Where to Stay in Tokyo: 8 Best Neighbourhoods (+ Map)

Where should you stay in Tokyo? Here’s the honest answer: there’s no single best neighbourhood, the right one depends on what you want from your trip. Here for the nightlife? Stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku. On a budget? Akasaka, Asakusa or Ueno. Chasing luxury and shopping? Ginza. Below are my 8 best neighbourhoods to stay in Tokyo for first-timers, each with what to do there and, because no place is perfect, right? – what you might not love about it. Use the quick-pick table to narrow it down in ten seconds, then scroll for the full breakdown and my hotel picks at every budget.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Tokyo, exploring lots of different areas, this guide is based on my real experience and where I tell my family and friends to stay.

Short on time? You can jump straight to hotels in Tokyo here, or scroll down for my honest breakdown of each neighbourhood and where I’d actually stay.

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First time to Japan? You need to check out my Japan travel guide and Tokyo travel guide for everything you need to plan your trip of a lifetime →

Where To Stay In Tokyo For First Timers

1. Shibuya + Harajuku: Best for Nightlife

Lively, central and packed with bars, the easiest base for first-time visitors

SShibuya is colourful, chaotic and endlessly walkable, and for most first-timers it’s the simplest place to plant yourself, close to the big sights, so you spend less time underground and more time out in it. It is touristy, lively and colourful. Dotted with colourful skyscrapers, fun 3D advertisements on LCD screens, along with trendy bars and restaurants.

Partygoers will enjoy the vibe here, with an abundance of bars it is the best place for anyone planning to hit the town after hours. Due to the number of bars, this is the best place to stay in Tokyo if you plan to experience the nightlife. Staying in Shibuya allows you to dance the night away without last-subway worries.

Aside from exploring the many Izakayas and nightclubs, there are many other fun and memorable things to do in Shibuya such as this Go-Kart tour, and food tour.

Things to do in Shibuya

• Shibuya Crossing – the most famous and busiest crossing in the world
• Shibuya Sky – panoramic observation deck 229 meters (751 feet) tall, on a clear day you can see Mount Fuji
• Mag’s Park rooftop bar – drinks overlooking Shibuya Crossing
• Wander the trendy streets of Harajuku
• Shop at Miyashita Park
• Visit faithful Hachiko Statue
• Konno Hachimangu Shrine
• Ninja Cafe Experience

Cons of staying in Shibuya

Shibuya is one of the busiest neighbourhoods to stay in Tokyo, although this can be a positive when it comes to nightlife and energy, it can also be tough on the days you want to relax and escape the noise. In addition for anyone on a tight budget, Shibuya is one of the most expensive areas to stay, consider exploring other Tokyo neighbourhoods that are more affordable.

My Shibuya Hotel Picks

Looking for things to do in Tokyo? Check out my 3 day Tokyo itinerary.

2. Shinjuku: Best for Bar-Hopping & Nightlife

Where to stay in Tokyo for bar-hopping and LGBT-friendly nightlife

Shinjuku is Shibuya’s ever so slightly grittier sister. One of the biggest entertainment districts in the city, it’s drenched in neon and stacked with bars for every taste, including Tokyo’s biggest cluster of LGBT venues.

Its most famous alleys are Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho. Here hundreds of izakayas line narrow lanes filled with a smoky haze from charred yakitori sizzling on the grill, chefs shouting “Irasshaimase” and customers exclaiming “kanpai” with a cold pint of Asahi or a highball. It’s an unbeatable atmosphere, and one I hope everyone gets to experience.

It’s a very good base for all types of travellers, but particularly suited for those looking to izakaya hop and fall into bed without the hassle of trying to get transport home.

Things to do in Shinjuku

• Izakaya crawl around Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai
• Visit the clubs in Kabukicho
• Hanazono-jinja Shrine
• Find the large Godzilla statue
• Lose a few hours in Taito Station Game World

Cons of staying in Shinjuku

It is worth noting that Shinjuku station is an absolute maze, with a whopping 300 exits it can be difficult to navigate. Getting lost here is a common complaint, if you plan to take the subway daily, this may be something to consider. Additionally, there are also a large number of ticket touts and promotors that will try and get you to come into their club. It’s best to politely decline their offers.

My Shinjuku Hotel Picks

If you’re short on time my 1 day Tokyo itinerary has all the best places to visit in just 24 hours

3. Akasaka: Best for Budget

The best area to stay in Tokyo on a budget without feeling out of the action

Akasaka is my own favourite base in the city, laid-back, full of office buildings by day and chilled izakayas by night, and refreshingly calm after the crush of Shibuya or Shinjuku.

A major motive to stay in Akasaka is its affordability factor. There are plenty of budget-friendly hotels along with being well connected to others areas of Tokyo. With 3 metro stations, you can reach Shibuya and Shinjuku in about 15 minutes.

Although there aren’t many nightclubs you will find many chill izakayas and expat bars. I highly recommend Izakaya Sanzoku and The Mermaid.

