Where to Stay in Tokyo: The Reddit 2023 Picks, Vetted

Shinjuku Station moves 3.5 million people a day, and you'll use it constantly. Stay west of the station near Nishi-Shinjuku for quieter high-rise hotels, or east near Kabukicho if you want the neon chaos. Golden Gai's six alleys hold around 200 tiny bars, most seating six people. Omoide Yokocho off the east exit serves yakitori under the train tracks until 1am. Skip the Robot Restaurant area if you want sleep. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck on Nishi-Shinjuku 2-chome is free and open until 10pm.

Best for

First trip to Tokyolate-night eatersanyone using the JR Pass

Walk times

Shinjuku Station: 3 8 min
Golden Gai 10 min
Shinjuku Gyoen Park 12 min

Skip if: You're a light sleeper or hate crowds

Local tip: Use the New South Exit for the Shinkansen platforms. The main south exit adds 8 minutes of walking through the station.

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$134per night

Shibuya

The Reddit upgrade pick once you've done Shinjuku

Mid-range $140-$320/night

Shibuya Crossing gets the photos, but stay a few blocks away on Dogenzaka or near Cat Street in Jingumae for actual quiet. The area between Shibuya and Harajuku along Cat Street has the best independent coffee and vintage shops. Nonbei Yokocho, the tiny alley of bars next to the JR tracks, beats Golden Gai for fewer tourists. Shibuya Sky on top of Scramble Square costs 2,500 yen and books out, reserve online. Skip hotels right on Center Gai unless you want drunk salarymen at 3am under your window.

Best for

Shoppersfoodies under 40second-time visitors

Walk times

Shibuya Station: 4 10 min
Yoyogi Park 15 min
Harajuku Takeshita Street 12 min

Skip if: You're traveling with kids under 10 or want early nights

Local tip: The basement food halls at Shibuya Hikarie close at 9pm with everything 30-50% off after 8pm.

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$157per night

Asakusa

Reddit's budget answer that doesn't feel cheap

Budget $70-$160/night

Asakusa sits on the Ginza Line's eastern end, 17 minutes from Ginza and 30 from Shinjuku. Senso-ji Temple draws crowds until 5pm, then the Nakamise shopping street empties and the neighborhood becomes locals walking dogs. Hoppy Street west of the temple has cheap izakayas where a beer and three skewers run 1,000 yen. The Sumida River walk to Tokyo Skytree takes 25 minutes. Skip the rickshaw pullers near the Kaminarimon gate, they charge 9,000 yen for 30 minutes. Stay near Tawaramachi Station for better metro access than Asakusa Station itself.

Best for

Budget travelersculture-first tripsfamilies

Walk times

Asakusa Station: 5 10 min
Senso-ji Temple 8 min
Tokyo Skytree 25 min

Skip if: You want nightlife past 11pm or fast access to Shibuya

Local tip: Get to Senso-ji before 8am. The main hall opens at 6am and you'll have it nearly empty for an hour.

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$78per night

Ginza

The splurge pick Reddit underrates

Luxury $220-$500/night

Ginza goes quiet by 11pm because the salarymen and shoppers leave. That's the appeal. Chuo-dori between 4-chome and 8-chome closes to cars on weekend afternoons. The basement of Mitsukoshi on Ginza 4-chome has a food hall that rivals any in Paris, and prices drop after 7pm. Tsukiji Outer Market is a 12-minute walk south for breakfast sushi at places like Sushi Zanmai or the standing bar at Iwasa Sushi. Skip the department store top-floor restaurants unless you have a reservation, walk-in waits hit 90 minutes. Hotels here run 30-40% more than Shinjuku for similar rooms, but the streets are wider and quieter.

Best for

Couplesbusiness travelersanyone over 40

Walk times

Ginza Station: 2 7 min
Tsukiji Outer Market 12 min
Tokyo Station 15 min

Skip if: You're on a budget or want a lively street scene at night

Local tip: The Hibiya Line at Ginza Station gets you to Roppongi in 7 minutes without a transfer.

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$246per night