Where To Stay In Tokyo Our Favourite Areas & Hotels In Tokyo Nerd Nomads

 

Visiting Tokyo, perhaps the most hyper-modern of all cities, feels almost surreal with its into-the-future-like architecture, trend-setting youth fashion, pop culture geekery, and neon-lit skyline.

However, it is also a city alive with ancient history and strong traditions, where traditional Japanese Inns still welcome guests into old Edo period houses, and beautiful temples fill with worshippers as they have for hundreds of years. This exciting blend of old and new is what makes Tokyo such an exciting city to visit.

As one of the most visited cities in Asia with there is no lack of hotels, hostels, and ryokans (traditional Japanese guesthouses) at every price range available, but with more than 40 different neighborhoods, figuring out where to stay in Tokyo can be a challenge.

Where To Stay In Tokyo

Tokyo is more a collection of suburbs each with their own center than one large cohesive city, and every area has its distinct personality.

The west side of Tokyo is the modern side with its futuristic architecture, enormous shopping malls, cinemas, and nightlife while to the east lies what used to be the old Samurai districts with their magnificent temples and historic sites.

The hotel standard in Tokyo is overall excellent with comfortable rooms that have everything you need. However, hotel room prices are comparable to many European big cities, and since space is a valuable commodity in Tokyo, the rooms tend to be small.

The Japanese are always polite and offer excellent service, but the language barriers can sometimes become a bit of an issue since many Japanese don’t speak much English.

To get around Tokyo easily, we recommend staying close to a metro station. Tokyo has one of the world’s most efficient metro subway systems crisscrossing the city. The JR Yamanote Line, often called “the loop line”, connects the most famous Tokyo areas and staying close to it is probably the easiest option but anywhere with a metro station will allow you to quickly access any part of Tokyo.

We have spent months researching this guide both before, during, and after the weeks we spent in Tokyo searching for the “perfect” accommodations for every budget.

To make this as complete and as useful a resource as possible, we have also included some recommendations from people we know and whose opinion we trust.

Important: None of the hotels recommended here are paid placements or have sponsored our stay in any way. We pay for our accommodations ourselves when we travel. If you book through any of our links, we make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps keep our site running — so thank you in advance for your support!

We hope you find this guide helpful in finding the best place to stay in Tokyo.

The Best Areas To Stay In Tokyo

Tokyo has a total of 47 neighborhoods but these eight areas are the best areas to stay in Tokyo (see the map above):

1. Shinjuku

Why Stay In Shinjuku?

Shinjuku is by many considered the best area to stay in Tokyo for tourists. There are lots of options for accommodation, entertainment, and shopping here. Shinjuku is the Tokyo you see on TV with its neon lights and the futuristic skyscrapers.

During the day Shinjuku is a great area for shopping with big modern shopping malls like Lumine, Takashimaya Times Square and Odakyu filled with both international and Japanese brands. But it’s in the evenings that Shinjuku really comes alive and the dazzling display of neon signs reveal the hundreds of bars, restaurants and entertainment options available.

The heart of this area is the Shinjuku train station, one of the busiest stations in the world with over three million passing through each day. From here you can easily get to anywhere in Tokyo and also out of Tokyo to other parts of Japan like a day trip to Hakone and Mount Fuji area with the Odakyu train or public bus, as well as the Narita Express train to/from the airport.

The west side of the Shinjuku train station (Nishi-Shinjuku) consists of corporate buildings and towers, like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and the iconic futuristic Mode Gakuen Cocoon Towers. Some of these buildings are really cool, so make sure to look upwards as you walk around Shinjuku.

Well worth a visit is also the Golden Gai neighborhood with its many charming old tiny bars and restaurants. Many of which can only accommodate a handful of visitors at a time. Some are exclusive to local patrons and may politely let you know that when you poke your head in. Look out for menus in English outside the door for a good indication that they accept foreign customers.