Things to do in Akasaka

• Shrines: Hie Shrine (a mini Fushimi Inari) and Atago Shrine
• Imperial Palace
• Watch sumo wrestling at Ryogoku Kokugikan
• Sip on potions at the Harry Potter cafe
• Prime Minister’s residence
• National Diet Building

Cons of staying in Akasaka

Akasaka is not as glamorous as Shibuya or Shinjuku, you won’t find many bright neon signs here, it is mainly modern office buildings. If nightclubs are your scene consider staying elsewhere as there are mostly cosy izakayas and bars here. Additionally, although Akasaka has a good selection of budget hotels, there are many upscale restaurants which might not be suitable if you are on a budget.

Trying to do Japan on a budget? My post on 23 ways to save money in Japan has all the tips you could need to make your cash go further

My Akasaka Hotel Picks

4. Asakusa: Best for Culture & Old Tokyo

A glimpse of old Japan with temples, alleys and Senso-ji on your doorstep.

Asakusa is where Tokyo slows down and shows its older self: no neon towers here, just narrow lanes, covered shopping streets and shrines, with the city’s oldest temple at the heart of it all.

The good news is that Asakusa has more inexpensive accommodation offers compared to other neighbourhoods. Getting around is easy with Asakusa served by the Ginza and Asakusa lines. Asakusa has a laid-back and retro feel with plenty of character.

One extra perk: Asakusa is one of the easiest areas to reach from Haneda Airport, with a direct Keikyu Line service and no transfers.

Things to do in Asakusa

• Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate)
• Senso-ji (Tokyo’s oldest temple)
• visit the retro amusement park Hanayashiki
• Nakamise-dori Street
• Sumida River Walk
• Take a rickshaw tour

Cons of staying in Asakusa

Asakusa gets extremely busy with visitors to Senso-ji however during the night it is significantly quieter with many businesses closing at 11 pm. There are low-key izakayas offering a local experience, but if you’d rather a livelier nightlife Asakusa may not be for you.

My Asakusa Hotel Picks

5. Ueno: Best for Local Life & Narita Access

Where to stay in Tokyo for everyday local life and a smooth Narita run.

Ueno is the down-to-earth pick with a real, lived-in corner of Tokyo built around a sprawling park and the buzzing Ameyoko market, with fewer tourists than Shibuya and the fastest Yamanote link to Narita.

A major perk of staying in Ueno is its proximity to the bustling Ameyoko market. This vast open-air market (slightly less famous than Tsukiji but still a popular destination) stretches over 160,000 square feet and offers a treasure trove of street food, izakayas, and shops selling everything imaginable. Park, zoo and swan boats on the doorstep, room to breathe with kids in tow

For those arriving at Narita Airport, Ueno offers an additional advantage. It’s the fastest interchange station on the Yamanote Line to Narita, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure.

Although Ueno attracts tourists, it’s not nearly as many as Shibuya or Shinjuku. This translates to a more authentic local experience.

Things to do in Ueno

• Ueno Park + Zoo
• Rent a swan boat at Shinobazu Pond
• Ameyoko Market
• Tokyo National Museum + National Science Museum

Cons of staying in Ueno

During the weekends Ueno Park and Ameyoko market can become extremely crowded, for those travelling with children it might become overwhelming. Aside from the crowds, there are limited luxury hotels. If you are looking to splurge on somewhere fancy then Ginza or Shibuya might be a better fit.

My Ueno Hotel Picks

6. Akihabara: Best for Anime & Gaming

The best area to stay in Tokyo for anime, manga and arcade culture.

A short walk from Ueno, Akihabara also known as “electric town” is Tokyo’s pop-culture engine room: manga and anime everywhere, maid cafes, arcades, and floor after floor of electronics old and new.

Step inside one of the multi-storey arcades like Taito Station and it hits you all at once: the crash of claw machines, rows of rhythm games and the electronic din of a hundred screens. From there it’s collectables at the Mandarake Complex, retro consoles and games you’d assumed were long extinct, and gadget shops selling everything from the cutting-edge to the gloriously obscure. Even the local shrine, Kanda Myojin, leans in, selling amulets to bless your electronics and data.

Plenty of people just visit Akihabara for a day, but staying has its perks: it’s central, sits right on the Yamanote line and tends to be cheaper than the big nightlife districts. It’s the obvious base if anime, gaming and gadgets are the reason you’re in Tokyo, a little less so if they’re not, since the area winds down once the shops shut. Anyone visiting with teenagers, Akihabara will be a big hit.

Things to do in Akihabara

• Games Arcade – Tokyo Leisureland / TAITO Station
• Visit a maid cafe
• Kanda Myoujin Shrine – 1616 shrine
• Mandarake Complex – massive collectable stores

Cons of staying in Akihabara

Akihabara might not appeal to everyone. If anime, manga and maid cafes aren’t your thing, it may feel less exciting. Nightlife options are also limited.

My Akihabara Hotel Picks

7. Ginza: Best for Luxury Shopping

The best neighbourhood to stay in Tokyo for high-end shopping and dining.

