Where to stay

Quick Neighbourhood Guide to Tokyo 🗼

Just landed in Tokyo and not sure where to base yourself? This guide helps you avoid ending up in a capsule hotel by accident (unless you want to try one). Here are the key areas so that your base feels as exciting as crossing Shibuya without bumping into anyone. 🗺️🍣

1️⃣ Shinjuku – Neon Giant With Offices and Nightlife

📍 Location: On the western side of central Tokyo, home to the world’s busiest railway station.

✅ Pros:

• Excellent transport connections, with trains and metro lines to almost everywhere.
• A mix of everything: skyscrapers, giant stores, tiny Golden Gai bars and Shinjuku Gyoen park for some calm.
• Free city views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories.

❌ Cons:

• The area is huge and can be confusing. Getting lost is part of the experience.
• Very busy at rush hour and in the evenings.
• Some nightlife pockets feel intense if you prefer quiet streets.

💰 Prices: Wide range – from capsule hotels to premium properties with skyline views.

👉 Best for: Travellers who want to be in the middle of everything and do not mind a bit of organised chaos.

2️⃣ Shibuya – Photogenic Urban Energy

📍 Location: Just south‑west of Shinjuku, famous for its scramble crossing and Hachiko statue.

✅ Pros:

• Shibuya Crossing is a unique experience and perfect for photos.
• Centre of youth fashion and trends, with lots of shopping and dining options.
• Vibrant nightlife with countless bars and restaurants.
• Hachiko statue is an easy meeting point and a classic stop.

❌ Cons:

• Can feel very crowded, especially evenings and weekends.
• Can be noisy and intense if you prefer quieter neighbourhoods.
• Meeting up with friends at the crossing can be surprisingly tricky.

💰 Prices: Generally mid‑ to high‑range, especially for hotels overlooking the crossing.

👉 Best for: Style‑conscious visitors, photographers and anyone who enjoys fast‑paced city life.

3️⃣ Asakusa – Traditional Tokyo With Souvenirs 🏮

📍 Location: North‑east of central Tokyo, along the Sumida River.

✅ Pros:

• Strong traditional atmosphere with Sensō‑ji temple, small streets and some ryokan options.
• Nakamise shopping street is ideal for snacks and classic souvenirs.
• Calmer at night than many central districts.
• Rickshaw rides are available if you want a more scenic introduction.

❌ Cons:

• Very busy during the day, especially around the temple.
• Limited nightlife compared with Shinjuku or Shibuya.
• A little further from some JR lines, though well connected by metro.

💰 Prices: Often more affordable, with good hostels and mid‑range stays.

👉 Best for: Culture‑focused visitors, families and those who want quieter evenings.

4️⃣ Ginza – High‑End Shopping and Elegant Streets ✨

📍 Location: Central Tokyo, close to Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace area.

✅ Pros:

• Luxury shopping and flagship stores in a polished setting.
• Excellent restaurants and galleries, with a very organised feel.
• Attractive modern architecture and wide pavements.
• Main street becomes pedestrian‑only at certain times on weekends.

❌ Cons:

• Accommodation and dining can be expensive.
• Less of a "neighbourhood" feel and more of a commercial district.
• Evenings are calmer than in Shibuya or Shinjuku if you want casual nightlife.

💰 Prices: Typically high, especially for international brand hotels.

👉 Best for: Shopping enthusiasts, business travellers and visitors who prefer an elegant, central base.

5️⃣ Akihabara – Electronics and Pop Culture 🎮🤖

📍 Location: North‑east of Tokyo Station, between Ueno and Kanda.

✅ Pros:

• Major hub for electronics, video games, anime and manga.
• Multi‑storey shops dedicated to collectibles and hobbies.
• Unique themed cafés such as maid cafés and character cafés.
• Very lively streets with bright lights and large billboards.

❌ Cons:

• Can be overwhelming in terms of noise, light and choice.
• Best suited to specific interests; less appealing if you are not into pop culture.
• Some places target tourists, so compare prices before big purchases.

💰 Prices: A range of hotels, but shopping can quickly become your main expense.

👉 Best for: Gamers, anime and manga fans, and anyone curious about modern Japanese pop culture.