Where to Stay in Tokyo, Japan: The Best Hotels & Areas

One thing you’ll never hear from travelers is that choosing where to stay in Tokyo is easy. I can hardly think of a destination that presents a bigger challenge for first-time visitors looking to find the perfect accommodations than the superlative capital of Japan.

Not only is it one of the biggest cities on the planet, but the best hotels in Tokyo are among the world’s most expensive. Space is at a premium here, and hotel prices (and room sizes) reflect it. (Even the city’s infamous capsule hotels can be surprisingly budget-unfriendly.)

Not sure how to choose your accommodations? Get your itinerary in order with this complete guide to the best places to stay in Tokyo, including the top-rated areas & neighborhoods!

Best areas to stay in Tokyo

Like most cities of its size, nailing down exactly where to base yourself in Tokyo can be a wee challenge. The capital of Japan sprawls over an absolutely massive area, with many of the top things to do in Tokyo spreading out just as wildly. This makes the choice all the more important—especially if you’re visiting Tokyo in a limited time frame.

For most travelers, you’ll want to base yourself in one of the main areas of central Tokyo. All of these areas offer a good blend of hotel availability and proximity to the top tourist attractions.

If you’re on a tighter budget, however, you may want to extend your search a little further out. Tokyo accommodation prices tend to dwindle the further you stay away from central areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, and Akihabara.

The best areas to stay in Tokyo include:

• Shinjuku: Overall, the top place to stay for most travelers. Whether you’re into sightseeing, shopping, or entertainment, there’s nowhere better in to experience the city’s excitement than this electric area.
• Asakusa: To dig into Tokyo’s more traditional roots, make this district your temporary home. Besides hosting some of the city’s most beautiful temples & shrines, there’s a whole host of excellent restaurants and izakaya for your eating & drinking pleasure.
• Shibuya: Second only to Shinjuku in the urban buzz department, this central area is the perfect choice for first-time travelers keen on eating & shopping while staying close to some of the other top areas.
• Chiyoda: Home to Tokyo Station, the city’s main transportation hub, this area is great for visitors keen on escaping the city on a day trip. Chiyoda is also home to a large handful of the top-rated luxury hotels in Tokyo.
• Akihabara: Fans of the youth culture of Japan can’t do better than choosing this quirky area. Akihabara is wedged between the Tokyo Station area and Ueno. This district is chock-loaded with shops selling manga, anime, video games, and other items related to otaku culture in Japan.
• Harajuku: Located between Shinjuku and Shibuya, this small area is famous throughout Japan for its edgy fashion sense and youthful vigour. In choosing Harajuku, you’ll also get close to two of the city’s most beautiful green spaces, Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine.
• Ginza: Shopaholics won’t be disappointed in choosing this neighborhood. Here, you’ll get face-to-face with top upscale shopping spots as well as some of the yummiest restaurants in Tokyo.
• Taito: This quiet, predominately residential neighborhood to the north of central Tokyo offers better-value hotels than the other central areas. It’s a great area for budget travelers & backpackers.
• Minato/Roppongi: Home to the popular Roppongi Hills complex and much of the city’s hi-tech industry, this area is perfect for business travelers. As one of the city’s nightlife epicenters, Minato is also a good choice for travelers hoping to spend their late-night hours letting loose.
• Odaiba: Perched on a man-made island in the southeast of the city center, this area is one of the two top areas in Tokyo for family travelers thanks to its all-ages entertainment options.
• Tokyo Bay: Home to Tokyo Disney Resort and a handful of value-laden, family-friendly hotels, this area is another top choice for families with younger children seeking out a wholesome experience outside of the city center.

Shinjuku

✔ Best area to stay in Tokyo for mid-range/luxury travelers who want to be close to all the action

There’s no more exciting area in Tokyo than the ever-electric Shinjuku. All of the craziness of the capital of Japan comes to the fore as you ply the streets of Shinjuku: the colorful assault of neon, vertigo-inducing skyscrapers, hunger-triggering aromas wafting onto the sidewalks, and even the decidedly-seedy nightlife of the Kabukicho area.

Shinjuku has its quieter moments, too. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is one of the city’s chillest places to unwind, especially during sakura (cherry blossom) season. Toyama Park, the highest point in Shinjuku Ward, is another surprisingly quiet escape amid the chaos of Tokyo.

