Top 3+1 locations to stay in Tokyo

Tokyo is the most populous city in the world, and deciding where to stay in Tokyo, especially if you have never been there, can be … well, a very loooong and overwhelming process. We definitely felt this way and have heard many people saying the same thing… “Where do I start?”

Of course, you can go on sites like Booking.com, Hotels.com, Tripadvisor, Airbnb, etc and search for accommodation in Tokyo based on your preferred criteria, but I can assure you the results will still have many options in many different areas. And it is really hard to say which area to choose.

Or you might already know your preferred hotels and which one you want to stay in. But again, even in this case, you might have a few options, and they can be located in different areas.

And because Tokyo is so large and many people try to squeeze as many attractions as possible into only a few days - we don’t recommend it, but we do understand that not everyone can come to Japan more than once, the famous real estate mantra “location, location, location” is crucial when trying to figure out where to stay in Tokyo.

There is one more extremely important factor when you are deciding about where to stay - transportation. How you get to your accommodation from airports and travel around Tokyo from your location to the places you want to visit are questions you would want to answer before you book your accommodation. Unfortunately, you probably won’t be able to stay around the city centre and walk around those main attractions, for example, if you are in Rome, London or Paris. Tokyo is different.

Well, let’s dive in and find the best location for you.

Where do I start? How do I choose the right location for me?

Considering most of you will travel to Tokyo to explore the beauty of this amazing, bustling city where modern and post-modern meet with history, culture and tradition, you want to stay as close as possible to all those attractions. Or at least as close as possible to major transportation hubs.

If you look at the Tokyo map, imagine something like an inner circle. That’s where you will most likely spend most of your time. To clarify this inner circle, we will use one of the many Tokyo train lines, the Yamanote line. It’s a loop service line with 30 stops connecting the main Tokyo stations and suburbs, and you want to stay close to one of the stops of this line.

You won't make a mistake if you stay in any of the districts on the Yamanote Line. You will either have some of the most famous attractions at your doorstep, or you will be close to the main train line, connecting you to other important parts of Tokyo.

Some of the most famous and most popular Tokyo districts on the Yamanote line are:

Shinjuku - with the busiest train station in the world, neon lights
Shibuya City - with a famous Shibuya Crossing - the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing
Tokyo downtown - with the Imperial Palace
Ginza - shopping district
Harajuku - famous for the typical Japanese pop culture and shopping
Ueno - Close to Ueno Zoological Gardens, many museums or the famous Sensō-ji temple.
Ikebukuro - shopping, anime, open-air observation deck at the Sunshine 60 skyscraper

Another great advantage of staying within the Yamanote line is using a JR Rail Pass on this train line = if you hold the JR Rail Pass you don't need to worry about buying any extra ticket. JR Rail Pass can be a great way to save some money if you plan to travel not only within Tokyo but also, for example, to Kyoto and other destinations. It’s a prepaid card that you can buy for 7, 14 or 21 days, and then you can use it for unlimited travel on selected train lines, including some lines operated by the Shinkansen bullet trains (yes, they do depart right on time!).

The price of JR Rail Pass went up significantly in 2023, and I recommend properly calculating your planned travels to see whether JR Rail Pass is the best option for you.

Shinjuku

Tokyo Shinjuku crossroad

Shinjuku is one of the places you might have heard of before. It’s one of Tokyo's most well-known or maybe the most well-known areas. With the busiest train station in the world, you are assured you can get anywhere in Tokyo or even beyond from here. Plus, there is so much to explore and experience in Shinjuku or around Shinjuku that it is a great option if you don’t want to travel daily. You can stay within the Shinjuku City area and see and do so many things.

But it doesn’t need to be everyone’s taste. The main part around the train station is very busy until late at night. It can be seen as a touristy area, and some of the main hotels are a bit far away from the Shinjuku train station. (15+ minutes walk.

The busy area with neon lights and busy nightlife is northeast of the train station. The area is called Kabukicho. The quiet area is on the west side of the Shinjuku train station. The area is called Nishi Shinjuku. It’s a business district with some of the tallest buildings in Tokyo, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, with a free observatory deck with great views.