Outside the west gate of the Shinjuku train station lies Omoide Yokocho or Memory Lane. Similarly to Golden Gai Memory Lane is a narrow lane filled with restaurants and bars. It burned down in 1999 but thankfully the government decided to rebuild it exactly as before, preserving this little piece of old Japan.

Here the smell of barbequed meat hangs heavy in the air and the specialty is Yakitori, grilled spears of chicken, but you will also find other more exotic dishes such as grilled salamander and pig testicles.

The alley is often nicknamed Piss Alley, and you won´t find fancy cocktails and pink drinks here but plenty of good beer and sake. Be warned that vegetarian options are as good as nonexisting.

Golden Gai and Memory Lane have been unchanged since the second world war and it is a miracle they have avoided being swallowed up by the modern Shinjuku.

The Shinjuku area is also home to a labyrinth of narrow lanes with small stalls selling every conceivable item. It is great fun to walk around here and get a little lost. Don´t forget to sample some of the street food along the way.

To the east side of Shinjuku train station is Kabukicho, Tokyo`s biggest, bustling, and most vibrant modern entertainment area with its many bars, restaurants, and cinemas.

Things To Do In Shinjuku

Enjoy the Tokyo skyline view: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (observation deck at the 45th floor, 202 m high). On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji. The best of all, it is free!

Go bar hopping inside the maze-like small streets of the Golden Gai district and get a glimpse into post-war Tokyo.

If you want a surreal experience, check out the Robot Restaurant where you get a fantastic robot show while having something to drink or eat. The Tokyo craziness in a nutshell!

Inokashira-koen park has a pond where you can rent rowboats and swan pedal boats. There is also an ancient shrine here, dedicated to the sea goddess Benzaiten. This park is one of the best places for night blossoms in cherry blossom season.

Check out the many art exhibition galleries in Shinjuku

Shop till you drop at the many upscale department stores in Shinjuku

Go camera shopping — Shinjuku is camera heaven for both photography enthusiasts and collectors. Here you will find lots of camera stores for both new and vintage equipment (take the west exit at Shinjuku station). We bought our camera lens here at half the price of at home.

What`s The Catch?

Shinjuku can be pretty crowded with people, especially at weekends, and in the evenings you can be sure to meet some white-collar workers that have had a drink or two too many raving around in the streets. Kabukicho also has a seedier side to it with Tokyo’s biggest red light district housing some dodgy bars.

Shinjuku’s popularity has made it an expensive area when it comes to accommodations.

Where To Stay In Shinjuku

Top End Mid-range Budget

2. Shibuya & Harajuku

Why Stay In Shibuya?

To sum up Shibuya; you will find action and lots to do 24/7! You will not have a single dull moment in Shibuya.

Shibuya attracts a younger crowd. This is where the teens of Tokyo gather and hang out with their bright futuristic clothes and colorful hair. They all meet up at Hachiko Plaza, named after the famous Hachiko dog which Japan loves, right in front of the Shibuya train station.

Shibuya Crossing, opposite the Shibuya train station, is the center of this area. This crossing is the world`s busiest street crossing, leading to the walking street Centre-gai, Shibuya`s main artery. Here you will find lots of shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants.

Shibuya station has both the regular subway as well as the JR train routes making the area well connected and a convenient base for exploring Tokyo and beyond.

Harajuku is a small area within Shibuya that is most famous for being the center of Tokyo’s goth/ zombie/ emo-like subculture. Youths from all over Japan come to shop for clothes and accessories in the dozens of small specialty stores that line the small narrow Takeshita-dori street. If you are a young traveler yourself or if you are traveling with teenagers then this is an area you should definitely explore.

It’s a fun place to come for some people watching with excellent second-hand shops, street vendors selling colorful treats, and youths dressed up in the craziest cutest costumes. This is the home of Kawaii, the strange and very Japanese phenomenon of cuteness. You really need to see it to believe it 🙂

The wide boulevard-like street Omote-sando, sometimes called Tokyo’s Champs Elysées, is the main artery of the Shibuya-Harajuku area, packed with chic modern designer boutiques and international fashion brands.