You’ll also love a chance to wander aimlessly through the restaurants and izakaya (traditional Japanese pubs) of Shinjuku Golden Gai, a nostalgic throwback to the post-WWII era in Tokyo.

All in all, if the urban buzz is what you’re after on your Tokyo itinerary, I’d highly recommend choosing to stay in Shinjuku.

Recommended hotels in Shinjuku

Shinjuku is one of the most central areas and a convenient choice to spend your evenings. Choosing Shinjuku is especially smart if you’re crunched for time.

If you only have 24 hours in Tokyo, for example, the convenient public transportation connections to all the top attractions via Shinjuku Station make Shinjuku the perfect choice.

Asakusa

✔ Top-rated area to stay in Tokyo for budget & mid-range solo travelers wanting to experience traditional Japanese charms in the big city

Dreamy scenes of Tokyo at its most traditional unfold as you wander the streets around Asakusa. This area in Taito Ward is far removed from the buzz of the central city. And that’s one of Asakusa’s biggest charms.

Whereas the rest of the city rose upwards, this district managed to hold fast to its humble “shitamachi” (low-city) origins. Preserving the traditional wooden architecture and some of the most stunning temples & shrines in Tokyo left the area vertically challenged, an enchanting feat in a mega-city known for its cloud-piercing skyline.

Recommended hotels in Asakusa

Not only is Asakusa one of the most interesting neighborhoods for sightseeing, but it’s also one of the most popular areas to stay in Tokyo for first-time travelers. Prices for accommodations here are a tad lower than in more central districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Chiyoda.

Shibuya

✔ Recommended neighborhood to stay in Tokyo for first-time travelers who love shopping & nightlife

Like Shinjuku, Shibuya sends your brain into overdrive trying to process all the stimuli. It’s everything you’d imagine from your Tokyo experience, that is, as long as you didn’t predict any kind of serenity. (And who would? This is the biggest city in Japan we’re talking about!)

Even if you’re not shuffling against a river of pedestrians at rush hour through Shibuya Crossing, you’ll notice that the Shibuya area never stops buzzing.

On top of being one of the top neighborhoods to spend your nights in, Shibuya is one of the places to eat, drink, and shop in the city. The edgy fashion boutiques, both around Shibuya Station and in the Harajuku area, set the bar for Japanese style. There’s also a ton of great cafes, restaurants, and izakaya around Shibuya Station and Center Gai.

Escaping the chaos of central Tokyo isn’t impossible if you choose to stay in Shibuya either. Shibuya is home to Yoyogi Park and the Meiji Shrine, two of the city’s most relaxing locales. If the never-ending throng of people gets to be too much, a pleasant getaway is just a short walk away.

Recommended hotels in Shibuya

Considering the popularity of Shibuya, the selection of accommodations is relatively small compared to other wards. Prices are comparable to Shinjuku, although the lower inventory means that you’re more likely to find better deals elsewhere in Tokyo.

Otherwise, Shinjuku is a better overall option for travelers than Shibuya.

In any case, here are a few of the best hotels in Shibuya to check out:

Chiyoda

✔ Recommended area to stay in Tokyo for mid-range & luxury travelers looking for a quieter alternative to Shinjuku

With the Imperial Palace at its heart, Chiyoda is one of the most important wards in Japan and a great area to base yourself in Tokyo. There’s plenty to like about staying in Chiyoda, whether it’s strolling through the beautiful gardens of the Imperial Palace or relaxing at the greenery (or cherry blossoms) of Hibiya Park.

Chiyoda is also one of the city’s most well-connected neighborhoods. On the eastern fringes of Chiyoda lies Tokyo Station, the city’s major transport hub. From here, you can zip quickly around Tokyo or tackle some interesting day trips if you choose to stay longer.

Recommended hotels in Chiyoda

Considering that the palace grounds take up so much space in the area, there’s a surprisingly large selection of accommodations in Chiyoda. The inventory swings mostly into the mid-range and beyond, including some of the top luxury hotels in Tokyo.

