Shinjuku, the best area in Tokyo?

Where is the best location in Tokyo to stay, to visit, to eat? Many say it’s Shinjuku. What do you say? ▶︎ New ONLY in JAPAN channel with edited stories: / johndaub
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John Daub has been a reporter for NHK World TV since 2008 and KZbin creator & producer of the ONLY in JAPAN ® series building a community of over 1.6M. Thanks for watching!
#onlyinjapan #tokyo #shinjuku

[@noahlittle1219]

I've learned so much about the beautiful country of Japan from this channel. Thank you very much and stay safe!

[@RobbC.]

I love Shinjuku, mainly because it is central and for the rail connections. It has both the neon lights and the quiet back alleys. a great place to centre yourself for a Japan trip. It might look far from the airport but for £6 you can get a direct bus, and it doesn't take long with the highway connections. Thanks John

[@lordtucor8309]

Even if its daytime, this reminds me of the series Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

[@steveomcbigarms]

Absolutely love these live streams...even when i rarely catch them live

[@FoodLoaf]

My Hotel was in Shinjuku when I was in Tokyo 2018. I love it to be deep in a city. It would be great if you could show a map at the beginning of the stream when there's one nearby. I am always happy if you visit places where I have been at my one week trip. Keep on the good work, I love your content.

[@Barrysushi569]

Try sunroute plaza shinjuku or blossom hotel shinjuku I’ve also stayed in APA HOTEL and Gracery hotels in Kabukicho Can’t wait to travel again myself

[@garydell2023]

That's how it is John. When your young and alone it's depressing and you search for friends. When your old and lonely it's a blessing and you avoid people. This has been nice John,

[@aishashahzad4955]

I like your way of you showing Tokyo in such a nice way which reminds me of my stay in Tokyo

[@Joe_A_Pace]

Hi John. Great livestream of Shinjuku and sorry that I missed it. I stayed in Shinjuku West at the APA Hotel in 2019 and found staying in that area worked well for me. You are correct the nightlife in Shinjuku is very interesting and vibrant. The people there and around Tokyo were very hospitable and accommodating for my lack of the Japanese language. Looking forward to my next trip to Japan some time in the near future. Thanks for your wonderful work John!

[@nutsestica2672]

Thank you so much for keeping us updated and I hope to be there in 2022.all the best for you and your family.

[@henrymatos9551]

Thank you for your recommendations and the nice walk-through around Shinjuku. Will visit around there when everything calms down.

[@quameagle]

Watching you is addictive!!! I should be asleep but can't help but watch. I SO look forward to a visit one day.

[@elwick_photo]

Been to Tokyo 3 times, each time stayed in Shinjuku, access to the Shinjuku station makes it so much easier to visit anywhere in the area

[@risa_vlog]

I've been to Tokyo a few times and Shinjuku has always been my favourite place to visit. I always book my hotel stay in that area. I also love how convenient it is to take the train to go anywhere in Tokyo from the Shinjuku JR station even though it's like a huge maze inside the station and you can never find your way out, lol.

[@hiddenjapan1698]

Great like always

[@luissantiago8996]

On our last trips we stayed in Shinjuku and it was great. Love the area and was super easy to hop on a train. Thanks for the stream.

[@frankwatts3374]

John thanks so much for these streams best seen live, but entertaining even if you miss the live stream and I always go back and watch them a few times because of all your knowledge on everything Japan makes seeing it again a learning experience.

[@martian-sunset]

You nailed it at the beginning: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa and Ginza. For lodging, shopping, food and sights. It depends on how much you wish to spend. Those should be at the top of any first-time tourists list. Everywhere else is icing on the Mr. Donut.

[@steadholderharrington9035]

Don't forget the 5-block area of Akihabara, an Anime and Electronic's paradise. 😆😆

[@mrs.quills7061]

I’ve really been digging these walk arounds. I know that many cover these areas, but you always add such interesting commentary and history to it!

[@paidquartz]

If you like anime stuffs and arcade, Akihabara is actually not a bad place. We always stay in Akihabara. After our day activities, we'd got back to Akiba, walk around do window shopping at the anime shops and after everything is closed, we'd visit the arcade and play until midnight before heading back to the hotel. Having the hotel situated next to the arcade shops helped us a lot since we could put our stuffs back to the hotel before heading out for the arcades.

[@jarihult]

These kinds of streams makes me hungry ,enjoyable though 👍!!! Arigato !

