Where To Stay In Tokyo First Time 2024 – 10 Best Areas

Home » Where To Stay In Tokyo First Time 2024 – 10 Best Areas

The best areas to stay in Tokyo first time are Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Chiyoda & Tokyo Station, Odaiba, Asakusa, Ueno, Shinbashi, Akihabara, and Roppongi.

Both Shibuya and Shinjuku are among the most tourist-friendly areas, but the other recommended areas do come with their own advantages.

This might be an overwhelming and confusing answer to your question about where to stay in Tokyo first time.

But don’t worry, because, in this article, we cover what we believe are the best areas to stay in Tokyo first time, regarding the type of traveller you are.

If you want to go straight to the recommendations, tap on the following button.

Or simply continue reading if you want to know just a bit more about Tokyo.

Tokyo is simply one of the top destinations in the world.

It showcases the perfect blend of modernity and tradition.

You can witness ancient Shinto shrines like Meiji Shrine and vibrant festivals, alongside futuristic skyscrapers and high-tech innovation.

Tokyo is also a food lover’s paradise, renowned for its sushi, ramen, tempura, and a wide range of international cuisines.

Street food stalls and fine dining establishments offer diverse culinary experiences.

One of Tokyo’s greatest charms is its safety, making it an inviting place for pedestrians.

Strolling along the wide sidewalks and through vibrant neighborhoods allows travelers to experience the local atmosphere, savor street food, and discover hidden gems in the form of quaint shops, temples, and parks.

It’s also a shopping paradise.

From luxury brands in Ginza to quirky fashion in Harajuku and electronic gadgets in Akihabara, Tokyo offers unparalleled shopping opportunities.

Then there is the entertainment.

Tokyo boasts world-class museums, theaters, and entertainment venues, making it a hub for art, theater, and pop culture.

And during spring, Tokyo becomes a sea of pink cherry blossoms, attracting visitors from all over the world to witness this breathtaking natural spectacle.

The best part of visiting Tokyo?

Its efficient and extensive public transportation system.

Tokyo’s world-renowned subway and train network is the lifeblood of the city, connecting every corner and providing easy access to iconic landmarks.

Whether you’re traveling on the Tokyo Metro or Japan Rail (JR) lines, you can seamlessly hop from one neighborhood to another, exploring diverse districts such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, and Akihabara.

It allows you to stay in some of the most unique areas in Tokyo, which we all discuss in this article.

But with so many different things to offer, it might be a bit challenging to pick the right area that suits your needs.

So, we’ve come up with a list of recommended areas to make things easier.

Each of the recommended areas comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which are summarized after each paragraph.

With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendation.

Where to stay in Tokyo first time? Keep reading!

Overview of best areas to stay in Tokyo for the first time

Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.

You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.

Best areas to stay in Tokyo first time	What’s so special about the area?
1. Shibuya	Among the top choices among tourists, with amazing access to public transport, which is needed to explore Tokyo. Some highlights are already nearby.
2. Shinjuku	Great nightlife, great access to public transport and the Yamanote Line, and several city highlights nearby, Tokyo as seen in the movies.
3. Ginza	Central location, top-notch hotels, high-end shopping malls, a great base to explore Tokyo, far less busy than the previous two areas. Ideal for the luxury traveller.
4. Chiyoda & Tokyo Station	The perfect base to explore Tokyo as you have direct access to the important Tokyo Station, located centrally, the modern part of Tokyo, with less nightlife, though.
5. Odaiba	A man-made island with many interesting kid-friendly activities, home to Tokyo Disneyland, ideal for families but lacks authenticity.
6. Asakusa	You’re staying in the older parts of Tokyo with rich cultural and historical significance.
7. Ueno	Great access to several important museums, access to Ueno Park, a quiet area, and many budget-friendly accommodations located here.
8. Shinbashi	Central location in the heart of Tokyo, perfect access to public transport, ideal base to explore other parts of Tokyo, but targets mainly business people.
9. Akihabara	Geek epicenter of Tokyo, a vibrant and unique area, with good access to public transport to explore Tokyo.
10. Roppongi	Known for its nightlife scene, an abundance of restaurants, bars, clubs, and other entertainment venues, and central location, but mainly attracts foreign businessmen and hedonistic travellers

How to move around in Tokyo?

As mentioned in the introduction, Tokyo has one of the best public transport systems in the whole world.

The subways and trains are the best ways to move from one part to the other part of the city.

By simply adding money to your prepaid card, you can travel from one district to the other without much hassle.

Just keep in mind that there are many metro and train lines which can be confusing at first, but once you’ve got a hold of it, traveling has never been easier.