Some of the top places to visit in Tokyo, including Ginza, Tsukiji Fish Market, and Akihabara, are all within a reasonable walking distance. There are also several museums for culture vultures and art lovers nearby.

Akihabara

✔ Recommend district to stay in Tokyo for travelers interested in Japanese otaku subculture & high-tech gadgets

The small enclave of Akihabara straddles the Chiyoda and Taito wards. Akihabara’s claim to fame is as an electronic shopping heaven and a center of otaku culture in Tokyo.

To experience the “weirdness” of Japan, there are few places better than the Akihabara area. Anime and manga characters cling to shop windows here, making for a colorful daytime or evening walk. Akihabara’s recent notoriety comes at the hand of its “maid” cafés where you are served tea and snacks by Japanese women dressed up as French maids. Yep, that’s Akihabara for you.

Recommended hotels in Akihabara

Akihabara is a fairly small area, and there’s a limited selection of hotels compared to the neighboring wards of Taito and Chiyoda. If you’re looking to see otaku in action and get your manga and anime fix, though, there’s no better area in the city.

Harajuku

✔ Great choice for visitors looking for a quirky and upbeat neighborhood with world-class urban parks at the doorstep

There’s hardly an area in Tokyo more famous than Harajuku. Pop culture has shown us Harajuku’s odder side, a strong Japanese youth subculture that’s got an edge seemingly lost long ago in the West.

Getting to see this interesting facet of Japanese society isn’t the only reason to lay your head down in Harajuku. It’s one of the coolest shopping districts in Tokyo, especially for youthful and edgy styles. Two of the finest greenspaces in Tokyo—Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine—are also close by for a quick escape from the chaos.

Recommended hotels in Harajuku

The area that’s usually considered Harajuku proper doesn’t stretch far, explaining the lack of accommodation options. You’ll find a better selection in nearby Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Ginza

✔ Top choice area for mid-range couples & families looking for a clean area with plenty of shopping & eating options

Ginza isn’t just one of the world’s most prestigious shopping districts; it’s also among the most popular areas to stay in Tokyo. There always seems to be something interesting happening in this classy central district, located in the western fringes of Chuo bordering Chiyoda.

Shopping is the main name of the game in the Ginza area. Wandering around Ginza, you’re bound to find international labels like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, and Armani well-represented in its boutiques and department stores.

Besides shopping, Ginza is one of the city’s the most popular places to eat. Whether it’s eating a sushi breakfast at the nearby Tsukiji Fish Market or slurping on some of the capital’s tastiest soba at Sasuga, finding a delicious meal isn’t hard in Ginza.

Recommended hotels in Ginza

Considering its relatively small stature in a massive city, Ginza has a surprisingly good selection of rooms. The prestige among serious shoppers no doubt influences the price. The value in Ginza, however, is generally good, even if on the expensive side.

Ginza is also one of the safest areas in Tokyo. (Not that safety is much of a concern here.)

In Ginza, you’ll enjoy the prospect of setting out in the evening to grab late-night snacks. With Tokyo Station nearby, it’s also a great area if you’re looking to leave the city behind on a day trip.

Taito

✔ Recommended district to stay for cost-conscious tourists looking to stretch their accommodations budget further

The least central of all the neighborhoods covered here, Taito might not be the most convenient area to rest your head. The prices, however, reflect this. Similar rooms elsewhere in Tokyo could cost you significantly fewer yen in Taito. For that alone, it’s worth digging into Taito as an option.

Taito lacks the energy of Shibuya, Shibuya, or Ginza, but there’s much to like in this “fringe” ward. Asakusa, perhaps the most interesting area in Tokyo for culture lovers, floats in the heart of the district. Taito is also remarkably quieter than other wards, as an early morning walk along the Sumida River would easily confirm.

Recommended hotels in Taito

There’s a wide range of accommodations in the Taito area, falling mostly in the low to mid-range end of the budget spectrum. The better value and prices in Taito come at the expense of centrality.

Excellent transportation connections, especially in the southern half of the district, however, split the difference; it’s hardly a deal-breaker.

Minato / Roppongi

✔ Top-rated area for business & luxury travelers interested in nightlife and upscale dining experiences

The premier commercial ward of Minato isn’t as popular among visitors as Shinjuku, Shibuya, or even the similarly swanky Ginza area. While Minato wouldn’t be my first area of choice in Tokyo, what you’ll find might surprise you.