Why stay in Shinjuku

You can get to most of the popular places from here using either the Yamanote Line or the JR Chūō Line (Rapid) / JR Chūō-Sōbu Line. This line is best if you want to get to central Tokyo, to Ueno (Zoo, Museums or Sensō-ji temple.
It is a good combination of crazy, busy, bustling, modern areas with beautiful and relaxing parks and traditional Japanese alleys.
Some popular attractions right here in Shinjuku or within walking distance - Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Yoyogi Park with Meiji Jingu shrine, or Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, with a free observation deck providing amazing panoramic views all over Tokyo.
A good variety of accommodations, from top luxury hotels to budget-friendly options.
Many food options.

Why not stay in Shinjuku

If Disneyland is on your list, then getting there is a bit of a travel—a bit over an hour using the train or metro and train lines. If you plan just one visit, I probably wouldn’t worry too much about it.
If you want to stay in a quieter area. There are more peaceful places in Shinjuku, too, but as you will most likely travel to and from the Shinjuku station, you will experience the crowds.

Accommodation in Shinjuku

There are many hotel options within the Shinjuku area for every budget.

5-star hotels:

Park Hyatt - approx 15-20 mins walk to the Shinjuku train station, right at a nice park, quiet area
Hilton - approx 15 mins walk to the Shinjuku train station, quiet area
BELLUSTAR TOKYO - hotel in the new Kabukicho Tower completed in January 2023, busy area, busy nightlife
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand - quiet area
Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo, an IHG Hotel

4-star hotels

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku - close to the station and with the big Godzilla head, busy nightlife
Hyatt Regency - approximately 15-20 mins walk to the train station, right in front of a nice park, quiet area
HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel - also in the Kabukicho Tower, close to the train station
Oakwood Apartments Nishi-Shinjuku - 10mins walk from train station, quiet area but close to the busy

3-star hotels

Hotel Rose Garden Shinjuku - 12 mins walk from train station, metro right across the street, quiet area
APA Hotel Shinjuku - Kabukicho Tower (NEW, busy area close to the train station - 6mins walk, busy nightlife)
HOTEL KABUKI - very close to the train station, very busy area

Where to eat in Shinjuku

There are many places just around the train station, which means you will always have some options if you want to eat after returning to your hotel from your day trips or even if you stay in Shinjuku.

Omoide Yokocho is a famous and popular narrow alley with street food joints.

You can choose from various food options West of the train station around Nibangai Street. This has saved us a few times.

Tokyo Shinjuku Food

BOOST MOOD TIP

If you have a sweet tooth, go to the second floor of Park Hyatt Hotel Tokyo and check out the Pastry Boutique. You can’t dine in; it’s all takeaway, but they have amazing desserts.

Things to do in Shinjuku

A buzzing and modern city with restaurants, bars, shops, neon lights, and famous 3D billboards—even if you don’t like a busy lifestyle, I think it's a must to walk around and experience this part of Tokyo.
Shopping
- LUMINE 1, 2 and LUMINE EAST shopping malls all around the Shinjuku Station with Tax-free shopping (you need to get your tax back right after you do the shopping in the same shopping mall)
- NewOMan Shinjuku - at the South side of the Shinjuku Station
Free and amazing view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (you can play a piano there)
Shinjuku Chuo Park - a nice relaxing park in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with a great playground if you travel with kids (our little boy loved that, and we felt like we were part of the local community for a while, was amazing)
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (entrance fee) - one of the most famous parks in Tokyo. There are amazing gardens and plenty of places for a nice relaxing picnic or cherry blossom experience.
Meiji Jingu Gyoen Park with Meiji Jingu temple
Godzilla Head at the Gracery Hotel

3+1 way of how to get from Haneda International Airport to Shinjuku

If you travel to Tokyo from overseas (read about direct flights from Australia to Tokyo), you will arrive at one of the two Tokyo International Airports - Haneda International Airport or Narita International Airport. Haneda is much closer to the main Tokyo districts, so let’s explore this option first.

