Where to stay in Tokyo? Japan’s capital Tokyo has so many things to do, from the weird and wonderful to some excellent night-time activities.
There are so many cool neighborhoods in Tokyo, from historic districts like Asakusa to hipster hang-outs like Harajuku that deciding where to stay in Tokyo can be challenging (especially if you are on a tight budget or short on time).
First time visitors to Tokyo are also in for such a treat – friendly locals, incredible food, 24-7 night-life, so many shopping districts and Kawaii districts are all on offer.
We’ve spent many weeks in Tokyo over the years and these would be our recommended places to stay in Tokyo from famous places (Shibuya and Shinjuku) through to some of the more emerging Tokyo places to stay like super-cool Shimokitazawa or the historic home of sumo wrestling, Ryogoku.
We also like Akabane as an under the tourist radar Tokyo neighborhood.
Here is our guide to the best places to stay in Tokyo / top 12 Tokyo neighborhoods to visit.
This article was originally published on 24 June 2024.
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Where to stay in Tokyo summary
Jump straight to the best Tokyo neighbourhoods to stay in:
| Tokyo Neighbourhood | Why stay in this Tokyo Neighbourhood? |
|---|---|
| Asakusa | Historical neighbourhood that is perfect area for first time visitors to Tokyo with a central location, excellent transport links, multiple affordable hotels and tasty street food. |
| Ueno | A cool combination of outdoor spots (Ueno Park), cultural sites like Tokyo National Museum and excellent eateries. A Tokyo cherry blossom hotspot. |
| Ginza | Busy neighbourhood with luxury department stores, fine dining and bars |
| Shinjuku | Popular area with excellent transport links, multiple hotels, skyscrapers, great nightlife, department stores and neon lit streets. |
| Akihabara | Known as Electric Town, this neon lit area is great for arcades, electronics, manga and anime shopping. |
| Ikebukuro | Business district with great shopping, entertainment, nightlife and inexpensive hotels. |
| Odaiba | An artificial island located in Tokyo Bay, this area is packed with family friendly attractions and shopping malls. |
| Ryogoku | Quiet neighbourhood a short walk away from Asakusa with inexpensive hotels, pretty gardens and the home of sumo wrestling. |
| Shibuya | Popular with youngsters, this neighbourhood has heaps of shopping, restaurants, izakayas and nightclubs, and is famous for it’s Shibuya crossing. |
| Akabane | An under the radar Tokyo neighborhood with cheaper hotels and local izakayas – not so many tourists (yet). |
| Shimokitazawa | Hipster bohemian neighbourhood with vintage shopping, cafes, quirky bars and music venues. |
| Harajuku | Famous for youth culture, fashion and cute cafes, this area is packed with locals and tourists shopping for Kawaii items. |
Our first recommended best place to stay in Tokyo
1. Asakusa, Tokyo
Asakusa is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for
- First time visitors to Tokyo
- Culture vultures and suckers for shrines
- Riverside walks and ferries to Odaiba or Ryogoku
- Traditional experiences like kimono rental and rickshaws
- Old school shopping
Asakusa in Tokyo is a rich mix of the old and new Japan, where the remains of Tokyo’s old Shitamachi city and historic temples combine with tall skyscrapers and an epic entertainment district.
Asakusa is perhaps most famous for the Senso-ji Temple and its extensive grounds but there is so much more to do.
Asakusa Highlights
Sensō-ji
Tokyo’s most beautiful urban temple, Sensō-ji was first established in 645 AD making it Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist shrine.
NinjaBar Asakusa
Heard about the ‘underground’ ninja bar in Tokyo? Beneath Asakusa’s streets lies a very unique and unusual thing to do in Tokyo – the subterranean NinjaBar. Read more in our guide here >
Asakusa Nishi-sandō
This Asakusa shopping street dates back to the 1950s is an all weather affair, with dozens of shops, izakaya bars and restaurants under one roof.
