Hotel, hostel or AirBnB? Shinjuku, Shibuya or Taito?
Which are the best districts for value? Which hotels in Tokyo have the best breakfast? Which are the best places to stay for the hip crowds?
Maybe you need to find a hotel with a best concierge service? Or the one that has re-launched day care? Which hostel has best social life?
And of course, which places you do not recommend.
This is the thread, where you should discuss all your recent Tokyo experiences or ask questions about upcoming trips.
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23 comments
I [asked a question a while back about the quality of hotels and their importance to you](https://old.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/xzun4x/how_important_is_the_quality_andor_location_of_a/), and a lot of people recommended the Daiwa Roynet chain. They’re a bit more expensive than APA, but after reading up on APA I don’t want to support them anymore.
I’ll be going in November but I’m definitely looking forward to it, cause their rooms look great after getting used to mainly APA hotels.
My first stay in Tokyo was in Taito Ryokan in Asakusa. It’s basically a hostel, where you get a private traditional tatami room. Showers and toilets are shared. It was pretty fun experience (futons and the style in general; can’t comment on “hostel community”, not my thing) and despite being there during summer, it never got super hot (and the room had AC in any case). The owner spoke quite good English too. Location is calm, but close to Ginza line and Tsukuba Express line. Ton of restaurants in the area too. And the somewhat famous Benitsuru pancake shop is literally around the corner.
Would recommend.
Henn na Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi which is just down the street from there is also nice if you want low budget, but clean and comfortable hotel room with no frills. Very small rooms though (I had a room for 2 people with 2 separate beds).
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Actually, I wonder, do people generally consider Asakusa a good place to stay? I know lot of people stay in Shibuya/Shinjuku, but those are more nightlife oriented I think? I wonder what other district might be as calm and safe as Asakusa. I also stayed around Asakusabashi station and that felt somewhat less safe at night.
I stayed in Hamamatsuchō great location, very queit and calm neighborhoo, i stayed nine hours capsul hotel, it was a nice stay but their lockers and shower policy is the worst, i dont recommande staying there if you want some privacy lol, but the Hamamatsuchō location is nice, close to Tokyo tower also
I stayed in the Nihombashi/Ningyocho area and found it to be great – well connected by public transport but far enough away from the busy areas to feel relaxing, and you can walk to Ueno/Akihabara really easily from there if it’s a nice day. We walked from there to Tokyo Station with our luggage to get the shinkansen and it was actually easier than trying to drag everything onto the Metro.
No problems heading back there on my own in the evening and there were some nice izakayas around that felt very ‘local’.
The Shimbashi side of Ginza is also pretty cool to stay at. Lots of mid-range or even cheaper business hotels, quite close to the Yamanote Line and you get the benefit of proximity to Tsukiji, Odaiba and Roppongi within a single train ride. Dining is also pretty cool with most established popular restaurants have branches around Shimbashi Station. Great for foodies and those seeking the “Tokyo nightlife” without the crowds of Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Hotel through your airline is gonna be the cheapest IMO
airbnb used to be the way to go but now so many have chores to do
If you can find an AirBNB for a noticeably lower price than a Hotel, go with that, but if the price is similar definitely go for a hotel. Generally the larger the group the more you’d save with an AirBNB.
Also, I’d recommend Taito-ku, anything near Ueno is a good base and that area is much less crowded than the popular ones like Shinjuku / Shibuya. Great place to stay and still lets you get to a lot of popular sightseeing places.
Loved shimakitazawa- a bit quieter, super hipster area (vintage shops and drip coffee every block), tons of restaurants, and only 1-2 stops away from shibuya or shinjuku when you want a louder busier scene
For a lux experience we love the club level rooms at the Ritz Carleton.
Air BB was awesome in Shibuya on our first trip. We had a quiet house to ourselves on a residential street
2019 and 2023 I stayed near Tokyo Station. We needed it to be super convenient to take those early morning highway buses and shinkansens, so we gave up other options like Shinjuku for the accessibility.
I would probably stay near Shinjuku during my next trip as it gives more late night food options!
no AirBnb for us as we’d like to have the convenience of a front desk for any questions or assistance with luggage or transportation.