And what`s extra cool, is that the buildings themselves are designed by famous architects to match the store the building houses. So make sure to take a look at the facades of the buildings themselves and not only what’s inside.

Omote-sando street is a great place to go shopping or at least window-shopping. This area also has lots of cool cafes and restaurants. Make sure to have an ice-cream or two at Ben & Jerry`s in Omotesando street! Our favorite ice cream, the New York Super Fudge Chunk, is just heavenly good! 🙂

Things To Do In Shibuya & Harajuku

Shibuya Crossing — №1 attraction and thing to do in Shibuya is to walk through the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing a couple of times, or just stand on the pavement watching the crowds. The crossing is famously known as “The Scramble”. If you want a bird`s eye view of the whole walking show, visit the Starbucks Cafe (second floor of the ukutaya bookshop) right opposite the Shibuya crossing and have a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate while you view this human phenomenon.

Cat street — One of our absolute favorite streets in Tokyo is Kyu-Shibuya-gawa Yuhodoro, popularly called Cat street. It connects Shibuya and Shinjuku and has a completely different and more relaxed atmosphere than the hyper-busy Harajuku and Takeshita-dori street. Lined with cool fashion shops and second-hand clothes boutiques, restaurants and independent cafes. Try a burger at The Great Burger, our favorite Tokyo burger joint! See our Tokyo itinerary day 1 for more details.

Hachiko Statue — Right outside of Shibuya train station you will find the bronze statue of the famous and beloved Akita dog Hachiko. The story of him is famous all over the world, and he has become a legend. There is even a Hollywood movie of Hachiko, the dog. Read the full story of Hachiko here.

Meiji-jingu Shrine — This is Tokyo`s grandest shrine, dated back to 1920, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. It is a must-see when in Tokyo. Extra plus: FREE entrance!

Second-hand clothes shopping — hit Harajuku Street and Cat Street for some hip second-hand clothing stores.

Yoyogi-koen Park — This is an enormous and charming park and the perfect place to go for a walk or run, play frisbee, have a picnic or just lay down to get some sun if the weather is nice. At weekends you will find lots of entertainers in the park, playing instruments or dancing.

Tokyo Photographic Art Museum — This is Tokyo’s best photography museum, housing photo exhibitions of both international and Japanese photographers.

Beer Museum Yebisu — Located on the site of the original Yebisu Brewery, this museum has photographs and antiques from the Japanese beer industry. You can also taste different kinds of beer at the “tasting salon”.

What`s The Catch?

There are lots of people in this area, especially during the weekends. There is also a small red light district here.

Where To Stay In Shibuya

Top End: Mid-range: Budget:

3. Ginza, Tokyo Station & Tsukiji

Why Stay In Ginza, Tokyo Station & Tsukiji?

This area has some of Tokyo’s best top-end luxury hotels. With its broad boulevard-like streets, Ginza is Tokyo`s answer to New York`s Fifth Avenue, or London`s Oxford Street. It was the first area of Tokyo to be modernized in the 1870s and has modern Western-style buildings and some of Tokyo’s most upscale shopping malls.

Nowadays, Shinjuku and Shibuya have outshined Ginza a little when it comes to shopping, vitality, and energy, but Ginza still has the posh factor with all the famous high-end brands. It is also the perfect place to go window shopping and people watching. In the evenings the shops really light up and put up quite a colorful display to attract shoppers.

On the weekends the traffic is closed off and Chuo Dori, the main shopping street, becomes a pedestrian-only zone which is really cool.

In the evenings the nightlife around Giza is quieter and more upscale and mature than for instance Shinjuku with plenty of good restaurants and cocktail bars. It is also a very safe area and excellent for families traveling with children. Several subway stops make Ginza a great base from which to explore the city.

Just a short walk southeast of these luxury shopping streets, you will find the world famous fish market — Tsukiji Fish Market. The active fish market has moved but the outer market is as lively as ever and there are tons of excellent seafood restaurants here.