Minato sports a serious façade. Major Japanese companies like Honda, Toshiba, and Sony all call Minato home and add to its skyline. With all the stresses that come with corporate life, Minato also knows how to let loose.

Roppongi Hills, one of the most popular nightlife areas in Tokyo, lies within Minato. Sotobori-dori and Hitotsugi-dori are equally popular with the salaried crowd, doing little to curb Japan’s unaffordable reputation among tourists.

Recommended hotels in Minato / Roppongi

The accommodation scene in Minato & Roppongi leans more towards the high-end of the market. Some of the city’s  swankiest (and most expensive) hotels spring from the concrete in this ward.

Odaiba

✔ Recommended district for excellent shopping & entertainment options with superb sea & skyline views

Not that elsewhere in Tokyo is ever short on entertainment, but the reclaimed peninsula of Odaiba (also known as Daiba) is undoubtedly a favorite choice for visitors looking to shop & dine along breezy Tokyo Bay.

Besides offering some of the finest shopping & dining in Tokyo, Odaiba is a popular spot for scoping out nighttime views of the city. The vistas over the Tokyo skyline and Rainbow Bridge are superb from here—as the onslaught of amateur photographers setting up their tripods will quickly confirm!

Recommended hotels in Odaiba

As Odaiba is a relatively small area, there’s a limited selection of hotels to choose from here. The short supply of options here lean towards the upper-mid-range and luxury segment of the market.

Tokyo Bay

✔ Top area for families, sea breezes, and ocean vistas

For more oceanfront space and a better hotel selection than Odaiba, family travelers will benefit from extending their search further along the seaside on Tokyo Bay.

Like the smaller subsection of Daiba, Tokyo Bay is a reminder of Tokyo’s seafaring ways that visitors miss while staying in other areas.

The main reason for laying down your head around the Tokyo Bay area is, of course, if you’re planning an outing to Tokyo Disney Resort.

The resort’s two theme parks—Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea—are huge draw cards for families, making the Tokyo Bay area a great option for anyone traveling in Japan with kids.

Recommended hotels around Tokyo Bay

There’s a surprising selection of hotels around Tokyo Bay, particularly around Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu. Prices fall everywhere between the budget and luxury end of the market.

Best hotels in Tokyo for all budgets

Budget

You might have already noticed that budget hotel is a relative term: Hotels in Tokyo are among the most expensive in the world. It’s rare to find good private accommodations (especially with private bathrooms) in a central location for less than $100.

Expect to pay up to $150 in the higher-end of the budget hotel category.

Red Planet Asakusa

Address: Taito-ku, Asakusa 1-11-6

It’s impossible to imagine a hotel in Tokyo that offers better value than Red Planet Asakusa. This absolute gem of a budget hotel punches well above its weight in the elegance and modernity it offers guests.

The rooms at Red Planet Asakusa aren’t spacious, nothing out of the norm here, but they’re cozy, clean, and comfortable. The more expensive double and twin rooms offer incredible views to the east, including the formidable Tokyo Skytree.

The hotel is brilliant not only in style but in location.

Red Planet is a two-minute walk from Asakusa Station and less than ten minutes to the heart of the district at Senso-ji Temple. Overall, this is one of the most charming areas to wander around and to base yourself for your vacation.

Khaosan World Asakusa Ryokan & Hostel

Address: Taito-ku, Nishi-Asakusa 3-15-1

Holed up in a former “love” hotel, Khaosan World Asakusa Ryokan & Hostel steals a little quirkiness from its infamous past to create an experience like no other budget hotel in Tokyo. There’s a ton of color and character here, each room exuding a vibe all unto its own.

Whether it’s the spaceship-like private rooms, the spotless dorms, or the comfy Japanese-style rooms, Khaosan World Asakusa Ryokan & Hostel offers choices at all ends of the budget spectrum.

The location doesn’t hurt, either. This awesome ryokan & hostel chills just ten minutes from Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise-dori.

The Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO

Address: Chuo-ku Ginza 5-13, Duplex Tower 13F

Writing an entire guide for where to stay in Tokyo without mentioning at least one of the city’s infamous capsule hotels wouldn’t be right, would it? Rarely would the idea of paying good money to insert oneself into a tiny sleeping pod get traction. The Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO could change your mind.

Most capsule hotels in Japan don’t exactly inspire a stay for any other reason than to save money or strike another quirky adventure from your bucket list.

The Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO goes one step further. The capsules here are surprisingly comfortable—in some cases, even pleasant. The superior capsules, for example, are more like a micro-hotel room than a pod. Soak in fantastic views to the outside for a capsule stay that’s a notch above others.

On top of the grand savings potential, The Prime Pod GINZA TOKYO sits in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods. There’s a ton to do in Ginza, including some excellent shopping experiences and eating at some of the tastiest restaurants in Tokyo.

Hotel Hokke Club Asakusa

Address: Taito-ku Komagata 1-4-17

The sophisticated Hotel Hokke Club Asakusa is a surprising find in the sub-$200 range in a city that’s famous for striking fear down the spines of penny-pinching wayfarers.

Hanging out just a few minutes from the Asakusa Station, this top Tokyo budget hotel is conveniently located to take on some of the city’s top attractions, including Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Sky Tree.

Guest rooms are far from massive but will give you a tiny bit of extra legroom compared to most Tokyo hotels in the price range.

Waking up early for the brilliant Japanese and Western breakfast at the on-site Hanamomi Restaurant is a perfect way to rev up your day during your time in Japan’s capital.

Akihabara Washington Hotel

Address: Chiyoda-ku Kanda Sakuma-cho 1-8-3

Can’t get enough of otaku? Join the city’s quirkiest denizens in Akihabara for an all-night manga-fuelled adventure, crashing at the nearby Akihabara Washington Hotel.

Not only is the hotel located in one of the most electric areas in Tokyo, but it’s also surprisingly comfortable for the budget end of the accommodations spectrum.

Even if the district’s weirdness wears on you, the Akihabara Washington Hotel is perfectly placed to squeeze the most out of your vacation. Tokyo Imperial Palace, Asakusa, and Ginza are within walking distance—or, at worst, just a couple of subway stops away—to fill your days.

An evening of sharing biiru and yakitori with new friends at Yurakucho is similarly near with a quick transit ride.

Mid-range

Mid-range hotels in Tokyo peak a little higher than in most Asian cities. For a price that could fetch a seriously luxurious stay elsewhere in Asia, you’ll still be stuck in the middle of the pack.

It’s not a bad place to be.

The selection of mid-range Tokyo hotels is quite good, and the quality is high. Compared to budget hotels, mid-range hotels in Tokyo tend to be a little more centrally located and more conveniently placed to take on the city with gusto.

Expect the rooms listed here to range anywhere from $150 to $300.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier

Address: Chuo-ku Ginza 8-13-1

A quick glimpse of the brag-worthy views at the chic Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Premier is enough to convince anyone to splurge on a room here.

Straddling the border between upper-mid-range and luxury hotels, it won’t come cheap. Truly fitting in a neighborhood like Ginza, where high-fashion boutiques line up to snatch away your hard-earned yen, isn’t it?

Besides the impeccable vistas over the skyline from the lofty rooms, the Mitusi Garden Hotel Ginza Premier is less than 10 minutes away from the early-morning hijinks of the Tsukiji Fish Market.

While your wallet might give you grief over staying here, your mind and body will thank you for the precious extra minutes of sleep should you opt to experience the tuna auction—especially when a late-night yakitori craving beckons you to nearby Yurakucho.

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Address: Shinjuku-ku Kabukicho 1-19-1

If you’ve ever dreamt of hiring Godzilla as a bodyguard, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku might well take the top spot on your list of cool places to stay in Tokyo. Nothing could possibly go wrong with Japan’s famous radioactive monster keeping watch from the 8th floor, could it?

Aside from the obvious quirkiness Godzilla brings (don’t be surprised to find little baby lizard footprints on your snack plates!), Hotel Gracery Shinjuku hangs among one of the most convenient locations for first-time tourists.

Enjoy the street-side chaos of Shinjuku, ducking into restaurants to sample local fare. Don’t miss out on a night of sippin’ and chopstickin’ along Omoide Yokocho, the infamous “Piss Alley” that smells much better than its moniker would let on.

