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The Top Tokyo Hotels in Each Must-See Neighborhood

Tokyo Epic Stays
by Hannah D. Cooper Aug 1, 2023

Choosing where to stay in Tokyo – the largest city on the planet – can feel like a minefield. Look one way and you’ll find lantern-lit alleyways and Shinto shrines peeking out from behind evergreens. Turn the other and you’ve got neck-creaking skyscrapers and streets drenched in neon. Divided into 23 special wards and countless districts and unique neighborhoods, the Tokyo hotel scene is equally dynamic and you’ll want to find lodging that reflects your beat.

Catering to all travel styles and budgets, the best hotels in Tokyo are inclusive of 5-star properties, family-owned inns, and capsule hostels. Scattered across the inner wards, these Tokyo hotels place you near the city’s most bewitching attractions.

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We hope you love the Tokyo hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Best Hotels in Shinjuku, Tokyo

Fast-paced Shinjuku is where to stay in Tokyo for neon lights and late nights. By day this commercial hub is abuzz with shoppers chasing the latest gadgets and fashions while nightlife revolves around the pint-sized taverns in Golden Gai. On the other hand, this central ward is equally well-provisioned with green spaces, Shinto shrines, and museums.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

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  • Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-8330, Japan
  • Rates from: $319/night

Keio Plaza Hotel is one of the best hotels in Tokyo with a swimming pool. Rooms get progressively swanker the higher you travel and the poolside accommodations are a great shout in summer. All units come stocked with L’Occitane bathing products and a Bose Bluetooth speaker as well as yukata pajamas – the staple of a premier hotel in Japan.

This culture-focused Tokyo hotel offers a traditional Japanese tea ceremony year-round. As Keio Plaza is part of the “Disney Resort Good Neighbor” scheme, you can take advantage of a free shuttle to and from Disneyland Tokyo.

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Park Hyatt Hotel Tokyo

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  • Address: 3-7-1-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 163-1055, Japan
  • Rates from: $849/night

Also known as the “Lost in Translation” hotel, the rooftop jazz bar at the Park Hyatt Tokyo was the third character in the 2003 movie. Straddling the top 14 floors of a 52-story building, this luxury hotel in Tokyo’s Skyscraper District grants a glimpse of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Rooms are furnished with original art pieces while fancier suites feature a cypress tub, grand pianos, or library.

One of the most family-friendly Tokyo hotels in Shinjuku, all rooms at the Park Hyatt come with craft packs and baby gear. Trusted in-room childcare is available while you sneak upstairs to clink cocktails in the iconic New York Bar.

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Hotels in Ginza, Tokyo

Chuo’s Ginza neighborhood is where to stay in Tokyo for high-brow leisure. The realm of posh malls, award-winning restaurants, and 5-star hotels in Tokyo, this polished enclave is recommended for travelers not constrained by budget. Staying in a Ginza hotel makes it easy to explore Tokyo Bay and watch the pros in action at the Tsukiji Fish Market.

Imperial Hotel Tokyo

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  • Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Uchisaiwaicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8558, Japan
  • Rates from: $376/night

Tokyo’s number one luxury hotel is steps from the East Gardens. Lifting its name from the official residence of Japan’s royal family, the Imperial Hotel Tokyo is the go-to for heads of state and guests of the emperor. Understated rooms appear simple at first glance, yet all amenities are first-rate and the omotenashi standard is unsurpassed.

Facilities at the Imperial Hotel extend to an indoor swimming pool, fitness suite, spa, and childcare room attended by certified staff members. Dining varies from casual sushi joints to Michelin-starred French cuisine. At the very least, make time to nurse a Mount Fuji cocktail in the Old Imperial Bar.

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Park Hotel Tokyo

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  • Address: 1-7-1 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Shiodome Media Tower, Tokyo, 105-7227, Japan
  • Rates from: $190/night

One of the coolest hotels in Ginza, the Park Hotel Tokyo is devoted to Japanese art and design. One floor is dedicated to bespoke Artist Rooms where murals are painted directly onto the walls with no two units being the same. Regular rooms make use of the cityscape through panoramic windows and any stay can be enhanced with an in-room massage.