Ginza is also the home of the Imperial Palace and the gardens surrounding it. To the east is the bustling business district of Marunouchi with several glossy towers like the Marunouchi Building with its restaurants, shopping and great views of the imperial grounds. The heart of Marunouchi is, however, Tokyo Station, which is over a hundred years old.

Things To Do In Ginza, Tokyo Station & Tsukiji

Imperial Palace (a short walk from Tokyo Station) — This Edo castle, formerly the Tokugawa Family’s residence, is now the residence of the Japan emperor. The Palace itself is closed to the public except on the 2nd of January and 23rd of December (the Emperors birthday). It is, however, possible to take a tour of the imperial grounds, but book ahead early through the Imperial Household Agency`s website. The Imperial Palace East Garden is open to the public without reservation. The Nijubashi Bridge in front of the main entrance is very famous and a favorite photo object. It is the geographic center of Tokyo, and where all distances were measured during the Edo period. Entrance is free.

The old Tsukiji Fish Market — While the market itself has moved, the surrounding streets (Outer Market) are packed with rows of vendors selling all kinds of fish and seafood, and also many sushi restaurants.

Shopping — Ginza is upscale shopping heaven with every high-end brand imaginable. Some favorites include the Ginza SIX (the biggest mall in Ginza), Ginza Mitsukoshi (high-end shopping with three floors of restaurants), or Ginza Wako (a beautiful stylish department store with a history back to WWII).

Cafes and Art galleries — Go for a stroll and stop off at one of the many art galleries and cozy cafes

Hama-rikyu Onshi-teien Garden — This gorgeous garden is a must-visit! Inside the garden is a beautiful tea house which dates back to 1704, nicely located by a cedar bridge. Have a cup of matcha green tea and some sweets and enjoy the views of the garden and the lake.

Tokyo Station — This beautiful red-brick station building dating back to 1914 has gone through a restoration process back to its original form that finished in 2012.

What`s The Catch?

Ginza is upscale and modern and can lack a little in charm and history. Due to the upscale nature of the neighborhood, there aren´t a lot of budget accommodation available and Ginza is best suited to luxury travelers and shoppers with generous budgets.

Where To Stay In Ginza, Tsukiji & Tokyo Station

Top End

Alternative Top End: The Peninsula Tokyo

Mid-range: Budget:

4. Roppongi

Why Stay In Roppongi?

Roppongi is famous for entertainment and its nightlife, but it also contains several art museums, galleries, shopping centers, and theaters. Roppongi is probably the most international part of Tokyo where the wealthy foreign businessmen come to dine and party and where most restaurants will have a menu available in English.

Roppongi Hills is the new heart of Roppongi and is an enormous complex including 220 restaurants and shops, offices, cinemas, a hotel, and art museums. From the top floor, the “Tokyo City View” you get fantastic views of Tokyo. You can also step out into the rooftop open-air “Sky Deck”.

Things To Do In Roppongi

Mori Art Museum — Located on the 52nd and 53rd floors of Moro Tower in Roppongi Hills complex. The ticket to this museum also includes entry to Tokyo City View and Sky Deck.

Several art museums — National Art Center Tokyo, Suntory Museum of Art (lifestyle art like ceramics, weaving, etc.)

Nogi-jinja Shrine — Honours General Nogi, the hero of the Russo-Japanese War who committed suicide together with his wife when Emperor Meiji died. Nogis black wooden residence is on the same ground as this shrine.

Zojo-ji Temple — This is most dramatic at dusk, as the Tokyo Tower lights the grounds from behind. Dating back to 1393, this is the most important temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism (Pure Land). It contains a giant bell that is considered one of the great three bells of the Edo period.

Tokyo Tower — Kind of like an Eiffel Tower rip-off, Tokyo Tower was finished in 1958 and is a symbol of Tokyo’s post-World War II period. It is 13 m higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You can take the lift up to the main observation deck at 150 m, or up to the “special” deck at 250 m.