Asakusa Observatory
The best way to get a feel for the whole area from up high – head to the free Asakusa Observatory atop the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center.
Check out more things to do in Asakusa here including the nearby Kappabashi Kitchen Street/
Accommodation in Asakusa, Tokyo
Hotels and accommodation in Asakusa, Tokyo include:
Budget ($)
Sakura Hostel Asakusa
Hostel with with English speaking staff offering both dorms and private twin rooms, communal kitchen and lounge. Check rates and availability on hostelworld.com, agoda.com, trip.com and expedia.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Hotel Gracery Asakusa
Popular hotel chain with functional rooms, located a short walk away from the metro station and Sensō-ji temple. We stayed here and loved the central location. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, trip.com and expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic
Modern and stylish hotel with dark-wood furnishings, located a 2-minute walk from the subway station. Facilities include a French cuisine restaurant with outdoor roof terrace. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, trip.com and expedia.com
Check out the best hotels in Asakusa via Booking.com >
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2. Ueno
Ueno is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for:
- Ueno Park (one of Tokyo’s best city cherry blossom spots)
- Culture vultures and families (Tokyo’s biggest zoo is here)
- Travellers who like markets, street life and street food
- Easy access from Tokyo Narita Airport on the direct Skyliner train
Famous for its big outdoor park and boating lake, Ueno is a cool mix of city life and alfresco escapism. Popular with local families year round, Ueno Park is especially busy during hannam / cherry blossom season when the sakura springs forth – truly pretty in pink.
Ueno Highlights
Tokyo National Museum
The largest art museum in the whole of Japan and considered a must visit museum. Or visit the National Museum of Nature and Science.
Ueno Park
Explore by foot, birdwatch or do it in style and get out on the water on a giant swan pedalo.
Ameyoko Street
A melting pot of amazing food, fashion and sneaker shops, bars and clubs enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Accommodation in Ueno
Hotels and accommodation in Ueno, Tokyo include:
Mid-Range ($$)
Hotel Sunroute Stellar Ueno
Located a 2-minute walk from Ueno Station, this highly rated hotel is compact yet comfortable. There is an on-site restaurant which serves a breakfast buffet. Check rates and availability on booking.com, expedia.com, agoda.com and trip.com
Luxury ($$$)
Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno
4 star hotel with contemporary design located close to Ueno Station. Facilities include an on-site Italian restaurant and breakfast buffet. Some rooms have panda theming! Check rates and availability on booking.com, expedia.com, agoda.com and trip.com
3. Ginza, Tokyo (Shopping Heaven)
Ginza is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for:
- Shopping and luxury services – so many Tokyo malls!
- Exploring Tsukiji Outer Market / Fish Market
- Nearby green spaces and parks
- Fine dining
- Seeing Tokyo from up high (there are several rooftop gardens)
Ginza is a gem of a Tokyo neighborhood with many things to do and a rich mix of shopping, street-food and sightseeing.
But whilst everyone associates Ginza with malls and sleek skyscrapers, there are lots of gorgeous green spaces like Hamarikyu Garden and Hibiya Park to also enjoy.
