Tokyo is not a single city so much as a metropolis of special wards that behave like separate cities, each with its own mayor and council. For a visitor, that means where you sleep determines how you move: the geography of central Tokyo is defined by the JR Yamanote Line, with the old samurai centre inside the loop and the Edo-era shitamachi districts to the north and east.
Most of what you will want to see sits within or close to the 23 special wards, and the rail network makes almost any base workable, though some areas put you much closer to the sights than others. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, who each one suits, and what kind of accommodation you will find there.
Best areas to stay in Tokyo
1. Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the city's administrative centre and home to Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world. That makes it an efficient base: you are on the Yamanote Line and connected to the wider network, so you can reach most of the city without changing your routine. It suits first-time visitors who want maximum transport convenience and travellers who value being able to walk to dinner and transport late at night.
Western Shinjuku holds a particular concentration of luxury hotels, and this is also where you find the widest selection of love hotels, though some around Shinjuku operate a no-Japanese, no-stay policy. If you want the high end, this is one of the areas to look.
2. Asakusa and Ueno (Taito area)
This is the shitamachi, the old town north and east of the centre, and it holds much of Tokyo's budget accommodation. Asakusa and Ueno are the practical choice for budget travellers and for anyone who wants a quieter, older feel rather than glass towers. You will find capsule hotels, self-proclaimed ryokan catering largely to foreign tourists, and cheap business hotels.
One practical point: many budget places here have curfew times around 22:00 to 23:00, so check before you book if you plan to stay out late. The ryokan concentrated around Ueno and Asakusa offer a sample of Japanese home life at affordable rates, though they are not as opulent as the real thing.
3. Tokyo Station and Marunouchi
The area around Tokyo Station and Marunouchi is the business heart of the city and one of the main concentrations of luxury hotels. It suits travellers who prioritise the Shinkansen, since Tokyo Station is the central hub for the high-speed railway network, and anyone who wants to be within walking distance of the Imperial Palace area.
Accommodation here leans toward the high end, with international chains well represented. It is a calm, orderly base rather than a nightlife one.
4. Shibuya
Shibuya is a hub of commerce and business, and it is best known among travellers for nightlife. Dogenzaka, the so-called Love Hotel Hill, offers the widest selection of love hotels in the city. This suits travellers who want to be out late and want a base with energy.
If you are considering a love hotel, check in for a "stay" rather than a "rest" if you intend to spend the whole night, and be aware that some lock you into your room until you pay at a slot by the door.
5. Akasaka
Akasaka is another area with a particular concentration of luxury hotels, alongside western Shinjuku and the Tokyo Station and Marunouchi area. It suits travellers who want a central, upmarket base that is quieter than Shinjuku or Shibuya but still well connected.
Expect high-end international chains rather than budget options, and plan your sightseeing around the rail network as you would from any central ward.
6. Akihabara
Akihabara is worth noting for one specific reason: it is home to one of the very few capsule hotels with women-only floors, since most capsule hotels are men-only. Capsule hotels are generally the cheapest option in Tokyo.
Be aware that some capsule hotels are reluctant to host foreigners because of the rules of behaviour involved, so confirm the policy before booking. Akihabara is a practical budget base rather than a broad one.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Capsule hotels, generally the cheapest option, though most are men-only and some are reluctant to host foreigners. Much of the budget stock is in the Taito area, especially Asakusa and Ueno, and many places there have curfews around 22:00 to 23:00. Emergency options include all-night internet cafes and karaoke boxes.
- Mid-range: The most common option is the business hotel, usually tiny but near stations. Rates start from around ¥15,000, and staff may speak minimal English. These are the best options for solo travellers. Affordable chains found throughout Tokyo include Tokyu Stay, Toyoko Inn, Chisun and Sunroute. Self-proclaimed ryokan catering to foreign tourists, mostly around Ueno and Asakusa, offer a sample of Japanese home life at affordable rates. Love hotels can also be a reasonable option, with the widest selection in Shibuya's Dogenzaka.
- Splurge: You can spend a fortune on accommodation in Tokyo, and most high-end international chains are well represented. Particular concentrations of luxury hotels are in western Shinjuku, near Tokyo Station and Marunouchi, and in Akasaka.
Best area for a first visit
Shinjuku is the strongest base for a first visit. It is the city's administrative centre and home to the world's busiest train station, so it connects you to the rest of Tokyo more easily than anywhere else. It also offers both ends of the market, with luxury hotels in the west and a wide range of other options, which means you can choose your budget without giving up convenience.
Frequently asked questions
Where should budget travellers look for accommodation?
Much of Tokyo's budget accommodation is in the Taito area, especially Asakusa and Ueno. Capsule hotels are generally the cheapest option, and all-night internet cafes and karaoke boxes exist as emergency fallbacks.
What is a business hotel and who are they best for?
A business hotel is the most common mid-range option in Tokyo, as in most Japanese cities. Rooms are usually tiny but near stations, rates start from around ¥15,000, and they are the best options for solo travellers.
Should I book a hotel marketed as being at "Tokyo Bay"?
Be careful. At best, "Tokyo Bay" means you are in or near the Odaiba district, built on reclaimed land half an hour from the city centre; at worst, you end up on the coast of Chiba prefecture, which is handy for Tokyo Disneyland but inconvenient for touring Tokyo itself.
Do budget places in Tokyo have curfews?
Many do. Budget accommodation, particularly in the Taito area, often has curfew times around 22:00 to 23:00, so double-check before booking if you plan to be out late.
Compare live prices across these areas with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.