The best areas to stay in Tokyo

Marthe
Feb 11
5 min read

Introduction

Even though I live in Kyoto, I've been to Tokyo so many times I can barely count them on my hands. I go there often, both as a tourist and for work. Although I've stayed in a huge variety of places, I still haven't seen everything; the city is incredibly vast!

On the map below, I've highlighted the most important areas with colored squares. Of course, you can also stay in the areas that aren't colored. Tokyo is truly enormous, so if you have a hotel in mind that falls just outside my colored squares, don't worry, you can still book it.

My tip: always try to find a hotel close to a metro or train station. If you do that, you can get pretty much anywhere in no time.

1. Ginza

This is the chic heart of Tokyo. Ginza is known as the city's most luxurious neighborhood. Although I'm describing Ginza and Tokyo Station (point 2) separately here, they're actually within walking distance of each other. Online, you often see them listed as separate districts, but in practice, it makes little difference which one you choose for your stay.

What's there to see? Visit the Uniqlo Global Flagship Store ( maps ) (with a whopping 12 floors!) or admire the beautiful goldfish at the Art Aquarium Museum Ginza ( maps ) .
Location & Metro: Ginza is one of the most accessible neighborhoods.
- Ginza Line (Yellow): Takes you directly to Shibuya and Asakusa .
- Marunouchi Line (Red): Direct connection to Tokyo Station , Shinjuku and Ikebukuro .
- Hibiya Line (Gray): Ideal for traveling to the fish market in Tsukiji or Roppongi .
Atmosphere: Elegant. On weekends, the main roads are closed to cars, transforming the neighborhood into a pedestrian paradise.

2. Tokyo Station / Marunouchi

The area around Tokyo Station is the heart of the city. Marunouchi is the business district that strikes the perfect balance between design and historic charm.

What can you see here? Directly behind the station you'll find the Imperial Gardens ( maps ) .
Location & Train: This is the ultimate transportation hub.
- Shinkansen: The high-speed trains to Kyoto and Osaka , among others, depart here.
- Yamanote Line (Green): The famous loop line that connects all the major centers (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara).
- Narita Express: The fastest connection directly to the airport.
Ambience: Being so close to Ginza, you get the best of both worlds here: the logistical advantages of the station and the luxury of the surrounding shops.

3. Asakusa

Asakusa is undoubtedly one of the busiest and most touristy parts of Tokyo. It's a must-see on any itinerary; almost everyone who visits Tokyo ends up here.

What's there to see here? The main attraction is Senso-ji Temple ( maps ) . The road leading to the temple, Nakamise-dori ( maps ) , is lined with souvenir shops and snack stalls, packed with people all day long. From the quay, you also have a perfect view of the Tokyo Skytree ( maps ) .
Location & Metro: * Ginza Line (Yellow): Since this is the final station, you will almost always have a seat heading towards Ueno and Ginza .
- Asakusa Line (Pink): Has a convenient direct connection to both Haneda and Narita Airports.
Atmosphere: Lively, hectic, and completely geared towards tourism. Don't expect serene tranquility; here you'll experience the energy of thousands of travelers simultaneously trying to soak up Japanese culture.

Save yourself hours of research! With my "First-Timer Discover Tokyo" guide, you'll see the highlights and local spots at a relaxed pace. The ideal itinerary for anyone visiting Tokyo for the first time.

4. Shibuya

Shibuya is the place where you really feel Tokyo, like you know the city from television.

What's there to see here? The main attractions are, of course, the world-famous Shibuya Crossing ( maps ) and the statue, Hachiko ( maps ) . For the best views of the city (and that famous escalator photo), head to the rooftop of Shibuya Sky ( maps ) .
Location & Metro: The station is a huge hub, but be prepared: it's been under construction for years, making it sometimes challenging to find the right exit amidst all the detours. Fortunately, you do have direct access from here to the Yamanote Line (loop line), the Hanzomon Line , and the Fukutoshin Line .
Atmosphere: Even though thousands of people are walking the streets at any time of day, it feels organized here. It's the ultimate Tokyo experience.

5. Shinjuku

Shinjuku has it all, from towering skyscrapers and neon lights to tiny, smoky alleyways with tiny bars. It's a place of extremes, but be warned: the station is a real challenge.

What's there to see? Visit the Metropolitan Government Building ( maps ) for a free panoramic view, or explore the photogenic alleyways of Golden Gai ( maps ) and Omoide Yokocho ( maps ) .
Location & Logistics: Shinjuku Station is a maze with over 200 exits . Therefore, I don't recommend staying there on your first visit to Japan . There's a good chance you'll get lost. My tip: plan your route on Google Maps and trust it blindly. Maps often indicate which specific exit (for example, "West Exit" or "Exit A1") you need. Follow the signs in the station carefully; if you don't, you'll inevitably end up going in circles.
Atmosphere: Intense and overwhelming. Once you find your way out of the station, you'll find yourself in a neighborhood that never sleeps. It's vibrant and energetic, but it does require some navigation skills.

6. Akihabara

Akihabara, also known as "Electric Town," is the ultimate dream for anyone who, like me, loves anime, games, and everything related to them. If that's your passion, this is the perfect place to stay.

What's there to see here? You'll find massive electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera ( maps ) , but also countless arcades full of crane games and shops specializing in anime merchandise or trading card games . Akihabara isn't very large in size, but there's a lot to see. The district is particularly tall : each building often has six to ten stories, with each floor housing a unique shop or hobby world.
Location & Metro: It is super centrally located on the east side of the city.
- Hibiya Line (Gray): For a fast connection to Ginza .
- Yamanote Line: You can reach Ueno or Tokyo Station in just a few minutes.
Atmosphere: Unique and colorful. It's busy and vibrant during the day, but in the evening (once the shops close) it becomes surprisingly quiet.

7. Roppongi

Roppongi is known for its vibrant nightlife, but by day it is an artists' district with an international allure and an impressive focus on design.

What's there to see? This is the place for art lovers. You'll find the so-called "Art Triangle" here, with top museums like the Mori Art Museum ( maps ) (at the top of Mori Tower) and the National Art Center ( maps ) . The district is also a paradise for lovers of unique architecture .
Location & Metro: Roppongi is easily accessible by metro.
- Hibiya Line (Gray): Takes you straight to the luxury of Ginza .
- Oedo Line (Magenta): The fastest connection to Shinjuku .
Atmosphere: There are many expats living there, making it a very easy area for Western tourists (lots of English and international restaurants).

Conclusion: Where are you going to sleep?

Hopefully, this map and the explanation will help you choose the perfect destination for your trip! Tokyo is a huge city; whether you choose the chaos of Shibuya or the anime world of Akihabara, you're sure to have an unforgettable time.

My final tip: Book your stay as early as possible! Tokyo is more popular than ever, and the best spots near major stations are often sold out months in advance.

Do you have any questions after reading this? Let me know in the comments below or send me a message on TikTok or Instagram.

Enjoy your time in this amazing city. Safe travels!