[@60frederick]

The reason to go to Tokyo is: Looking for you, John. As you said I would stay where I am interested in. Each part of Big Tokyo has its interesting spots. But I am waiting for 2022 -- that is my year of traveling.

[@ivantirtakusuma]

Hahaha John Daub always fun to watch.. I wish the greatest health to your family. Thanks for your hardwork sir!

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing. ✌️

[@jantravis4616]

Hello from Oklahoma. Great to see you, John. I would love the gachopon. With all the neat stuff in them.

[@jaydkaladcamper]

I agree with Asakusa. Stayed there for a few days and it’s really a quiet neighborhood. Hotel was also few steps from a train and a few blocks away from Donki.

[@Itami95]

I love Asakusa. Quiet at night. Close to the kokugikan, Skytree, Kappabashi and you can catch the boat to Odaiba.

[@princess96699]

I love Asakusa too and love Odaiba too. I keep watching the live stream of Odaiba to reminisce the lovely moments there!

[@jennifersantos3918]

I was gushing over that little phone! My boyfriend said we’ll have to bring a bag just for the little goodies when we visit Japan. Thanks for showing us around. I think I’d prefer to stay on the quieter side of town.

[@astroboy3507]

Always stay there love the night lights!!!!!🌄🎆🌌🌃🏙 Thanks John!!!!👍🏻

[@graceho7845]

Still remember staying at Tokyu Stay near Shinjuku san-chome. I love how it is close to all the department stores and restaurants

[@Tadaimajpcom]

Thanks John, great video as always! Thanks a lot for mentioning Tadaima Japan and its Shinjuku Ryokan and for asking how everyone is doing. We are very glad you enjoyed visiting us and have good memories of it! As a matter of fact, the ryokan is temporarily closed, mostly because of the pandemic. Life in Arakicho has been a bit slower since last year, but it is still the same, charming town full of great places to eat at, and the tonkatsu place you visited is as delicious as ever! We too, recommend everybody to have a stroll and enjoy cuisine there! As for the Tadaima Japan website, it was rebranded and reopened in a newer and better version under the name Kokoro Media (hence the name of this KZbin account). Best, The Kokoro Media Team (ex-Tadaima Japan team)

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Thanks for the update! I hope when tourism resumes again, the ryokan comes back to life and we see smiling visitors from around the world enjoying life in Tokyo! - ooooh! I loved that Tokatsu place! It’s time to revisit Arakicho for lunch 😋

[@onyxavatar]

Love your videos! They are so fun and you do a great job!

[@gewglesux]

I'm 56 and still act like I'm 26.. nothing slows me down. Pisses off all my "old friends" John, where did you say has the 60's vibe? i think i would love to try that.

[@Slammer_1970]

I really enjoyed this video, John. Trying to play catch up the videos that I've missed. I shared this with some Sumo groups that I belong to on Facebook. This is the only way that I can view Japan right now. I watch your channel and that of Chris Broad and his Abroad in Japan channels. Both of you guys do a great job and provide very interesting content for us.

[@cathpeterson1944]

beautiful Shinjuku City, I’m amazed at all the stuff you can buy from a vending machine it reminds me of 70s when there were lots of vending machines

[@momonakokeshi6325]

I like Ginza and Asakusa. Thank you the travel tips.

[@bexxcooper2969]

i have started seeing some business hotels with washing/dryer in the room so i could take less clothes and get more souvenirs yeah i'm hoping to come for a month

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Right, the APA Hotels have 2 washer and dryers usually which is amazing when you’re on a long trip and packed light.

[@BrisQldAus]

I stayed 3 streets away from Tokyo station nice and quiet, easy to catch train to anywhere

[@ariyona_febly]

i cant wait for more about your video on country side of japan... summer is coming and akita will be a great choice.. greeting to your wife and newborn baby... best regards from BALI

[@VegardThefilmmaker]

Yes uber is in Tokyo, but you don't really need it for every day travel. It's very expensive. take the metro and trains instead.

[@RenerDeCastro]

I'd actually agree with the title. From the month I stayed in the area back in 2018, Shinjuku felt really great to stay in. My favorite place tbh was the Yodobashi Camera branch featured in the opening and thumbnail. They have a building dedicated to toys, hobbies, and video games.

[@lynnchomel]

I miss Japan so much, the last trip went to Japan 2016 January, went to Osaka, Fuji Mountain, Tokyo, Harajyuku Street, Shibuya Station, Tokyu Sky Three, Yokohama, hopefully in future will visiting again 🙏🙏🙏🤞❤️😘

[@With_Me_JAPAN]

My fist exploration in Tokyo was in Shinjuku! Yea it’s very busy but so much to see there😆💕Can’t get to know it in a day! I should go back there and experience it more🙌❣️

[@alconm34]

Where did you stay?

