Planning a trip to Tokyo can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing where to stay.
With so many vibrant and unique neighborhoods, each offering something different, it’s hard to go wrong.
But I think picking the right base for your interests and pace of travel can really shape your experience.
On our recent trip in April, we chose to stay in Asakusa, and it turned out to be the perfect fit for us.
In this post, I’ll share our reasons for choosing Asakusa, along with a breakdown of the best areas to stay in Tokyo, depending on your travel style.
Why We Stayed in Asakusa?
Tokyo can be intense, especially if you’re not used to big, fast-paced cities.
After lots of research, I landed on the APA Hotel in Asakusa because we wanted a calmer, more traditional vibe without being too far from the action.
And we loved it!
Asakusa is home to Senso-ji Temple, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Japan.
Also, staying here meant we could walk through Nakamise Street early in the morning, before the crowds showed up.
It honestly felt like stepping into another era.
The area has a nostalgic charm, with little shops selling handmade crafts, snacks, and souvenirs.
Evenings were quiet, and I could actually hear myself think, something I appreciated after a full day exploring the city.
The Apa hotel was within walking to the Asakusa subway and train stations, so it was easy to hop around Tokyo.
We also loved the views of Tokyo Skytree from the riverside at night.
If you’re someone like us who enjoys slower mornings, traditional architecture, and peaceful surroundings, Asakusa is such a gem.
Would I Stay in Asakusa Again?
Absolutely! Asakusa gave us space to slow down, connect with Tokyo’s historic side, and still explore other neighborhoods with ease.
It might not be the trendiest area, but for us, it was the perfect balance of culture, calm, and convenience.
Other Great Areas to Stay in Tokyo (Depending on Your Style)
Even though we stayed in Asakusa, we still explored a few other neighborhoods and can confidently recommend these depending on what you’re looking for:
Shinjuku: Best for nightlife lovers
We’re not really into the nightlife scene, so places like Shinjuku and Shibuya were easy for us to rule out.
And when we visited Shinjuku, we instantly felt we’d made the right choice by staying in Asakusa.
Shinjuku is super lively and packed with energy, day and night.
If you want to be right in the middle of the action, surrounded by endless restaurants, cafes and shopping, this is definitely your spot.
For us, it was a little too hectic. The noise and crowds felt overwhelming… except for Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
This place was a total escape, a huge, peaceful park filled with wide lawns, tranquil paths, and beautiful sakura trees.
We went during cherry blossom season, and it was just stunning.
Stay here if: You love city energy, bright lights, and being steps from the action.
Where to stay in Shinjuku:
Budget: Hotel Wing International Shinjuku offers great value and a central location, just a short walk from Kabukicho and the station.
Mid-range: Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo is comfortable, modern, and close to nightlife and shopping.
Luxury: Park Hyatt Tokyo is iconic, serene, and known for its panoramic city views (and the Lost in Translationmovie).
Shibuya: The Iconic Tokyo Scene
Shibuya is one of the most fun and high-energy neighborhoods in Tokyo.
It’s known for fashion, music, bright lights, and of course, the famous Shibuya Crossing, where hundreds of people cross the street from every direction at once.
It’s kind of wild to watch (and even more fun to join in).
We went to Shibuya in the morning and were surprised by how quiet it was. Most of the shops were still closed, and the streets were pretty calm.
But surprisingly, it still felt important to walk across the most famous pedestrian crossing in the world, even without the crowds.
But once evening hit, everything changed, the lights came on, the crossing filled up with people, and the whole place just came alive.
Right outside the station, you’ll spot the little Hachiko Statue, a tribute to Japan’s most loyal dog.
It’s a popular meeting point and definitely worth a quick photo stop.
Stay here if: You’re into fashion, nightlife, trendy cafés, and want to be where all the action is.
Where to stay in Shibuya:
Budget: Mustard Hotel Shibuya – Cool, simple, and well-located. Great for travelers who want style on a budget.
