Tokyo may be a sprawling, futuristic metropolis, but the core of the city, from its historic riverside origin to all its popular shopping areas, can be explored in an afternoon. With careful planning and by choosing a hotel that puts you close to the sightseeing you want to do, this high-energy city becomes more manageable, whether you are on a family vacation or a couples getaway.
Marunouchi is the area in the heart of the city surrounding the massive Tokyo Station. It and its neighbor Ginza are home to most of the city’s luxury shopping and luxury hotels. Marunouchi’s proximity to the central train station also makes it easy to return to, and hard to get lost from. No matter where you are in the city, you’re usually only one or two trains away from Tokyo Station.
Moving outwards, Shinbashi is where much of the city’s business is done, like lower Manhattan. There are hotels, restaurants, and shops here, but most businesses cater to the huge crowds of office workers who descend on the area each workday.
The Akihabara area is also called “Nerd Village,” as it’s filled with electronics stores, as well as businesses catering to the world of anime, manga, and cosplay. Kanda and Ueno are the next parts of the city, walking away from its core, and they are filled with many smaller shops and businesses, culminating in the wonderful Ameyoko open-air street market.
Roppongi is another popular area of the city for tourists; it’s also filled with shopping malls, luxury apartments, restaurants, and theaters. Harajuku is known for its unique street style and boutiques. It’s an area of Shibuya, the city’s main shopping and entertainment district.
Where to Stay in Tokyo for Luxury
Tokyo skyline and Mount Fuji |
The Marunouchi area is known as one of the best places to stay in Tokyo and where you’ll find most of Tokyo’s luxury hotels. Adjacent to Tokyo Station and right next to Ginza, the Beverly Hills of Tokyo, Marunouchi makes a great base that allows you to easily explore the city, whether by foot and train or via a Rolls-Royce limo.
The Aman specializes in creating truly memorable guest experiences with options including a visit to the Tsukiji fish market with the hotel’s chef or an iaido lesson to learn the ancient art and etiquette of samurai combat.
The rooms and suites are larger here than most of the city’s luxury hotels, and the service, as you find at every Shangri-La property, is warm and deeply personal.
Try to book a room on a Club floor, as they offer some extra amenities and access to the hotel’s expansive Club Lounge, which has five daily food services. The Ritz-Carlton is part of a large development called Tokyo Midtown, and the building and surrounding complex has some great shopping and a gourmet market.
Where to Stay in Tokyo: Mid-Range
Ginza area streetview |
By foregoing the more well-known Western hotel chains and going with an Asian or Japanese brand, it’s possible to find comfortable accommodations without breaking the bank. Rooms in Shinbashi or Shiodome, areas of offices and office workers, are a great value because they’re not popular for tourists. As they’re well-served by Tokyo’s public transit system, staying there still puts you close to the city’s most popular attractions, like shopping and museums.
It’s also a short walk from the huge Shimbashi station and close to the Tsukiji commercial seafood market, a must-visit for foodies. The Shiodome location is more corporate than touristy but offers some great dining and shopping, all within a block or two of the hotel.
Where to Stay in Tokyo on a Budget
Akihabara area sign |
It’s possible to find budget hotels in central Tokyo, but in most cases you’ll have to sacrifice space and amenities. While not as compact as the city’s famous capsule hotels, cheaper accommodations will usually come with a small, self-contained tubless bathroom and room space barely larger than the beds. Most hotels will have Wi-Fi, but don’t expect a restaurant on the property or room service.
For some excitement, the Akihabara area is known for anime, manga, and cosplay cafes. Locals refer to it as “Nerd Village,” and it’s also home to some of the city’s best budget hotel bargains.
Where to Stay in Tokyo for Families
Statue of Liberty in Odaiba area |
Tokyo is very kid friendly, and the Tokyo Bay area is especially great for families. Only ten minutes by taxi from central Tokyo (or even less by train), the area includes several enormous shopping malls and amusement parks.
This part of Tokyo is all reclaimed land from the bay, and you’ll find more green and outdoor space than the central part of the city. It’s a great area for jogging and walking, too. The Odaiba and Tokyo Bay area also has the city’s only public beach, which can provide a wonderful break from the urban chaos.
Where to Stay in Tokyo for Couples
Chidorigafuchi Park with cherry blossoms |
Don’t skip a visit to the spa, where the lap pool is enclosed in a glass atrium that is particularly impressive after dark, when the lights come on in the city. The spa area also features hot baths and saunas. For dining there are a number of restaurants, including one offering high-end Japanese.
Don’t skip the spa, which has won many awards – book a treatment in the Matsukaze Suite, where you can soak in a bath fronting walls of windows. There are also excellent restaurants, including French fine dining.
Couples will love the amenities away from the rooms as much as they like spending time in them. There are multiple restaurants to choose from and a luxe spa with hot tubs and saunas.
Where to Stay in Tokyo near the Airport
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport |
Tokyo’s international airport is about 70 minutes by car from the city, which makes it inconvenient if you have a late night arrival or have an early morning flight to catch. Many people also end up in Tokyo for a half day or overnight layover and don’t want to sleep on the airport floor. In this case booking a hotel near the airport makes a lot of sense. And there are plenty of choices, including a number inside the airport itself.