[@megamanjoe]

Kanda, Shibuya and Shinjuku

[@LazyGamerNyx]

Those capsule machines are too awesome. Would love to grab a few of those mini electronics in them for action figure photography.

[@vkjfsdg]

Went to the Arakicho yakiniku place you recommended a couple years ago. Best experience ever.

[@XDproductionsXD]

I keep missing your live stuff. Love ur style~ gambatte ne

[@tjrappel5655]

Thanks for this video, very helpful! I had booked a place in west Shinjuku for my September 2020 trip that I unfortunately to cancel, but now I'm reconsidering where I might stay when I can rebook. I was already thinking maybe Asakusa, so it's nice to hear that that's high on your list as well. Probably won't be traveling there until fall 2022 so I have plenty of time to think!

[@joeyc3009]

I stayed near Suidobashi Station. 5 min walk to the Tokyo Dome. Everything was a few min away on the train. But a good amount of places to eat.

[@adrianromero1655]

Perfect for tourist and first-timers, try Ueno area, but if you want Tokyo night life try Shinjuku

[@gloriasuarez4851]

Hi John , so excited to hear from you , my husband and I planning to book flight on november , from Houston to haneda , we cancelled our flight 2 times , and i missed my son so much, ( he s living in Gifu city ) since pandemic starte I didnt see him. hope everything will be ok , ang hoping we can see you there in tokyo even in 3 minutes ,, waiting for your updates and excited to watch your live stream. ,

[@nadinegel]

Love ❤️ Japan‼️🎉👏👏👏👏 ‼️I want go to Tokyo ASAP‼️👍Thank you John😊

[@ThomasVye]

I want to recommend The Knot in Shinjuku - it’s right next to Chuo Park in Nishi Shinjuku, and it’s a great place to stay. Only 10/15 minutes walk from the west exit of Shinjuku Station!

[@kingrando]

My tip to work out where to stay, map out where you want to go on a map, then that helps find a central hub. I randomly chose Ginza as my hub, and it was well worth it. 🙌

[@kingrando]

Well, it wasn’t random, haha. It was scientifically chosen based on the areas I wanted to visit was on that side of town. Haha

[@b1uemchen]

I really like Shinjuku. But usually i stay at one hotel in aoyama-itchome in/near akasaka (if it count as that). Quiet neigbourhood, but direct line to shinjuku, shibuya, ueno. And good communications to other places in tokyo

[@Keshihead]

Shinjuku was where our hotel was when I visited back in 2018, the Toyoko Inn, right by the batting cages. While I didn't feel in any danger while I was there, it DID make me feel on edge whenever we'd go out for the evening, and there'd be guys trying to entice you into the bars. I'd heard stories of people being dragged into these places and being forced to pay out lots of money for drinks, so I always just told them firmly but politely no, and things were OK. That was the only thing that soured me on the place, but it didn't dampen my enjoyment of visiting Japan for the first time, so much so that ever since I got home, I wanted to visit again.

[@xTheParadox99]

Its not dangerous at all in Shinjuku at night, ofc if you try to get into trouble with the Yakuza you may be successfully but other than that it's not dangerous

[@ibrremote]

My favourite town within Tokyo.

[@nutsestica2672]

Don't know if it's the best but it's amazing I've stayed there in APA hotel and it was the best ever.

[@tredien]

I stayed in Ikebukuro in 2019 and it was a great place to stay for me. Lots of restaurants and stores and stuff to do when I didn't feel like leaving Ikebukuro. Maybe not ideal for family with kids.

[@shandytown7019]