If you arrive at Haneda International Airport, you have a few options for how to get to your hotel or any other accommodation in Shinjuku.

1) Monorail + train

Duration: approximately 50 minutes

Price:

“Free” with JR Rail Pass
Without the JR Rail Pass = ¥700.

This combination of transport is GREAT if

You don’t want to pay more money for the taxi
You have a JR Rail pass, as you can use it for both the monorail as well as the train (you need to use the Yamanote train line)
You want to start exploring Tokyo as soon as you arrive
You don’t arrive too late (the last monorail runs at 11:48 pm, which means you would need to land around 10:15 pm latest to be able to catch that last train - of course, it depends on how long it would take to go through the customs and how long you need to wait for your luggage)

This combination of transport is NOT GREAT if

You have a lot of luggage
If you need to use this method during the morning or afternoon peak hours. Especially if you have large luggage. If you travel lightly then it won’t be any problem, it will be just a bit crowded:-) on the trains, so you will be hit by the Tokyo energy as soon as you arrive.

The Monorail stops at all Haneda Airport Terminals (starts at Terminal 2, then Terminal 1 and then Terminal 3 - this is where you will most likely arrive) and goes to the connecting train station Hamamatsucho where you change for the Yamanote train line heading to Shinjuku. All the train lines have their own colour (even the trains have the same colour stripes on them), and the Yamanote line has a green colour.

It’s really easy to navigate the train stations. Just follow the signs for the green Yamanote line (see picture below). As it is a loop service, you will get to Shinjuku no matter which direction you go. However, using the clockwise direction from the Hamamatsucho station is a bit faster.

How to buy tickets

If you have the JR Rail Pass, then you can use it for the entire trip.

If you don’t have the JR Rail Pass, check this site for the current fares for Monorail. As of January 2024, the regular fare price from Termina 3 to Hamamatsucho station is ¥500 for an adult ticket (ages 12 and over) and ¥250 for a child ticket (ages 6-11). You can save a bit using one of the IC Cards (Suica or Pasmo card). The fare then goes down to ¥492 for the adult and ¥246 for the child ticket.

For the second part of the trip between Hamamatsucho station and Shinjuku station using the JR train, you will need to either buy a single ticket at one of the automatic ticketing machines at the station or use the above-mentioned IC card. The fare is based on the distance travelled. If you buy a single ticket, you will see the fare on the machine's display. In January 2024, the fare is ¥200 for a one-way single ticket.

2) Airport Limousine Bus

Duration: 45 minutes

Price:

Adult = ¥1,400 (from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 to Expressway Bus Terminal)
Children = ¥700

Limousine - wow, yes, please!

Unfortunately, the name is a bit misleading as it is just a regular bus. It is nothing too fancy, but still, it is Japan and using the bus is comfortable, economical, and excellent if you have large luggage.

There is one bus line that goes directly from the Haneda Airport Terminal 3 to Shinjuku, but there is a chance you will need to walk a bit to get to your hotel as the bus does not stop at each hotel in Shinjuku.

The bus stops at

Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (right next to the Shinjuku train station)
Shinjuku Station/Keio Department Store
Hilton Tokyo
Keio Plaza Hotel
Hyatt Regency Tokyo
Shinjuku Washington Hotel
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Century Southern Tower

Please always check where the bus you take will stop, as the bus does not always stop at each of those stops. See the actual timetable here.

This option is GREAT if

You have a large luggage.
You want to get from the airport straight to Shinjuku without any transfers.
Your hotel is close to any of those stops.

This option is NOT GREAT if

Your hotel is not at one of those stops or within walking distance from the bus stop.
You are on a budget. It costs more than the train/metro/monorail option. But it will be much cheaper than Taxi/Uber.

3) Taxi

Duration: approximately around 30 minutes

Price: from ¥8,000 (same price for up to 6 passengers)

The average taxi cost from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku is around ¥8,000, and it will take approximately 30 minutes. Yes, the taxi drivers wear white gloves, but the cars are also fairly small, so if you are a large family with many suitcases, then it probably won’t be the best option for you.