Ginza Highlights
The World’s Biggest UNIQLO store
There is so much shopping in Ginza but UNIQLO Ginza takes it to another level – 12 levels actually as this is the world’s biggest UNIQLO. Read our guide here >
Ginza Lion
Like taking a step back in time, Ginza Lion is Japan’s oldest beer-hall. Built in the 1930s and now a listed building, it is almost like a little piece of Germany in Ginza. Read our guide here >
Studio Ghibli Clock Tokyo NTV
Did you know one of Tokyo’s best Studio Ghibli attractions is the giant Studio Ghibli Clock Tokyo NTV, designed by Hayao Miyazaki, Ghibli’s founder. Read our guide here >
Tsukiji Outer Market
One of the best known Tokyo fish markets is a short walk from Ginza, Tsukiji Outer Market (formerly Tsukiji Fish Market) bustling with stalls inside and out (such fresh sashimi)! Read our guide here >
Check out more things to do in Ginza, Tokyo here >
Accommodation in Ginza
Hotels and accommodation in Ginza, Tokyo include:
Mid-Range ($$)
remm plus Ginza
Highly rated modern and stylish 4 star hotel with massage chairs. Close to multiple subway stations. Check rates and availability on booking.com, expedia.com, agoda.com and trip.com
Luxury ($$$)
The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic
New upscale hotel located minutes away from the subway station with modern rooms and suites. Facilities include a restaurant/bar and fitness center: Check rates and availability on booking.com, expedia.com, agoda.com and trip.com
Check out the best hotels in Ginza via Booking.com >
Check out our guide to the best hotels in Ginza for all budgets >
4. Shinjuku, Tokyo
Shinjuku is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for:
- Night owls, bar hopping and iconic izakayas
- Kabukicho and the adult entertainment side of Tokyo
- Karaoke and pachinko parlours
- Getting up close with Godzilla
Shinjuku shines at night! One of Tokyo’s most dazzling districts (and with the world’s busiest train station), Shinjuku is packed full of interesting activities and things to do.
From the atmospheric alleyways of Golden Gai and Omoide Yokochō through to the night-time sights and sounds of Kabukichō and karaoke, Shinjuku is a top Tokyo neighborhood to stay in and explore.
Shinjuku Highlights
Omoide Yokochō (AKA P*ss alley)
Omoide Yokochō means ‘Memory Lane’ in Japanese and started life as quite a notorious black market hang-out full of illicit back-street bars in the 1940s. It is now a characterful alley full of dimly lit bars and small izakayas and smoking BBQs.
Shinjuku Golden Gai
Golden Gai is a series of narrow alleyways and streets packed full of small hole-in-the-wall style bars and tiny taprooms. Golden Gai comes alive at night with buzzing bars, popular pubs and small sake sipping spaces (try saying that after a few highballs).
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
The top floor has a popular free viewing area and deck where you can see the Tokyo cityscape unfurl before you. Plus if you are lucky (like we were), you can even see Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Shinjuku Godzilla Head
Perhaps the most famous sight and attraction in Shinjuku, the ‘roarsome’ Godzilla head sits atop Hotel Gracery Shinjuku and the Shinjuku Toho Building, looking out across Tokyo’s sublime cityscape.
Check out more things to do in Shinjuku, Tokyo here >
Accommodation in Shinjuku
Hotels and accommodation in Shinjuku Tokyo include:
Budget ($)
Premier Hotel Cabin Shinjuku
Cheap and cheerful hotel centrally located in Kabukichō. The rooms were quite small and dated but functional. Check rates and availability for Premier Hotel Cabin Shinjuku on booking.com / agoda.com / expedia.com / trip.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (AKA Shinjuku Godzilla)
Popular hotel with a terrace that has a giant Godzilla head! Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Luxury ($$$)
Hilton Tokyo Hotel
Luxury 5 star hotel located in west Shinjuku, with indoor pool, sauna, fitness centre, salon, restaurants and a free shuttle to the train station. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Check out the best hotels in Shinjuku via Booking.com >
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CoCo Ichibanya >
Denny’s >
Kura Sushi >
Matsunoya Tonkatsu >
Mister Donut >
Saizeriya >
5. Akihabara, Tokyo (AKA Electric Town)
Akihabara is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for
- Anime and Manga fans
- Gadget geeks and cosplay chic
- Late night fun from karaoke to gaming arcades
One of Tokyo’s best neighborhoods to explore by night, Akihabara is the ultimate place to release your inner ‘otaku’ and get your geek on. The Akihabara anime scene is epic and it is a 24/7 district (not to mention the spiritual home of AKB48 J-pop idols).
It also has the highest concentration of maid cafes and manga stores plus gachapon and gaming arcades galore.