We have so many Hilton points that we usually use that option, although the past few trips we have split our time between a few days in western Tokyo and a few days in eastern Tokyo, which gives you a change of scenery. In 2018 we stayed at the Hilton Shinjuku. Very nice, but a little too far west in the business district, and towards the end of the trip stayed at the Marriott Prince in Shinagawa. Didn’t like the Shinagawa area at all, except that it was convenient for getting back to the airport. One inconvenient thing with Shinjuku is the commute from Narita (or Haneda), if you arrive during rush hour, which you often do from Northern California. In 2018 we arrived at 5pm and it took literally 3 hours on the LimoBus to get to the hotel! In 2019 we tried a new strategy and stayed at the Conrad near Shiodome for the first night. Lots of points, but a good way to enter into town, central and not as far from airports. Also located near Hamarikyu Garden and a space boat stop! Easy access to river cruising and a quick shot up to Asakusa from there! We then stayed in Shinjuku Hilton for a couple nights, and then at Tokyu Stay in Ginza for a night or 2 to go Fukubukuro shopping! ☝️ On our way back through Tokyo at the end of the trip, we stayed in Odaiba for a few nights, which is also fun (Yes, another Hilton). Two other areas that I like are Roppongi and Ebisu/Daikanyama area. Roppongi isn’t as seedy as it was when we first started traveling to Japan in 2004 (though I miss the mayonnaise pizza from Gaspanic, which is no longer there). Back then before AirBNB we used to stay at Oakwood T-Cube in short term executive apartments which were lovely. I hadn’t been to Roppongi in several years again until 2019, and with Roppongi Hills expanding, it has really dressed up the area. I’d like to stay at the ANA Intercon on our next trip. Roppongi is very central for trains too. In Ebisu we used to sometimes stay at the Westin. Ebisu and Daikanyama are quaint and upscale, though train connections aren’t the best. So many good choices in Tokyo. It really does depend on your preferences, budget, and what vibe you like!

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Yes, I have IHG with Intercontinental and Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza so I will pick that if there’s one in the area. You can’t go wrong with that hotel.

[@eugeneyeoh9758]

Lived in Hotel Wing Shinjuku back in Nov 2019.. loved that area and that time it was so great

[@japanesetrainandtravel6168]

Personally, I have preferred the Ueno area. You’ve got many restaurants around the area, hotels are inexpensive and you’ve got the park , a major Shinkansen station within Walking distance as well as the JR network and you’ve got direct access to Narita Airport with the Keisei Line.

[@kurisub]

Yanaka is a great place to stay, but like John said everything in Yanaka Ginza closes pretty early. Ironically I’ve stayed in the area twice, and both times I never went down that street when anything was open, I was either there too early in the morning or late at night. It’s a nice place to walk around a night though and the nearby graveyard is rather peaceful in the morning. Also be sure to stop by nearby Nezu shrine, it’s like a miniature Fushimi Inari.

[@tif2much]

Don’t forget Shinagawa. Very easy to catch yamanote line and close to Haneda.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

I think Shinagawa is good for business travelers, but options for shopping are very limited, lack of attractions and ambiance after hours. Prefer Shinbashi if you want to see authentic business dinners with drunken salarymen. Pretty friendly there.

[@82volvoguy]

I’m going to Japan end of March for the cherry blossoms and staying in a bunch of hotels all located within Shinjuku area that’s where I hear it’s the nice and fun area and it’s not as young as Shibuya and it’s still within distance of everything and Roppongi hills looks awesome to this is my second time visit in Japan with the first time in 14 years plan on going from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto for the day and then back to Tokyo

[@samsonleung6275]

Thank you for your videos! It's helped me plan for my trip in August. I tentatively booked a hotel in Ginza, and just watched your Ginza restaurant video, so I'm excited about the area. I'm still looking for a less expensive stay though. Maybe I'll check out Asakusa. It would be cool to bump into you in Tokyo or Kyoto while you're filming a live stream! I'll buy you a Mt. Figi water for sure!

[@davidwolstenholme3672]

i once bought my late wife a similar phone i was the ones stars use in resident evil and this one as sounds and a voice on it

[@geminate]

You should walk through Golden Gai over to Artnia Square Enix :)

[@XYoukaiX]

I always have "Demon City Shinjuku" in mind when someone mentions Shinjuku :P

[@Asian_Movie_Enthusiast]

And Shinjuku Triad Society.

[@autumngogogoat]

I stay in Ueno, always seems good!

[@christophermichael.w.7577]

I have watched nearly all your videos and live streams and I have never seen one person using a electric bike or scooter. The electric bikes and scooters are everywhere in U.S.cities because there are all these rental companies now. Do you have them in Japan?

[@thepowerstation2702]

"Moshi Moshi John its Levent calling you on your mobile 📱 phone" 😉

[@coolrottie2565]

Stayed in Shibuya 9 times and Ginza 2 times and yes that bic camera song is still in my head 🤪

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Haha!! It sticks and stays … FOREVER!

[@xheyderek3356]

There is a tiny tiny onsen right in Ueno that is in the $250 range but totally worth it for one night after 17 hours of flying! Ueno or Asakusa would be my vote as well. Ueno has that great local vibe with everyone eating outside..it will always remind me of what Tokyo is like. Can't imagine landing in Tokyo and staying in Shibuya for instance.

