Tokyo is the Capital city of Japan. It is a large bustling city which mixes tall modern skyscrapers with ancient temples. The magnificent Meiji shrine is known for its tall gate and surrounding woods. The imperial palace sits amongst grand public gardens. The city is full of fascinating museums including Tokyo national museum which showcases exhibitions of classical art and the kabuki-za theatre which has been reconstructed. Not forgetting the Tokyo tower, the second tallest structure in Japan at 332.9 metres. This communications tower and observation deck offers stunning panoramic views of this amazing city.

Tokyo is an exciting city and there is always something to do. It offers something to suit everyone including an unlimited choice of entertainment, shopping, dining, and culture. For history and art enthusiasts, the city’s history comes to life with its unique museums, gardens, and ancient temples. There is also Disneyland at Tokyo which is not to be missed if you are a fan of Disney.

Tokyo is a huge cosmopolitan city with a population of 9.2 million people. There are over 20 prefectures in Tokyo so it can be difficult to know where the best places to stay are. There are also several different types of accommodation available to suit your budget including hotels, hostels, Airbnbs and apartments. This article will have you covered as it has broken the list down into the best prefectures to stay in Tokyo to make it less overwhelming and to ensure that you can relax and have an unforgettable trip in this interesting city. 

Best Prefectures to Stay in Tokyo

1. Shinjuku

Shinjuku is the best prefecture to stay in Tokyo because it is modern and famous for its large entertainment, shopping, and business area. There are excellent transport links in this prefecture with the Shinjuku train station being the busiest station in the world and deals with around 2 million people every day. It is also one of the most important stops for long distance highway buses. 

Shinjuku is also famous for its skyscraper district as the majority of Tokyo’s skyscrapers are located here including the twin towers of the metropolitan government office which has observation decks open to the public for free, and several luxury hotels. Some of the skyscrapers even have shops and restaurants on the ground floors and a restaurant with stunning views on the top floors.

If you are more into nature, you will love the central park which is a public park behind the metropolitan government building, and the Shinjuku Gyoen which is one of Tokyo’s largest parks and one of the city’s best places to view the famous cherry blossom trees. The park served as a garden for the imperial family since 1903 before it was opened to the public in 1949. Admission to the Shinjuku Gyoen is 500 yen and the central park is free.

Where to stay in Shinjuku

Park Hyatt – The Park Hyatt is one of the most luxurious hotels in Tokyo. It became famous when it was a setting for the film ‘Lost in Translation’ and has had an excellent reputation since. The rooms are spacious and offer breath-taking views of the city. If you have a room facing West, you could even have a chance at seeing mount fuji on a clear day. The hotel is popular in the evenings as it has fantastic restaurants and an excellent lounge bar. It is the most perfect place to stay if you want to treat yourself and splash out on luxury.

Ibis Tokyo Shinjuku – This hotel is in an excellent location with just a 5-minute walk from the busy Shinjuku train station. The rooms include air conditioning, a private bath, an LCD TV, a fridge, and electric kettle. It is only a 15-minute walk from the popular tourist attractions such as the metropolitan government building and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It is a great place to stay if you are on a budget.

Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo – This hotel offers studio apartments equipped with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and a self-catering kitchenette with all the necessary utensils you need. Free toiletries, a hairdryer and slippers are provided. There is also a flatscreen TV and DVDs. It was selected as one of the top 25 hotels in Japan in trip advisors’ traveller’s choice awards in 2014. It is a great choice if you are looking to stay somewhere with more of a homely vibe. It is in an ideal location with the Isetan department store and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden only a 10-minute walk away. The busy Kabukicho district is also a 15-minute walk away.

2. Shibuya

Shibuya is a major commercial and finance centre in Tokyo. It is one of the best prefectures to stay in Tokyo because it is a lively district and popular amongst young people. It is the centre for youth fashion and culture and is one of the most colourful districts packed full of nightclubs, restaurants, shops, and department stores. Thousands of visitors flood the streets here every day. Shibuyu is the birthplace of many of Japans latest entertainment and fashion trends. The majority of department stores can be found in this area which cater for all tastes.