Akihabara Highlights
Mandarake Complex Akihabara
The Mandarake Complex in Akihabara is one of the area’s biggest pre-owned / second hand retailers of manga, anime and collectibles. Check out our guide to Mandarake stores here >
Kanda Shrine
Everyone associates Akihabara with anime / gaming stores and bright lights, busy roads but you can have a moment of peace and tranquility at the Kanda Shrine.
2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan
A cute shopping center underneath some railway arches featuring dozens of boutique shops and artisan crafts – a nice way to escape the hustle and hustle of ‘Electric Town’ – check out our guide to 2k540 Aki-Oka Artisan here >
Karaoke in Akihabara
Karaoke is commonplace in Tokyo / Japan but Akihabara has its fair share of karaoke booths and lounges (over 10 on our last count).
Check out more things to do in Akihabara, Tokyo here >
Accommodation in Akihabara, Tokyo
Hotels and accommodation in Akihabara, Tokyo include:
Budget ($)
Hotel Plus Hostel Tokyo Akihabara
Popular hostel with both dorms and private rooms, plus a spacious shared lounge, kitchen and laundry. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Mid-Range ($$)
The Tourist Hotel & Cafe Akihabara
Highly rated 3 star hotel located close to Akihabara station. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Luxury ($$$)
Nohga Hotel Akihabara Tokyo
Stylish 4 star hotel located in the heart of Akihabara with contemporary restaurant/bar and gym. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Check out the best hotels in Akihabara via Booking.com >
Love cute and ‘kawaii’ stores in Japan?
Check out our shopping guides!
• Tokyo Character Street stores
• Studio Ghibli stores
• Don Quijote stores
• Doraemon Future Department store
• B-Side Label stores
• Mandarake stores
• Best Gachapon Capsule toys
• Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo
Plus our guide to the best kawaii things to do in Tokyo >
6. Ikebukuro, Tokyo
Ikebukuro is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for:
- Late night fun and interesting bars (yep, and love hotels)
- BIG things – Japan’s largest gachapon store and Pokémon Center Mega
- Japan chain shops and restaurants like Don Quijote or Kura Sushi
- Fun attractions like Namjatown or the Swallowtail Butler Cafe
Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district is fun to visit day or night and home to massive malls, Kawaii pop-ups, gaming arcades galore plus some of Tokyo’s more unusual activities.
A popular retail destination and geek chic center, Ikebukuro comes alive in the evenings with neon nights, ‘red lights’ and traditional Japanese bites. We stayed in Ikebukuro for a week and definitely found it full of life and one of the more ‘interesting’ places to stay in Tokyo.
Ikebukuro Highlights
Ikebukuro Nightlife
Perhaps best known for its late night bars, night-clubs and adult clubs, Ikebukuro is an izakaya hot-spot, plus there are some very playful bars at night like the one with girls dressed as Playboy bunnies trying to beckon you in.
Mega Pokémon Center Ikebukuro
Nintend-oh! Pokémon Center Mega Ikebukuro is one of Japan’s biggest Pokémon stores – because you’ve gotta catch ‘em all! It even has a Pokémon cafe – read our guide here >
We Road Street Art Toilet Tunnel
No, you aren’t imagining things – one of Tokyo’s unlikeliest tourist attractions is the Ikebukuro Zoshigaya Tunnel and toilet block. Honestly, we aren’t taking the p*ss. It is a colorful alleyway and toilet block that is very ‘convenient’ to visit.
