i love Tokyo. I think it’s one of the most fascinating cities in the world. I like organized crowds, but you would expect chaos here. I love that it’s a fast-paced, modern city but still respects its traditions.
This is also a big city with countless Incredible attractions and activities. No matter how many times I come (and no matter how much sushi I eat), I always leave wanting more.
As one of the largest cities in the world, there are plenty of hotels here. I’ve been to the city six times over the years and stayed in many different places, from budget capsule hotels to luxurious five-star hotels. If you are planning a trip, here are the best hotels in Tokyo in my opinion:
1. Odakyu Century Southern Hotel
This four-star hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Shinjuku Station and offers fantastic views of the Shinjuku skyline (tip: ask for a room as high as possible to enjoy the view). The extensive breakfast buffet has many Western and Japanese options, there is a 7/11 convenience store at the base of the building for fast food, and there are many other restaurants nearby. It’s a large hotel (over 300 rooms) so it doesn’t feel very personal, but the location more than makes up for it.
The spacious (especially Japanese) rooms have a modern design, but I found them a bit too beige. All rooms come with a desk, electric kettle, safe, TV, mini fridge and even a small sofa. The bathroom was a good size (usually in Tokyo it can be small) with a tub/shower combo with good water pressure and a toilet with a bidet. I also appreciated that there were no plastic water bottles provided in the room, but purified water dispensers on each floor (a small stainless steel water bottle was provided so you could take it back to your room). Overall, this is a good choice for travelers who want a more upscale stay in the city center.
2. Azure Tower
This five-star hotel is located in a high-rise building in the center of Shibuya, one of the city’s most popular areas. The hotel is huge, has eight different restaurants and bars (I’m partial to the jazz club), and offers 24/7 room service. I liked that one of the restaurants had a huge western breakfast buffet, while the other restaurant had a Japanese set breakfast. There’s also a beautiful spa on site that offers massages, a nice indoor heated pool, sauna, hot tub, and a well-equipped fitness center (so you can work off all that sushi).
I particularly like this because the entire hotel building starts on the 19th floor, guaranteeing you a great view from your room. All spacious rooms have a simple yet modern design and come with a Japanese green tea set, desk, flat-screen TV, lounge chair, refrigerator, safe and minibar. The bathroom features luxury L’Occitane toiletries, a large bathtub and plush bathrobes. Booking a room on the executive floor comes with added perks, such as a welcome drink and access to the lounge (where snacks are always available, as well as a daily happy hour). If you want luxury in Tokyo, stay here.
3. Meimaru Tokyo Ueno Okachimachi Store
Mimaru is a Japanese chain of apartment hotels ideal for long-term stays. It’s also great if you’re traveling with friends or family, as the apartments here can accommodate up to 6 people. There are many different locations in Tokyo, but I like the one in Ueno because it’s just steps away from the biggest and best museum in the city. Each unit has a kitchen equipped with a stove, sink, electric kettle, microwave, refrigerator and basic kitchen supplies such as pans, cutlery and cutting boards. What I like is that you can also rent extra kitchen appliances if you need them, such as a rice cooker or toaster. (As a condo hotel, there is no restaurant or breakfast on site.)
The apartment is designed in a traditional Japanese style with a modern twist and comes with a sturdy futon bed, dining area, wardrobe, safe, flat-screen TV, humidifier and air purifier. The stylish bathroom features a bath/shower combination in a separate room from the toilet (complete with bidet) and even separate from the sink. If you’re traveling with friends or family, this is a convenient and affordable option.
4. Hotel Celestine Ginza
Celestine is another hotel located in a tower, located on a street in the upscale Ginza neighborhood, flanked by shops, restaurants and bars. As a 4 star hotel the staff here are very friendly and go out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant stay. I like that they offer a variety of breakfast options so you can choose French toast every morning, an American breakfast (which includes scrambled eggs, sausage, and fruit) or a Japanese breakfast (which includes grilled fish, miso soup, rice, and changing sides) .
The rooms are a bit small but always kept clean and have lots of facilities. All rooms are equipped with desks, blackout curtains, flat-screen TVs, safes, Nespresso coffee machines, electric kettles and minibars. Some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows; Others have comfortable sofas. The spacious bathroom features a shower/tub combination, bidet, bathrobes, slippers and complimentary toiletries including toothbrushes and razors. They even provide pajamas, which I thought was a nice extra. If you want to stay in Ginza, the city’s best shopping district, stay here.
5. Mustard Hotel
Opening in late 2021, Mustard is a three-star boutique hotel located in the heart of Shimokita, a low-key area for those who enjoy independent bookstores, trendy cafes, thrift shops and avant-garde restaurants. Mustard Hotel maintains the vibe of the neighborhood as the entire place has a stylish and minimalist design. Of course, rooms have record players with a selection of vinyl records, and there’s an on-site coffee roastery serving third-wave coffee and freshly baked bagels.
The room was very small (a little too shabby in my opinion), with only an electric kettle and the aforementioned record player on the table. Bathrooms vary depending on which room type you choose (some have a bath and shower, others just a shower), but all come with free toiletries and nightwear. This is a great place to stay for travelers who plan on being out frequently but want to stay in a cooler location in a cooler area.
6. Marunouchi Hotel
This 4-star hotel is located in the central neighborhood of Marunouchi, offering easy access to the rest of the city. It’s located next to Tokyo Station, which is very convenient if you’re planning a day trip or taking a train to other parts of Japan. The hotel has several restaurants, including French, Japanese and Teppanyaki restaurants. For breakfast, you can choose between a Western buffet breakfast or a Japanese set meal (both delicious). There is also a fitness center (which I appreciate more and more as I get older).
All rooms have large windows (some with views of the historic train station) and modern Japanese design with light wood paneling and beige walls. Large standard double room with large bed, desk and small seating area. All rooms also have a TV, safe and electric kettle with tea and coffee bags. Bathrobes, slippers, and pajamas are also provided, and I love that you can borrow other things you might need, like power adapters, chargers, and even yoga mats. The bathroom is small but well appointed with plenty of free toiletries, a bidet and a shower/tub combo. Overall, the hotel has a bit of a business feel (because of the location), but it’s really convenient and has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Tokyo It’s one of my favorite cities in the world. You could easily spend a week here without even scratching the surface of what there is to see and do. Just make sure to stay at one of the above hotels during your trip. Do this and you’re sure to have a great time in this high-tech metropolis.
Booking a trip to Japan: Logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
use Skyscanner Find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book accommodation
You can book a hostel via hostel world Because they have the largest inventory and the best prices. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com Because they always provide guesthouses and budget hotels at the cheapest prices.
For more places to stay, check out my article My favorite hostel in Tokyo. It has a long list!
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It provides complete protection in case any issues arise. I never travel without it as I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the cheapest company?
look at mine Resource page Providing you with the best companies to use when traveling. I’ve listed all the ways I use to save money while traveling. They also save you money when you travel.
Be sure to check out Japan Rail Pass If you are traveling around the country. It comes in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day passes that can save you tons of money!
Want to learn more about Japan?
Be sure to visit our Powerful Japan Destination Guide Learn more planning tips!
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