Where to Stay in Tokyo for the Best First Time Experience

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Deciding where to stay in Tokyo was one of the things I found surprisingly difficult when planning my first trip.

Tokyo is enormous, there are thousands of hotels and every neighbourhood seems to come with someone online insisting it’s the best place to stay.

Shibuya if you want the quintessential Tokyo experience.

Shinjuku for nightlife.

Ginza for shopping.

Asakusa for something more traditional.

All useful advice.

Until you realise you’re not planning to spend your entire trip in one neighbourhood.

I stayed in two different parts of Tokyo during my first trip, first at Park Hotel Tokyo in Shiodome and later at Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, directly above Shibuya Station.

And despite Shibuya being one of the areas most commonly recommended to first-time visitors, I wouldn’t choose it again.

For one or two nights? Fine.

For the bulk of my trip?

No.

If you’re trying to work out what area of Tokyo you should stay in, I’d worry less about being within walking distance of Tokyo’s most famous attractions and much more about your transport connections.

Because you will be using them.

A lot.

Where is the best area to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors?

For my first trip, Shiodome worked brilliantly.

It’s not the Tokyo neighbourhood most people immediately think of when booking their first hotel, which is probably part of why I liked it.

You’re super close to Ginza without actually staying amongst the crowds and shops, Tsukiji is nearby if seafood is your vibe and you’ve got excellent transport connections for exploring the rest of Tokyo.

Most importantly, I found it remarkably easy.

And Tokyo is one of those places where making your life slightly easier is worth considerably more than having Shibuya Crossing outside your bedroom window.

We stayed at Park Hotel Tokyo, which is close to both Shiodome and Shimbashi stations. From there, we could easily get to Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shibuya and the other parts of Tokyo we wanted to explore.

It was particularly convenient for Ginza and Tokyo Bay, which worked perfectly with how I’d organised our 5 days in Tokyo itinerary.

If I were booking my first trip again, I’d choose Shiodome, or more specifically, Park Hotel Tokyo.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean you should.

Where you stay depends on what you actually want from Tokyo, so these are the areas I’d consider and the hotels I’d look at in each.

Shiodome: Where I’d stay in Tokyo again

Shiodome doesn’t have the instant name recognition of Shibuya or Shinjuku.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing.

The area itself is considerably calmer, but you’re certainly not stranded in some residential suburb with nothing around you.

Ginza is within easy reach, Shimbashi is next door and you’ve got several train and metro lines nearby.

That gave us the best of both worlds.

We could spend the day surrounded by Tokyo’s crowds, neon and general chaos, then come back somewhere that didn’t feel as though several thousand people were also trying to get home with us.

Why stay in Shiodome?

For me, the biggest reason is location without chaos.

Tokyo’s public transport is so good that you don’t need to sleep beside every attraction you want to visit. What you do want is easy access to a station that gets you where you’re going without turning every morning into a logistical exercise.

Shiodome works particularly well if your Tokyo plans include Ginza, Tsukiji, teamLab Planets or Tokyo Bay.

And because Shimbashi is so close, you’re well connected to plenty of other areas too.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Shiodome to someone whose main priority is stumbling out of their hotel straight into Tokyo nightlife.

But that wasn’t what I wanted.

Where I stayed: Park Hotel Tokyo

Park Hotel Tokyo was our main hotel in Tokyo and I’d easily stay there again.

The hotel starts high above the city, so walking into the lobby for the first time gives you a fairly spectacular introduction to Tokyo.

But the thing that makes it particularly interesting is the art.

There are artworks throughout the hotel and individually designed Artist Rooms, where Japanese artists have essentially been given an entire hotel room as their canvas. It’s so cool!

We stayed in one of them and also joined one of the hotel’s complimentary art tours during our visit.

It’s a small thing, but it made the hotel feel like somewhere we actually experienced rather than simply somewhere we returned to sleep.

More importantly, the location worked very well.

I could recommend a beautiful hotel with an incredible breakfast and seventeen different pillow options, but if getting anywhere involves three train changes and a 20-minute walk, I don’t particularly want to stay there.

Park Hotel Tokyo gave us easy transport connections while still being somewhere I was genuinely happy to come back to every evening.

For me, it’s the best hotel I’ve stayed at in Tokyo for a first trip.

Best for: First-time visitors, couples, art lovers and anyone who wants somewhere central without staying in one of Tokyo’s most chaotic neighbourhoods.

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT PARK HOTEL TOKYO

Shibuya: Amazing to visit, but I wouldn’t base myself here again

This might be controversial.

Shibuya is constantly recommended as one of the best places to stay in Tokyo, particularly for first-time visitors.

And I understand why.

You’ve got Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Sky, an enormous number of shops and restaurants and brilliant transport connections.

It feels like Tokyo.

Very, very intensely like Tokyo.