Note: Many of the city highlights areas are spread all over the city.

Because of that, it’s impossible to pick simply one best area for first-time visitors based on the good location. In the end, you always have to use Tokyo’s public transport system.

What is the best time of the year to visit Tokyo?

The best time to visit Tokyo largely depends on your personal preferences and what kind of experience you’re seeking.

Tokyo experiences distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm. Here are some considerations for each season:

Spring (March to May)

Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Tokyo. Cherry blossoms (sakura) typically bloom in late March to early April, creating a stunning and iconic landscape.

The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

Many festivals and events, including hanami (cherry blossom viewing) parties, take place during this season.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Tokyo can be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). It’s also the rainy season in June, known as “tsuyu”.

If you don’t mind the heat, you can enjoy various summer festivals, fireworks displays, and outdoor activities.

Be prepared for occasional typhoons during the late summer months.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is another fantastic time to visit Tokyo when the weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

The fall foliage is beautiful, especially in parks like Shinjuku Gyoen and Meiji Shrine Outer Garden.

Many cultural festivals and events take place during this season.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Tokyo is relatively mild compared to other parts of Japan, but it can still get cold, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F).

Tokyo is not known for heavy snowfall, so you won’t experience a traditional winter wonderland, but you can enjoy holiday lights and decorations.

This is a good time to explore indoor attractions like museums and shopping centers.

Summary

The best time to visit Tokyo for pleasant weather and iconic cherry blossoms is during spring.

However, each season offers its own unique experiences, so you can choose the time that aligns with your interests and climate preferences.

Keep in mind that Tokyo is a year-round destination, and there’s always something to see and do regardless of the season.

The best areas to stay in Tokyo first time are:

1. Shibuya

Shibuya is among the most popular area to stay in Tokyo among tourists for a few good reasons.

First of all, it has amazing access to several public transport lines.

From here, you can move to all corners of this enormous city without many problems.

For example, by simply taking the Tokyo-Metro Hanzomon Line, you go straight to the Tokyo Skytree.

Secondly, it’s a vibrant part of the city where you can find many restaurants, bars, and so-called izakaya.

There is an abundance of shopping possibilities as well.

Foodies should really get excited because Shibuya is known for its food scene.

Lastly, you have good access to some of the highlights of the city so make sure your batteries are charged because there is plenty of things to photograph.

For example, at Shibuya, you can find the busiest intersection in the world, the iconic Shibuya Crossing.

Those who have seen the movie Hachiko should definitely take a picture of the famous Hachiko Statue.

You have good access to some of the other city’s highlights, such as the Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park.

Because of these perks and the central location, Shibuya is often the first pick among sightseeing tourists.

For who: sightseeing tourists.

Advantages: amazing access to public transport, which is needed to explore Tokyo. Some highlights are already nearby.

Disadvantages: extremely crowded.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:

Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.

2. Shinjuku

Like the previously recommended Shibuya, Shinjuku is also located on the west side of Tokyo, which is home to those futuristic buildings, large billboards, neon lights, huge department and electronic stores, and an abundance of restaurants the mind almost cannot comprehend.

This crazy part of Tokyo is something we’ve all seen in movies and many first-time travellers want to experience it themselves.

As you can find a great nightlife scene as well, it’s as desirable as Shibuya, especially among the younger visitors.

You have also access to the Yamanote Line, the most important transportation line and a must for tourists.

The majority of the travellers tend to stay at either Shinjuku or Shibuya, which both are excellent choices.

However, expect these areas to be extremely busy.

Those who visit Tokyo the traditional architecture and prefer an area less chaotic should pick one of the areas on the east side of Tokyo, which we will dive into further down this article.

But with city highlights like the Ghibli Museum, Samurai Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Shinjuku Gyoen Japanese Garden, great access to the trains, lots of shopping and nightlife, Shinjuku is perhaps the best option you have.

For who: younger travellers who want to experience the futuristic parts of Tokyo to the fullest.

Advantages: great nightlife, great access to public transport and the Yamanote Line, several city highlights nearby, Tokyo as seen in the movies.

Disadvantages: extremely crowded.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:

3. Ginza

Ginza is yet another modern part of Tokyo, close to the important Tokyo Train Station, and is less busy than the previously recommended areas.

Especially during the evening, most of the larger crowds are gone.

A modern area like Ginza is provided with all comforts you want during your stay.

You’re located near a few main attractions.

On Sundays, the main road of Ginza is closed to traffic, which makes it even less chaotic.