Mid-range: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu – Right above the station with awesome views of the crossing. Super handy for getting around.
Luxury: Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel – Spacious rooms, great restaurants, and amazing city views. A peaceful escape above the buzz.
Ginza: Ideal for Shopping Lovers
It feels a bit quieter and more grown-up compared to places like Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Ginza is known as Tokyo’s upscale shopping and dining district. We loved the wide, clean streets, designer boutiques, fancy cafés.
Honestly, if we didn’t stay in Asakusa, we probably would’ve picked Ginza.
It has this calm, classy vibe but still gives you super easy access to the rest of Tokyo.
It’s not as traditional as Asakusa, but it feels organized and less chaotic, perfect if you want somewhere central and you love shopping.
Stay here if: You like clean streets, stylish shops, and a more relaxed (but still central) feel.
Where to stay in Ginza:
Budget: Hotel Gracery Ginza, great value, comfy rooms, and right near all the shops and restaurants.
Mid-range: The Gate Hotel Tokyo by Hulic is modern, sleek, and in a perfect location for both sightseeing and shopping.
Luxury: The Peninsula Tokyo is pure elegance. Incredible service, beautiful rooms, and just steps from the Imperial Palace.
Ueno: Great for Families & Museum Lovers
Ueno is a super convenient and underrated place to stay in Tokyo.
It has a bit of everything, Ueno Park (huge and lovely for walks), tons of museums, a zoo, and one of Tokyo’s liveliest local markets: Ameya-Yokocho.
It’s also a major train hub, especially if you’re planning to take the Shinkansen or explore other parts of Japan.
The area feels more local and down-to-earth compared to glitzy places like Ginza or Shibuya.
It’s busy, but in a more everyday-life kind of way. If you’re into a mix of culture, food stalls, and easy access to transport, Ueno is a solid pick.
Stay here if: You like walkable areas, museums, local markets, and being well-connected to the rest of the city.
Where to stay in Ueno:
Luxury: Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno – Right next to Ueno Station, with spacious rooms and a calm, modern feel.
Budget: Sakura Hotel Nippori – Cozy, clean, and super friendly staff. Great for travelers who want an authentic vibe.
Mid-range: Hotel Niwa Tokyo – Beautiful blend of modern comfort and traditional design. Peaceful and stylish.
Akihabara: A Must for Anime & Gaming Fans
You can stay in Akihabara if you’re into anime, gaming, or anything otaku culture.
The streets are lined with colorful arcades, themed cafés (yes, including maid cafés), electronics stores, and collectibles shops stacked floor-to-ceiling with figurines, cards, and merch.
To be honest, we didn’t explore Akihabara much ourselves as we’re not really into gaming or anime culture.
But even if you’re not a die-hard fan, it’s still fun to walk around and soak up the energy, especially in the evenings when the neon signs light up and the arcades are buzzing.
It’s definitely a niche vibe, but that’s what makes it cool.
Stay here if: You love anime, games, retro electronics, or just want to experience a totally unique side of Tokyo.
Where to stay in Akihabara:
Budget: Hotel Resol Akihabara – Clean, comfortable, and just a short walk from the action. Great value.
Mid-range: Akihabara Washington Hotel – Right next to the station, with everything you need for a fun and easy stay.
Luxury: NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYO – Stylish, artsy, and surprisingly calm inside despite the lively area. Great mix of comfort and design.
Final Thoughts & Tips
Japan is best visited during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) or autumn foliage (November).
Try and book your accommodation as early as you can, even a year ahead if possible. Things in Tokyo get booked up super quickly, especially in popular neighborhoods.
If you’re new to Tokyo, staying along the JR Yamanote Line or near a major subway station will make your life much easier.
Consider mixing it up, maybe a few nights in a capsule hotel for fun, followed by a cozy ryokan for a more traditional experience.
Have you been to Tokyo? Where did you stay, and would you go back there? Let me know in the comments.
