What Are the Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo for Tourists? - JAPAN and more

Discover the best areas to stay in Tokyo for tourists, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno, and Marunouchi. Decide whether to stay near a train station, the maximum distance you should stay from a station, and the importance of the Yamanote Line. Visit japanandmore.com/best-areas-t... for more links and details about the best areas to stay in Tokyo.
For a list of our recommended hotels in Tokyo, visit japanandmore.com/travel-tips/...
Japan and More: Becki & Shawn are Japan Travel Specialists with over 20 years of experience living, working, and traveling in Japan. Visit Japan and More for expert advice on travel in Japan: japanandmore.com/services/
FROM THE VIDEO:
Today we are answering the question, “What are the best areas to stay in Tokyo for tourists?" Well, this is actually our number one question that we get, and many people are surprised when they find out that the best place to stay is near a train station. In today’s video, we are going to talk about the JR train stations, maximum distance from the station, and the JR Yamanote Line, and then we will talk about the areas of Western Tokyo, Northern Tokyo, and Central Tokyo.
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction
0:49 JR Train Stations
1:32 Walking Distance to Stations
1:55 The Yamanote Line
2:50 Western Tokyo
4:12 Northern Tokyo
5:59 Central Tokyo

[@axios101]

Hi! Terrifically useful informations!!! I already understood that train stations are the best spots to look for Hotels and places to stay, but these specific informations are really useful!!! A question if I may: is there in Tokyo (and in other major Cities) a "mid-term luggage deposit and/or transfer" service? I mean: other than "normal" boxes/lockjers in stations, are there places/services which will take care of keeping one's biggest suitcases and/or transfer them to other places at request (maybe shipping them to other cities' hotels on given dates?). Many thanks in advance and best wishes for Your channel (which I promplty subscribed to)!!! 😄

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Glad you like the information. 😄 You can store bags, for a fee, at the tourist information center at some train stations. Not all though. For more info about shipping luggage check out this article: japanandmore.com/luggage-free-travel-japan/

[@koichan7457]

Lots of ppl talk about black cat Yamato

[@stevenelson3515]

Some really good information here. We’ve been to Tokyo a number of times. The first two we stayed in AirBnB’s, one in Ningyocho and one in Daimon. Ningyocho was convenient to the subway, but not the JR lines. At Daimon, we had the subway, the JR at Hannanatsucho and the Monorail. We then switched to a hotel, the b hotel in Shimbashi, about a seven minute walk from the station. Rooms were small (even the “deluxe” rooms, but they were comfortable and clean. The area has scads of dining. It’s a bit of a red light district, but there are no issues there. We decided to upgrade this last trip (we returned a week ago) by using IHG points to stay at the Intercontinental Tokyo Bay both before and after our travels around Japan. It’s about a 15 minute walk, but covered the whole way and it’s above Street level. It’s about a 12 minute walk to Hammatsucho, so we had the option for the JR, the subway and the monorail. Just a quick note about various train and subway stations. You should check to see which have elevators, both from the street to station level, then from station level to the platform. Struggling up and down stairs with luggage at a train station where a hundred people just got off a train ain’t fun. Tokyo is truly one of the world’s great cities to visit and explore. If you find the JR Pass is not viable (and with the announced large price increases, it may not be), be aware that Tokyo subways offer a 72 hour pass for 1500 JPY (around $11 USD at the time I wrote this). You get unlimited access to all Tokyo Metro lines and all Tokyo Toei lines.

[@jamescc2010]

Good info. Thx

[@Wedrowanie]

This is yet the BEST video I found on KZbin about Tokyo - and I’ve searched! Clear, precise, informative. Thank you so much!

[@densemagic1]

okay, its my first time to travel to Tokyo. watched a LOT of channels. THIS so far has the BEST information that I found. Thanks so much for this! no fancy graphics, no gimmicks and yet 100% efficient! Subscribed!

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Thanks for the nice comment! All the best.

[@cs-rg8tp]

Informative

[@raydomenech7646]

Got back from Tokyo four days ago, stayed in Shiomi. There are restaurants, supermarkets and convenient stores (to include a 7-11) across the street from Shiomi Station, loved it. The Keiyo Line goes to Shiomi Station, Tokyo Station is 4 stops away. It takes 90 mins to get from there to the airport.