Dining at the Park Hotel follows the artistic theme, with creative bites that look far too good to eat (yet taste even better than they look). Overlooking the Tokyo Tower, the residents-only lounge sports a self-service wine machine – or sake for the adventurous.

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Where to Stay in Shibuya, Tokyo

South of Shinjuku, the special ward of Shibuya will send your head spinning with its chaotic pedestrian crossing and the colorful kawaii cute culture of Harajuku. Close to Yoyogi Park, hotels in Shibuya are a top contender when visiting Tokyo during cherry blossom season – followed swiftly by the bloom of irises at Meiji Shrine.

Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

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  • Address: 26-1 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8512, Japan
  • Rates from: $321/night

Soaring above the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel stuns with its killer views. Slip into your complimentary pajamas, brew a green tea, and witness golden hour from the comfort of your lofty chamber. All units come with a startling perspective over the city, bay, or – in some cases – Mount Fuji.

This 5-star Tokyo hotel features an adults-only indoor swimming pool and hot tub bathed in natural light. Other wellness amenities include a gym, indoor and outdoor yoga studios, a sauna, and massage therapies. By night, tune into up-and-coming artists at the hotel’s jazz bar.

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Trunk Hotel

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  • Address: 5-31 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001, Japan
  • Rates from: $438/night

With only 15 units in total, the most appealing rooms at the Trunk Hotel open out onto a private terrace. In addition to the standard guest rooms, lofts with kitchens and additional living space create a Tokyo Airbnb experience with all the perks of a luxury hotel. Accommodating up to four guests, these units blend Japanese and Western styling and feature a chic subway-tile bathroom.

Cooked breakfast, all-day dining, and cocktails are served in the atmospheric lounge of one of the best boutique hotels in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward. Pay attention to the decor: upcycling is the theme and you’ll spot stools crafted from wine corks.

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Best Hotel near Tokyo Station

Although Marunouchi is the official designation for Tokyo Central Station, the neighborhood also goes by Tokyo Station City. This is where Shinkansen trains bolt for greener pastures and other major urban zones. As well as coming in handy for an early or late departure, Tokyo Station hotels put you next to Ginza and the Imperial Gardens.

Palace Hotel Tokyo

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  • Address: 1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 100-0005, Japan
  • Rates from: $693/night

A five-minute walk from Tokyo Station and the East Gardens, the Palace Hotel Tokyo gives you a moatside setting inches from the ruins of Edo Castle. Earthy hues and organic materials accent the rooms while south-facing domains come with a balcony peering over Wadakura Fountain. Standard rooms are stocked with premium amenities while suites push the boat out with jetted baths and club privileges.

This luxury hotel near Tokyo Station has a full spa, indoor pool, and fitness center. A haven of velvet and ebony, the Royal Bar is an intimate spot for a martini before venturing out into nocturnal Tokyo.

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Best Asakusa Hotels for “Old Tokyo”

East of Ueno Park, Asakusa is like stepping back into yesterday. High-rises are replaced with ornate shrines and temples and the laid-back izakaya taverns of Hoppy Street. This district is one of the best places to experience a traditional ryokan in Tokyo. These Asakusa hotels place you near Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensō-ji, and the historic sights of Ueno.

The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic

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  • Address: 2-16-11 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0034
  • Rates from: $187/night

One of the best places to stay in Tokyo for sightseeing, the Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic is a 10-minute walk from Sensō-ji. Modern rooms are appointed with luxurious Sunderland mattresses and Nespresso coffee makers. Classy rooms provide extra living space while balcony rooms have awesome views over Kaminarimon Street.

Exclusively for hotel guests, the rooftop bar gazes over Asakusa towards the Tokyo Skytree. This hotel works in partnership with local businesses to help you plan such pursuits as geisha dances, taiyaki-making classes, and rickshaw rides. In terms of getting around, the Asakusa and Ginza lines have you more than covered.