Ginza is the polished, grown-up end of Tokyo, posh, pricey and noticeably calmer than the nightlife districts, made for wining, dining and browsing designer windows at your own pace.

It’s also handy for Haneda arrivals, with a direct Keikyu Line train through to Higashi-Ginza.

Things to do in Ginza

• Shopping: Ginza Six, Ginza Mitsukoshi and Printemps Ginza
• Kabuki Theatre
• Art Aquarium Museum
• Close to Tsukiji Market

Cons of staying in Ginza

Ginza is one of Tokyo’s most expensive neighbourhoods, this includes accommodation, dining, nightlife and shopping. For anyone watching their cash, it will be more difficult to remain on a budget here. Ginza is a sophisticated neighbourhood, for people looking for a more energetic vibe, Ginza might appear sterile.

My Ginza Hotel Picks

8. Roppongi: Best for Clubs & Expats

Where to stay in Tokyo for Western-style clubs and an international crowd.

Roppongi is Tokyo’s expat quarter, it’s the place for Western-style clubs, English signage and an international crowd, anchored by the smarter restaurants and shops of Roppongi Hills

There’s more to it than the nightlife, though. Roppongi is also one of the city’s art hubs. The National Art Center, the Mori Art Museum up in Roppongi Hills and teamLab Borderless are all within easy reach, so you can spend the day gallery-hopping and the evening bar-hopping without ever leaving the neighbourhood. Roppongi Hills itself is the nicest pocket to base yourself, a tidy cluster of good restaurants, shops and green space around Mori Garden.

It suits travellers who want an easy landing in Tokyo, with English menus, familiar-feeling bars and a crowd used to visitors, more than anyone chasing a traditionally Japanese experience. Think of it as international Tokyo: comfortable and well-connected, if a little less authentic than the likes of Asakusa or Ueno.

Things to do in Roppongi

• Mohri Garden
• Tokyo Tower
• teamLab Borderless (book in advance, this sells out fast)
• National Art Center

Cons of staying in Roppongi

Although staying in a heavy expat centre can have benefits such as easier communication, however, this convenience comes at the cost of missing out on the traditional Japanese experience. Additionally, for anyone not interested in nightlife, Roppongi’s wild nights attract loud crowds and noises, that might become overwhelming for any weary travellers.

My Roppongi Hotel Picks

How to Get Between Tokyo’s Neighbourhoods

Wherever you stay, Tokyo’s transport network keeps you well connected, most of these areas sit on or near the Yamanote loop line. Here’s roughly how the main areas link up so you can picture the distances before you book.

Nothing on this list is truly far from anything else. Stay near a Yamanote or Ginza Line station and you can reach most of the city’s highlights in 15–20 minutes.

FAQ: Where To Stay In Tokyo

What’s the best area to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors?

Shibuya is the easiest all-round base for first-timers, central, lively and close to major attractions, so you spend less time on the subway and more time exploring. If nightlife isn’t your priority, Ueno and Akasaka are calmer alternatives that are still well connected.

Where should I stay in Tokyo on a budget?

Akasaka, Asakusa and Ueno are the most budget-friendly areas on this list. Akasaka is my personal favourite for value, plenty of affordable hotels and just 15 minutes from Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Is Akasaka a good place to stay in Tokyo?

Yes, it’s my favourite area to stay in Tokyo. It’s laid-back, affordable and central, with chilled izakayas and expat bars rather than clubs. Just don’t expect neon and nightlife; it’s mainly modern office buildings and a quieter, grown-up feel

What’s the best area to stay in Tokyo for nightlife?

Shibuya and Shinjuku. Both are full of bars and clubs, so getting home late isn’t dependent on the last subway. Roppongi is the pick if you prefer Western-style clubs and an expat scene.

What’s the best area to stay in Tokyo for families?

Ueno is my pick for families. You’ve got Ueno Park, the zoo, swan boats on Shinobazu Pond and a cluster of museums all in one spot, and it’s calmer and less crowded than Shibuya or Shinjuku, just note the park and Ameyoko market get busy at weekends. Asakusa is a lovely second choice: traditional, low-key, home to the retro Hanayashiki amusement park, and it winds down early, which suits younger kids’ bedtimes.

Where should I stay in Tokyo for Haneda Airport?

Ginza or Asakusa. The Keikyu Airport Line runs direct from Haneda with no transfer through to Higashi-Ginza and on to Asakusa, so you skip the hassle of changing trains with luggage. Haneda is also much closer to central Tokyo than Narita, so wherever you stay the airport run is quicker, but these two make it effortless.

How far is Shinjuku from Shibuya?

Only about 5 minutes on the Yamanote Line, they’re neighbouring stops, so you can easily stay in one and visit the other.

Is it better to stay in Shibuya or Shinjuku?

Both are excellent nightlife bases and only minutes apart. Choose Shibuya for a slightly more polished, first-timer-friendly feel; choose Shinjuku for the bigger entertainment district and a wider range of bars, including its well-known LGBT nightlife.

Summary Of Where To Stay In Tokyo For First Time Visitors

Click here for the full map of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Tokyo with subway stops and hotels