Check out more things to do in Ikebukuro, Tokyo here >
Accommodation in Ikebukuro
Hotels and accommodation in Ikebukuro, Tokyo include:
Budget ($)
HOTEL MYSTAYS Higashi Ikebukuro
Modern budget rooms located in a quiet area close to Mukohara Station. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Mid Range ($$)
Sunshine City Prince Hotel Ikebukuro
Popular 4 star hotel located inside the Sunshine City complex. Facilities include four restaurants and a 24-hour convenience store. Check rates and availability on agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Luxury ($$$)
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
Clean and comfortable 4 star hotel with large rooms (some with Mount Fuji views) and located close to the train station. Check rates and availability on agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Check out the best hotels in Ikebukuro via Booking.com >
7. Odaiba, Tokyo
Odaiba is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for
- Waterside views and city beaches
- Shopping malls and retail therapy
- Cute and Kawaii shops plus lots of fun for families
- Immersive Tokyo events and experiences
Odaiba in Tokyo is known for its incredible views, seaside sight-seeing and weird and wonderful tourist attractions – it is also one of the best places to stay in Tokyo with families.
An artificial island in Tokyo Bay looking out towards Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba has lots of oddball things to do, from an immersive fort through to a poop museum and a giant Gundam statue which transforms several times a day.
Odaiba Highlights
Odaiba Statue of Liberty
No, you aren’t seeing things – there really is a replica, scaled down version of the Statue of Liberty in Odaiba. It was unveiled over 20 years ago as a sign of appreciation to the people of France for the ongoing positive relationship between Japan and France – sugoi!
Doraemon Future Department Store
Japan’s only official Doraemon store, this is Tokyo’s best destination for Doraemon devotees and official merchandise. As well as customizable merch, there are also fun immersive Doraemon games for kids to play. Read our guide here >
Unicorn Gundam Statue
20 metres high and a towering presence, this massive mecha model is a lifesize RX-0 Unicorn Gundam replica that springs into life every hour, gathering a huge crowd. Read more in our Gundam statue guide >
Fuji Television Headquarters “HACHITAMA” Spherical Observation Room
For spectacular views of Odaiba, Tokyo Bay (and possibly even Mount Fuji on a clear day), head on up to the the 25th floor of Fuji TV’s Odaiba headquarters to see their super sky deck. Check out our guide to Tokyo’s best observation decks >
Check out more things to do in Odaiba, Tokyo here >
Accommodation in Odaiba
Hotels and accommodation in Odaiba, Tokyo include:
Mid-Range ($$)
Far East Village Hotel Tokyo Ariake
Popular and affordable 3 star hotel with compact rooms (including family rooms). Close to the monorail station, malls and multiple attractions. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Luxury ($$$)
Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
Highly rated luxury hotel with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay from the upper floors. Facilities include 9 restaurants and bars, seasonal outdoor pool, gym, spa and acupuncture center. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Check out the best hotels in Odaiba via Booking.com >
8. Ryogoku, Tokyo
Ryogoku is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for
- Sumo wrestling fans
- One of Tokyo’s quieter neighborhoods with great transport links
- Riverside walks and water ferries to Odaiba and Asakusa
- One of Tokyo’s better APA Hotels offering incredible views at cheap prices
Ryogoku may not be the first Tokyo neighborhood you instantly think of, but it has sumo-sized bags of character and is the historic home of Japanese sumo wrestling in Tokyo.
With its riverside setting and direct access to Asakusa and Odaiba by boat (plus cheaper than average hotel rates), Ryogoku is one of the best Tokyo neighborhoods to stay in.
Ryogoku Highlights
Ryogoku Kokugikan National Sumo Stadium
Kokugikan National Sumo Arena is the home of sumo wrestling in Tokyo with all sumo wrestling bouts and Grand Tournaments are held here. This was one of the best things we ever did in Japan. Read our guide to getting Tokyo sumo tickets here >
Beer Club Popeyes Craft Beer Bar
Kanpai, Beer Club Popeye’s – this is one of our favourite craft beer bars in Tokyo. They often have around 70 different beers available on tap alone, plus the best happy hour in Tokyo. Check our Tokyo craft beer bar guide here >
Ryogoku Edo Noren
Want to see a life sized sumo ring or enjoy a variety of Tokyo cuisines? Located inside Ryogoku JR station, Ryogoku Edo Noren is a cultural and culinary complex looking to combine the best eating and drinking in an Edo period style parlour and layout.