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APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi-Ekimae

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  • Address: Nishia Asakusa 1-2-3, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 111-0035, Japan
  • Rates from: $87/night

“Always Pleasant Amenities” is the thinking behind any APA Tokyo hotel. The spa suite at the APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi-Ekimae is the star of the show and reason alone to make a reservation. Technically, these hot tubs aren’t of onsen status as the water is mineral-free. But, after a day or two trawling the sights, your muscles will appreciate a dunk.

Although rooms are on the smaller size at the APA Asakusa, they’re thoughtfully supplied and you’ll sleep undisturbed in these comfy beds. All in all, this is one of the best hotels in Tokyo with onsen without a hefty price tag.

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Best hotel in Akihabara, Tokyo

The face of modern Japan, Akihabara is one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for anime, manga, video games, and pop culture. Other than rooting around for bargains in discount electronic stores, slurping coffee in cosplay cafes and go-karting are on the table in Tokyo’s Electric City. Geared toward budget travelers, accommodation in Akihabara is focused on capsule hotels and hostels.

JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara

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  • Address: 1 Chome-17-4 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
  • Rates from: $131/night

JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara is one of the best Akihabara hotels if you’re all about creature comforts. Fuss-free and squeaky clean, contemporary rooms cater to shoestring or solo travelers. Given its popularity with business travelers, expedited check-in and nutrient-packed breakfast are available. Deluxe rooms come with a sunny balcony while all have a fridge and bedside charging points.

The stores of Akihabara are right on the doorstep, alongside bunny cafes and the stunning Kanda Shrine. Attached to Akihabara Station, you’ll have the wider Tokyo area at your fingertips.

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Hotels in Minato, Tokyo

The Minato special ward is one of the best places to stay in Tokyo for a mix of culture, greenery, and nightlife. To the north, Akasaka and Roppongi spring to life after hours. Staying around Shiba Park puts you a stone’s throw from Zojo-ji Temple and Tokyo Tower.

The Prince Park Tower Tokyo

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  • Address: 4-8-1 Shibakoen Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8563
  • Rates from: $329/night

One of the best 5-star hotels in Tokyo for families, the Prince Park Tower sits at the southern end of Shiba Park. Thirty-three floors of guest rooms and restaurants let you take your pick from close-ups of the Tokyo Tower or an aerial perspective of Minato. Standard rooms do the trick but upgrading to the upper floor levels comes with the perk of a butler service or club benefits.

Open seasonally, the garden pool at the Prince Park Tower Tokyo is joined by a separate pool for kids. There’s a bevy of eateries on the premises across fine dining, al fresco cafe fare, and a tea salon.

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Nine Hours Sleep Lab Akasaka

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  • Address: 4-3-14 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 107-0052, Japan
  • Rates from: $93/night

Popular with traveling business people and commuters who sacrificed an early night for karaoke, the Tokyo capsule hotel concept also comes in handy for budget travelers. Two minutes from Akasaka Station, Nine Hours Akasaka provides nap and overnight capsule lodging to men and women on single-sex floors.

One of the most affordable Tokyo hotels, your sci-fi chic cocoon at Nine Hours has adjustable lighting, high-tech pillows, charging outlets, and posh cosmetics for use in shared bathrooms. At check-out, you’ll be presented with a report detailing your sleep quality. If you’d rather not know how much you snore, you can opt out.

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Hotel New Otani Tokyo Executive House Zen

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  • Address: 4-1 Kioi-Cho, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 102-8578 ,Japan
  • Rates from: $511/night

On the cusp of Akasaka, Shibuya, and Shinjuku, the Hotel New Otani Executive House Zen is one of the best Tokyo hotels for first-time visitors. Ginza and the Imperial Gardens are short hops on the subway.