The last thing that’s convenient is that Ginza is located right in the middle of the city, which makes it a perfect base to visit the main attractions that are spread over the city for the next few days.

Is there anything not to like?

Well, Ginza targets luxury travellers and citizens with a larger budget.

Expect to find top-notch hotels, shopping malls, high-end dining and a decent nightlife, although not as wild as the previous two recommended areas.

Now, you can find affordable hotels and it’s possible to dine and shop cheaply, but overall, expect to pay the premium price for the majority of the hospitality venues.

For who: luxury traveller.

Advantages: central location, top-notch hotels, high-end shopping malls, great base to explore Tokyo, far less busy than the previous two areas.

Disadvantages: expect to pay the premium price for a hotel room.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:

4. Chiyoda & Tokyo Station

Right above the previously recommended area lies Tokyo Station, which plays a vital role when visiting Tokyo.

This is the main transportation hub in this insanely large city.

The train station is part of the earlier mentioned Yamanote Line, so if the area you choose is connected to this so-called Tokyo Loop Line, you can basically always reach Tokyo Station without much hassle.

But it’s pretty darn convenient to be located so centrally in Tokyo and also has direct access to the bullet trains, which you will most definitely use to explore other cities.

As you’re located near the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the Tsukiji Fish Market, Marunouchi (a popular business and shopping district), and Akihabara (known for its electronics stores, anime and manga shops, and gaming arcades), you can fairly say that Tokyo Station far from boring.

The previously recommended area of Ginza has that benefit too, but that area is more upscale than Tokyo Station, although quieter.

So, who will appreciate this area the most?

Those who do not want to stay in the popular, yet overly crowded areas of Shinjuku and Shibuya, or want to have the perfect base to explore Tokyo and other cities, right in the modern parts of Tokyo.

For who: those who want to take the most advantage of public transport and the bullet trains.

Advantages: the perfect base to explore Tokyo, located centrally, modern part of Tokyo.

Disadvantages: far less nightlife than the areas in the east.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:

5. Odaiba

Odaiba is situated on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, which offers stunning views of the city skyline and the Rainbow Bridge.

It doesn’t have any authentic vibe, but it’s a great way to escape the somewhat chaos of Tokyo.

On this man-made island, you can find several unique attractions that are linked by a monorail.

This area is known for the Rainbow Bridge and the replica of the Statue of Liberty.

It’s also home to Tokyo Disneyland.

When you combine all this, it’s a no-brainer that it’s one of the best areas to stay when visiting Tokyo with family.

Away from the hustle and bustle and with attractions like science museums, (theme) parks, and other child-friendly activities at your doorsteps, many families will find accommodation here.

For who: families.

Advantages: many interesting kid-friendly activities, home to Tokyo Disneyland.

Disadvantages: away from other major highlights, it doesn’t feel like Tokyo.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:

6. Asakusa

Asakusa is the old part of Tokyo that we mentioned before.

Here, you can find mainly low-rise residential buildings and you can find traditional architecture.

Culture and history lovers would most definitely love this area.

Right in the heart of Asakusa, you can find one of the major attractions of Tokyo, namely the Senso-Ji temple.

This famous temple dates back to the 7th century and is one of Tokyo’s oldest temples.

Asakusa also has a strong association with traditional Japanese culture, with a vibrant street market area called Nakamise-dori, where visitors can buy traditional Japanese souvenirs and snacks.

Especially if you want to escape the modernity that Tokyo also represents, it’s the perfect area to stay at.

Add the fact that you can find many affordable hotels in this part makes it even better.

But there are two things that you have to take into consideration.

First of all, there is no nightlife. For that, you have to travel to other parts of Tokyo.

This brings us to the second issue.

You don’t have direct access to the JR Yamanote Line.

You have to take the Ginza Line to Ginza where you can switch lines with this important loop.

This is about a ten-minute ride, but it’s good to know as we pointed out several times how important the JR Yamanote Line is.

For who: cultural and history lovers.

Advantage: staying in the older parts of Tokyo with rich cultural and historical significance.

Disadvantages: no nightlife, no direct access to the JR Yamanote Line.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:

7. Ueno

Ueno is located west of the previously recommended Asakusa and is still part of the more traditional parts of Tokyo with low-rise buildings.

But this area, unfortunately, isn’t the most beautiful one.

However, it’s home to several important museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the Shitamachi Museum.

Out of all the areas we’ve recommended, Ueno is the most peaceful one, which makes sense as it’s located quite a bit away from the hustle and bustle of the epicenter.

You have access to Ueno Park, which is a famous spot for hanami cherry blossom parties in Spring.