[@xheyderek3356]

Then again there's also an onsen that I stayed at in Asakusa as well..both worth it! Onsen..my favorite part of Japan probably =)

[@solitudefilms1667]

I stayed in Akihabara last time, as much as I like the games arcade and anime stores it's not really my preferred place to stay. I would think even Ikebukuro is better with more variety of things to do and see.

[@isekaidboken-sha7918]

I rather be staying somewhere rich in culture and quiet...so Asakusa sounds right up my alley. I got buddies in Shinjuku and Shibuya, so one night crashing there is plenty. lol....

[@af7567]

I stayed in Higashi in 2019 and so close to Shinjuku.

[@pizzagogo6151]

I usually stay in Shinjuku partially because of the huge station which connects to everyone other line. Personally I found Ginza a bit boring (& more expensive) I agree if you want more Tokyo side Shinjuku is a bit far it’s also not very family friendly. Asakusa is a great compromise location.

[@bomrapaz07]

hello John someone asked you if the area you were in was safe, I've seen you go into alleys I never did I would like to see a video explaining how to identify dangerous places and which alleys to avoid and how to identify them, I think would be useful to people visiting Tokyo or Japan

[@unsexyman]

I always thought a bowl of noodle that cost over 10$ is overpriced in Japan.

[@RAZGR1Z]

The most "sketchy" parts of Japan are really nothing to worry about. Just like in any city environment you have to keep aware of your surroundings and keep a skeptical mind. The biggest thing to watch out for is the barkers, specifically the pushy ones telling you "sexu sexu", just ignore them and keep walking. Don't even acknowledge them.

[@rajeevchopra4083]

Man imagine living in north india. Its damn hot and humid. The temperature is around 43 degree celsius and it feels like 48 degrees. U are saying weather in tokyo is hot in june? Its just 30 degress in tokyo which is way better than our summer.

[@borg386]

Thanks for sharing 👍 Can you rent a bike anywhere to cover more ground? Love from Florida USA 🇺🇸 ❤️

[@lorianderson5013]

Sorry....I missed your info. about staying in the hotel/area close to the Sumo stadium. Where the Sumo wrestlers stay when they are in town?

[@chriswilson6732]

stayin at toshi center hotel 5 metro stations close by can get anywhere in 25 mins

[@cesarsaul]

My wife and I we stay at Asakusa and Shinjuku

[@adpeace2181]

👍😊

[@Roscoe921]

I miss it all so much T_T

[@user-ir2ot4dt1q]

I prefer Shinjuku and Akihabara

[@aryam.sal1]

We want an Arabic translation, please

[@laladieladada]

Why can't john say; yakuza?

[@rbzsfg]

For me, Ueno is #1. The parks, zoo, museum, restaurants, shopping streets, souvenir shops. They have everything a tourist would want. #2 would be Akihabara, because anime and video games. And a never for me would be Roppongi. Too many racist foreigners and hipster douchebags.

[@onlyinjapanGO]

Yes, Roppongi is at the bottom for me too although the Ritz Carlton at Roppongi Midtown is a nice location, it for those who take Limos everywhere. Ueno is a smart choice. Akihabara is walking distance from there - but staying in Ueno is much better than Akihabara. Not many options for entertainment, better game centers are in the other areas and everywhere.

[@evibouman591]

Ueno is beautiful, the park and the area. We stayed there and Asakusa, Akihabara, Ginza and the palace you can walk from here and you can experience Tokyo really well. John, and thank you for all the video, they are so great to watch and brings back for us the good memories of Japan. We love Japan.

[@irenee3062]

Got to get Leo out to see the world his surroundings the smell the sights they are little sponges at this age they soak up they sleep soak up sleep

[@world-uk2vj]

beautiful mono cultural Japan, please keep it that way

[@MinusNoir]

Rawmen, maid in Japan! ;D

[@伦伦_大海米]

もう2年も行ってない　今日暑いよね　飲食店大変だね

[@TetrarchJefffreak69]

Shinjuku looks amazing get one of everything from those vending machines LoL 😅

[@WolfBetter]

14:18 "there's no why with gacha-" *me, an FGO player* you're right bro, you're right.

[@multidimensionhealingfrequ8932]

Plan shijuku but talk for asaksa ❤❤❤

[@Randimal762]

"Sketchy people in Japan are like normal people in New York" LOL

[@onlyinjapanGO]

😂

[@davidbkk171]

what happend to the beer vending machines??