Set in its own 10-acre Japanese garden with a waterfall, this 5-star hotel in Tokyo is home to the largest outdoor swimming pool in the city. Wall-to-wall windows in designer rooms command a view of the flora or the cityscape. The Japanese Suite with tatami flooring provides the experience of a luxury Tokyo ryokan. Dining is spread across 37 on-site restaurants including the Sky Bar where you can sip sake or shochu.

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Best Hotel for Tokyo Disneyland

Technically, Tokyo Disneyland is situated in the city of Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture. Ever-efficient transport links from central Tokyo hotels to Maihama Station take the hassle out of reaching the resort. Guaranteed to cast its spell on you, there’s no better place to get your beauty sleep than at the hotel closest to Tokyo Disneyland.

Tokyo Disneyland Hotel

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  • Address: 29-1, Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba, 279-8505, Japan
  • Rates from: $590/night

Minutes from Maihama Station and the entrance, the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel is the natural choice of accommodation near the family resort. This fantastical property is an extension of the amusement park complete with themed rooms peeping into the grounds. Keep an eye out for shifting moveables in the Beauty and the Beast chamber or mind what you drink if you check into the Alice in Wonderland room.

Communal areas include a palatial lobby, fairytale gardens, and a seasonal swimming pool. The front desk can hook you up with a one or two-day passport to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea.

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Which area in Tokyo is best for tourists to stay in?

Deciding where to stay in Tokyo will depend on how you’re planning to spend your time. The Ginza and Marunouchi neighborhoods are convenient for the principal points of interest, shopping, and Tokyo Station. Hotels in Asakusa are best for Old Tokyo vibes and traditional culture while Akasaka and Roppongi are nightlife hubs. Shinjuku gives you a mix of everything and is a solid starting point for a first trip to Tokyo.

How much is the average hotel in Tokyo?

The cost of a hotel in Tokyo depends on the area and time of your visit. A night in a mid-range hotel in a cool neighborhood will cost $150-200. A stay at a luxury hotel in Tokyo can cost $350-500 per night – fluctuating at peak times. A night in a capsule hotel in Tokyo will cost less than $100 per night. Ryokan homestay inns in Tokyo are a money-saving alternative to hotels.

How much does an average meal cost in Tokyo?

As with the cost of a Tokyo hotel, the price of a meal in the Japanese capital varies significantly. A casual lunch or dinner at a hole-in-the-wall will set you back around $10-$20 (1,400-2,800 yen) while ordering a bite from a vending machine will cost even less. Dining at one of Tokyo’s innumerable fine-dining venues can soon wrack up a bill of over $200 (28,000 yen) per head. However, there is a surprising number of affordable Michelin-starred restaurants where you can go gourmet for $50 (7,000 yen).

Where to avoid staying in Tokyo?

Japan is known for its phenomenal safety record. When choosing where to stay in Tokyo, the nightlife hubs of Shinjuku and Roppongi are where you’re at heightened risk of petty crime while pickpocketing is more likely in crowded stations and tourist spots. In order to avoid tedious commutes, you’ll want to stick to the five central wards and choose a Tokyo hotel near a subway station.

What is the most beautiful neighborhood in Tokyo?

All of Tokyo’s neighborhoods have their unique charms. Asakusa and Ueno are the best places to stay in Tokyo for traditional sights including Shinto shrines and lantern-strewn sidestreets. Shibuya and Shinjuku juxtapose green spaces where springtime cherry blossoms flower with the avant-garde beauty of the city.

What is the most walkable neighborhood in Tokyo?

Although you’ll need to rely on the subway for longer distances, the central Tokyo neighborhoods are walkable. The best enclaves to explore on foot include old-worldly Asakusa and Ueno while parts of the bayside Koto ward are designed for waterfront wanders. The commercial districts of Ginza and Shinjuku feature pedestrian-friendly sidewalks.

What is the fancy neighborhood in Tokyo?

Often equated with New York City’s Fifth Avenue, Ginza is the most refined neighborhood in Tokyo. This is where you’ll find some of the best 5-star hotels in Tokyo.

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