A famous landmark in the Shibuya district is the huge intersection outside the exit of the Hachiko station. It is like Tokyo’s version of Times square in New York as it is filled with giant video screens, neon advertisements and is swarmed with pedestrians making it a popular place for photos.

A great place for stunning views of the city, is the Shibuya scramble square which features an open top observatory on the top floor of this 230-metre building. The 14 floors below offer an excellent selection of shops and restaurants. The Shibuya Hikarie is another high-rise centre which has a theatre and exhibition floors, as well as office spaces, shopping, and dining. Another great place is the Shibuya 109 which is the most iconic place in Shibuya for shopping and offers hundreds of boutiques across ten floors. It is a popular place for young women who love fashion.

Places to stay in Shibuya

Do-C Ebisu – If you want to stay in Tokyo like a local, why not try this fascinating capsule hotel? This hotel has a sauna, free toiletries, a hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi available in the public areas. All rooms and bathrooms are shared. The hotel is in an excellent location in the city centre and is close to tourist attractions and a metro station. You can choose between men or women only sleeping pods and it is an ideal place to stay if you are on a budget.

Almond hostel and café Shibuya – This hostel is a great place to stay if you are a solo traveller on a budget or in a group with friends. It features a coffee shop, bar/lounge, and a restaurant. There is free Wi-Fi in public areas, laundry facilities and tea/coffee in the common area. Bathrooms are shared and you can choose between female, male only or mixed four bed dormitories. This hostel is within walking distance from the main shopping area of Shibuya and near other famous attractions such as the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and robot restaurant.

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu – If you are looking for somewhere more luxurious to stay, the Shibuya Excel Hotel is the perfect place. Every room has a deep soaking bathtub, flat screen TVs, a fridge, free wired internet, and room service. The hotel has two restaurants, a coffee shop and bar/lounge. A buffet breakfast is available with a fee. It is in a good location with great transport links to the airport and is near famous landmarks such as the Tokyo tower and Shibuya crossing. It is also a fantastic place to stay if you want to watch an event or a match as it is also in close proximity to the Tokyo National Olympic Stadium or Tokyo Dome.

3. The Tokyo Station and Marunouchi Area

The Tokyo Station and Marunouchi area is the beating heart of the city and one of the best prefectures to stay in Tokyo if you love being in the centre. The station is also known as the ‘central station’ and is one of the most important train stations in Tokyo. You can get direct trains to different parts of Japan from here.

Next to the Tokyo Station is the lively business and shopping district of Marunouchi. This district blends old with new from tall skyscrapers to contemporary architecture. There are two main buildings in this area that face each other which are the Marunouchi building and the Shin-Marunouchi building. There is also a famous shopping centre, the Marunouchi Oazo which has a large bookshop with 4 floors. Here you can find the best department in Tokyo for English books.

The convention and fairs centre is located in the Marunouchi district which represents a symbol of the contemporary architecture of Tokyo. This building was designed by architect Rafael Woody and is a great place to admire and take photos.

The imperial palace and gardens are close to the Tokyo station, which are extremely popular with tourists. This is the home to the emperor and imperial family of Japan. The gardens are surrounded by a moat filled with water and stunning bridges. There is also a large stadium near the gardens which was built to host a variety of Japanese martial arts tournaments. 1 km away is the Yasukuni shrine which is dedicated to those who lost their lives during the second world war.

The Marunouchi area is also full of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Here you can find traditional Japanese restaurants as well as restaurants serving International cuisine. The most popular dish in the area is yakitori which is a type of skewered chicken which is grilled and served with tare sauce or salt. It is ideal if you just want a light and inexpensive snack.

Places to stay in Marunouchi Area

Marunouchi Hotel – This trendy 5-star hotel is only a minutes’ walk away from Tokyo station. Each guest room is fully equipped with both air conditioning and heating facilities, a fridge, flat screen TV and en-suite bathroom. The hotel offers 4 dining options which include French cuisine, Teppanyaki dishes, a traditional Japanese or American breakfast. You can also grab a drink at the Le Connoisseur bar. It is a 15-minute walk away from top attractions such as the Tokyo National Museum and Tokyo tower. This hotel has an excellent 9.5 rating and outstanding reviews. The ultimate place in one of the best prefectures to stay in Tokyo.