Atago-jinja Shrine — This shrine’s main feature is its giant stone stairway that leads up to the highest natural spot in central Tokyo. It is pretty at dusk when it is lit by lots of lanterns.

What`s The Catch?

Not much really, but if you choose the wrong hotel here, the nightlife can be loud. Roppongi is also not located on the JR Yamanote loop metro line, so there is no direct connection to for instance Shinjuku. It’s hardly a big deal though since it only requires one extra stop.

Where To Stay In Roppongi

Top-end: Mid-range:

5. Ueno

Why Stay In Ueno?

Ueno is a good choice economically as the hotels are cheaper here than in the more famous areas like Harajuku and Shibuya. This area is perfect for those interested in museums, art galleries, zoo, and parks.

A big part of Ueno area is the lovely and huge Ueno-Koen Park, being one of Tokyo`s top draw ever since the Edo period. The park also houses some of Japan and Tokyo’s best museums, Tokyo National Museum being the biggest.

To the north of the park, is Yanaka, a beautiful little area housing more than a hundred temples, relocated from all around Tokyo during the urban restructuring. Yanaka area miraculously survived both the big earthquake of 1923 that destroyed lots of Tokyo, the firebombing of world war II, and the modernization process of the postwar years. Walking around this area feels quite magical and is worth a visit.

Things To Do In Ueno

Tokyo National Museum — If you only want to visit one museum in Tokyo, then this is it! Here is the world`s largest collection of Japanese art, ancient pottery, religious sculptures, samurai swords, woodblock prints (ukiyo-e), kimonos, and so much more. The museum consists of several buildings, but Honkan (Main Gallery) is the most important.

Ueno-koen Park — The park surrounding the museum is huge and even includes a lake, the Shinobazu Pond where you can paddle swan-shaped boats. It is Japan`s first public park, established in 1873, but is much older than that. Structures dates as far back as to the 17th century. There are several replicas of shrines and temples around Japan. The whole idea of the park was that Tokyoites could see the entire country in this park. It is like a pre-Disney-World. During weekends you can see acrobats, performers and food vendors in the park.

Kanei-ji Temple — This temple was built in 1625 by the Tokugawa shogunate as a prayer temple. Six former shoguns are entombed here.

Ueno Zoo — Japan`s oldest zoo, established in 1882. The biggest attractions are two giant pandas, Ri Ri, and Shin Shin.

National Science Museum — Showcases the rich and varied wildlife of Japan, a rocket launcher, a giant squid, an Edo-era mummy, as well as a digital seismograph that charts earthquakes in real time.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum — Also houses temporary exhibits from leading international art museums like New York`s Metropolitan Museum of Art.

National Museum of Western Art — The building of this museum is on Unesco`s World Heritage List, and was designed by Le Corbusier in the late 1950s. It houses art collection from medieval Madonna and Child images to 20th-century abstract expressionism. It has a whole gallery of Monet.

Kyu Iwasaki-teien — This grand and beautiful building was once the villa of the founder of the Mitsubishi conglomerate. It was built in 1896 and restored and opened to the public in 2001.

SCAI the Bathhouse — This was once a 200-year-old bathhouse, but is today a cutting-edge gallery space, showing Japanese and international artists.

What`s The Catch?

Not much, but it is a little bit out of the way from the “action” in Harajuku and Shibuya.

Where To Stay In Ueno

Mid-range:

Hotel Coco Grand Ueno Shinobazu

Located just a five-minute walk from Ueno Train Station and with stunning views of Ueno Park, this hotel is deservedly one of the most popular in this area. The rooms are of average size for Tokyo aka small but well decorated with very comfortable beds, and all the modern amenities such as flat-screen tv and air con. The bathroom is a fascinating study in how to pack in a lot in a small space. The breakfast buffet is excellent with plenty of options for both Japanese and western dishes. The Onsen and spa department is lovely and well worth a visit.

