gazing at the huge Gran Roof and get to the Marunouchi Building for some more shopping and dining. The same feel can be found at the Shin Marunouchi Building and Nakadori Avenue which is lined with boutiques, cafes, and stores.

What Else Can You Enjoy?

• Explore Marunouchi Brick Square with its trendy boutiques, cafes, and eateries, while checking out the famous Ichigokan Museum nearby.
• And if you’re looking to get touristy, there’s the stunning Imperial Palace here along with the pristine Imperial East Gardens.
• Fancy attending a business conference, exhibition, or concert? Try the Tokyo International Forum nearby.
• Marunouchi is tailored to give business travellers a memorable stay!

Finding the Perfect Accommodation in Tokyo- Handy Tips

Still wondering where to stay in Tokyo? If you’ve zeroed in on the ideal neighborhood (after checking out the list above), then you’ll mainly have these accommodation options:

• Hotels- 2-5 star properties with varying amenities.
• Hostels- Shared accommodation that is more pocket-friendly.
• Capsule Hotels- Small capsule-like rooms with more affordable rates.
• Serviced Apartments- Private apartments with hotel-like service and amenities and reasonable rates for extended stays. You can explore apartments in Tokyo near the attraction you prefer.

Booking serviced apartments can be a good idea if you’re looking to stay longer. Serviced apartments provide round-the-clock support, housekeeping, and great amenities for enjoyable stays.
Book early to avoid peak pricing as well. You can also lower your budget by booking during the off-season or weekdays.

Final Notes

Finding a place to stay in Tokyo isn’t rocket science as you’ve seen. There are plenty of accommodation options like serviced apartments in all these prime locations at affordable prices. You should book as early as possible to get the best deals and find more apartments available to suit your preferences. Browse the neighborhoods listed above and choose as per your specific needs. After all, selecting the right location is half the job done in terms of enjoying your stay in Tokyo!