The Tokyo Station Hotel – This hotel is the top place in one of the best prefectures to stay in Tokyo if you want to treat yourself to a world of luxury. It is registered as an important Cultural centre and has beautiful rooms with a classical European vibe. Each room is provided with an LCD TV, mini-bar, electric kettle, en-suite bathroom, a complimentary smart phone and free toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. You could even do a workout in the on-sight gym or relax in the spa. Dining options include French, Chinese and Japanese cuisine and an exquisite Japanese and European buffet breakfast. The hotel is close to popular attractions including the Tokyo International forum which is a 10-minute walk and the Imperial palace which is a 20-minute walk away. It has a 9.6 rating and fantastic reviews.

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi – This hotel is in an ideal location and is well connected to Tokyo station. All guest rooms have a modern interior and feature air conditioning, a fridge and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. If you want to treat yourself, you could request a massage service. Located on the 27^th floor is the TENQOO restaurant and bar where you can relax and sample a variety of French and Japanese dishes while taking in the stunning views of the bustling city. The hotel is located in the Sapia tower and is only a 5-minute walk away from the Imperial palace.

4. Ginza

Ginza is the most expensive and glamorous district and got its name from ‘gin’ meaning silver and ‘za’ meaning guild. The name Ginza is associated with wealth, powerful businessmen, elegant women in high heels and foreign luxury items. The Japanese government transferred its silver mint to this area in 1612. It is one of the best prefectures to stay in Tokyo if you love shopping as it is one of the most well-known shopping areas in the world. The wide boulevards are packed full of designer boutiques, stylish cocktail, and sushi bars. In the Wako Honkan department store, expensive jewellery is sold, while the modern Ginza palace specializes in world-class technology. Ginza is also packed with art and culture as the main stretch Chuo Dori becomes a glamorous pedestrian promenade at weekends and the famous landmark Kabuki-za theatre hosts shows of traditional Japanese dance and drama. Ginza expands from the Kyo bridge near the Imperial palace to the New bridge in the Southwest.

Ginza is the perfect place to stay if you prefer taking a stroll and soaking up the atmosphere while admiring designer shops which sell Japanese brands as well as international brands. It is not the place to explore top tourist attractions. Popular shopping places in Ginza include: the Matsuya department store which is a great place to window shop or grab some food, Ginza six which has a modern and stylish design and is filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural entertainment options, and the Kyukyodo which is a traditional Japanese shop that sells Japanese paper, ceramic tea items and Japanese arts and crafts items.

Places to stay in Ginza

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier – This is a business hotel which provides trendy and modern rooms while offering spectacular views of the city and Tokyo bay. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, kettle, air purifier/humidifier, a private bath and video on demand films available on request. A breakfast buffet is available for a fee and the restaurant also serves lunch and dinner. Laundry and dry-cleaning services are offered. Guests are welcome to use the internet computers in the lounge for free. Shinbashi station is only a 10-minute walk away and the Tsukiji fish market is an 8-minute walk away.

Mercure Hotel – This is a small and friendly hotel which is suitable for families and close to the shopping area of Ginza. The rooms are bright and colourful with a seating area, LCD TV, a personal safe, mini-bar and toiletries. It is close to the Ginza Itchome subway station and a 6-minute walk away from the Kabuki-za theatre. The Mercure hotel offers an in-room spa service where guests can choose from a massage, aromatherapy treatment or manicure. A Western and Japanese buffet breakfast is offered, and you can enjoy a drink or a cocktail in the Bistro bar. A babysitting service is also available on request if you would like a night out to enjoy the vibrant Tokyo nightlife.

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Ginza – In a convenient location in Ginza, it is the ideal place in one of the best prefectures to stay in Tokyo because it provides easy access to the city’s top attractions. It is also reasonably priced, making it a great option if you are on a budget. Each room has a good selection of amenities including an LCD TV with a plasma screen, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary coffee. The restaurant serves excellent Italian cuisine, and a free buffet breakfast is available. The hotel is close to popular landmarks including the Tokyo tower which is 2.4 km and the Sensoji temple which is 5.6km away. It is also close to fantastic transport links with the Higashi Ginza subway station only a 2-minute walk away.