[@nikkocy]

Sincerely thank you for the enormously helpful material.

[@endofyraaaaryfodne3389]

I'm saving this video for my Japan trip in April next year! Thank you so much for your detailed approach guys!

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Are u here

[@itamar7559]

I deeply miss Tokyo 😢

[@user-oo1mz9cj4s]

Very helpful information, thank you.

[@LeoFtravels]

OMG. Thanks for sharing this. I'll be there in Feb/24

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Did u

[@prakurai7421]

Wish I had this video when I first visited Tokyo. Staying near a train station makes all the difference!

[@jamescc2010]

Great tip on staying close to Yamanote Line. Now I have a lot of Hotel decisions to make lol. Thx

[@charlottecantrell566]

This is SO helpful! Thank you so much!

[@JapanandMoreTours]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@Sanno8585]

Thsnks a lot, it was very helpful!

[@link30brodeur]

This was really useful! Thank you!

[@genelynacebedo2138]

Love this vid thanks

[@eddiegonzales3262]

The best video i seen to help me plan this trip thanks

[@StandardLoop]

Great video, thanks for the info. Very clear and no distractions. A lot of KZbinrs do to many jump cuts or have too much music!

[@KENNETHFRANCISRODRIGUES]

Arigato! You guys are great❤

[@ruijieliu9626]

Thanks for the detailed information!

[@JapanandMoreTours]

You bet!

[@umershafiq100]

Very Precise info :)

[@Migzter05]

Really informative. Cannot wait to visit Japan next year!

[@JapanandMoreTours]

You'll love it! Thanks for watching.

[@bemuma31]

Me too 2023

[@vanessaoliveira2821]

Very good explanations 🎉

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Thank you! 😃

[@travelgilson]

Very interesting and beautiful video 📹 👌 😊 and cheers 👌 😊

[@travelgilson]

I'd appreciate it if you enjoyed my channel*~* "Travel Gilson". I hope you have a great time.

[@nat-tk5dl]

Thank you so much for all the useful information! im going to japan soon and the train system is making me nervous because this is my first time travelling without family 😣 im travelling from tokyo to kawaguchiko to kyoto then lastly osaka. would the JR Pass be worth it for me? I heard it’s better for round trips

[@mzansimagic4436]

very helpful

[@gsr4535]

Thank you for the information! It is useful! My wife and I are going to Japan (first time) in April and I'm already getting nervous about understanding the trains, the hotels, the language, etc. LoL! I think we will stay in Shinjuku, based on a friend's advice but I know we want to go to Asakusa and the Imperial Palace and Tsukiji market area. Hope we can get to those easily!

[@JapanandMoreTours]

The Yamanote line (Green) will get you to Tokyo Station from Shinjuku. For Asakusa and Tsukiji I would suggest a 24 hour metro card. It gives you unlimited subway rides for 24 hours. Last time I got one it was ¥600 (about $6 USD). Great deal. Enjoy your trip.

[@fry3plus2]

@@JapanandMoreTours do you offer four day tours of the Tokyo area? If not, can you recommend and provide contact info for tour by locals for 1 day tours Thanks Caron Fry 3:02 pm Jan 6 2024

[@faizulcy]

God bless. Thank you for precious knowledge

[@JapanandMoreTours]

So nice of you

[@espressoq5696]

This video is a lifesaver, I am about to go to Tokyo next week.🤘 Thank you for sharing the information

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Did u

[@espressoq5696]

@@CCCC-tq8yo Yes I did, had a great time in Japan for a month 😊

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

@@espressoq5696 whow

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

@@espressoq5696 how much money did u spend in hotels for a month

[@espressoq5696]

@@CCCC-tq8yo I went to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Hotels are a lot cheaper back then, I booked cheap hotels around 10000 yen/night. So it's about $2.5k in hotels...

[@chewkenghong]

i was supposed to stay near ashasuka station but ended up staying about 5min from ikebukuro station as i didnt get to book the air bnb at asashuka. but it was a blessing cos ikebukuro had much more in terms fo streets...malls that were more suitable for my 2 teenage girls. they loved the gashaphon at sunshine city. although at night the some streets aaround ikebukuro can be rather sleezy..most are ok. its a fun place to stay with alot to do. as mentioned, so long as you stay near the yamanote line going to anywhere is convenient as it loops around the major shopping districts.