I loved exploring it.

I didn’t particularly enjoy staying there.

There’s a difference.

Why stay in Shibuya?

If you want to walk outside your hotel and immediately feel like you’re in the middle of Tokyo, Shibuya certainly delivers.

It’s also extremely convenient for exploring the western side of the city, particularly Harajuku, Meiji Jingu and Shinjuku.

Shibuya Station connects you to a ridiculous amount of Tokyo, so from a purely practical perspective it’s an excellent base.

And if you’re visiting as a couple and want restaurants, bars, shopping and things happening around you in the evening, I can understand the appeal.

You certainly won’t be bored.

Why wouldn’t I stay in Shibuya?

People.

So many people.

Shibuya was one of the busiest, most touristy parts of Tokyo we visited and, while I found it fun to explore, it was also incredibly chaotic.

I enjoyed the chaos during the day.

It wasn’t necessarily what I wanted every single time I left my hotel.

There’s something to be said for spending eight hours sightseeing in one of the busiest cities on earth and then returning somewhere slightly calmer.

Shibuya doesn’t really offer that.

I also wouldn’t choose an area simply because it’s famous.

You’re unlikely to spend five days standing at Shibuya Crossing (which, by the way, isn’t nearly as impressive as videos online make it out to be), so being directly beside it isn’t necessarily as useful as it initially sounds.

Where I stayed: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

We stayed at Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu towards the end of our Japan trip.

And location-wise, it’s difficult to argue with.

The hotel is directly connected to Shibuya Station, making it incredibly convenient when we wanted to explore Shibuya and the western side of Tokyo. 

You can also look down over Shibuya Crossing from one side of the hotel, which is probably the best way to enjoy it without actually having to stand in it.

For one or two nights, it was absolutely fine.

I’d stay there again if I specifically wanted to be in Shibuya for a short stay.

But I wouldn’t base myself there for the bulk of another Tokyo trip.

The hotel wasn’t really the problem.

Shibuya was simply too touristy and chaotic for me to want to come home to every evening.

Leaving the hotel also meant fighting our way through the crowds every single time, which got old pretty quickly.

Best for: Short stays, first-time visitors who specifically want to stay in Shibuya and anyone who prioritises transport and location over escaping the crowds.

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT SHIBUYA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU

Shinjuku: Best if you want nightlife

If your idea of Tokyo involves skyscrapers, enormous billboards, tiny bars, neon streets and Godzilla peering over the top of a building, you’re probably imagining Shinjuku.

It’s one of the most exciting areas to explore after dark and it’s also an enormous transport hub.

The downside?

It’s an enormous transport hub.

Shinjuku Station is an experience in itself.

We arrived there around 40 minutes before our Romancecar to Hakone and I was very glad we did because finding the correct part of the station took considerably longer than expected.

Google Maps telling you that you’ve arrived at Shinjuku Station and actually finding the train you need are two very different achievements.

Honestly, if you don’t get lost in Shinjuku Station at least once, have you even been to Tokyo?

Who should stay in Shinjuku?

I’d consider Shinjuku if nightlife is a big priority.

You’ll have restaurants, bars and entertainment around you late into the evening, and you won’t have to worry about travelling across Tokyo after spending the night in the area.

It’s also worth considering if any of your planned day trips depart from Shinjuku. Our Hakone trip started here, for example.

But if you’re looking for somewhere relatively calm to return to at the end of the day, I’d choose elsewhere.

Personally, I enjoyed visiting Shinjuku.

I don’t regret not sleeping there.

Where I’d stay in Shinjuku

I didn’t stay in Shinjuku, but I found hotels in the area pretty pricey when I was researching where to stay.

If Shinjuku’s nightlife and transport connections appeal to you, these are the hotels I’d shortlist.

Park Hyatt Tokyo: The one I’d book if money was no object

I haven’t stayed at Park Hyatt Tokyo, but if I wanted to splash out in Shinjuku, this would be my first choice.

Yes, it’s the hotel from Lost in Translation, but I’d be booking it for the views across Tokyo and, more importantly, that skylit indoor pool. I’m a sucker for a good hotel pool and this one looks particularly impressive.

It occupies the upper floors of Shinjuku Park Tower, so you’re high above the chaos of Shinjuku rather than directly amongst it. That would appeal to me because my main reservation about staying in this part of Tokyo is having quite so much happening outside your door every time you leave the hotel.

It’s definitely more of a special-occasion hotel than somewhere I’d casually book for five nights without first consulting my bank account.

Best for: Couples, special occasions and anyone looking to splurge on a luxury stay in Shinjuku.

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT PARK HYATT TOKYO

Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower: The Shinjuku hotel I’d choose for location

If Park Hyatt Tokyo is firmly in the perhaps when I win the lottery category, Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower would be the more realistic option I’d consider.

