Where to Stay in Tokyo: A First-Timer’s Guide Based on My Own Trip

Tokyo is huge, and every neighborhood I visited felt completely different, almost like its own mini city.

Since it was my first time in Japan, choosing where to stay in Tokyo felt a little overwhelming. I ended up staying at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo in a quieter part of Shinjuku, and it worked out perfectly. I would definitely recommend it!

I spent six days exploring Tokyo, and it became clear pretty that where you stay has a decent impact on your trip. It affects how easily you can get around, what restaurants you can walk to, and the overall feel of your trip.

In this guide, I break down the best areas to stay in Tokyo based on what you want to see and do. I also included the top things to do in each neighborhood, so you can get a sense of the vibe and figure out what matches your travel style.

By the time you finish reading, you will have a clear idea of where to stay in Tokyo and what area will make your trip the easiest and most enjoyable.

Quick Answer: Where to Stay in Tokyo

If it’s your first time in Tokyo, Shinjuku is the area I recommend most.

It’s busy, well-connected, and has everything you need within walking distance. I stayed at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo in a quieter part of Shinjuku, and the convenience made a big difference during my six days in Tokyo.

Shibuya is another solid choice if you want to stay somewhere lively with tons of restaurants, shops, and things to do.

Ginza is great if you prefer a calmer area that’s still close to major train lines.

Asakusa works well if you want a more traditional side of Tokyo with a slower pace.

Here is a quick overview on where to stay in Tokyo to help you compare each area:

Area	Why Stay Here	Who It’s Best For	Hotel Recommendation
Shinjuku	Central, tons of food options, and some of the best train connections in Tokyo. Easy to get anywhere.	First-time visitors or anyone who wants the most convenient base.	Hyatt Regency Tokyo
Shibuya	Trendy and energetic with great shopping and restaurants. Always something going on.	Travelers who like lively neighborhoods with plenty to do.	Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya
Ginza	Clean, quiet, and upscale. Close to Tokyo Station and great for walking.	Travelers who prefer a calmer area with good dining and easy day trip access.	Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo
Asakusa	Traditional area with Senso-ji Temple and a slower pace. Feels very different from central Tokyo.	Travelers wanting a cultural experience away from the big crowds.	Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International

➡️Planning where to go in Tokyo? I wrote a full 5‑day Tokyo itinerary based on my own trip that hits all the best spots while leaving time to explore at your own pace.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

1. Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of the busiest and most convenient neighborhoods in Tokyo. The station is overwhelming at first, but once you follow Google Maps a few times, it starts to make sense and getting around becomes easy.

The area has everything you need within walking distance including restaurants, bars, convenience stores, shopping, and entertainment. It’s crowded, but that’s part of what makes it so lively.

I stayed near Shinjuku at Hyatt Regency Tokyo, and it was in a quieter part of the neighborhood while still being incredibly convenient.

It was right above a 7-Eleven and a subway station, which made getting around and grabbing snacks super easy.

We always started our day at 7-Eleven and loved it. Our favorites were the teriyaki chicken and egg sandwiches, tuna onigiri, and iced lattes (the ones where you buy the cup of ice, then put it into the machine).

For first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of the action, Shinjuku is hard to beat. It’s where I would recommend staying for your first trip to Japan.

Where to Stay in Shinjuku:

Hyatt Regency Tokyo – Comfortable rooms in a quieter part of Shinjuku. This is where I stayed during my trip, and I highly recommend it. I really loved the location and convenience.
Hilton Tokyo – Spacious rooms and connected to underground walkways
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – Right in the middle of Kabukicho and known for its Godzilla statue.
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku – A budget-friendly hotel close to the metro

The large and dazzling chandeliers hanging above the dark wood aesthetic of the bar located in the lobby of Hyatt Regency Tokyo in Shinjuku. — **Lobby of Hyatt Regency Tokyo in Shinjuku**

Top Things to Do in Shinjuku:

See the Shinjuku 3D Cat at Cross Shinjuku Vision – This giant billboard plays short videos of a 3D cat that looks like it’s popping out of the screen. It’s right by Shinjuku Station’s east exit, so it’s easy to walk by if you’re already in the area. We stopped here a couple of times while in the area and loved seeing it!
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks – The observation decks are free, and the views are great. If you’re trying to save money on paid viewpoints, this is an easy alternative with great skyline views.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – This is the best area in Shinjuku if you need a break from the crowds. The garden is huge, and it’s a good place to relax or walk around.
Omoide Yokocho – A narrow alley packed with tiny yakitori spots and casual places to grab a quick bite. It gets pretty busy in the evenings, but the atmosphere is fun and it’s a great place to explore.
Kabukicho and Golden Gai – Kabukicho is Shinjuku’s nightlife area, full of bright signs, restaurants, and bars. Golden Gai is right next to it and has several narrow alleys lined with tiny bars.