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Great info. Thanks for sharing!! 👍

[@praveenkumargupta8661]

Very good info. Can you pls elaborate each transport system in tokyo. If someone does not have much travelling by JR, which area is good and econical

[@elpapajon3622]

We need more videos !

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Thank you!! 🙏 We’re working on them.

[@durbodill]

The staying close to the train station is good info for Japan in general! People seem to become more and more aware of that. If you look at the booking sites, it's the places close to the stations that fill up quickest. Book well in advance if you want to take advantage of that knowledge. If you don't, you might only have the leftovers and the super pricey stuff to choose from!

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Very true.

[@georgiabrown55]

Very nice

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Thanks

[@edmundang3179]

Found your videos very helpful. I was wondering if staying at the Disney Park area is advisable? Travelling with the kids and wanted more space. Thinking of Sheraton Grande …… seems the hotel room at Shinjuku are small and beds are small too. We are fairly large in the family ….. what’s your advice?

[@JapanandMoreTours]

The Sheraton Grande is a great resort style hotel with large rooms and tons of amenities. My only concern would be the distance it is from Tokyo station. A taxi will const about ¥10,000, roughly $80 USD, one way and public transportation takes about 35± minutes one way at a cost of ¥480 per person (everything but the monorail would be covered by a JR Rail Pass though). If you plan on visiting Tokyo Disney and/or Disney Sea, I highly recommend it. However, I would be reluctant to use this hotel as a hub for visiting tourist sights in and around Tokyo.

[@loannetran6055]

Thank you for the tips. May I ask from LAX to Shinjuku or Ueno, which area is easier to get to the hotel? Also I’m planning to go Kyoto by bullet train. I can stay at 2 different areas. Which area I should stay first when arriving to Haneda airport?

[@user-hn5ul2db1n]

Thanks for all the info. I'm planning on staying at the Tavinos in Asakusa, do you know if that is well located? I'm not sure if it's close or not to a metro station.

[@JapanandMoreTours]

I don’t have any experience with this hotel chain. The location is not close to either a JR station nor a metro line. The nearest metro line is a 10 walk. However, the Tsubuka express is really close to the hotel. You can take it one stop to Shin-Okachimachi Station to get a metro line, or go one more stop to Akihabara to get JR trains.

[@YouT00ber]

Great video! Any suggestions for our situation? We’ll be in Japan only 7 days and are flying in & out of Tokyo, but need to be in Kyoto for work for 3 days. Sounds like somewhere near the bullet train station is best? Will be 5 of us, including 2 kiddos.

[@JapanandMoreTours]

There are several great hotels around Kyoto station. Go to our website’s Kyoto hotels page (japanandmore.com/travel-tips/japan-hotels/hotels-in-kyoto-japan/) and scroll down to the Kyoto station area. There three suggestions there, but there are tons more. Just pay attention to room size. More beds = bigger room.

[@apriljoyabellano7285]

This is very informative. I booked an airbnb unit near Jujo Station. Is that like an okay place? Thanks!

[@JapanandMoreTours]

The train line there goes to Shinjuku and Shibuya. And it’s just a 7 minute ride to change to the Yamanote line. The station area has a big covered shopping area that seems interesting. Have fun.

[@chriswilson6732]

i always stay near shimbashi station itd perfect area in my opinion

[@JapanandMoreTours]

I agree. That’s a cool area with tons of shopping and restaurants. Also just a couple stops away from Tokyo Station, making it easy to catch a Shinkansen 🚄

[@donw3861]

About 1990 I stayed at a Youth Hostel located at Iidabashi skyrise building. It was very reasonable at $15/night and had a breakfast for $5. 👍

[@muajin]

You can actually stay at a net cafe private room for about 13$ currently. These are everywhere, they are smaller but private. If you dont mind the lack of interaction, it's perfect *I prefer capsule hotels myself..but if you have luggage, it's not a good option.

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

1990 lol that's really old lol

[@martinc.720]

Very relevant information. I'm sure the prices are still the same.

[@puchongputeri4167]

We are travelling 2 adults and 2 kids (11 and 7), which place is perfect for young families to stay. Site seeing is our major objective and not shopping.

