Where to Stay in Tokyo: A First Timer’s Guide

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Choosing where to stay in Tokyo is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your trip. Tokyo’s metro area is one of the largest in the world, making it feel massive and sometimes overwhelming when deciding where to stay.

If you’re still in the early planning stages, I recommend starting with my guide on everything I wish I knew before traveling to Japan. It covers key tips that will help you better understand how Tokyo works, from navigating public transportation to choosing the right area to stay.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best neighborhoods of where to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors so you can find the perfect home base for your trip.

Tokyo Neighborhoods

There are very few cities in the world larger than Tokyo. Because it’s so expansive, there are dozens of neighborhoods to choose from… but that can make planning harder.

To keep things simple, I’m focusing on five neighborhoods that first-time visitors tend to love. These areas are well-connected, packed with things to do, and give you a great feel for the city.

Best areas to stay in Tokyo (quick guide):

• Shibuya: best for nightlife and first-time visitors
• Asakusa: best for traditional atmosphere
• Shinjuku: best for convenience and transport
• Ginza: best for luxury stays
• Ueno: best for budget travelers

Western Style hotel vs. Traditional Ryokan

If you’re deciding between a Western-style hotel and a traditional ryokan in Japan, it really comes down to the kind of experience you want. Western hotels offer familiarity: think plush beds, streamlined check-ins, and amenities you already know, which can be a relief after a long travel day.

Ryokans, on the other hand, are where you lean into the culture: tatami mat rooms, futon bedding, and often an onsen (hot spring) soak that becomes the highlight of your stay. They’re quieter, more intentional, and deeply rooted in Japanese hospitality. For first-time visitors or shorter stays, a Western hotel might feel easier, but if you’re after something memorable and uniquely local, a ryokan delivers an experience that goes far beyond just a place to sleep.

Are ryokans worth it in Tokyo? The short answer is they can be. If you don’t stay in a traditional ryokan in Tokyo, consider staying in a ryokan in other places of your Japanese trip, like Kyoto.

Asakusa

Let’s start with my favorite neighborhood on this list: Asakusa. There are historic shrines and temples, incredible restaurants, traditional street food, and a slower, more old-world atmosphere that feels very different from the city’s modern districts.

My favorite part of Asakusa is a tie between Senso-ji Temple and “knife street” (Kappabashi Street).

At Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, you can draw a fortune (omikuji), walk through the famous Kaminarimon Gate, and wander down Nakamise Street filled with snacks and souvenirs. It can get busy, but it’s worth walking down and trying some of the street food. 

Kappabashi Street, often called “knife street,” is a dream for food lovers. It’s a stretch of shops dedicated to kitchenware. You can find everything from high-quality Japanese knives to the hyper-realistic plastic food displays you see in restaurant windows. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a fun and unique area to explore. 

We purchased a Japanese knife along with chopsticks, chopstick rests, and spice containers. When it comes to the containers and kitchen pieces, I have a pro tip for you. You can tell if it’s “made in Japan” if there’s a small symbol on the bottom of the piece.

I’d also recommend taking a walking tour here to better understand the history and cultural significance of the area. A walkingadds so much depth to what you’re seeing.

Best hotels in Asakusa for every budget:

• Hostel: Hotel Plus Hostel – I love a hostel as a way to meet other travelers!
• Budget: The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa – The ideal place for sticking to a smaller budget without compromising location or comfort.
• Ryokan: Ryokan Mikawaya – Highly rated at an affordable price.
• Mid-range: Onyado Nono Asakusa Annex – A mid-range hotel with a hot springs on property (a must when in Japan!)
• Splurge: Mimaru Suites – A suite with a kitchen area that allows you to make the place your own during your stay.

Shibuya

Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most iconic and energetic neighborhoods. It’s modern, fast-paced, and full of life. Yet, Shibuya still has pockets of old Tokyo tucked between the neon lights.

This is where you’ll find the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. The area is packed with shopping, nightlife, trendy cafes, and some of the best people-watching in the city.

Despite its busy reputation, Shibuya is incredibly convenient. It’s a major transportation hub, making it easy to get almost anywhere in Tokyo quickly—ideal for first-time visitors who want to explore multiple neighborhoods.

Shibuya is a great choice for where to stay in Tokyo if you want to be in the middle of the action and don’t mind a bit of noise and crowds. If you are in Shibuya, Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine tucked away in a peaceful, forest-like setting near Shibuya.