Sumida River walk to Asakusa
One of our favorite activities in Ryogoku was to walk over the Sumida River from Ryogoku to Asakusa, and to visit nearby sites like the Senso-ji temple. This is a great way to explore Asakusa without paying the more expensive hotel prices there.
Check out more things to do in Ryogoku, Tokyo here >
Accommodation in Ryogoku
Hotels and accommodation in Ryogoku, Tokyo include:
Mid-Range ($$)
APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Eki Tower
Compact rooms with incredible views of Tokyo on the higher floors, plus it has a grand entrance and reception areas, with chandeliers and polished marble interiors. The rooftop pool and spas are also a nice touch. Check availability and rates on booking.com, agoda.com and expedia.com
Luxury ($$$)
Dai Ichi Ryogoku Hotel
Just 15 minutes from Tokyo Station with old world elegance, Dai Ichi Ryogoku Hotel has a panoramic restaurant on the top floor (Sakura) plus offers free shuttles to Tokyo Disney Resort. Check availability and rates on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
9. Shibuya, Tokyo
Shibuya is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for
- Amazing transport links all over Tokyo
- Late night entertainment and karaoke along Shibuya Center Gai
- Craft beer bars
- Witnessing Tokyo’s hustle and bustle from Shibuya Sky or the scramble crossing
Shibuya in Tokyo is a marvellous mix of shopping by day and awesome alley-ways at night. Never quiet (or dull), Shibuya is a 24 hour party place, with craft beer bars, izakayas and night-clubs galore.
Home to Tokyo Nintendo, Shibuya Sky and several shopping malls with rooftops and gardens, the area has changed a lot over the years but Shibuya still has a slightly seedy undertone (‘Love Hotel Hill’ is always interesting).
Shibuya Highlights
Shibuya Scramble crossing
Perhaps the number one thing to do in Shibuya, Scramble crossing is said to be the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. If you don’t fancy tackling it, watch it from the recently renovated Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya overlooking the crossing.
Shibuya 3D Billboards
Two of Tokyo’s most famous 3D billboards can be found in Shibuya – the panda 3D billboard and the Akita Inu puppy dog 3D billboard. Find out more >
Miyashita Park
One of the most characterful and best shopping centres in Tokyo, Miyashita Park has a gorgeous rooftop park, a whole row of themed restaurants plus cafes and cute Kawaii pop-ups galore. Read our Miyashita Park guide here >
Shibuya Center Gai
The heart and soul of Shibuya, Center Gai is a narrow street packed full of chain restaurants, convenience stores, fashion shops and nightclubs.
Check out more things to do in Shibuya, Tokyo here >
Accommodation in Shibuya
Hotels and accommodation in Shibuya, Tokyo include:
Budget ($)
The Millennials Shibuya
Highly rated hostel with modern capsule style rooms. Facilities include a workspace, kitchen and lounge, plus unlimited free draft beer between 5.30pm and 6.30pm everyday! Check rates and availability on hostelworld.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Mid-Range ($$)
Hotel Mets Shibuya
Clean and comfortable 3 star chain hotel connected to Shibuya station. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Luxury ($$$)
Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
Stylish and centrally located 5 star boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace / bar / restaurant. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Check out the best hotels in Shibuya via Booking.com >
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Need help with your Japan itinerary or have any questions?
Head on over to our friendly Facebook group with 130,000+ members and ask the experts!
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10. Akabane, Tokyo
Akabane is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for
- More affordable accommodation
- Less tourists
- Those looking for a more retro and older Tokyo vibe
- Local nightlife with lots of late night izakayas
- Easy access to Shinjuku and Ikebukuro train stations
We stayed in Akabane for around a week on a recent trip so this is our latest addition to this Tokyo neighborhoods guide.
