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Where to Stay in Tokyo for First Time Travellers!

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Choosing where to stay in Tokyo for the first time can be a very overwhelming task for travelers. There is a lot of considerations that go into the decision, and for first time travelers, ALOT of research that needs to be done and there are ALOT of unknowns.

This is why I have made it EASY FOR YOU!

This guide will cover the most popular areas to stay in Tokyo, based on the proximately to the sites and attractions that most first-time travelers will generally want to visit.

It your one stop guide of where to stay in Tokyo for the first time.

I share my personal TOP x 3 areas I would recommend and WHY. Each offer their own distinct character, attractions and ALL central to explore the popular tourist sites in Tokyo!

Table of Contents:
Where to stay in Tokyo for the first time:

1. Shinjuku (Where to stay in Tokyo for First Time Travellers)

About the Shinjuku area

Shinjuku is definitely one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and happening neighborhoods. It is renowned for its neon-lit streets, towering buildings, and a HUGE entertainment and night scene.

It’s an excellent choice for first time travelers who are looking to be in the heart of where it is all happening and experience the energy Tokyo!

Shinjuku is also home to Kabukicho, which is Tokyo’s famous entertainment district. Kabukicho is known for its nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. Aswell as, the Instagram famous Memory Lane and the Golden Gai Districts which are warrens of narrow alleys made up of tiny bars, restaurants and shops.

(Please note) Shinjuku is also where you will find the ‘Red Light’ district. It’s quite discreet, and in my opinion, not a huge issue or deterrent, BUT this is obviously a decision for you to make.

Transport is also a very important consideration when choosing where to stay in Tokyo, especially as a first time traveler. It is also why Shinjuku takes its place as number 1 for first timers. Shinjuku is one of the city’s major transportation hubs. Shinjuku boasts an extensive network of train and subway lines, including the JR Yamanote Line. This provides easy access to popular tourist destinations such as Shibuya, Harajuku, and Tokyo Station. Another positive is the easy connection to Narita and Haneda airports via the Narita Express and Airport Limousine buses.

Another consideration, when choosing where to stay in Tokyo, is the fact that trains finish around midnight. This means you may want to be staying somewhere central if you enjoy a night out on the town.

Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, catering to every budget and preference.

Shinjuku Tokyo
Shinjuku during the Day
Local Shinjuku Highlights
  • Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho)
  • Golden Gai district
  • Kabukicho Shinjuku
  • Neon Billboards, including the famous ‘Cat Billboard’
  • Tokyo Metropolitan Building
  • Loads of great shopping
Shinjuku Accommodation Suggestions

FEATURED PROPERTY: Hotel Groove Shinjuku (MID RANGE) offers travelers something very unique, with a modern fun vibe and an eclectic mix of music / modern art features. There is also with a bar on Level 17 and sweeping views of the city. If this looks like your VIBE, look no further than Hotel Groove Shinjuku and click to find out more!

Hotel Groove in Shinjuku Tokyo
Japan: Where to stay in Tokyo for the first time
Images by Hotel Groove Shinjuku Tokyo

UNIQUE: For something different take a look at this very UN-TRADITIONAL accommodation, Book and Bed Tokyo This budget accommodation options funky library / bookstore crossed with a Capsule Hotel.

Find out more: Book and Bed Tokyo

Book and Bed Shinjuku Tokyo
Image Supplied by Book and Bed

If you are seeking something a little Bougie then take a look at the Bellustar Tokyo A Pan Pacific Hotel This 5 Star property offers all the qualities you’d expect from a Pan Pacific Hotel, including large suites and a Bar / Restaurant with panoramic views across the city.

Read Reviews & see Travelers photos on Tripadvisor

Bellustar Tokyo Hotel in Shinjuku
Bellustar Tokyo Hotel in Shinjuku
Image supplied by BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel

Budget options in Shinjuku:

See MORE places to stay in Shinjuku

2. Shibuya (Where to stay in Tokyo for First Time Travellers)

About the Shibuya area

Shibuya, made famous by its iconic scramble crossing, is the beating heart of Tokyo’s youth culture and fashion scene. It’s a mecca for shopping, dining, and entertainment, with department stores, boutiques, and trendy cafes lined up its streets. AND it is the perfect base for first time travelers in Tokyo!

Travelers staying in Shibuya can explore nearby attractions such as Meiji Shrine, Harajuku’s Takeshita Street, and the trendy Daikanyama neighborhood.

