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Honest Advice for Where to Stay in Tokyo for First-Time & Repeat Travelers

Tokyo is a city that can feel like multiple cities folded over and over until something extraordinary is made. With its size and diversity, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to stay in this bustling metropolis. But fear not, for I am here to help you navigate and find the perfect place to rest your head after a long day exploring Japan’s capital.

As someone who has visited Tokyo multiple times and experienced it in different ways – as part of a couple, flying solo, for business, as part of a family/group, and on a budget – I can honestly recommend a list of hotels that I have personally stayed in. I am not here to promote free hotel stays; I am here to provide you with genuine advice based on my own experiences.

When choosing a place to stay, I believe that it should meet several criteria. It should be close to transportation, clean, within a reasonable walking distance to major attractions and eateries, and offer a balance between comfort and affordability. If these qualities resonate with you, then read on to discover some fantastic options for accommodations in Tokyo.

Park Hotel Tokyo, Minato

One of the coolest places to stay in Tokyo is Park Hotel Tokyo in Minato. It offers stunning panoramic views over train lines, Tokyo Tower, Zenko-ji Temple, and even Mt Fuji on a clear day. I treated myself to the Premium King room with panoramic windows, and waking up to Tokyo Tower and Mt Fuji in the distance was like living in a dream.

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Where to Stay in Tokyo: Park Hotel Tokyo, Minato
Waking up to Tokyo Tower & Mt Fuji over in the distance

Pro’s of Park Hotel Tokyo Minato:

  • Nearest Station/s: 1 min walk to Shiodome Metro Station & Shiodome Monorail Station, 5 mins walk to JR Shimbashi Station.
  • Points of interest: The quirky Ghibli clock is right outside, near cool and underrated Shimbashi area with plenty of local eateries and nightlife.
  • Best suited for: Solo, Couples, Business
  • Nearby konbini: Family Mart directly downstairs, 2 mins walk to Lawson around the corner.
  • Room tips: The King Panoramic Room is massive and features an oversized king bed facing Tokyo Tower. There are also beautiful Artist Rooms (Tokyo Tower Side) with murals painted on the walls, so unique! Art gallery walk throughout the hotel itself.
  • Other info: Friendly staff, amazing views of Tokyo Tower and southern Tokyo from the lobby.

Con’s of Park Hotel Tokyo Minato:

  • It can be confusing to navigate between Shiodome Station and Shimbashi Station, which are connected by different train lines. Renting portable wifi in Japan can help you get your bearings.
  • The hotel cannot guarantee a specific Art Room, but you can make a request.
  • One of the hotel entrances is on the 4th floor and is accessible via outdoor escalators and a boardwalk.

Shiba Park Hotel Minato

If you’re looking for convenience and comfort, Shiba Park Hotel in Minato is an excellent choice. The hotel lobby has a lovely atmosphere, and the rooms are clean and cozy. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the monorail, making it the most convenient place to stay in Tokyo for easy access to Haneda Airport.

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Zojo-ji and Tokyo Tower near the Shiba Park Hotel

Pro’s of Shiba Park Hotel Minato:

  • Nearest Station/s: 5 mins walk to Daimon Metro Station & 10 mins walk to Hamamatsuchō Monorail Station for easy access to Haneda Airport and Odaiba.
  • Points of interest: 10 mins walk to Tokyo Tower, 5 mins walk to Zenko-ji Temple & Shiba Park, 20 mins walk to Hamarikyu Gardens.
  • Best suited for: Solo, Couples, Budget
  • Nearby konbini: Family Mart directly opposite the front entrance.
  • Room tips: Decent-sized rooms for Tokyo standards.
  • Other info: Excellent buffet breakfast, quiet location.

Con’s of Shiba Park Hotel Minato:

  • It may feel a little far from the action.
  • The rooms may not have a real view.
  • There may not be much going on in the area at night.

Mercure Hotel Ginza メルキュール東京銀座

If you want to experience the vibrant Ginza area, Mercure Hotel Ginza is an excellent option. The hotel itself is lovely, and its location is super quiet. Although it is surrounded by tall buildings, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat in the middle of a bustling business district.

Ginza, Tokyo

Pro’s of Mercure Hotel Ginza:

  • Nearest Station/s: Excellent location 5 mins walk to Ginza Ichome Station – a great artery line for getting around and exploring Tokyo. 10 mins walk to JR Tokyo Station.
  • Points of interest: 15 mins walk to Nihonbashi, considered the “Center of Tokyo,” which is a cool little area. 15 mins walk to Tokyo Pokemon Centre.
  • Best suited for: Solo, Couples, Business
  • Nearby konbini: 1 min walk to Natural Lawson, 2 mins walk to 7-11.
  • Room tips: Very fresh, updated, and comfortable.
  • Other info: Super quiet location, especially at night.
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Con’s of Mercure Hotel Ginza:

  • The area leans more towards the pricier side.
  • The wide streets may feel more like New York than Tokyo.
  • There may not be many shops or eateries on the street of the hotel’s main entrance.
  • The rooms may not have real views, except for other tall buildings in the business area.

The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon Asakusa

For a taste of traditional Japan, Asakusa is a fantastic neighborhood to stay in Tokyo. The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon offers an incredible location just a few steps away from the impressive Kaminarimon Gate of Senso-ji Temple. The views from the lobby are breathtaking, making it one of the best places to stay in Tokyo.