For hipster breakfast the western restaurant at the top floor of Shibuya Excel Tokyu can’t be beat. Amazing views of Yoyogi and Shinjuku if you can grab a window seat. Their croissants are pretty great too.
On the other side of the same floor you can get a Japanese breakfast if that’s your jam, but no views of Shinjuku.
There are soooooo many great hotels all throughout Japan. My go to hotel chains are Daiwa Roynet, Mitsui Garden, Candeo, Cross Hotels, and Hotel MyStays. These have larger rooms/bathrooms and often nice, big tubs. I always use the filters in a site like Booking to limit results by rooms with a private bathroom and with a bathtub. After walking upwards of 20,000 steps each day sightseeing you will want/need to take a long/hot shower or bath to relax sore muscles. Prioritize being close to a station and size of room/bathroom. The cheapest hotels are very, very tiny.
ETA 2: For families, the Daimaru Hotel chains or Oakwood Residences are apartment style.
ETA: I prefer hotels over Air BnBs hands down as they are usually closer to the station and almost all have baggage delivery service at the front desk. Hotels will also store your luggage for free if you arrive before checkin time or want to still sightsee nearby after you checkout. Takes away the hassle/cost of trying to find large luggage lockers at train stations. This is true for hostels and capsule hotels too. They may not offer luggage delivery or free storage of bags before/after checkin/out.
For where to stay in Kyoto I prefer the Gion/Higashiyama area as you’re then walkable to so many other sites and restaurants. Kyoto Station is actually a bit inconvenient in terms of walkability to sightseeing spots. We loved the Hotel Granbell in Kyoto as a couple. In Osaka I like staying in the Namba/Dotombori area for similar reasons. We loved the Cross Hotel in Osaka. Shin-Osaka where the Shinkansen station is I don’t love staying in as it’s more of an office/mall area so not as fun at night. Though not bad if you just need a place to crash before an early morning Shinkansen departure. Hiroshima I like staying near the station as it’s easy to use the [sightseeing loop bus (covered by JR Pass)](https://en.japantravel.com/hiroshima/hiroshima-s-meipuru-pu-sightseeing-bus/69583) to get around.
For where to stay in Tokyo, I love staying in Akasaka. Near 3 metro stations, lots of great restaurants and bars, and a nightlife vibe without the overwhelming nature of Shinjuku. Lots of hotels in this area too at a range of price points. I really think it’s a hidden gem of a neighborhood to stay in Tokyo. Not as convenient if you’re trying to optimize a JR pass though.
– [Hie Shrine](https://maps.google.com?g_st=ic)
– [Thousand Toriis at Hie (great photos at night)](https://maps.google.com?g_st=ic)
– [Toyokawa Inari Betsuin (great at night too)](https://maps.google.com?g_st=ic)
– [State Guesthouse Akasaka](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6yTMMP3woyRDdgqZ6?g_st=ic)
– [Dobrogi Hungarian Bar and Grill](https://maps.app.goo.gl/tFYWLHnqPt6dwccMA?g_st=ic)
– [Streamer Coffee](https://maps.app.goo.gl/shbPNf8hYANMQgRj7?g_st=ic)
– [Champagne and Gyoza Bar](https://maps.app.goo.gl/EW7xecSMPaUHXowQ6?g_st=ic)
– [Tebasaki Original](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5agSBtXtZucfvjpS8?g_st=ic)
And soooo many more restaurants in the area too. Just put Akasaka into the area search on Booking or other sites and you’ll find a huge range of hotel options in this area. If I were to ever live in central Tokyo I’d probably look at this neighborhood seriously for convenience, price, restaurants, and amenities like kids parks.
– [Tokyo Chapter: Akasaka With Kids](https://www.thetokyochapter.com/the-akasaka-area-with-kids/)
– [Best Living: Akasaka 1-Day Itinerary for Families](https://bestlivingjapan.com/akasaka-area-with-kids/)
– [Tokyo Chapter: Where to Stay in Tokyo With Kids](https://www.thetokyochapter.com/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-with-small-children/)
Other Tokyo neighborhoods I like are Nihombashi, Ginza, Ueno, Minato, and Asakusa. I don’t like staying in Shinjuku or Shibuya really as it’s too busy/crowded/loud/bright for me at all times day and night. I prefer a little calmer vibe at night after a busy day sightseeing. Tokyo Station is a bit tooooo quiet at night for me as it’s mainly an office area around the station though Kanda is nearby but could be a long walk depending on where your hotel is located. If you have an early morning Shinkansen departure heading towards Kyoto/Osaka I’d prefer staying near Shinagawa or for an early morning Shinkansen departure heading north towards Tohoku I’d prefer to stay near Ueno.