Accommodation options in Shibuya range everything from upscale hotels to cheap capsule hotels, making it a popular choice for travelers of all budgets.

Shibuya is easily accessible to just about anywhere Tokyo, with multiple train and subway lines, including the JR Yamanote Line, which circles central Tokyo.

From Shibuya Station, travelers can also venture to popular destinations like Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Tokyo Tower with ease.

Shibuya Highlights
  • Scramble Crossing
  • Shopping!
  • Shibuya Yokocho – Drunkard’s alley
  • Cafe & Restaurant just about everywhere you look
Shibuya Accommodation Suggestions

FEATURED: The Millennials Shibuya. The Millennials Shibuya is a modern and state of the art NEW kind of hotel. It’s number one feature, if you ask me, is their unlimited FREE BEER between 5:30 and 6:30pm every day.

Situated in the heart of Shibuya, their ‘Smart Pods’ are all controlled by iPods. You can adjust everything from your bed and lighting, and even set a soundless alarm. The Millennials Shibuya

The Millennials Shibuya Tokyo
Millennials Shibuya Tokyo
Image supplied by The Millennials Shibuya

FUN VIBES: Shibuya Hotel En is super close to the heart of Shibuya and all the action yet far enough away to avoid all the noise. The interior is definitely FUN with a different vibe on every floor!

Shibuya En Hotel Tokyo
Shibuya En Hotel in Tokyo
Photo by Shibuya Hotel En
Photo by Shibuya Hotel En

Other Options in Shibuya

3. Asakusa (Where to stay in Tokyo for First Time Travellers)

About Asakusa area

Asakusa offers the perfect blend of cultural historic landmarks, and convenience and is ideal for first time visitors to Tokyo.

It is home to the famous Senso-ji, a MUST SEE in Tokyo and Tokyo’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temple. You will also find Nakamise-dori here, a bustling street lined with traditional shops and street food stalls.

Additionally, Asakusa offers easy access to Tokyo’s extensive transportation network. Asakusa Station serves as a major hub for the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. From here, you can conveniently explore most other parts of the city with ease, including popular destinations like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara.

With its rich history, cultural landmarks, and being a convenient transportation hub, Asakusa offers an authentic and practical place to base yourself to see all the wonders of Tokyo for first-time travelers.

Furthermore, Asakusa also offers a great range of BUDGET accommodation options and is often a lot cheaper than Shinjuku or Shibuya.

Asakusa Highlights
Asakusa Accommodation Suggestions

FEATURED: You are going to love the VIBE of Hotel Tavinos located in a central location in Asakusa. The hotel features a very modern art design that feels like you have stepped into a neon lit manga book. The rooms may be a little small, but they have very clever storage features and have been very well laid out with a lot of modern technology additions as well.

Hotel Tavinos Tokyo
Hotel Tavinos
Image Supplied by Hotel Tavinos

ROBOT HOTEL: Another iconic hotel in Tokyo is the Henn na Hotel Tokyo Where else but in Tokyo will you go to a hotel chain that has Robot or Holographics’s checking you into your room!

To find out more Henn na Hotel Tokyo

Henn Na Hotel Tokyo
Image by Henn Na Hotel Tokyo

Other Budget options in Asakusa

Where to Stay in Tokyo with an Onsens

Tokyo Onsen Hotels

Looking for a true Japanese experience and perhaps a hotel with a private or public onsen? In my guide, I share 12 of the BEST Onsen Hotels in Tokyo. You’ll find everything here from centrally located hotels and ryokans, budget friendly to high end luxurious hotel experiences, ALL WITH ONSENS!

Where to stay in Tokyo for Families

Travelling to Tokyo as a family?

Need a connecting room or a room that will fit you all in?…

Read our curated list and guide to the

BEST Hotels in Tokyo For Families

Best hotels to stay in Tokyo for Families

Ultimately choosing where to stay in Tokyo for the first time can be a BIG and daunting decision.

My suggestion is to choose to stay somewhere that is a central hub to transport and exploring the entire city of Tokyo.

Transport in my eyes, should play a HUGE role in your decision making, as well as matching the vibe you are seeking.

Whether you are drawn to the hustling neon glow of Shinjuku, the youthful & trendy mecca of Shibuya, or the timeless historical charm of Asakusa, there’s a perfect area to suit your style and interests.

Planning Beyond Where to Stay in Tokyo

Where to next?

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