Japan
Hotels in Tokyo
An enormous, extremely well-connected city where the station you stay near matters more than the district, and small rooms are the norm at every price.
Tokyo is less a single centre than a series of them, linked by one of the densest rail networks in the world. That makes the practical question not 'which district is best' but 'which station am I next to' — a hotel two minutes from a major interchange will beat a nicer one fifteen minutes' walk from a minor stop, on almost any itinerary.
Rooms run small by international standards across the whole price range, and that is a design norm rather than a sign of a cheap hotel. Business hotels in particular are compact, spotless, quiet and very well equipped for the money; the trade-off is floor space and, often, a compact moulded bathroom. Check the stated room size rather than inferring it.
Demand peaks around the cherry blossom period in spring and the autumn colour season, and again over the domestic holiday weeks, when rates rise sharply and the best-located hotels sell out well in advance. Outside those windows the city is large enough that there is nearly always availability.
Where to stay in Tokyo
The area you book in changes the price and the trip more than the star rating does.
The major western hubs
The busiest interchanges, surrounded by department stores, restaurants and nightlife, with the widest choice of hotels at every price. Loud, bright and the most convenient bases for getting around.
The central business and shopping districts
Quieter at night, home to the higher-end international hotels and the best-connected station for onward travel by bullet train. Good for a calmer stay or a trip that includes other cities.
The old east side
Traditional streets, temples and the city's older character, with cheaper and smaller hotels including many family-run properties. Further from the nightlife, closer to the history.
Near the bay
Larger modern hotels with bigger rooms than the city norm, aimed at families and conference traffic. Better value per square metre, at the cost of a longer ride into the middle.
Properties in Tokyo
A sample of what is bookable. Open one for photos, rooms and live rates for your dates.
Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport - Directly connected to Haneda Airport Terminal 3
2-7-1 Hanedakuko, Oota
Excellent
20,000 reviews
Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel
2-8-16 Shiomi
Exceptional
8,755 reviews
THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA
1-1-13 Shinbashi
Exceptional
9,147 reviews
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
2-3-1 Yoyogi
Excellent
16,257 reviews
The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
1-6-3 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku
Excellent
9,395 reviews
The Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Haneda Airport Terminal 3
2-6-5 Haneda International Airport
Excellent
20,000 reviews
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku
Excellent
15,092 reviews
Tobu Hotel Levant Tokyo
1-2-2 Kinshi, Sumida-ku
Excellent
8,162 reviews
Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
2-6-1 Daiba
Exceptional
7,107 reviews
APA Hotel & Resort Ryogoku Ekimae Tower
1-11-10 Yokoami
Excellent
19,863 reviews
JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
2-6-2, Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan
Excellent
8,104 reviews
THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku
4-31-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
Excellent
15,352 reviews
Tokyo: common questions
Which part of Tokyo should I stay in?
Pick the station rather than the district. Tokyo's rail network is dense and reliable, so being a couple of minutes from a major interchange matters more than the neighbourhood's reputation. Decide where you will spend most of your days, then book near a station on that line.
Why are Tokyo hotel rooms so small?
Compact rooms are the norm here at every price level, particularly in business hotels, and are not an indication of a poor-quality property — those hotels are typically very well maintained and well equipped. Check the stated room size in the room detail if space matters to you.
When should I book a hotel in Tokyo?
Book well ahead for the spring blossom season, the autumn colour season and the domestic holiday weeks, when rates rise and central hotels sell out. Outside those periods the city is big enough that availability is rarely a problem.