The black, white, and orange cat that appears on the large 3D screen outside Shinjuku station in Toyko.

Check out this interactive map below for more options on where to stay in Tokyo!

➡️ If you are still figuring out how to structure your trip, my 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary breaks down exactly how I planned my days around different neighborhoods so you can choose the best area to stay in.

2. Shibuya

Shibuya is busy and full of energy. The streets are packed with shops, cafés, restaurants, and entertainment, so there is always something to do.

It’s home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, and walking through it at least once is a must. If you want to be in a trendy area with easy access to food and shopping, Shibuya is a great choice.

During my trip, we spent a lot of time in Shibuya exploring shops, enjoying food, and just walking the streets. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s easy to get to from other neighborhoods, which makes it super convenient for sightseeing.

Shibuya would be my second choice for where to stay in Tokyo. Along with Shinjuku, it’s the area we spent the most time in and really enjoyed the vibe.

Where to Stay in Shibuya:

Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya – Spacious rooms and great for longer stays.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel – One of the best views in the area with easy access to the station.
Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya By IHG – Walkable to the main sights in Shibuya.
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu – Directly connected to the station, making it convenient for transportation.

Top Things to Do in Shibuya:

Shibuya Crossing – One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world and the main sight in this area. It’s quick to see and worth walking through at least once just to experience the crowds moving in every direction.
Shibuya Sky – A popular observation deck known for its open-air rooftop and great views of Tokyo. Tickets often sell out during sunset hours, so booking ahead is recommended if this is on your list.
Shibuya Center-Gai – A busy street filled with shops, casual restaurants, convenience stores, and arcades. It’s an easy place to walk around if you want to grab something quick to eat or check out different stores.
Shibuya Scramble Square Shopping – A modern shopping complex connected to the station. It’s convenient if you want a break from walking or need to pick up snacks, gifts, or drinks. The food hall and basement levels are especially good for quick eats.

The view of the Shibuya Scramble crossing while hundreds of pedestrians cross the street at once in all different directions.

Looking for a Hotel?

Explore Booking.com for your hotel needs – they offer budget-friendly prices and a variety of room types!

Go to Booking.com

Need a Rental Car?

For all your rental car needs, head over to Expedia! It’s user-friendly and offers plenty of affordable options!

Go to Expedia

Guided Tours/Activities

When it comes to booking guided tours and excursions, my top pick is Get Your Guide!

Go to Get Your Guide

3. Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale neighborhood, known for luxury shopping and excellent dining options.

It’s quieter, which makes it a good choice if you want a calmer home base while still being centrally located.

It’s also close to Tokyo Station, so day trips from here are really convenient. While it feels more relaxed than the busy neighborhoods, there’s still plenty to see and do!

Where to Stay in Ginza:

Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo – Stylish rooms and an excellent location for walking around Ginza.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier – Great views of the city and convenient access to the metro and Tokyo Station.
Millennium Mitsui Garden Hotel Tokyo – Modern rooms and close to the main shopping street.
Hotel GrandBach TokyoGinza – Boutique-style hotel

Top Things to Do in Ginza:

Ginza Six – A large shopping complex with a wide range of international brands, restaurants, and a rooftop garden.
Kabuki-za Theatre – A great place to watch traditional Japanese kabuki performances. You can purchase full-length show tickets or shorter, single-act tickets depending on your schedule. Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior is worth seeing.
Ginza Chuo-dori Street – This is the main shopping street in Ginza, filled with high-end stores and department shops. On weekends, the street becomes pedestrian-only, making it easier to walk around and explore.

💡P.S. If you’re traveling internationally, I highly recommend purchasing the Airalo eSIM. It’s a great way to avoid those excessive roaming charges and eliminates the need for plastic eSIMs!

4. Asakusa

Asakusa has a different feel from the rest of the areas mentioned in this blog post. This is where you will see Senso-ji Temple, older streets, and a much slower pace compared to places like Shinjuku or Shibuya.

If you want a more traditional side of Tokyo, Asakusa is a great area to base yourself.

It is a bit farther from the major areas, but the metro lines make it easy to get around. I really liked spending time here because it feels historic and a little quieter, and the walk around Senso-ji and the surrounding streets is stunning.

