If you've clicked on this post, chances are you're either planning your trip to Japan, are compiling information for a future trip. As someone who has been to Japan 4 times and is currently in the midst of planning my 5th, I know that choosing a hotel is usually the most daunting - especially in Tokyo.
Collectively, I've spent almost two months in Tokyo and I've toured my fair share of hotels in one of my favorite cities in the world. So don't worry, I'm here to recommend a few of my favorite hotels in Tokyo!
Tokyo is a BIG city, one of the largest and most sprawled in the world. I like to compare it to Los Angeles, which is also large and even more sprawled. Both have cities within the city. For Los Angeles, you have areas like Hollywood, Boyle Heights, Central City, Silver Lake, and Crenshaw.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_48sadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeFor Tokyo, there's Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku, Chuo, just to name a few. And of course many more neighborhoods and blocks that you can narrow things down to pinpoint a specific location.
When deciding on where to stay in Tokyo, it's helpful to think of the different areas as their own "mini-cities," each with their own personalities, attractions, and vibe. It can take an hour to get between some of the districts that are farther away from each other, and even longer during rush hour. That's why I recommend choosing an area to stay in first, based on your own interests, and then picking a hotel from there.
For this list, I've broken it down by area and my recommendation for each. Once you pick a hotel, then the real trip planning can begin. Let's get started!
Shibuya - Hotel Toranomon Hills
We have to start off this list in Shibuya.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_4msadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeAs Tokyo's beating heart, Shibuya is a vibrant and bustling district where fashion, entertainment, and culture collide. For the quintessential "Tokyo" that everyone pictures of the city, Shibuya is that snapshot. Which typically puts it on the pricier end of lodging options. Shibuya has a little bit of everything, literally ranging from quirky hidden cafes to upscale luxury boutiques to underground clubs that don't close until 6am. Shibuya is home to off-brand go-karts racing through the streets just a few blocks away from one of Tokyo's most beloved shrines for traditional Japanese weddings.
Shibuya is dynamic, and a fantastic homebase for travelers who love adventurous city escapes.
A short distance from Shibuya's iconic chaos is my favorite Shibuya hotel - Hotel Toranomon Hills. It combines convenience with luxury, giving easy access to Shibuya’s hotspots while still maintaining an air of peace to retreat to after your long stimulating day. Plus, the metro is directly connected underneath the building and above the building is a rooftop with stunning views of the skyline, including Tokyo Tower!
Ginza - Hotel Grand Bach Ginza
If I'm completely honest with myself, Ginza is my favorite area of Tokyo. HANDS DOWN. It's like when people say "dress for the job you want" ; Ginza is me "staying in the neighborhood I want to someday live."
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_54sadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeGinza is (one of) Tokyo's bougee's areas. All elegance, all sophistication. Very little nonsense in Ginza. There are streets dedicated to international luxury brands and entire malls filled with domestic (Japanese) luxury designers. Ginza exudes a refined and organized energy, and that reflects in their sleek cocktail bars and incredibly fresh sushi. That said, you don't have to be rich to enjoy Ginza. If you are a traveler that appreciates order and a more upscale and curated side of Tokyo, and boutique shopping of course, then you're gonna love Ginza.
Hotel Grand Bach Ginza is the perfect hotel for travelers who want extra room. Yeah, spoiler alert, Tokyo hotels are notoriously tiny, but Ginza hotels offer a bit more room and the Grand Bach is the best bang for your buck in my opinion. First, it's super convenient, situated just steps from the district’s iconic shopping streets and a short walk from Ginza Station. There is a large and beautifully decorated lounge with a great onsite bar that hosts complimentary happy hour refreshments.
Minato - Shiba Park Hotel
I know a lot of people play with idea of staying in Roppongi or Asakusa, but personally unless you're clubbing or love crowds (respectively), then I don't recommend either of those specific areas. Instead, I much prefer the much more well-rounded area of Minato. That way, you're close enough to visit both without being tied to them your whole Tokyo trip. I mean, maybe I'm just a hater, but after you see Senso-ji Temple and munch on some street food snacks...are you even going to go back to Asakusa?
...but you didn't hear it from me. Anyways, back to Minato.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_5isadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeI like to think of Minato of having a more balanced blend of cosmopolitan and tradition. Being close to Roppongi, Tokyo's center for international business and diplomacy (and clubbing), Minato does have a more polished vibe, but with the cultural powerhouse that is Akasaka, you can find a lot of authentic spots to experience Japanese tradition as well.
For this area, I recommend staying at Shiba Park Hotel. It's right around the corner from Shiba Park, a welcome relaxing break from the rest of Tokyo's fast-paced atmosphere. It is also a short walking distance from the iconic Tokyo Tower and nearby other landmarks like shrines, temples, gardens, and multiple art museums. Hotel guests can enjoy cozy rooms that can fit everyone from single travelers to those traveling in a group (hello bunkbeds!). However, my favorite amenity is the beautiful library in the lobby for the perfect relaxing night-cap.
Shinjuku - Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
We've covered Shibuya, now allow me to introduce you to Shinjuku. Personally, I like to think of the two districts as sisters, if you will. They are similar, in that they are both vibrant, loud, and popular. But...Shinjuku is...a bit messier. Shibuya skews a little on the more youthful and fashionable end, in part due to the sheer amount of trendy boutique shopping areas (Harajuku, Omotesando, Cat Street, etc etc). Whereas Shinjuku has a broader age range with a more diverse vibe.
There's a LOT of 24-hour restaurants, karaoke parlors, bars, attractions, clubs...and of course the infamous Kabukicho red-light district. It's freakin' wild in Shinjuku, and don't get me started on Shinjuku Station.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_60sadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeThat's why if you're staying in Shinjuku, I recommend staying at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. YES, it's the hotel with the giant Godzilla on top of it.
Like I said, it's freakin' wild in Shinjuku.
First, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is extremely easy to spot (re: giant Godzilla) and truly embodies Shinjuku. Guests can enjoy spacious, soundproofed rooms with plush bedding, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour convenience store on-site. Plus, amenities like a top-floor restaurant with skyline views and a complimentary smartphone for local calls and navigation add extra convenience.
Ikebukuro - Mimaru Tokyo Ikebukuro
And last but CERTAINLY not least, we have the often overlooked (by first-time travelers) of Ikebukuro. If you are traveling to Japan with kids, or if you are an anime/Japanese media fan yourself, you NEED to hit up Ikebukuro. It's often overshadowed by Akihabara, but in my humble opinion, I prefer Ikebukuro.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_6esadkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeWhile still otaku heaven, Ikebukuro is a little less...sketch than Akihabara, and has HUGE anime and video game shopping areas (go to Sunshine City Mall and thank me later). You'll also find fun nods to Sesame Street, Peanuts, and a bunch of internationally loved cartoons that appeal to all age groups. This is where you'll find a ton of themed cafes, usually at least a few hosting some kind of exclusive anime and video game pop-up.
In terms of hotels, if you're in Ikebukuro, you gotta get in theme!! Mimaru Tokyo Ikebukuro is my favorite choice because they are apartment-style rooms, meaning ample space, and are great options for families and groups. The hotel is surrounded by tons of food and shopping, but if you are more on a budget than you'll be pleased to know the rooms are equipped with kitchenettes too. Plus - they even have Pokemon themed decor in their renovated rooms. ENOUGH SAID.
Yahoo CreatorKay KingsmanCreator of The Awkward TravellerKay Kingsman is a writer and full-time silly goose. Along with being the first person to cripwalk in Antarctica, Kay has been featured in Forbes, Fodor’s, Viator, and her blog The Awkward Traveller. Follow
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