Click to check the latest prices

Dormy Inn Ueno Okachimachi

This has a nice location, just a 15-minute walk from Ueno Station and with a convenient store just outside of the hotel entrance. You can easily get to this hotel by a 40-minute Skyliner trip from Narita airport (Keisei Skyliner). They serve excellent breakfast buffet of both western and Japanese food and free soba (noodles) in the evening. The highlight of this hotel is, however, is the rooftop onsen with an open air view of the Tokyo sky tree. The onsen also has a cold pool and sauna.

Click to check the latest prices

6. Asakusa

Why Stay In Asakusa?

Asakusa is one of the few areas of Tokyo that still look much like it has for decades, having experienced little of the modernization that the rest of Tokyo has, except for the addition of Tokyo’s tallest building, the Tokyo Sky Tree. The area consists of low-lying residential buildings, so Tokyo Sky Tree sticks out and looks like it was dropped here by aliens.

This area (Ryogoku) is also home to the National Sumo Stadium Kokugikan, so you will often see big chubby wresters waddling around, especially around Ryogoku Station.

It is a quiet and laid-back area, especially compared to Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Shibuya. It is home to plenty of budget accommodations and is generally considered one of the least expensive areas of Tokyo to stay in. It is also an excellent area to shop for traditional Japanese crafts to bring back as souvenirs.

If you want to head to Nikko for a day-trip, as we did, you can take the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa Station.

Things To See And Do In Asakusa

Senso-ji Temple — This is Tokyo`s most visited temple. It has a golden image of Kannon (the Buddhist goddess of mercy), which was according to the legend pulled out of the nearby river by two fishermen in AD 628. In front of the temple, you will enter through a beautiful bright red gate Kaminari-mon. Once inside you will step down the shopping street of the temple, Nakamise-dori, where you can find souvenirs and genuine Edo-style crafts. At the end of this road is the temple itself, with the 55-meter high Five-story Pagoda. Free entrance!

Tokyo Sky Tree — When it opened in May 2012, it was the world`s tallest free-standing communication tower with its 634 m. You can choose between two observation decks; at 350 m and 450 m. In good weather, you can even see Mt. Fuji from the tower! Tokyo Skytree also has an aquarium, Sumida Aquarium. Solamachi located at the base of Tokyo Skytree is a gigantic shopping mall with over 300 shops and lots of restaurants. Konica Minolta Planetarium “Tenku” is also located here where you can walk under the stars.

Asakusa-jinja Shrine — This shrine, painted in a dark shade of red, dates back to 1649 and is an excellent example of an early-Edo architectural style. Built in honor of the two brothers who discovered the Kannon statue that led to the construction of Senso-ji Temple.

Edo-Tokyo Museum — Exhibitions in this museum document Tokyo`s major transition from Edo to modern with lots of interesting facts. An excellent museum with impressive replicas and examples of Edo-era infrastructures.

Sumida Park — This park is ideal for cherry blossoms. You can get a magnificent view of cherry trees in a line that goes for over one kilometer. In summer the Sumida River Fireworks Festival is held in this park.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo (MOT)

What`s The Catch?

It’s a little out of the way location wise, but with Tokyo’s excellent metro system it is not much of a problem.

Where To Stay In Asakusa

The old neighborhood of Asakusa is home to most of Tokyo’s few remaining Ryokans, traditional Japanese Inns. Spending a night in one is a must-try experience when in Japan.

Mid-range:

Sadachiyo Ryokan

Why not try a Ryokan?

If you want to try a traditional Japanese Inn in Tokyo, then Sadachiyo is an excellent choice. It’s located in a quiet part of Asakusa but still within walking distance of the top sights. Here you sleep on a futon bed, enjoy an Onsen (hot spring bath) and have a delicious authentic Japanese dinner and breakfast. Spending a night at a Ryokan gives you a real sense of the old traditional Japanese way of life and is an experience you won’t soon forget. The staff is very welcoming and helpful to foreigners, and the rooms all have private bathrooms.