Pro’s of The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon:

  • Nearest Station/s: Excellent location 2 mins walk to Asakusa Station on the Asakusa Line and Ginza Line. Handy for switching to the Keikyu Line for access to Haneda Airport.
  • Points of interest: 1 min walk to Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori & Asakusa Tourist Information Centre, 7 mins walk to Don Quijote Asakusa, 5 mins walk to Hoppy Street bars and countless izakaya.
  • Best suited for: Solo, Couples, Business
  • Nearby konbini: 2 mins walk to Family Mart on the opposite side of the street.
  • Room tips: Very fresh, brand new, comfortable beds with soft pillows.
  • Other info: Some noise travels at night, but the windows insulate against most of it. There is an outdoor rooftop bar with incredible views of the SkyTree and Senso-ji if you want to enjoy a drink with a view.

Con’s of The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon:

  • There may not be a storage cupboard with a coat rack in the room, but hooks on the wall in the hallway.
  • The only space to store a large suitcase may be in the hallway, but at least it is out of the way.
  • The hotel lobby is on the top floor, while the rooms are on the lower floors.
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Mimaru Tokyo Asakusa Station Apartment Hotel

Traveling with family or as a group can be challenging when it comes to finding suitable accommodations. Mimaru Tokyo Asakusa Station Apartment Hotel offers spacious rooms that can accommodate up to four adults and two children. It’s a fantastic option for not splitting up the group and provides stunning views of the SkyTree and the cityscape.

View from Mimaru Tokyo Asakusa Station Apartment Hotel

Pro’s of Mimaru Tokyo Asakusa Station Apartment Hotel:

  • Nearest Station/s: Just 1 minute walk to Asakusa Metro Station (accessible from two locations).
  • Points of interest: 3 mins walk to Senso-ji’s main Kaminorimon Gate and Nakamise-dori shopping street.
  • Best suited for: Families, Groups. Would suit Business or Couples if staying long-term.
  • Nearby konbini: Family Mart is at the hotel entrance.
  • Room tips: Ask for a River View room to enjoy the fantastic sights.
  • Other info: The rooftop observation deck is open until 22:00 daily if you don’t score a River View room.

Con’s of Mimaru Tokyo Asakusa Station Apartment Hotel:

  • Honestly, I didn’t experience any downsides. I was impressed with the staff, service, and fantastic location.

Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu

If you’re looking to explore beyond Tokyo, Yokohama is a great option just 30 minutes south of Tokyo Station. Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu offers panoramic views over Yokohama Bay and the iconic Ferris Wheel. The city has its own train station, making it a convenient base to explore both Yokohama and Tokyo.

View from Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu

Pro’s of Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu:

  • Nearest Station/s: 5 mins walk to Minato Mirai Metro Station (accessible from within the lower hotel), 10 mins walk to JR Sakuragicho Station.
  • Points of interest: 7 mins walk to the Cup Noodle Museum, 5 mins walk to Landmark Tower or Cosmoworld, 15 mins walk to Chinatown or Yokohama Air Cabin (gondola).
  • Best suited for: Solo, Couples, Business
  • Nearby konbini: 5 mins walk to Family Mart, 7-11, or Lawson towards the rear of the hotel.
  • Room tips: One of the best places to stay in Tokyo for huge rooms, and the fresh air from the balcony is a nice change! Enjoy one of the best views of Yokohama, especially at night.
  • Other info: Late checkout from 11 am to 1 pm is only 1,000 yen.
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Con’s of Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu:

  • The area may have more globalized eateries than small local establishments.
  • Checking in and out may take a while due to the hotel’s size.

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

If you’re like me and appreciate rooms with a view, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu is the place for you. Located in the heart of Shibuya, this hotel offers incredible views of the famous Shibuya Crossing and the city skyline. It’s my top pick for where to stay in Shibuya.

Where to Stay in Tokyo: Shibuya Excel Tokyu Hotel
View from the Corner Room

Pro’s of Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu:

  • Nearest Station/s: JR Shibuya Station, Shibuya Metro Station directly opposite the hotel.
  • Points of interest: Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Sky & Shibuya Scramble Square, Shibuya Centre-gai. Close to funky Dougenzaka streets and Love Hotel Hill.
  • Best suited for: Solo, Couples, Business
  • Nearby konbini: There is food everywhere! Try the underground maze of eateries in Food Show Shibuya.
  • Room tips: Ask for a large corner room for a view over Shibuya Crossing.
  • Other info: Towers above Shibuya Scramble crossing, incredible views as far as Shinjuku.

Con’s of Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu:

  • It may be difficult to find the entry at first, as there are no signs on street level. Stay to the left and go up the escalators when entering Shibuya Mark Square from Shibuya station.
  • There may be some background noise from the TV billboards and traffic from the ground level.

To summarize, the best areas to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors or repeat travelers are Shibuya, Asakusa, and Minato. These neighborhoods offer a combination of convenience, attractions, and a glimpse into traditional and modern Japan. Choose the area that suits your preferences and start exploring the wonders of Tokyo.

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Remember, this is just a selection of fantastic hotels in Tokyo, and there are many more options to discover. Whether you’re captivated by the mesmerizing city views or want to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture, Tokyo has something for everyone.

While you’re here, why not check out my other travel guides and itineraries for Japan? I have covered everything from trip planning to packing tips and cultural etiquette. Join me on my social media platforms for more Japan inspiration, and share this guide with your friends who are planning a trip to Tokyo. Happy travels!

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