Honest Advice for Where to Stay in Tokyo
Are you struggling to find genuine advice for where to stay in Tokyo, Japan? Trying to figure this out for the world’s largest metropolis can be overwhelming without insider knowledge. The cookie-cutter articles only amplify the confusion, and how could the authors recommend a list of hotels they’ve not personally stayed in?
Without that knowledge of a first-hand experience, it’s possible to overlook certain aspects that may negatively impact a trip – Too many train interchanges? Easy airport access with luggage? Too far away from the main sights? What else might you be missing?
You need personalised, insider advice from a regular visitor who specialises in being a tourist in Japan. Someone who can speak genuinely about staying in different hotels and areas from their experiences because they’ve actually done it, again and again.
I’m Alyse, and that person is me. I’ve visited Tokyo 20+ times since 2014 and through my dozens of tried-and-tested hotel stays, I’ve simplified this stressful task for you!
As an added bonus, down the page my advice is completely FREE. No strings or catch. The past 9+ years I’ve been on a passionate mission to help fellow tourists experience the best trips possible, and in turn I’ve helped over 10 million readers. My work has been featured by numerous news publications, and I’ve collaborated with the top tourism organisations in Japan.
Not only have I stayed in the popular areas multiple times, but I also know less-crowded spots within these areas, plus alternative offbeat options most tourists overlook. I’ve also been a different kind of tourist each trip: Part of a couple, flying solo, with my a family, for business, as part of group, in transit and on a budget. I’ve covered them all so your search ends here!
Whether you’re searching for the best hotels in Tokyo for first time visitors, or the best neighbourhoods that are overlooked by most tourists for subsequent trips, these are my top picks for hotels in each area to help you “blend in.”
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The best Tokyo hotels & areas according to a repeat visitor
I paid for each of these hotels with my own money and have reviewed them unbeknownst to the hotel owners, management or staff. I prefer to “be invisible” and treated as a regular guest to ensure my advice stays genuine.
Here is a quick summary of my favourite Tokyo hotels (six of which I have stayed in twice or more):
| Tokyo Area | My Pick for Hotels |
| • Shibuya / Harajuku | Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya → |
| • Shibuya (Landmark View) | Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu → |
| • Minato (Landmark View) | Park Hotel Tokyo Minato → or Bay Hotel Hamamatsucho → |
| • Minato | Shiba Park Hotel → |
| • Ginza / Shimbashi | Tokyu Stay Shimbashi Ginza → |
| • Asakusa (Landmark View) | The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon → |
| • Asakusa (Families/Groups) | Mimaru Tokyo Asakusa Station → or OMO3 Asakusa → |
| • Ueno | Hotel Crown Hills Ueno Premier → |
| • Shinjuku | Hotel Gracery Shinjuku → |
| • Yokohama | Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu → |
| • Haneda Airport (Outside Terminals) | Hotel JAL City Haneda Airport → |
| • Haneda Airport (Inside Terminal 3) | Villa Fontaine Premier Haneda Airport → |
Why I chose these hotels
Contrary to other advice, I believe Shinjuku is not the best area to stay in Tokyo – I would especially not stay in Shinjuku with my family, I’ve explain why in this article.
All within the mid-range price bracket (3 – 4 star hotels), these accommodations are ideal whether you’re a Tokyo first time visitor, or a repeat visitor like me.
Need more details? I’ve shared the pros and cons for each of the hotels including nearest stations, points of interest, the type of visitor it’s best suited for, if a konbini (convenience store) is nearby and any additional info in my dedicated review article. Get ready to book your stay with confidence!
Don’t forget to bookmark this page to refer back, and check out my full Japan travel blog that covers 70% of the country to help plan your upcoming trip… Especially if you’re wanting to avoid crowds by exploring off the beaten path in Japan.
Japan Travel Blog: Offbeat Itineraries, Tips & Inspiration
Hope to travel in Japan without adding to overtourism? My tried-and-tested itineraries, offbeat travel and etiquette guides will help you “blend in” – even with kids. You can learn more about me here.
Whether it’s your first trip to Japan or your return visit, discover true hidden gems, authentic local experiences and crowd-free alternatives for more enriching journeys from my 12+ years of visits. Let’s get started!