When you want to visit the center of Tokyo, you only have to take the JR Yamanote Line.

If you’re looking for a little bit of excitement, head over to Ameya Yokocho, which is a popular shopping street in this area where you can find plenty of shops, and souvenirs, but also a lot of local food.

If you’re looking for a wild adventure and exploring nightlife to the fullest, we have to disappoint you. Ueno is perfect for those who appreciate peacefulness.

Note: Ueno is among the most budget-friendly areas in Tokyo.

For who: those looking for a relatively quiet area in Tokyo

Advantages: great access to several important museums, access to Ueno Park, quiet area.

Disadvantages: it’s not as vibrant as other areas which some types of tourists appreciate but many won’t.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:

8. Shinbashi

Shinbashi is located under the earlier-mentioned Ginza, which means that it’s located centrally in a modern area.

When it comes to location, Shinbashi is basically perfect.

This area is located in the heart of Tokyo, making it an excellent base for exploring the city.

It’s also close to several major train stations, including Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, and Shibuya Station, which makes it easy to get around the city and beyond.

You’re located close to several major attractions, including the Tokyo Tower. So far, so good.

There is only one thing.

Shinbashi is a business district and it’s an ideal area for workers to dine and drink after work at this particular area.

That means this area mostly caters to the citizens of Tokyo.

If you want to experience a night out with local businessmen, this is the place to be.

But other areas are far more suitable for tourists.

But the location and the connectivity of Shinbashi are simply perfect.

As you can expect from a business area, the hotels available here mostly cater to business people and individual travellers.

Expect high-quality single rooms, proper breakfast buffets and other good facilities.

For who: individual travellers, business travellers.

Advantages: central location in the heart of Tokyo, perfect access to public transport, ideal base to explore other parts of Tokyo.

Disadvantage: this area mainly targets business people, expect premium prices for a hotel room.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:

9. Akihabara

Akihabara is an area close to the older parts and right next to the earlier-mentioned Ueno.

It’s a small neighborhood with the nickname Neon Town that is known as the center of Japan’s otaku (geek) culture.

Visitors can find many anime and manga-related shops, such as comic book stores, figurine shops, and cosplay stores.

This is a great opportunity for first-time visitors to immerse themselves in Japan’s unique pop culture.

Akihabara is also famous for its numerous electronics shops, ranging from small specialty stores to large multi-story department stores.

Here, you can find a huge variety of electronics and gadgets, such as cameras, smartphones, video games, and so much more.

For those who are interested in technology, electronics, anime, manga, or cosplay, Akihabara is simply paradise.

As you can expect from such a unique area, there is quite a good nightlife scene available too and there is no shortage of delicious food.

Even if you’re not into one of these geek topics, a visit to Akihabara should be on your (bucket)list as things like cosplay, manga, and anime play such an important role in the Japanese culture among the younger generations.

But if you’re really into it, then definitely stay at the geek epicenter of Tokyo.

For who: those interested in manga, anime, and cosplay.

Advantages: geek epicenter of Tokyo, vibrant and unique area, good access to public transport to explore Tokyo.

Disadvantages: busy, if the geek topics are not your thing then stay elsewhere.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:

10. Roppongi

Roppongi is the area that attracts most foreigners and lies between the heart of the city and the popular western areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku.

So it has an excellent location in the modern parts of the city.

But as it’s so foreigner-orientated, it does lose a bit of authenticity and uniqueness.

But what attracts so many foreigners to stay (around) Roppongi?

It’s an area that attracts many foreign businessmen as there is an abundance of restaurants, bars, clubs and other types of entertainment venues, including adult entertainment.

And as this area is so foreigner-orientated, the staff at all these places speak English.

In other words, it’s an area full of comfort for the hedonistic traveller.

And we can’t deny that the nightlife scene here is excellent.

If you’re looking for more uniqueness, more authenticity and want to experience the true daily lives, whether it’s in the modern or older parts of Tokyo, then stay elsewhere.

But if you want to end your day of sightseeing with wild nights out in Japan’s capital, then Roppongi is one of your best options.

Just keep in mind that you don’t have direct access to the important JR Yamanote Line.

For who: hedonistic traveller.

Advantages: great nightlife scene, abundance of restaurants, bars, clubs and other entertainment venues, central location.

Disadvantages: it mainly attracts foreign businessmen and hedonistic travellers, no direct connection to the JR Yamanote Line.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors in this area are listed below:

Map of the best areas to stay in Tokyo

The next image is a map of the best area to stay in Tokyo including its highlights. The image is in high resolution so you can easily zoom in to see all the details.

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