5. Roppongi

Roppongi is one of the best prefectures to stay in Tokyo if you want to experience the buzzing nightlife this vibrant city has to offer.

Roppongi has changed over the years and become more appealing to foreign tourists due to two of Tokyo’s largest development projects, Roppongi hills and Tokyo Midtown taking place here. Over the last decade, this area has expanded and become a centre for fashion retail, leisure, residential space, offices, and stylish hotels.

By day, this area is packed with tourists that want to explore designer fashion boutiques, art museums or take in breath-taking views from the observation deck. By night, Roppongi has an entertainment atmosphere with tourists mixing in lively bars and nightclubs.

Roppongi is the perfect place to stay if you are a lover of art because it is filled with several popular art museums including the National Art Centre which is Japans largest art museum, Mori art museum which showcases exhibitions of contemporary international work and the Suntory museum of art which forms the art triangle ‘Roppongi’.

Roppongi is also a food lovers paradise with a full range of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. From high end sushi restaurants like Sukiyabashi Jiro which became famous after its appearance in the film ‘Jiro dreams’, to more casual restaurants like the hard rock café which offers international cuisine, you will be spoilt for choice. There are also fast-food places in Roppongi where you can grab a yakitori, bowl of ramen or a burger after a great night out in the city.

Roppongi is in a convenient location and has excellent transport links as it is only a 15-minute walk to Tokyo station and a 10-minute walk to Shinjuku station.

Where to stay in Roppongi

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Roppongi – Located in one of the best prefectures to stay in Tokyo, it is the ideal hotel if you enjoy staying in a lively area as it is on a busy city street close to buzzing bars and clubs. The rooms are relaxed and comfortable with basic amenities such as a flat-screen TV, mini-bar, Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathroom. A complimentary Western and Japanese style buffet is available and other amenities include a shared computer service in the lounge. The hotel is close to the Tokyo tower, an 8-minute walk away from Roppongi hills and 6km from the Imperial Palace.

Candeo Hotel Tokyo Roppongi – This hotel is situated in the central business district and is perfect if you want to splash out on a bit of luxury. This stylish hotel has rooms with designer beds and some feature a terrace and / or city views. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, minifridges, free Wi-Fi and sofas which give it a homely  and comfortable vibe. A breakfast buffet is available in the hotels relaxed restaurant. There’s also a spa on the top floor which has a sauna, hot spring baths and stunning views of the city. The hotel is in a great location and close to the main attractions including a 4-minute walk to Roppongi train station and a 2km walk from the observation deck of the Tokyo tower where you can admire the panoramic views of this vibrant city.

APA Hotel Roppongi Ekimae – This hotel in one of the best prefectures to stay in Tokyo and is convenient if you are on a budget. Functional rooms are provided with basic amenities including a comfortable mattress, electric kettle, flat-screen TV, fridge, and en-suite bathroom with free toiletries, slippers, and a hairdryer. There is a free luggage service available at the 24/7 help desk. The hotel serves excellent breakfast options with 3 different Western style breakfasts to choose from. It is in a great location with the Roppongi subway station only a 1-minute walk away, the Tokyo tower 0.2 miles away and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden 2 miles away. The hotel is also close to several popular art museums within the Roppongi district including the Nezu museum.

Tokyo is a huge vibrant city with something to suit every one’s tastes. From traditional art, history museums, shrines and temples to beautiful parks and gardens, high end fashion boutiques, and buzzing nightlife, there is always something to do. This busy city has over 20 prefectures all spread out and it can feel like several smaller cities rather than just one big city making it difficult to navigate and choose a convenient place to stay. Therefore, this article has broken down the five best prefectures to stay in Tokyo which are all centrally located and close to the popular tourist attractions to ensure that you are able to do and visit everything you want to see to make your trip memorable. It has also covered suitable accommodation options including high-end luxury hotels and cheaper options such as hostels to suit all budgets and tastes so you can choose which one you fancy and have an amazing trip to Tokyo.