Lots of other specific hotel recommendations in some of my past trip reports. Though I haven’t written reports on all places I’ve been in Japan.
– [Tokyo Day/Overnight Trip: Late Cherry Blossoms in Fuji Five Lakes Area](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/moqcwv/cherry_blossoms_in_fuji_five_lakes_dayovernight/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [Tokyo Day/Overnight Trip: Early February Cherry Blossoms on Izu Peninsula](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/mlugpb/early_cherry_blossoms_in_the_izu_peninsula_in/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [Tokyo Overnight Trip: Tattoo Friendly Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma)](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/meafbh/trip_report_kusatsu_onsen_in_gunma/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [Kansai Side Trip: Tattoo Friendly Kinosaki Onsen and Himeiji Castle](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/sna5au/kansai_side_trip_tattoo_friendly_kinosaki_onsen/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [Summer Long Weekend in Matsumoto and Waterfalls in Norikura (Nagano)](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/piyive/summer_weekend_in_matsumoto_and_waterfalls_in/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [Takayama: Autumn Weekend (Gifu)](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/mg8ir9/autumn_weekend_in_takayama_gifu_prefecture/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [Snow Weekend in Nozawa Onsen](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/t33lt8/snow_weekend_in_nozawa_onsen_nagano/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [5-day Road Trip to Noto Peninsula (Ishikawa) and Toyama Alpine Route](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/o0tn59/road_trip_to_toyama_and_noto_peninsula_ishikawa/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [Fukushima: Samurai History and Painted Candle Illumination in Aizuwakamatsu (mid-Feb)](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/metuf4/samurai_history_in_aizuwakamatsu_in_fukushima/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [Aomori/Akita: Cherry Blossoms and Samurai History using the 5-day JR East Tohoku Pass](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/nahtfk/chasing_cherry_blossoms_in_aomori_and_samurai/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
Stayed at the **Nohga Hotel Tokyo Akihabara** in late Nov 2022. It was a really nice, clean hotel in the heart of Akihabara, pretty much next door to Gamers Akihabara and across the main road from Don Quijote and Animate.
Room was clean and well kept, as you’d expect from a hotel that’s less than 5 years old. It was a bit cramped for two people but still a bit roomier than the average APA or Super Hotel. The decor had a cool retro vibe and each room comes with a audiophile quality Bluetooth speaker which was definitely a nice feature.
Location wise, the hotel was perfect as an otaku but definitely still worth considering even if you’re not. Akihabara and Suehirocho station were both about 5-10 mins away and made it easy to get around town. Plenty of restaurants in the area although you if you are looking for something more premium than run of the mill ramen, conveyor sushi or curry shops, you may have to look elsewhere.
One other thing to note is that the area is full of maid cafes and at night time, you can’t go anywhere without bumping into a girl trying to hand you a maid cafe coupon or ad, so if you find that kind of stuff off putting, then better to go elsewhere.
No breakfast is included but the downstairs restaurant is still worth visiting. Great pizza and service, albeit a bit pricey. It’s apparently quite a trendy place to eat as we saw a lot of well-dressed young professionals eating there in groups, which is a bit unexpected for Akihabara.
Price wise I managed to get a really good deal as the foreign tourism hadn’t yet picked up. Paid $105 CAD per room per night (needed 2 rooms for my travelling party) whereas now it looks it will cost you at least $160 CAD or so.
When seeking an inexpensive private room in Tokyo I had a specific condition of wanting to avoid skyscrapers due to a fear of elevators. I ended up staying in [Asakusa Ryokan Toukaisou](https://toukaisou.com/en/) which I highly recommend for budget travelers who aren’t as concerned with starting and ending their day with some transit (it’s about 5 minutes from the Ginza line, which will take you straight to Shibuya in 30 minutes). It was inexpensive compared to similar options especially considering private bathrooms. Note there are no western beds, only tatami mats with futons. For me this was a plus but I know for some people it’s a dealbreaker.