Located in northern Tokyo, we initially chose Akabane as the hotels are cheaper but we soon realised it is a really good area to stay in with lots of bars and restaurants, great transport links (Akabane Station is served by multiple JR lines) and very few tourists.
An ideal place to stay if you want to explore Tokyo on a budget, there is lots to enjoy here at night too with loads of local izakayas as well as all the usual Japanese chain restaurants and a Don Quijote store.
Akabane Highlights
Akabane Ichibangai Shopping Street
Like taking a step back in time, this is an old school shopping arcade the likes of which you normally only find outside of Tokyo. Vintage shops, chain stores and retro vibes await.
Night-life
Hang out with the locals in alleyway pubs – but avoid the red light zone.
Arakawa Akabane park
Escape the city and go for a walk or morning jog in Arakawa Akabane park
Accommodation in Akabane
Our recommended hotel in Akabane, Tokyo is:
Budget to Mid-Range ($$)
Toyoko Inn Akabane Station Higashi
This is where we stayed in November 2024 – the room was a decent size and the location is just a few minutes walk from the train station and many restaurants. Breakfast is included and there are laundry facilities. Check rates and availability on booking.com, expedia.com, agoda.com and trip.com
Please note there are two Toyoko Inn’s and the ‘Station Higashi’ branch is closer to the train station.
11. Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
Shimokitazawa is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for:
- Hipster hangouts and cool kids
- Second hand / vintage stores and vinyl record shops
- Unique shopping malls and cute cafes
Spend some time in Shimokitazawa, one of Tokyo’s hottest hipster neighborhoods where all the cool kids hang out, chock full of cafes, second hand / vintage stores and vinyl record shops.
There are several sublime shopping areas in Shimokitazawa, from the creative coolness of Bonus Track or the new railroad Reload complex to the old school delights and hole in the wall hang-outs along Kitazawa Azumadori Shopping Street.
Shimokitazawa Highlights
Reload Shimokitazawa
There are normal Tokyo malls and then there are Shimokitazawa malls, with Reload and Bonus Track being some of the most original and innovative. Newly opened in 2021, Reload is ahem…loaded…with hipster hangouts and trendy retailers, plus cute cafes.
Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory – Tokyo’s Totoro Cream Puffs
Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is a must visit for any true My Neighbour Totoro, chock full of cute choux pastries and super cool cookies all themed like Totoro. Find out more here >
Kitazawa Azumadori Shopping Street
It is easy to spot when you’ve arrived at Kitazawa Azumadori – there are cool signposts which feel kinda vintage / retro (perhaps they’ve just been around for a very long time!)
Shimokitazawa second hand, thrift and vintage stalls
This top Tokyo neighborhood has one of Japan’s largest collections of thrift stores and second-hand clothing shops. This stems from when Shimokitazawa became a second-hand market of US goods after the end of the Second World War.
Check out more things to do in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo here >
Accommodation in Shimokitazawa
Hotels and accommodation in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo include:
Mid-Range ($$)
Mustard Hotel Shimokitazawa
Modern 3 star hotel with airy, minimalistic rooms that feature retro record players as part of the decor. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Luxury ($$$)
illi Com Shimokitazawa
Five star spacious apartments with well-fitted kitchen and living room spaces. Perfect for groups of friends. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Check out the best hotels in Tokyo via Booking.com >
Our final Tokyo neighborhood to stay in
12. Harajuku, Tokyo
Harajuku is a perfect place in Tokyo to stay for
- Cute and kawaii overload along Takeshita Street
- Colorful food choices and a cornucopia of animal cafes
- Brand new shopping malls with roof terraces
- Clothes stores selling Jirai Kei and gyaru fashions plus thrift shops.
Harajuku is Tokyo’s hip shopping neighborhood home to Takeshita Street, many malls plus cool (as a) ‘Cat Street’.
