Traveling to Tokyo? 8 recommended areas and hotels to stay

Tokyo is a vibrant city with a wide range of unique neighborhoods, each offering a different experience. When deciding where to stay in Tokyo, it largely depends on what kind of experience you want. Here’s a breakdown of several key areas and the benefits of staying in each:

Here are eight great areas to explore, along with hotel recommendations in each:

1. Shibuya

• Why Visit: Famous for the Shibuya Crossing, fashion-forward boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and trendy restaurants.
• Best for: Young, trendy travelers who want to be in the heart of fashion, pop culture, and nightlife.
• Benefits:
  • Vibrant Atmosphere: Shibuya is lively and energetic, perfect for those who want to experience Tokyo’s youthful, fast-paced side. You'll be close to Shibuya Crossing, a world-famous landmark.
  • Shopping & Dining: Tons of trendy shops, restaurants, and cafes. If you love shopping for fashion and exploring new dining spots, this is the place to be.
  • Nightlife: Popular for its bustling nightlife, with lots of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
• Downsides: Can be crowded and noisy, especially around the station.
• Hotel Recommendation:
  • Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu: Located above the Shibuya station, with stunning views of the city and direct access to the best shopping and dining.
  • TRUNK Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel with a trendy, eco-conscious design and a great bar.

2. Shinjuku

• Why Visit: Known for its bustling entertainment district, the serene Shinjuku Gyoen park, and the neon-lit Kabukicho.
• Best for: Travelers who want a mix of entertainment, shopping, and green spaces.
• Benefits:
  • Central Location: Shinjuku is well-connected, with the Shinjuku Station being one of the largest transportation hubs in the city. Easy to explore other parts of Tokyo.
  • Diverse Atmosphere: You can enjoy the crazy neon nightlife of Kabukicho or relax in the calm beauty of Shinjuku Gyoen Garden.
  • Great Views: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers a free observation deck with panoramic views.
  • Vibrant Nightlife: Kabukicho is known for its lively entertainment, including bars, restaurants, and karaoke spots.
• Downsides: The station and Kabukicho can be overwhelming due to the crowds.
• Hotel Recommendation:
  • Park Hyatt Tokyo: Luxury hotel with panoramic views of the city, featured in Lost in Translation.
  • Hotel Gracery Shinjuku: Famous for the giant Godzilla head on its terrace, great for entertainment lovers.

3. Asakusa

• Why Visit: Home to the historic Senso-ji Temple and the old-world charm of traditional shops and markets.
• Best for: History lovers and those seeking a more traditional Tokyo experience.
• Benefits:
  • Cultural Experience: Staying near Senso-ji Temple allows you to experience Tokyo’s rich cultural heritage with traditional shops and old streets.
  • Quieter Vibe: Compared to Shibuya or Shinjuku, Asakusa has a more relaxed and less hectic atmosphere.
  • Easy Access to Tokyo Skytree: Close to one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks, the Tokyo Skytree, with great views of the city.
  • Budget-Friendly: Often more affordable accommodations compared to other central areas.
• Downsides: A little farther from some of the modern attractions and not as central for nightlife.
• Hotel Recommendation:
  • The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic: A modern hotel with fantastic views of Tokyo Skytree and close proximity to Senso-ji.
  • Asakusa View Hotel: Offers great views of the Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree, with easy access to Asakusa’s charming streets.

4. Ginza

• Why Visit: Upscale shopping district with flagship stores, gourmet dining, and high-end department stores.
• Best for: Luxury travelers, high-end shoppers, and those who prefer a sophisticated atmosphere.
• Benefits:
  • Luxury Shopping & Dining: Ginza is Tokyo’s most upscale shopping district, filled with designer brands, department stores, and gourmet dining.
  • Central Location: Close to Tokyo Station, making it easy to explore other parts of the city or take day trips to places like Yokohama or Hakone.
  • High-End Experience: If you want to stay in a quieter, more refined part of the city with access to the best restaurants and shopping, Ginza is ideal.
• Downsides: Can be expensive, and the nightlife is more subdued compared to places like Shinjuku or Roppongi.
• Hotel Recommendation:
  • The Peninsula Tokyo: A luxurious hotel blending Japanese and modern design, with fantastic service and amenities.
  • Hotel Gracery Ginza: A more affordable option located right in the heart of Ginza’s shopping and dining district.