Just got back, and while in Tokyo I stayed at the Gracery Hotel in Shinjuku (aka the Godzilla hotel). I can’t say enough good things about it and if I went back, I’d probably stay there again. You’ve got a great location in Kabukicho (as soon as you hit the ground floor you’re in the middle of all the action), small but well designed rooms in a new hotel, the Godzilla stuff which I love, only $130 a night on a weekend (!!!), walking distance from the airport Limousine Bus stop at Kabukicho Tower, easy walk to Shinjuku station for getting around the city (the Yamanote line in particular), etc.
Andaz Tokyo for those in the Chase ecosystem or willing to buy Hyatt points on sale (~$500 a night) is absolutely stunning. Park Hyatt Tokyo is also a dream for those with Hyatt status and the service is out of this world.
I have now stayed at the Tokyo Station Hotel 6x on 6 different trips. I love the location, it’s super convenient to so many places and is quiet. The staff are great and will meet you at the NEX and take your bags to the NEX so if you have a lot of bags you are set. The breakfast at the Atrium is amazing and the setting is beautiful. It’s definitely expensive and is a luxury property.
I like the location for the Royal Park Iconic. I’ve gotten some good deals on rooms there and the beds are comfy. I don’t like then breakfast though.
I like the Mitsui Garden Otemachi and Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier. The Otemachi Mitsui is cheaper and has smaller rooms, the Premier feels very luxe. I’ve not gotten breakfast at either.
I prefer staying near Tokyo Station and Shimbashi. It has great connections to many places and plenty of shops and restaurants.
If you are in kyoto, I recommend ibis Styles Kyoto. It’s litterally across the street from the station and the rooms are quite large compared to other similarly priced budget hotels.
I swear by Dormy Inn. They’re widely available, the staff are friendly and courteous, and the rooms, while being a little cozy, are comfortable and clean.
But the things that REALLY keep me coming back are the amenities:
* Free bath/spa access available for most of the day. I took advantage of this at least once a day. Nothing feels better than showering off and hopping into a nice hot bath after a day full of walking. Every location I’ve been to had at least two types of baths (including an outdoor bath), a cold bath, and a sauna.
* Good quality amenities like shampoos, soaps, lotions, etc.
* Free washing machines and cheap driers (100¥/20m)
* Free ramen between 9:30 and 11pm every day. I didn’t always take advantage of this, but it’s just the thing when you’re feeling snacky at night.
* Some locations have extra amenities like free Pocari Sweat in the spa area, free ice cream or Yakult (also by the spa area), a manga library, bike rentals, etc.
I’ve stayed at the locations in Shibuya and Ikebukuro so far, as well as a location in Osaka. I also stayed at some other hotels I was really looking for on my most recent trip, including Candeo Hotels, but none of them were quite as enjoyable as staying at Dormy Inn.
The price per night will differ depending on where you’re staying and at what time of year, but for reference, I was able to book a room for 2 in Ikebukuro during the recent Sakura season for around $88USD per night. Other locations may be more expensive. I’d have a look and see if it works for you.
As for the ones I’ve stayed in in Tokyo, the Shibuya location is GREAT for its proximity to the subway and just generally being a great launch point to most other parts of Tokyo. I was also pleasantly surprised by Ikebukuro. I didn’t know anything about it before my last trip, but found it had a fairly nice night life and lots of dining and shopping options. Sunshine City nearby is also a cool place to shop and spend time.
I’m going to Tokyo next week and from there I’ll travel via train to Sapporo and really the only thing that I need to do is find some hotels to stay at. I’ve been looking at capsule hotels like anshin oyado and hotel route inn sapporo chuo. Really need to get my jr pass and find some more hotels to stay at depending on how much I want to explore.
Just checked out of The Prince Gallery hotel in Akasaka last week and can’t recommend it enough for anyone who’s looking for a luxury option.
If you have kids, the Mimaru hotel chain is pretty good. Rooms tend to have a double bed and 2 bunks as well as a breakfast table. I find it spacious for Tokyo standards.
We just stayed at a Hotel Mystays in Shinjuku and loved it. The hotel was quiet and clean with a fantastic view – the perfect place to retire to amidst all the excitement of Shinjuku.