Oh, and the rooms? They’re pretty swell, too.

Enjoy waking up in your cloud-like bed to views over Shinjuku before fuelling up for your day with a hearty Japanese- and Western-style buffet breakfast in the on-site restaurant.

Hotel the M Akasaka Innsomnia

Address: Minato-ku Akasaka 2-14-14

More than a little irony glazes the name of Hotel the M Akasaka Innsomnia. There’s no way you’ll ever leave this sophisticated boutique hotel in Minato without a well-rested head.

In a city famous for its capsule hotels and tight spaces, rooms at Hotel the M Akasaka Innsomnia are comparatively mega-sized, more along the lines of what you’ll find at a high-end luxury hotel than in the mid-range.

If the beefy rooms weren’t enough to win you over, enjoy a latte or cappuccino at all hours of the day at the 24-hour on-site cafe, Unir.

The Akasaka subway station is also just steps away to get you anywhere you want to go in Tokyo with relative ease.

Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome

Address: Minato-ku, Higashishinbashi 1-6-3

The luxury & upper mid-range selection of Tokyo hotels smashes the city’s reputation for cramped rooms. Case in point: Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome.

This stylish hotel, soaring above the 24th floor, is the perfect remedy for the claustrophobia-inducing experience encountered elsewhere in Tokyo.

Besides enjoying a restful sleep in the spacious & modern rooms at the Royal Park Hotel The Shiodome, spend an evening sipping sake while soaking up the incredible skyline views at The Bar, perched on the 24th floor.

The Mandara Spa is similarly enlightening, providing guests a chance to work out the day’s stresses with a relaxing massage.

The conveniently located Royal Park Hotel The Shidome sits just minutes from Shinbashi Station and Shiodome Station, with fast access to the ever-popular Asakusa and Shinjuku.

Park Hotel Tokyo

Address: Minato-ku Higashi Shimbashi 1-7-1

Another top contender, Park Hotel Tokyo is a challenge to pin down. The standard rooms here offer excellent value among mid-range/luxury hotels in central Tokyo. The curiosity comes when we see just how unique some of these rooms are.

For a step out of the ordinary, stay in one of the Park Hotel Tokyo’s “artist” rooms. These smashingly cool digs are adorned with various works of Japanese art, from artifacts to wall murals by national artists.

Spend a night in one of these delightful rooms to fall asleep to the subtle nighttime glow of Tokyo, including the iconic Tokyo Tower.

Luxury

It’s not a hard stretch to conclude that the best luxury hotels in Tokyo aren’t just top-notch for Japan but among the finest in the world. And the strain on your wallet won’t let you forget it.

Just like pinning down where to stay in other skyscraping Asian cities like Hong Kong and Singapore, top-end hotels in Tokyo are a tad pricey.

For the most luxurious hotels in Tokyo, expect prices to soar above $300, even into the four figures per night range. What you’ll get at these palatial rates, though, is a stellar accommodation experience.

Park Hyatt Tokyo

Address: Shinjuku-ku, Nishishinjuku 3-7-1-2

Soaring high above Shinjuku, the Park Hyatt Tokyo is a luxurious hotel experience that’s nearly impossible to one-up. The elegant rooms are among the most spacious in Tokyo, featuring widescreen views of the skyline. You might even see as far as Mount Fuji as you lay your head to rest.

And as if the rooms weren’t enough of a treat, the Park Hyatt Tokyo pushes views to the next level at The Peak Bar, and the New York Grill plopped upon the ridiculously lofty 52nd floor. Even the fitness center spotlights floor-to-ceiling windows that are the perfect live backdrop to sweating out some sake.

Like any 5-star hotel worth its salt, the Park Hyatt is home to a wellness center, the Club on the Park Spa, where you can loosen up with a massage or a hot sauna to leave behind the foibles of Japanese urban life.

The Capitol Hotel Tokyu

Address: Chiyoda-ku Nagatacho 2-10-3

All of the trappings of a superb Tokyo luxury hotel experience pop out at The Capital Hotel Tokyu, one of the absolute best hotels in Tokyo. What sets this 5-star hotel apart isn’t the amenities but its perfect fusion of traditional Japanese and contemporary stylings.

