Best areas at a glance
Tokyo's busiest station is the hub to everything. Large selection of hotels, easy access to the Hanzomon line, JR, Keio and Odakyu lines. Kabukicho next door, Omoide Yokocho a short walk away. One of the city's best bases for day trips.
Ginza's advantages are unbeatable if you're flying from Haneda: the Asakusa line goes direct to the airport in 35–40 minutes. The area has Hibiya, Ginza and Asakusa lines. Tsukiji a short walk away. More expensive area, but around Higashi-Ginza station you'll find more affordable options.
Asakusa is Tokyo's most historic area — Senso-ji temple, Nakamise shopping street and old-city atmosphere. Hotel range is wide: traditional Japanese ryokan guesthouses, modern design hostels and affordable business hotels. Asakusa station also has a direct connection to Haneda.
Shibuya crossing, Scramble, Omotesando, Harajuku — all from this corner. Good base if you're heading to Shimokitazawa, Daikanyama or Nakameguro. Ebisu is a quieter alternative 10 minutes away.
Good value for location. From Akihabara station the JR Yamanote line circles the whole city, and Ueno is one stop away. Cheaper hotels than Shinjuku or Ginza. The area's highlights are just as good in the evening.
Ueno is Tokyo's museum hub and sits on the Yamanote line. Asakusa 15 minutes, Akihabara 5 minutes. Nezu is a quiet and charming neighbourhood in the Yanesen area. Affordable price level.
Types of accommodation in Tokyo
Business hotel (¥6,000–14,000/night)
Tokyo's most common accommodation type. Compact rooms, good beds, clean bathroom, practical location. Chains like Toyoko Inn, Dormy Inn, APA Hotel and Via Inn are reliable. Rooms are small by European standards — 6–9 square metres is normal. Be prepared for this.
Capsule hotel (¥3,000–6,000/night)
Originally developed for Japanese businessmen — you're essentially in a box-sized pod. Privacy is limited but security is good. Modern versions like 9h (Nine Hours) or The Millennials are stylish and affordable. A good option for solo travellers.
Ryokan — traditional Japanese accommodation
Tatami-floored room, futon mattress, yukata bathrobe, communal bath (onsen or sentō). Meals often included in the price. Asakusa has several traditional ryokan for under ¥15,000. An experience that sets a Tokyo trip apart from other travels.
Design hostel (¥3,500–8,000/night)
Tokyo has world-class hostels — none of those dull beige-wall dormitory complexes. Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge (Asakusa), Khaosan Tokyo and the Grids chain are particularly worth noting. Community feel, bar, kitchen — and affordable.
Book well ahead: spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are peak seasons — good hotels fill up weeks in advance.
Check check-in time: many business hotels only allow check-in from 3–4pm. If arriving in the morning, bags can be stored in luggage storage.
Booking.com and Agoda work best for Japan. Jalan and Rurubu are Japanese sites that sometimes have better prices.
Almost all hotels require showing a passport at check-in. Keep it easily accessible.