5. Akihabara

• Why Visit: The ultimate destination for electronics, anime, manga, and gaming culture enthusiasts.
• Best for: Tech enthusiasts, anime, and gaming fans.
• Benefits:
  • Otaku Culture Hub: This area is famous for its electronics stores, anime shops, and themed cafes, making it a haven for fans of Japanese pop culture.
  • Shopping for Tech & Gadgets: If you’re into tech, Akihabara is the place to find the latest gadgets, computers, and electronic goods.
  • Unique Atmosphere: It offers a very different vibe from other parts of Tokyo, with a colorful and lively street scene full of niche stores.
• Downsides: Limited options for traditional sightseeing and a specific appeal mainly for tech and anime fans.
• Hotel Recommendation:
  • Akihabara Washington Hotel: A convenient, modern hotel with easy access to all the otaku and tech spots.
  • Remm Akihabara: Stylish and compact rooms, directly connected to Akihabara Station, great for fans of pop culture.

6. Roppongi

• Why Visit: Known for its nightlife, international atmosphere, and art museums like the Mori Art Museum.
• Best for: Art lovers, international travelers, and those seeking a mix of nightlife and culture.
• Benefits:
  • Nightlife & Dining: Famous for its international dining scene and vibrant nightlife, Roppongi is popular among expats and travelers alike.
  • Cultural Attractions: Home to world-class museums like the Mori Art Museum and The National Art Center, making it a great spot for art lovers.
  • Luxury Experience: There are many high-end hotels and bars in the area, as well as upscale shopping at Roppongi Hills.
• Downsides: The nightlife scene can be a bit loud, and it’s not as “authentically Japanese” as other areas.
• Hotel Recommendation:
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo: A luxury hotel located in the tallest building in Tokyo, offering magnificent views of the city skyline.
  • Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi: A more affordable option with a sleek design and a great location near Roppongi’s attractions.

7. Odaiba

• Why Visit: A futuristic island with family-friendly attractions, large shopping malls, and entertainment complexes.
• Best for: Families and those interested in futuristic attractions and waterfront views.
• Benefits:
  • Family-Friendly: Odaiba has a lot of family-oriented attractions like amusement parks, museums, and large shopping centers.
  • Scenic Views: You’ll get great views of Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge, and futuristic architecture.
  • Modern Entertainment: Odaiba is known for its futuristic vibe, with attractions like TeamLab Borderless, Oedo Onsen Monogatari, and large shopping malls.
• Downsides: A bit farther from the central parts of Tokyo and less traditional in atmosphere.
• Hotel Recommendation:
  • Hilton Tokyo Odaiba: A waterfront hotel with beautiful views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay.
  • Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba: A luxury hotel offering fantastic views and easy access to Odaiba’s attractions.

8. Harajuku

• Why Visit: Famous for its quirky fashion, youth culture, and Takeshita Street with unique boutiques and cafes.
• Best for: Fashion enthusiasts, youth culture lovers, and quirky travelers.
• Benefits:
  • Trendy & Youthful Vibe: Known for Takeshita Street, full of eccentric shops, crepe stands, and vintage clothing boutiques.
  • Fashion Central: The heart of Tokyo’s avant-garde fashion scene, with plenty of independent designers and offbeat fashion spots.
  • Cultural Contrast: It’s also close to Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park, giving you a balance between trendy city life and serene nature.
  • Good Location: Well-connected and close to Shibuya and Shinjuku, making it easy to explore the city.
• Downsides: Can be extremely crowded, especially on weekends.
• Hotel Recommendation:
  • The Millennials Shibuya: Located near Harajuku, this capsule hotel is trendy, futuristic, and fun.
  • Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya Jingumae: A modern and comfortable hotel just a short walk from Harajuku’s main attractions.

Conclusion:

• Shibuya or Shinjuku are ideal if you want to be in the center of the action with easy access to transportation and vibrant nightlife.
• Asakusa is perfect for a quieter, more traditional stay.
• Ginza is great for luxury shopping and dining, while Akihabara caters to tech and anime fans.
• Roppongi offers a mix of nightlife and art, and Odaiba is perfect for families looking for futuristic attractions.
• Harajuku is your spot for quirky fashion and youth culture.

These areas will give you a well-rounded experience of Tokyo, from modern luxury to historic charm. Choose the right area depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for, and enjoy your trip!