Ok. I’ve decided to write this post as a “one stop shop” answer to the question: ” Where do you recommend I stay in Tokyo?”
These are my favourite spots and areas.
Here are my answers to the following questions.
Which is the best area in Tokyo to stay with young kids?
I have answered this question in great detail here – taking into factor children of different ages, access to kid-friendly restaurants and nearby places to play.
What are your favourite hotels for families in Tokyo?
My favourite accommodation options for young families in Tokyo I have listed (with reasons why) here.
Is the Tokyo Station area a central place to stay?
Well, it sounds central, right?
You’re thinking Grand Central Station … you exit your hotel in the morning and Tokyo will just spill out around you like a Tokyo version of Aladdin’s Agrabah marketplace, right?
If I hadn’t been to Tokyo before, I would have done the same thing.
But, yes, it’s close to the station and the station, itself, is like one big, department store. I included a section on Tokyo station in my Ginza post here, actually. And it is actually close to the Imperial Palace, Ginza and Tsukiji. These areas are ALL definitely worth a visit, but I don’t think it means you need to ‘live’ in their neighborhood.
This area is quite a dead zone for visitors.
It’s very corporate. The streets are wide and quite unlike the ‘real Japan’ that I’m used to.
To be snobby – its full of concrete and you won’t stumble upon many ‘accidentally amazing cultural happenings’ – which is one of my favourite things about travelling in Japan, full stop.
It’s also an expensive place to stay and not very convenient in terms of restaurants, touristy spots and supermarkets.
It might also sound very appealing if you’re tired and need a rest after a long flight and I get that.
One night, man. That’ll do.
So, unless you have a work trip and your company is willing to fork out for a fancy pants hotel in this area? I would definitely look elsewhere.
Is it true that Shinjuku is the best place to stay in Tokyo?
In my opinion? 100000000% no.
I guess Godzilla and Lost in Translation have given this area a “name” with tourists.
And for this reason… the tour groups all go here and so do many of the people who are sent by travel agents.
I feel so passionate about Japan travellers staying elsewhere that I wrote a whole blog post about it called “Don’t Just Stay in Shinjuku, Like Everyone Else.”
Shinjuku is not beautiful.
It’s no more central than any other stations on the Yamanote (city loop line) .
There is also the yucky red light district in Shinjuku which is not especially dangerous but isn’t a lovely place to spend the evening.
Do I think you should visit Shinjuku ? Absolutely, YES!
I just don’t recommend sleeping there.
So where IS Central?
Because the Tokyo transportation system is so reliable anywhere near the Yamanote line (City Loop) means that you can get to any corner of the city easily.
See here for a list of Yamanote line stations.
Oh and FYI, if you are travelling and planning on using a JR Pass while in Japan, yes, the Yamanote line is included.
Additional tip? To save money.. also look at accommodation one or two stops away from a Yamanote line Station on the subway. It will often cut hundreds of dollars off your hotel price. ( To calculate how long it takes to get from a subway station back to a Yamanote Line Station, I use the site or app Jorudan (and I also find google maps to often be equally as helpful.)
If you find that kind of general statement too overwhelming, these are my favourite brands of Japanese hotels so if you find one in any particular area you will know what to expect.
Do I have to stay right next to Tokyo Disneyland to enjoy the full Disney experience?
You absolutely do not.
It is only 30 minutes from the centre of Tokyo on the train.
These hotels also have shuttles from their central hotels right to Disneyland.
– The Grand Prince New Takanawa (Shinagawa)
– Keio Plaza (Shinjuku)
– East 21 (Toyo, Koto-ku)
– Ariake Washington Tokyo Bay
– Hotel Nikko Odaiba
– Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo (Sumida)
– Mitsui Garden Prana, Tokyo Bay
I also loved staying at the APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU in Hatchobori were we could take a subway directly to Disneyland. It made it so easy. If you’re confused as to which Mimaru Tokyo option might best suit your family, see my blog post on Which Mimaru location is best for families? blog post here.
Have you ever stayed at one of the official Disneyland hotels?
I sure have.
It was lovely and so much fun.
DEFINITELY NOT CHEAP.
I wrote about our one night in the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel here.
Have you ever stayed at an official Disneyland hotel as part of a Disneyland package?
I have not.
I’ve heard that it is pretty lush and the fast passes are also a lovely addition.
One day… right?
Have you ever stayed at one of the hotels near Disneyland that are NOT an official Disney hotel?
I sure have.
Here are my favourites accommodation options near Tokyo Disney Resort.
I want to sample traditional Japanese accommodation like a Ryokan but they all seem out of my budget. Is there a middle ground?
Yes there is! Here are my suggestions a hotel with a taste of Japan without the price tag of a ryokan.
I’ve heard that Japanese summer is so humid. Do you recommend reserving a hotel with a swimming pool?
If you really enjoy swimming then sure, why not! However, before reserving – please read my post about swimming pools in Japan. The rules are almost always very different, access (even for hotel guests) is sometimes limited as are opening hours.
What are the biggest mistakes that you see people make when booking accommodation in Tokyo?
I see the same things over and over so I made a list of the biggest mistakes that I see others make in Tokyo here.
