where to stay in Tokyo

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Three things probably determine where to stay in Tokyo. They are

1. budget
   • Outskirts (Kamata, for example) will be cheaper than the central parts (Ginza, Shinjuku, etc).
2. whether you arrive in HND (Haneda) or NRT (Narita), or by rail (e.g. from Kyoto/Osaka)
   • If you are arriving in HND, Kamata and Shinagawa are closer to the airport, hence it may be more convenient. Also, there are a number of less expensive hotels between Kamata and Shinagawa, Omori, for example. On the other hand, if you are arriving in Narita, Asakusa or Ueno is way more convenient.
   • If you are planning on getting on the bullet train, near Tokyo station, Shiodome/Shinbashi, or Shinagawa (for heading to western Japan including Osaka and Kyoto) are more convenient than Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya.
3. where in Tokyo you want to spend your time in
   • If you want to spend days at Tokyo Disneyland, there's no point in staying in the central part of Tokyo.

In no particular order:

• Shiodome/Shinbashi
  • I personally think Shiodome the most convenient place to stay in Tokyo for visiting customers as it's got 3 subway lines and JR station (Shinbashi) and can get to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo (station), Asakusa, Ginza, even Odaiba without a transfer.
  • Getting to Tokyo station by cab isn't that expensive (less than JPY2K).
• near Tokyo station/Ginza
  • Ginza is a walking distance from Tokyo if you don't have suitcases. Cab ride is not that much.
  • Ginza is obviously for shopping and fine dining.
• Shinagawa
  • Shinagawa is located at the southern most tip of the Yamanote-line, and it's the first major station when you get on the Keikyu line from Haneda airport. There are a number of hotels.
  • Shinagawa is convenient if you are planning on going to Kamakura, for example, but if you want spend more time at SkyTree or Asakusa, it may not be the most convenient. Which case, I'd recommend Asakusa or Ueno.
• Ueno/Asakusa
  • There are a number of museums and a park in Ueno.
  • Getting to Asakusa from Ueno is close, 7 min subway ride or JPY1K cab ride.
  • Getting to Narita airport from this area is more convenient.
• Shibuya
  • Shibuya has transformed into a super modern urban area in the last 5 years or so.
  • You could get to Shibuya by Narita Express without a transfer.
  • But getting on the bullet train may be a bit more challenging than staying in Shinagawa or Shiodome or near Tokyo station.
• Shinjuku
  • If you are planning on visiting Ghibli museum (that's in Mitaka), Shinjuku is the closest with a decent selection of hotels.
  • It has a large scale bus terminal to various parts of Japan including Haneda airport and Narita airport.
  • You could get to Shinjuku by Narita Express without a transfer.
  • But getting on the bullet train may be a bit more challenging than staying in Shinagawa or Shiodome or near Tokyo station.
• Ikebukuro
  • May be the least convenient area among this list for getting in and out of Tokyo, but it's got its own charm, and a decent selection of hotels.
  • Getting on the bullet train may be less challenging than staying in Shinjuku or Shibuya (via Marunouchi subway line).

Links

• Travel to Japan
• Go Tokyo