Hotel recommendations for Shibuya:

• Solo: The Millennials Shibuya – Sleep in the classic pod-style stay!
• Budget: Tokyu Stay Shibuya Shin-Minamiguchi – It’s hard to beat the location and price.
• Mid-range: Shibuya Stream Hotel – A Western style stay that’s ranked 9.8 for a two person trip!
• Splurge: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel – The views from the rooms, are we kidding?!

Ginza

If you’re looking for a more polished and upscale Tokyo experience, Ginza is the place to stay.

Known for luxury shopping, high-end dining, and sleek architecture, Ginza feels more refined compared to other parts of the city. You’ll find designer boutiques, department stores, art galleries, and some of Tokyo’s best sushi restaurants. 

It’s also one of the cleanest and most walkable areas in Tokyo. On Sundays, the main street closes to cars and becomes a pedestrian zone, which makes it even more enjoyable to explore. 

Ginza didn’t give me that “Tokyo” feel I was hoping for, but I liked taking a day trip here. We explored the Tsujiki Fish Market and then wandered over to Ginza for Le Labo, Matcha Cafe, Ori Japanese Whisky Store, and Centre The Bakery.

While Ginza is quieter at night than places like Shibuya or Shinjuku, it’s still centrally located and well-connected by public transportation. This is a great option if you prefer a calmer, more luxurious home base.

Hotel recommendations for Ginza:

• Solo: Hotel Ginnan – Budget friendly for the solo traveler without compromising comfort!
• Budget: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Ginza Sanchome – A standard room located 4 minutes from Ginza Station.
• Mid-range: Dormy Inn Premium Ginza – A hotel with a natural hot spring is a perfect bundle stay!
• Splurge: Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Tsukiji – An incredible hotel with public back, and short walk to the Tsujiki Fish Market!

Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s busiest and most dynamic neighborhoods. It’s a little bit of everything: business district, nightlife hub, shopping destination, and transportation center all rolled into one. It kind of reminds me of Times Square in New York City but even bigger and brighter.

This is where you’ll find Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world. While that might sound intimidating, it actually makes getting around Tokyo incredibly convenient.

Shinjuku is known for its bright neon lights, endless restaurants, and nightlife areas like Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho: tiny alleyways packed with bars and local eats. At the same time, you’re close to peaceful spots like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which offers a quiet escape from the chaos.

If you stay in Shinjuku, it’s nice to experience the neighborhood early in the morning before it gets busy with locals and tourists alike.

If you want variety and convenience, Shinjuku is hard to beat.

Hotel recommendations for Shinjuku:

• Budget: Shinjuku Washington Hotel Annex – It’s hard to find a budget friendly option in Shinjuku without it being too uncomfortable but this place is perfect for a hotel on a budget.
• Ryokan: Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku – A Japanese onsen experience is a must on your visit to Tokyo and the view from this onsen is beautiful.
• Mid-range: Evergreen Hotel – We stayed here and it was perfect because it’s in the Shinjuku ward without being in the center of Shinjuku.
• Splurge: Tomo House – splurge and rent an apartment (with a washer and dryer)

Ueno

Ueno is often overlooked when thinking of where to stay in Tokyo, but it’s one of the best areas to stay in! It’s especially great if you want something a bit more laid-back and budget-friendly.

The neighborhood is known for Ueno Park, a park that’s home to museums, a zoo, and beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring. It has a more local, relaxed feel compared to the busier districts.

Ueno is also a major transportation hub, with direct access to trains like the Narita Express and the Shinkansen, making it a great base if you’re planning day trips or traveling beyond Tokyo.

You’ll also find Ameyoko Market, a lively street market filled with street food, snacks, and bargain shopping.

If you want convenience without the intensity of Shinjuku or Shibuya, Ueno is a fantastic choice.

Hotel recommendations for Ueno:

• Solo: bnb plus Ueno Park – a female only hostel? Yes please.
• Budget: Hotel Sunroute Stellar Ueno – Simple room, but a great budget hotel option.
• Mid-range: &Here Tokyo Ueno – This is a dream location during cherry blossom season.
• Splurge: MONday Apart Premium – An apartment stay can make the city feel more friendly.

Final Thoughts

Tokyo is more than just these five neighborhoods, but this is where I’d focus for your first trip to Tokyo. On your second or third visit, Tokyo will begin to feel familiar and you can branch out to different parts of this deeply complex city.