The airy rooms are well-padded by Tokyo standards, seizing the chance to blend classic elements like shoji paper screens with modern fixtures to create a world all to its own.

If the urban chaos below proves too fatiguing, three on-site restaurants provide ample opportunity for a night in. Whether you’re craving a thorough face-stuffing at the buffet of Star Hil Chinese Restaurant, a traditional Japanese multi-course kaiseki at Suiren, or Western and Asian classics à la carte at Origami, you won’t need to leave the comfort of The Capitol Hotel Tokyu to eat up.

The Peninsula Tokyo

Address: Chiyoda-ku Yurakucho 1-8-1

Among Asia’s most famous 5-star luxury hotels, The Peninsula Tokyo never fails to leave a lasting impression on guests. It’s in the finer details that this hotel excels, offering a classy experience that hits all the right buttons.

The rooms at The Peninsula Tokyo are spacious and combine subtle Japanese elegance with modern amenities. Whether peering upon the stately Imperial Palace Gardens or the bright glow of the Tokyo skyline, resting your weary head at The Peninsula Tokyo will be unforgettable.

And if the skyline views from your room weren’t quite big enough, sip cocktails among the floor-to-ceiling panoramas at Peter: The Bar on the 24th floor.

Even more relaxing is to take your troubles to the on-site spa, opting for a light massage or a deeply satisfying treatment in the aromatherapy shower.

Just a few minutes away by foot from The Peninsula Tokyo is the city’s most famous shopping district: Ginza. Any stay here will inevitably end in unloading your yen at nearby swanky international boutiques, peddling all the latest fashions to Japan’s well-to-doers.

Andaz Tokyo

Address: Minato-ku, Toranomon 1-23-4

Wherever you choose to roam, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to stay than Andaz Tokyo. Hyatt launched its Andaz offshoot just a decade ago, and it’s since taken on a life of its own to become one of the top luxury boutique hotel brands around.

To call the rooms at Andaz Tokyo stunning is an understatement. Stylish modern design is fused with local elements to create an experience unlike any of the other top luxury hotels in Tokyo.

The concept for Andaz, however, reaches well beyond the rooms. All the brand’s luxury hotels throughout the world are deeply ingrained within each area. Locations are carefully chosen to ensure insightful and vibrant local experiences for guests.

The Atago District of Minato is no different. Less than 20 minutes by foot will get you to Ginza for upscale shopping or the Imperial Palace Gardens for a strong dose of Japanese history.

After admiring the breathtaking views during a quick dip in the indoor pool, dry off and take to the 51st-floor rooftop bar to spend an unforgettable evening swooning over Tokyo with a glass of wine in hand.

Palace Hotel Tokyo

Address: Chiyoda-ku Marunouchi 1-1-1

Step inside the Palace Hotel Tokyo, one of the top-rated hotels in Tokyo, and you’ll immediately recognize the double entendre within its name. Even if the next-door palace inspired the original calling, this hotel lives up to its moniker all on its own.

Sweeping awards left and right from the likes of Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure, the 5-star Palace Hotel Tokyo is Japanese luxury at its finest. The exquisite rooms are outfitted with contemporary furnishings and all the amenities you’d expect in a top-notch hotel. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay in a room with a high-floor balcony, a rarity in the Tokyo hotel market.

Besides enjoying time in your tremendous quarters, Palace Hotel Tokyo further eclipses its reputation with seven on-site restaurants, including four authentic Japanese restaurants. Each restaurant delves into a different aspect of local cuisine, from tempura and sushi to kaiseki and teppanyaki.

The four sophisticated on-site bars & lounges here present a good case for a quiet night in during your time in Tokyo.

Final recommendations

• Looking for a sleek budget hotel that won’t break the bank? Settle on Red Planet Asakusa, a superb value hotel in a traditional neighborhood.
• Want a slightly quirky mid-range hotel in the heart of Tokyo? Let Godzilla watch over you and the rest of Shinjuku with a night at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku.
• Craving an unforgettable luxury experience? The ever-popular Palace Hotel Tokyo is among the finest 5-star hotels, not just in Tokyo but in all of Japan. A stay here never disappoints.