Chock full of cute kawaii stores, thrift shops and assorted animal cafes, Harajuku is also a great place to arrive hungry – colorful cotton candy, choice crepes and cheap traditional eateries are all part of the mix.
Harajuku Highlights
Takeshita street
Hararjuku’s most famous shopping street, Tokyo’s Takeshita Street is full of ‘character’ – literally, there are dozens of kawaii shops, cosplay clothing stores plus animal cafes aplenty. Read our guide here >
Harajuku Gachapon shops
Release your inner otaku and get your gachapon groove on. Harajuku has several huge gachapon stores, to get your cute as capsule toys. Check out our guide to Japan’s coolest capsule toys >
Meiji Jingu & Yoyogi Shrine
A sublime Shinto shrine in the heart of Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu is just over 100 years old, opened in 1920 to commemorate the emperor’s death in 1912. It is located in one of Tokyo’s biggest parks, a gorgeous green space to explore.
Cat Cafe MOCHA Harajuku
Harajuku Cat Cafe Mocha is one of the most ‘purr-fect’ things to do in Tokyo – ‘fur’ real. You might have been to cat cafes in the past but the Harajuku Mocha Cat Cafes take it to the next kitty level, especially at cat feeding time. Read our guide here >
Check out more things to do in Harajuku, Tokyo here >
Accommodation in Harajuku
There are very few affordable accommodation options in the main Harajuku area, these are the best rated hotels:
Luxury ($$$)
Hotel Allamanda Aoyama
Elegant hotel with spacious rooms located a two minute walk away from a metro station. Facilities include a spa centre, sauna, bar and swimming pool (extra charge). Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Luxury ($$$)
Trunk Hotel Cat Street
Modern boutique hotel with upcycled furnishings and contemporary artworks. Facilities include a shared garden and terrace, on-site gift shop and two restaurants. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Luxury ($$$)
The Aoyama Grand Hotel
Stylish 5 star hotel located a 15-minute walk from Takeshita Street. Facilities include a fitness center, sushi and Italian restaurants and a rooftop bar. Check rates and availability on booking.com, agoda.com, expedia.com and trip.com
Check out the best hotels in Shibuya/Harajuku via Booking.com >
The best place to stay in Tokyo – recaps and recommendations
Best area to stay in Tokyo for the first timers
Asakusa (lot of hotel choices) or Shinjuku – centrally located with good transport links; most restaurants also have English menus if required.
Best area to stay in Tokyo for night-life
There is lots of choice although our recommendations would be Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro – you may want to ensure you aren’t staying in a love hotel too (check if it has hourly rates).
Best area to stay in Tokyo for luxury shopping
Ginza – Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo and Cartier have multiple stores here to name a few.
Best area to stay in Tokyo for general shopping
Harajuku or Shibuya – they both have malls galore. Harajuku has lots of nice new malls with rooftop terraces whilst Shibuya has some of the bigger and more unique shopping centers.
Best area to stay in Tokyo for food
To be honest, Tokyo street food and the restaurant scene is good everywhere.
Based on our experiences, we’d recommend Asakusa for quieter, traditional restaurants or Ikebukuro for late night bites and beer.
Best area to stay in Tokyo for culture
Ryogoku or Asakusa. Ryogoku is the birth-place of sumo wrestling and has multiple museums – head to Asakusa for old shrines, riverside walks and kimono rental.
Best area to stay in Tokyo for Families
We found a lot of the hotel rooms quite small in Tokyo (especially in the night-life areas like Shinjuku). So for larger rooms at affordable prices, try Ryogoku – or for hotels near lots of fun attractions like Poop Museum and Doraemon, stay in Odaiba, or for the zoo stay in Ueno.
You might like these Tokyo neighbourhood guides:
Akihabara
Asakusa
Ginza
Harajuku
Ikebukuro
Nakano
Odaiba
Ryogoku
Shibuya
Shimokitazawa
Shinjuku
Also check out our
Where to stay in Tokyo guide
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