+1) Book your private hotel transfer

Duration: approximately around 30 minutes

Price: from ¥9,800 (same price for up to 6 passengers)

There is one more option for getting from Haneda Airport directly to your accommodation in Shinjuku - private transfer. It is the most expensive option. However, in some cases, it's the best option. Especially if you travel as a family or larger group with lots of luggage.

3+1 way of how to get from Narita International Airport to Shinjuku

Narita International Airport is about 60 kilometres east of central Tokyo, which makes this airport a bit less convenient to get from and to the airport from main Tokyo areas where you will most likely stay.

1) Narita Express (NEX) - Direct from airport to Shinjuku Station

Duration: 1:24min

Transfers: 0

Price

¥3,250
“Free” for JR Rail Pass holders

This option is GREAT if

You prefer direct transfer between the airport and Shinjuku

This option is NOT GREAT if

Your hotel is not very close to the Shinjuku station. You must walk or take a metro or taxi to get to your hotel.

2) Keisei Skyliner Express + Train - The fastest way, but one transfer

Duration: 1:10min

Transfers: 1

Price: ¥2,890 For the Skyliner Express from Narita Airport to Ueno Station + free Tokyo metro ticket (you can choose the validity of the free metro ticket between 24, 36, or 72 hours)

3) Airport Limousine Bus

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes (from Terminal 1 to the Shinjuku Station - West Exit).

Price: ¥3,600 adult, ¥1,800 child

Schedule:

First bus leaves at 7:05 am from Terminal 3
The last bus leaves at 10:55 pm from Terminal 3

You can take the limousine bus directly from Narita Airport (departs from all three terminals) to Shinjuku. The bus stops at the following stops (not all buses stop at all these stops. Check the current timetable here):

Busta Shinjuku
Keio Plaza Hotel
Hyatt Regency Toky
Shinjuku Washington Hote
Park Hyatt Toky
Hilton Tokyo
Century Southern Towe
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku

This option is GREAT if:

You are staying close to one of the stops and want easy direct transport.
You have a lot of luggage ((you can have two check-in baggage per person; acceptable size is no larger than 50×60×120 cms, under 30 kgs per item).
You want to start exploring the countryside and Tokyo as soon as you arrive.
You prefer the bus over the train.

This option is NOT GREAT if:

You want the fastest transfer to your accommodation.
If you want to choose the cheapest option.

2) Shibuya

Japan Tokyo Shibuya Crossing Lucia Lukas Art

Shibuya is another well-known district where you can find the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing - the busy intersection known even from movies. In some way, it is similar to Shinjuku as the area around the train station is a bustling, busy centre with neon lights, restaurants, shops and busy nightlife. Shibuya is also known as a hub for youth fashion and culture, so if you are into the latest fashion trends and pop culture phenomena, that’s a place to be.

Shibuya also offers great accommodation and food options for everyone. Plus, you can even walk to another popular area called Harajuku, with the famous Takeshita Street lined up with quirky boutiques and street food (there are a lot of sweets, a lot 🙂)

Why stay in Shibuya

Good connection around the main Tokyo attractions (using the Yamanote line or Metro).
If you like busy nightlife, bars, clubs, and restaurants, then you will have lots of fun here. Even after you travel to other parts of Tokyo or go for some day trips outside of Tokyo, you will always have many entertainment options after you return back to Shibuya.
Close to other popular areas - Harajuku (either walk or it is one stop by train on the Yamanote line) or Shinjuku (also one stop using the Saikyo Line).
Good accommodation (especially for budget options) and a vast variety of dining options.

Why NOT stay in Shibuya

If you want to stay in a quieter area. There are quiet parts of Shibuya, but as with Shinjuku, the train station and the area around it are busy.
If you arrive at Tokyo Narita Airport, it is not the best area to get here from the airport and back.
There are not many options for luxury hotels.