Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Tokyo
Overview: How We Selected Tokyo’s Top Neighborhoods
Planning your stay in Tokyo? We evaluated each area based on:
- Accessibility: Proximity to major train/subway lines
- Budget: Range of accommodations from hostels to luxury hotels
- Atmosphere: Local culture, nightlife, family‐friendliness
- Attractions: Landmarks, shopping, dining options
- Safety & Comfort: Cleanliness, walkability, English support
1. Shinjuku – Best for Nightlife & Transport
Shinjuku is Tokyo’s bustling hub—home to the world’s busiest station, vibrant nightlife in Kabukicho, and the free Tokyo Metropolitan Government observation decks.
- 24-hour transport hub: JR, Metro, Keio, Odakyu
- Nightlife: Izakayas, karaoke, Golden Gai alleys
- Green space: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Great for: First-timers, party-goers, business travelers
Average Hotel Price | $150 – $300/night |
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Nearest Stations | JR Shinjuku, Seibu-Shinjuku, Tochomae (Oedo Line) |
Top Attractions | Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Omoide Yokocho |
Language Support | Many English-friendly hotels & signage |
2. Shibuya – Best for Youth Culture & Shopping
Home to the famous “scramble” crossing and Hachiko statue, Shibuya is Tokyo’s youth epicenter—packed with trendsetting boutiques, cafes, and nightlife.
- Fashion & nightlife: Center-gai, Shibuya109 mall
- Transport: JR, Metro (Ginza/Hanzomon/Fukutoshin), Tokyu lines
- Family friendly: Yoyogi Park & Meiji Shrine nearby
- Great for: Shopaholics, trendsetters, young travelers
Average Hotel Price | $160 – $350/night |
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Nearest Stations | JR Shibuya, Shibuya (Ginza, Hanzomon, Fukutoshin), Meiji-Jingumae |
Top Attractions | Shibuya Crossing, Center-gai, Hachiko |
Atmosphere | Lively, youthful, international |
3. Asakusa – Best for Traditional Tokyo & Budget Stays
Step back in time at Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street. This area offers wallet-friendly guesthouses and a glimpse of old Edo.
- Historic sites: Senso-ji, Kaminarimon Gate
- River views: Sumida River cruises & Tokyo Skytree panorama
- Budget options: Hostels, ryokan, capsule hotels
- Great for: Culture seekers, budget travelers, families
Average Hotel Price | $60 – $150/night |
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Nearest Stations | Metro Asakusa (Ginza, Asakusa lines), Tobu Skytree |
Top Attractions | Senso-ji, Nakamise-dori, Sumida Park |
Language Support | Basic English signage, fewer staff |
4. Ginza – Best for Luxury & Fine Dining
Ginza is Tokyo’s premier shopping district with high-end boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and upscale hotels—ideal for luxury travelers.
- Luxury hotels & department stores: Mitsukoshi, Wako
- Fine dining: Sushi-Dai, Ginza Six gourmet floor
- Transport: Metro (Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya lines)
- Great for: High-end shoppers, foodies, business travelers
Average Hotel Price | $300 – $600/night |
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Nearest Stations | Ginza (Ginza/Marunouchi/Hibiya), Yurakucho |
Top Attractions | Ginza Six, Kabuki-za, luxury boutiques |
Atmosphere | Elegant, refined, cosmopolitan |
5. Roppongi – Best for Expat Community & Nightlife
Roppongi attracts expats with its international restaurants, art museums, and vibrant nightlife in Roppongi Hills and Tokyo Midtown.
- Art & culture: Mori Art Museum, National Art Center
- Nightlife: Clubs, bars, rooftop lounges
- Transport: Metro (Hibiya, Oedo), Toei Oedo Line
- Great for: Expats, party-goers, art lovers
Average Hotel Price | $200 – $450/night |
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Nearest Stations | Roppongi (Hibiya, Oedo), Azabu-juban |
Top Attractions | Roppongi Hills, Mori Tower, nightclubs |
Language Support | High—English menus & staff common |
Summary: Which Tokyo Neighborhood Is Right for You?
From Shinjuku’s nonstop energy to Asakusa’s historic charm, Tokyo has a neighborhood for every traveler:
- Budget travelers: Asakusa, Ueno
- Luxury seekers: Ginza, Marunouchi
- Nightlife lovers: Shinjuku, Roppongi
- Cultural explorers: Asakusa, Yanaka
- First-time visitors: Shibuya, Shinjuku
Consider your budget, interests, and transport needs to pick the perfect base for your Tokyo adventure.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the safest neighborhood in Tokyo?
Tokyo is extremely safe city-wide; upscale districts like Ginza and Marunouchi report very low crime rates.
Q2: Which area offers the best budget accommodations?
Asakusa and Ueno have numerous hostels and capsule hotels starting around $30/night.
Q3: Where can I find English-friendly hotels and staff?
Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Roppongi have the highest concentration of international hotels with English-speaking staff.