Where to Stay in Asakusa:

The Kanzashi Tokyo Asakusa – Modern and close to the temple area.
Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International – Comfortable rooms that are larger than typical Tokyo hotels.
MIMARU Tokyo Asakusa Station – Apartment-style rooms perfect for families or long stays.
Hotel MONday Asakusa – Affordable and within walking distance to metro lines.

Top Things to Do in Asakusa:

Senso-ji Temple – The main landmark in Asakusa and one of the most famous temples in Tokyo. The entrance through the Kaminarimon Gate is beautiful, and the temple grounds stay pretty busy throughout the day. It’s easy to spend time here walking around, taking photos, and exploring the surrounding area.
Nakamise Shopping Street – A long street leading up to Senso-ji filled with snack stalls, souvenir shops, and small vendors. It’s a great place to try traditional snacks or pick up souvenirs while you make your way toward the temple. We tried several places here and really enjoyed the food, including Ginkado for strawberry mochi, Anshinya for fried chicken, Asakusa Kagetsudofor melon pan, Hokkaido Milk Bar for soft-serve ice cream, and Imo Pippi for crème brûlée sweet potato.
Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center – The observation deck here has free views overlooking the Senso-ji area. It’s a quick stop and a great spot for photos!
Walk Along the Sumida River – The riverfront paths around Asakusa offer nice views and an easy place to take a break from the busier areas.

The beautiful and unobstructed view of Nakamise Street from the free viewing platform at Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center. — **View from Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center**

The large red lantern with big black writing on it inside of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.

The delicious and creamy soft-serve ice cream served at Hokkaido Milk Bar in Asakusa. — **Soft-Serve Ice Cream at Hokkaido Milk Bar**

The crispy large pieces of fried chicken served piping hot at Anshinya which is a small food stall in the Asakusa area. — **Fried Chicken from Anshinya**

The delicious strawberry daifuku/mochi served at Ginkado food stall on Nakamise Street in Asakusa consisting of all different types of flavors. — **Ginkado (Strawberry Daifuku/Mochi)**

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Tokyo?

I recommend staying four to five nights in Tokyo for a first-time trip. This gives you enough time to explore the main neighborhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Asakusa and even take a day trip to places like Nikko, Kamakura, or Yokohama.

If you have six nights like I did, you will have a little more flexibility. It gives you room to slow down, revisit neighborhoods you liked, and just feel less rushed. Fewer than four nights can work if you only want to see the highlights, but you will probably feel like you are on the go the entire time.

It also helps to plan where you stay in Tokyo based on what you want to see. Staying in Shinjuku is convenient for getting around, while Asakusa is great if you want a more traditional atmosphere. Picking the right area can save you travel time and make your trip feel much smoother overall!

➡️If you want a break from the city, my 1‑Day Kamakura Itinerary is perfect for seeing temples, the Great Buddha, and a bit of the coast in one day.

Best Time to Visit Tokyo

Spring (March–May): This is one of the most popular times to visit Tokyo because of the cherry blossoms and comfortable temperatures. Parks and temples are especially beautiful, but expect larger crowds and higher hotel prices.
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with temperatures often in the 80s–90s°F (27–35°C). Bring breathable clothing and stay hydrated. I personally would try to avoid visiting in the summer if you have flexibility, since the heat and humidity can make walking around less enjoyable. But if summer is the only time you can go, it is still worth visiting!
Fall (September–November): Mild temperatures and colorful foliage make fall a great time to visit Tokyo. It’s less crowded than spring, and the weather is generally pleasant. This is the time of year I want to visit when I go back to Japan!
Winter (December–February): Cold but not too bad, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing in central Tokyo. The smaller crowds and beautiful winter lights make it a great time to explore, just be sure to pack a warm coat, gloves, and layers.

When I visited in late May, it was warm with occasional rain, so I found a light rain jacket and an umbrella were helpful for both sightseeing and unpredictable rain showers. All of our hotels in Japan gave us umbrellas to borrow for the day which was super nice!

➡️ Heading to Japan in early summer? My guide on what to wear in Japan in June covers exactly what I packed and how I stayed comfortable in the heat.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Tokyo

Where you stay in Tokyo really sets the tone for your trip. If you want to be in the middle of the action with easy access to trains, restaurants, and nightlife, Shinjuku and Shibuya are the way to go.

If you prefer somewhere a bit calmer and more upscale, Ginza is a great option. And for a more traditional, historic vibe, Asakusa is perfect with its temples, old streets, and slower pace.

No matter which neighborhood you choose, Tokyo’s public transportation makes it easy to get around and see everything on your list. Picking the right base just makes exploring the city feel easier!

Check out my other Japan blog posts to help you plan your Japan itinerary!