Click for latest prices

Budget:

7. Akihabara & Iidabashi

Why Stay In Akihabara & Iidabashi?

The Akihabara neighborhood is called Akiba and is the center of the geek culture, a Mekka for manga and anime fans from all over the world. It is great fun just to walk around the streets of Akiba and watch the craziness.

The Iidabashi/ Akihabara area was where the governing elite in the Edo-era lived and had their grand villas. Just north of the Imperial Palace (Kokyo Higashi-Gyoen) is the green lung Kitanomaru Park surrounded by a moat. Today the park house several museums.

The park and the canal are lined with cherry trees which explode in pinkish colors during Cherry Blossom season (end of March till the middle of April), a very beautiful and popular area to take photos during spring.

A visit to Akihabara today, however, is like entering a futuristic cyber-city packed with electronic! Its transformation into Electric Town started after World War II when this area around Akihabara Station became a black market for radio parts. Today Akihabara is THE place to head for bargains on new and used electronics of all kind.

Things To Do In Akihabara & Iidabashi

Maid Cafe — Have a coffee or soda at a very particular type of cafe, which originated in Akihabara. The waitresses dress as French maids and treat the customers as masters. It is innocent fun, and a bit embarrassing!

Shop for manga comics and action figures — five floors shopping malls packed with only manga comics and action figures.

Electronics and camera shopping — Take a wander through the eight floors Yodabashi electronics store, one of the largest camera stores, in the world or visit the Akihabara Radio Center. A two-story building packed with everything from connectors, jacks, LEDs, switches, semiconductors and all other electronic components you need or did not know you needed!

Jimbocho — This neighborhood is heaven for us book-lovers. Here you will find approximately 160 secondhand bookstores. Although most books are in Japanese, you can find art tomes, vintage manga, and anime, as well as other collectibles.

Yasukuni-jinja Shrine — This beautiful shrine completed in 1869 in memory of to Japan`s war dead (2,5 million souls). The shrine has torii gates made out of steel and bronze, which is unusual as torii gates are usually made of wood.

Museums — Yushu-kan (war museum starting from the samurai tradition), National Showa Memorial Museum (World War II), National Museum of Modern Art (Meiji-jingu ShrineAT), Crafts Gallery (ceramics, lacquer work, wood carving, textiles, etc.). These museums are all located in the Kitanomaru Park.

Koishikawa Korakuen Garden — This beautiful garden from the 17th century and was the property of Tokugawa clan. Here you will see landscape architect elements of both Chinese and Japanese. The garden has a lovely bridge, the Full-Moon Bridge, which dates back to the early Edo period.

Tokyo Dome Stadium, home to Japan` top baseball team the Yomiuri Giants is located next to the park Koishikawa Korakuen Garden and is an attraction in itself with both a spa (with an upscale Onsen), an amusement park, and Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum. By the way, did you know that baseball was imported to Japan by an American teacher in 1872 as a hobby, and is now a national obsession?

Kanda Myojin Shrine — Built in 730. It is said to bring luck in business, family, and finding your future man or woman.

Nicholai-do — A beautiful white Orthodox cathedral built by St. Nicholai in 1891.

What`s The Catch?

This is not where things are happening when it comes to nightlife, disco and partying. It is a rather quiet area in the evening and night, especially in Asakusabashi.

Where To Stay In Akihabara & Iidabashi

Mid-range: Budget:

8. Odaiba & Tokyo Bay

Why Stay In Odaiba & Tokyo Bay?

The Odaiba and Tokyo Bay area is a bit different from the rest of Tokyo, and a result of urban planning. This area was developed and rebuilt in the 1990s and has a modern vibe with its wide streets and big buildings.

Consider staying here if you’re looking for more of a resort feel away from the busy center of town. It is also an excellent choice if you want to visit Tokyo Disney Resort.

The waterfront, the promenades, and walkways are this area`s main attraction with a lovely view of the Rainbow Bridge, especially after dark.