The biggest selling point for me is its location. It’s only a short walk from Shinjuku Station, which gives you all the transport advantages of staying in Shinjuku without choosing a hotel deep in the middle of its busiest nightlife streets.

After getting thoroughly confused inside Shinjuku Station myself, I’d certainly appreciate being able to get back to my hotel without adding another complicated journey to the end of the day.

The rooms are also high above the city with big windows overlooking Tokyo, so you’re still getting some of those skyscraper views I’d want if I were deliberately choosing to stay in Shinjuku.

I haven’t stayed here myself, but this would probably be my more practical Shinjuku choice.

Best for: First-time visitors who want Shinjuku’s transport connections, couples and anyone who wants to be central without staying directly amongst the nightlife.

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT ODAKYU HOTEL CENTURY SOUTHERN TOWER

Ginza: Best for shopping and a more polished side of Tokyo

Ginza is another area I’d seriously consider for a first trip to Tokyo.

It’s known as Tokyo’s luxury shopping district, although you don’t need a luxury-shopping budget to enjoy it.

We certainly didn’t.

There are enormous flagship stores, restaurants and plenty to explore on foot. You’re also well positioned for Tsukiji and the eastern side of Tokyo.

Ginza felt busy without having quite the same relentless intensity I found in Shibuya, making it much more pleasant to wander.

That makes it particularly appealing if you’re looking for one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for couples and want somewhere central that feels a little more polished.

Just don’t assume you’re going to spend every afternoon casually buying handbags on Ginza’s designer streets.

Unless, of course, your holiday budget is considerably more impressive than mine.

Should you stay in Ginza or Shiodome?

I’d happily stay in either.

They’re close enough that you can easily explore one from the other, so I wouldn’t agonise over the distinction.

I’d choose based on the hotel, price and exact transport connections available for your dates.

I personally liked staying in Shiodome because Park Hotel Tokyo gave us easy access to both Shiodome and Shimbashi stations while keeping Ginza nearby.

But if I found a brilliant hotel in Ginza for a better price, I wouldn’t hesitate.

Where I’d stay in Ginza

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier: The Ginza hotel I’d shortlist

I haven’t stayed overnight in Ginza, but if I decided to base myself here on another trip, Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier would be high on my list.

Its location is the main reason.

It’s close to Shimbashi Station, which I already know works incredibly well for getting around Tokyo because we used the station while staying at Park Hotel Tokyo. You’d also have Ginza’s shops and restaurants on your doorstep without sacrificing the transport connections I prioritised so heavily on my first trip.

The hotel occupies the upper floors of a high-rise, with rooms overlooking Tokyo, which is another big tick for me. If I’m staying in a city with a skyline like Tokyo’s, I’m certainly not going to complain about being able to see it from my bedroom.

It also looks considerably more polished than a purely functional city hotel, so this is one I’d particularly consider for a couples trip.

Best for: Couples, shopping, first-time visitors and anyone who wants to stay in Ginza while keeping excellent transport connections.

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT MITSUI GARDEN HOTEL GINZA PREMIER

Asakusa: Best for a more traditional introduction to Tokyo

If waking up near temples and older streets appeals more than walking outside into a wall of giant screens, check out Asakusa.

This was one of my favourite areas to explore.

Senso-ji is obviously the main attraction, but I enjoyed spending time wandering the surrounding streets, trying the food stalls and generally seeing a traditional side of Tokyo that felt very different from Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Staying here would also give you the advantage of experiencing Asakusa early in the morning or later in the evening, once some of the day-trippers have disappeared.

And that is not a small advantage.

Senso-ji gets busy.

Who should stay in Asakusa?

I’d choose Asakusa if you prioritise atmosphere over being right in the middle of Tokyo’s biggest shopping and nightlife districts. 

It also makes sense if a lot of your itinerary is focused on eastern Tokyo.

Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara work naturally together, so you can explore several major areas without repeatedly crossing the city.

The trade-off is that you’ll be travelling further when you want to visit places such as Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku.

For a first visit, I’d personally still choose Park Hotel Tokyo in Shiodome.

But Asakusa would be high on my list for another trip when I wanted to experience a different side of Tokyo.

Where I’d stay in Asakusa

I didn’t stay in Asakusa, but if I did, I’d be tempted to spend a night somewhere with a little more character than a standard city hotel. 

I’d love to try a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, which feels particularly well suited to staying in this part of Tokyo.

Prostyle Ryokan Asakusa: The one I’d choose for a completely different Tokyo stay

Prostyle Ryokan Asakusa appeals to me because it offers something completely different from another conventional city hotel. 

I haven’t stayed here myself, but it’s a modern take on a ryokan, with tatami flooring and Japanese-style interiors rather than the usual international hotel-room design.

