Best places to stay in Tokyo
Tokyo, ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’ is a city where stark contrasts coexist. On one hand you have the ultra-modern landscape, futuristic architecture, trend-setting fashion, and geeky pop culture. On the other hand, are beautiful temples, ancient history and a city soaked in culture and traditions. With over 40 different unique neighbourhoods to choose from, it may be a challenge to decide where to stay when visiting Tokyo. Here are a few interesting neighbourhoods to consider:
Shinkuju
Shinkuju is the Tokyo that you see in films. Glitzy, neon-lit, futuristic high-rises, and streets filled with people, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Stay in exclusive luxury at the Park Hyatt Tokyo which is set on the upper floors of the striking Shinkuju Park Tower, and features sleek modern rooms with views of Mount Fuji. Located near the busy Shinkuju Station South Exit, you have the Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower, with spacious rooms and modern amenities.
Shibuya and Harajuku
Shibuya is a youngster’s paradise where you will spot scores of teenagers in bright clothes and coloured hair at the main plaza outside the Shibuya train station. Harajuku, a smaller area within Shibuya, is the centre of Tokyo’s gothic / zombie culture with dozens of speciality stores selling strange clothes and accessories. Both areas boast plenty of cafés, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Stay at the elegant Cerulean Tower Tokyo Hotel in the centre of the entertainment district overlooking the famous Shibuya crossing. Enjoy boutique accommodation at the Shibuya Granbell Hotel, which is just a 3-minute walk from the Shibuya train station.
Ginza, Tokyo station and Tsukiji
A modern, luxurious area with boulevard-like streets and high-end shopping, Ginza is an upscale and mature neighbourhood. It is also home to the Marunouchi business district, The Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station and The Tsukiji Market. Book classy, modern rooms, and experience top notch service at The Tokyo Station Hotel which is set in a grand redbrick building in the Marunouchi business district. Or you can choose the modern, minimalist rooms of the Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo which overlooks the iconic Kabuki-za Theatre and is a short walk from Ginza station.
Roppongi
Roppongi is home to several art museums and galleries, shopping centres and theatres. Indulge in a luxurious stay at the spacious and elegant The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, located in a 53-storey tower with spectacular views of the city. Try Hotel S Tokyo, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Roppongi amid plenty of bars and restaurants.
Ueno
For a quieter and more economical stay, you may want to choose the Ueno neighbourhood which is also home to several museums, parks, art galleries and the zoo. Stay at the Hotel Coco Grand Ueno Shinobazu, which boasts colourful rooms overlooking the Shinobazu Pond and is just a 5-minute walk from Ueno station.
Asakusa
A quiet, laid-back area with low-rise residential buildings, Asakusa is home to Ryogoku Kokugikan, the national Sumo stadium. It is an excellent area to shop for traditional Japanese handicrafts and souvenirs. This area also features the handful of remaining Ryokans (traditional Japanese inns). Enjoy the traditional Japanese life of the Edo era, when you stay at the Sadachiyo Sukerokunoyado, a ryokan filled with Japanese antiques, where you will sleep on futons and relax with an Onsen (hot spring bath).
Akihabara and Iidabashi
Akihabara, also called Akiba, is full of geeks and nerds, and it’s a Mecca for manga and anime fans. This area is home to the lush green Kitanomaru Park and the go-to place for new and used electronics of all kinds. A 2-minute walk from the Suehirocho train station, you have the Super Hotel Akihabara, Suehiro-cho, which features small but clean rooms, and free use of an Onsen hot spring bath.
Odaiba and Tokyo Bay
This neighbourhood is slightly different from the rest of Tokyo, and its planned development is evident in the form of wide roads, massive buildings, waterfront promenades and walkways. Enjoy a resort-like stay at the Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba hotel which is just a 5-minute walk from the Tokyo Bay beach, featuring spacious rooms, some with impressive bay views. For a mid-range budget, consider the Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, Tokyo, which is located on the upper floors of the Shiodome Tower and offers stunning city views along with a convenient location.
Cheap hotels in Tokyo
Most hotels in Tokyo offer excellent service and comfortable rooms with all the basic amenities. Hotel rates differ by the neighbourhood you choose but there are plenty of affordable options in almost every area. Stay at the Tokyu Stay Shinkuju and you will be in an excellent location amid shopping and entertainment, or the Tokyu Stay Shibuya located on a quiet street near Shinsen station. The Tokyu Stay Tsukiji which is near The Tsukiji (fish) Market entrance, is a great option if you want to attend an early morning tuna auction. A 15-minute walk from Ueno station, you have the Kotobukiya Dormy Inn Ueno / Okachimachi. In Asakusa, along a main road lined with shops and eateries, you can stay at MyCUBE by MYSTAYS Asakusa Kuramae, a contemporary capsule hotel, a 4-minute walk from Kurumae subway station. HOTEL MYSTAYS Asakusa-bashi is just a 2-minute walk from the nearest station, and is surrounded by plenty of cosy restaurants in the neighbourhood.