Things Do In Odaiba & Tokyo Bay

Tokyo Beach — The only beach in Tokyo where you can lay down on the white sand and get a tan. Swimming is not allowed but you can dip your toes in the water.

Rainbow Bridge — Rainbow Bridge (918 m long) connecting Odaiba and Shibaura is beautifully lit in green and yellow colors after dark. We walked over the bridge to Odaiba, and really enjoyed it. On the way back we took the driverless Yurikamome monorail, which departs/ends at Shimbashi station and goes in between skyscrapers and crosses the bridge.

Fuji TV Building — The big building hosting the Fuji TV headquarters was designed by the world famous architect Kenzo Tange. The building contains facilities like a cool globe-shaped observatory, theater mall, Kikkake street, and several restaurants. All of these are open to the public. Open from 10–18 every day except Mondays.

Palette Town — This is a gigantic shopping kind of mall, consisting of many shops, Toyotas car showroom “Mega Web”, the giant Ferris wheel that symbolizes Odaiba, the concert hall “Zepp Tokyo” and an indoor amusement center “Tokyo Leisure Land”.

DiverCity Tokyo Plaza — a shopping and entertainment mall with plenty of shops and restaurants. In front of the plaza is a gigantic 18 m tall 1:1 scale model of Gundam, the robotic mobile suit from the popular anime series Gundam. The shopping is open 10–21, while the restaurants are open from 11–23.

Decks Tokyo Beach — This shopping mall has an open deck resembling a ship deck. From here you have an awesome view over the Rainbow Bridge. We had dinner here at an Indian restaurant, delicious food! At the Decks, you can also visit Madame Tussauds Tokyo, Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo and Tokyo Joypolis, a three-story indoor amusement park operated by the game-maker Sega.

Oedo Onsen Monogatari — This hot spring theme park pipes in hot spring water from 1400 m below Tokyo Bay. It`s interior is like an Edo-era town made in Disneyland-style with games and food stalls. You can enjoy 13 bathhouses including two indoor natural hot springs.

Tokyo Disney Resort — This amusement park is Japans most visited site! The park is two parks; Tokyo Disney which is modeled after the original in California, and Tokyo Disney Sea which has shows and international pavilions. To pay for a Fast Pass can be a good idea, to cut down on the queueing time.

National Museum of Emerging Science & Innovation (Mirai-kan) — With the name Miraikan, meaning “hall of the future”, you will experience futuristic science and technology that will likely shape the years to come. This museum is full of hands-on displays, which is great fun and very interactive both for kids and adults. The demonstration of the human-robot Asimo is great! The museum also has a theater/ planetarium, Gaia dome, which has an English audio option. It is a good idea to reserve your seats at this planetarium as you arrive at the museum as it usually gets full. Opening hours: 10–17 every day except Tuesdays.

What`s The Catch?

Expect to use at least 20 minutes to get into the more central areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Where To Stay In Odaiba & Tokyo Bay

Mid-range:

Puh! There you have it, our eight favorite areas of Tokyo. I hope this helps you when deciding where to stay in Tokyo and what Tokyo hotels to book. Have an awesome time in Tokyo!

If you are looking for an overview of what to see and do in Tokyo, check out our recommended Tokyo itinerary packed with cool and must-see things.

We will continue to add more hotels and tips about these areas of Tokyo, so please comment below if you have any suggestions or recommendations that we should check out next time.

Travel Guides

We used Lonely Planet`s Japan Travel Guide on our trip. You can get that and other great books by clicking on the pictures below which will take you to Amazon.com (affiliate links):

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Hover over the pictures below and press the red “Save” button that pops up:

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, and we will earn a small percentage of the sale if you purchase through them at absolutely no extra cost to you! This helps us keep the content up to date, create new travel guides, and keep the website going. Thank you! ♥ For more information, see our disclosure here.

Where To Stay In Tokyo Our Favourite Areas & Hotels In Tokyo Nerd Nomads | Wander (vocal.media)