Some of the rooms have traditional low beds, although I’d personally be looking at one of the tatami rooms with Western-style beds. After walking 20,000-plus steps around Tokyo all day, I’m not sure my back needs me to prove anything.

You can also book rooms with open-air stone soaking tubs, which would make this feel much more like an experience in itself rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

I’d probably save that particular luxury for cooler weather, though. After experiencing Tokyo at 39°C, voluntarily getting into something hot wasn’t especially high on my priority list.

Best for: Couples, shorter stays and anyone who wants something a little different from a conventional Tokyo hotel.

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT PROSTYLE RYOKAN ASAKUSA

Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel: The Asakusa hotel I’d choose for better value

If I wanted to stay in Asakusa without paying for the ryokan experience, I’d look at Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel instead.

The biggest appeal for me is that it’s only a short walk from Senso-ji. Having visited the temple when it was absolutely packed, staying this close would give you a genuine advantage: you could get there early in the morning before most people arrive.

That alone would tempt me.

The rooms also look surprisingly spacious for Tokyo, with large windows and plenty of natural light. Some have balconies or terraces too, which isn’t something I’d necessarily expect from a more affordable Tokyo hotel.

Again, I haven’t stayed here myself, so I can’t tell you what the beds are like or whether the walls are suspiciously thin. But based on the location, rooms and price point, it’s one I’d personally shortlist if I wanted to stay in Asakusa.

Best for: Better value, first-time visitors who want to explore eastern Tokyo and anyone who wants to visit Senso-ji before the crowds arrive.

CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY AT ASAKUSA KOKONO CLUB HOTEL

What area of Tokyo should I stay in?

If you want my short answer, stay in Shiodome. It’s where I’d stay again.

Choose Shibuya for shopping, nightlife and constant activity, Shinjuku for nightlife and transport, Ginza for shopping and a more polished base or Asakusa for a more traditional atmosphere.

There isn’t one universally perfect area. The best place to stay in Tokyo is the one that makes your itinerary easier.

Best places to stay in Tokyo for couples

If you’re visiting Tokyo as a couple, I wouldn’t automatically assume you need the busiest or most romantic-looking neighbourhood.

After a full day exploring Tokyo together, there is something deeply romantic about not having to fight your way through Shibuya Crossing simply to get back to your room.

For couples visiting for the first time, Shiodome would still be my pick, although I’d seriously consider Asakusa if you want somewhere with more traditional character.

Shiodome is central, well connected and considerably calmer than Shibuya or Shinjuku. Park Hotel Tokyo also feels a little more special than a purely functional city hotel because of its views and Artist Rooms.

For couples who want bars, restaurants and nightlife immediately outside, I’d choose Shibuya or Shinjuku instead.

And if shopping, restaurants and a slightly more polished atmosphere appeal, look at Ginza.

My top three picks would be:

Park Hotel Tokyo: The one I’ve actually stayed at and my personal choice for a first trip.

Park Hyatt Tokyo: The one I’d choose for a special occasion and if money was no object.

Prostyle Ryokan Asakusa: The one I’d choose for a completely different experience, particularly for one or two nights.

You don’t need to stay somewhere covered in rose petals with a bathtub overlooking Tokyo Tower simply because you’re travelling as a couple.

Choose the area that suits how you actually like travelling.

Should you change hotels during your Tokyo trip?

Probably not.

We stayed in both Shiodome and Shibuya because our Tokyo stay was split by several days in Sapporo as part of our 10 day Japan itinerary. That made changing hotels logical.

If I were spending five consecutive nights in Tokyo, I wouldn’t pack everything up halfway through simply to experience another neighbourhood.

Tokyo’s transport is far too good to justify it.

Stay somewhere well connected and explore different areas during the day.

Moving hotels involves checking out, storing luggage, travelling with said luggage, checking back in and inevitably discovering the thing you need is buried at the bottom of your suitcase.

I’d rather be sightseeing.

So, where would I stay in Tokyo next time?

Park Hotel Tokyo.

Which is perhaps not the most exciting conclusion after several thousand words discussing Tokyo neighbourhoods, but there we are.

Its Shiodome location worked exceptionally well for the way we explored the city. We had excellent transport connections, Ginza was nearby and returning to somewhere quieter after spending all day in Tokyo’s busiest neighbourhoods was exactly what I wanted.

I’d happily visit Shibuya again.

I’d spend another evening in Shinjuku.

I’d wander around Asakusa and eat an unreasonable number of pickled cucumbers.

But I don’t need to sleep in the middle of any of them.

When deciding where to stay in Tokyo, don’t just ask which neighbourhood has the most attractions.

Ask which one will make exploring all the other neighbourhoods easier.

That’s the bit that matters.

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Read more about planning a trip to Japan:

• 10 Days in Japan in July for First-Time Visitors
• 5 Days in Tokyo: A First-Timer’s Tokyo Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Tokyo for the Best First Time Experience