[@givingeverydayhappiness9409]

Hi! I want to visit both the Fujiko Fujio and Ghibli Museums in one day from my hotel in Hearton hotel Higashi-Shinagawa. Is this possible, considering I want to avoid the excessive crowds in both museums. Furthermore, I want to take some nice pictures with the Laputa Robot on top of the Ghibli Museum. Thus, avoiding arriving at the Ghibli Museum in the late afternoon (say 4 pm?) Might be wise?

[@machakim8343]

Hello there from Japanese!! Such an infomative and nice video! However I would like to let you know that the image which used for the Shinjuku Gyoen Park is not correct because they don't have swan boats there. I think the image used should be the one of among Ueno Park/ Inogashira Park/Chidorigafuchi.

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Thanks for the info!

[@user-nt7wr7xm6f]

I’m planning to visit Japan in mid November. Can you tell me the weather, clothes to wear and any other things to be aware of? Thank you

[@JapanandMoreTours]

This is pretty detailed article about clothes recommendations for each season: japanandmore.com/what-to-wear-in-japan/#toggle-id-5

[@06anghelah]

Hi! We're going to Tokyo in November, and we're on a budget. We will be traveling with a 5 year old and a 2 year old.. I've narrowed down 4 hotels.. Could you check these out and help us decide which one is the best for us? Which of the following hotels are the Top 2 Hotels for us (3 adults and 2 kids)? (Hotel 1: 4min walk to Daimon Station, 6min walk to Hamamatsucho Station) (Hotel 2: 1min walk to Omorikaigan Station) (Hotel 3: 2min walk to Tawaramachi Station, 4mins walk to Asakusa station) (Hotel 4: 1min walk to Ryogoku station, 9min walk to JR Ryogoku station) Btw, thank you for this video! It's really helpful! Thank you so much in advance! 😊

[@jamescc2010]

As long as you are close to a station, you should be fine. We plan to visit there as well. It will always be good experience in a new place to enjoy regardless.

[@yanliu9765]

Good info! You guys looks like a brother and sister.

[@Soph26hump]

Thank you for sharing. I am looking for accommodation to hold seven people for four days in Tokyo. What do you recommend? The hotel will cost too much for us.

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Yes, accommodating so many people can be difficult in Japan. My best suggestion would be to look at AirBnB. They often have rooms/apartments/homes that are setup to accommodate groups and families. Best of luck.

[@lynnkihara2323]

Good info. The robot restaurant is gone though. No info on if they are bringing it back.

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Yeah, noticed that it was closed last time I was in Shinjuku. Hopefully it’ll bounce back once tourists really start rolling in.

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Just went by the robot restaurant last week and it's gone. There's a sign, but it looks like it's never going to open back up. Website is gone also. This is quite upsetting. It was a tourist hot spot and a GREAT photo opportunity. Thanks for the update @LynnKihara.

[@towada1066]

I think anywhere on Tozai line,... Kiba, Kameido ... the neighborhoods kind of have lots of prostitution but places here will be much less expensive to stay

[@Kakang990]

did you recommended to stay in haneda airport hotel then just travel around tokyo with 15 month old this is our first travel to japan? any advice? or we will just stay in shinagawa/shijunko? we be will in japan this coming april for 3 night

[@JapanandMoreTours]

We only recommend staying at the airport if you arrive late at night, have an early flight the following day, or if you’re coming in a day earlier than the start of a group tour. We don’t recommend staying at the airport for more than one night. It’s better to stay somewhere in the heart of Tokyo. I highly recommend Shinjuku or Shibuya.

[@Kakang990]

we arrived at haneda airport 2pm and our flight back is 3:45pm. Thank you so much does shijunko station it easy to navigate? how about shinagawa will you recommend?

[@Sofiakatt]

What hotel would you recommend in the Shinjuku area that is reasonably priced?

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Hi @Sofia, There are some 3 star hotels in Shinjuku, but I’m not sure what you consider reasonably priced. Apa Hotels are nice, B’s hotels are nice and for a bit cheaper with fewer frills there’s Toyoko. To get the most out of your trip I recommend the Itinerary Planning Course at japanandmore.com/services/itinerary-planning-course/ You can get an additional $5 off with the code Save5.

[@rickyiestyn]

I am going to Tokyo in 2 weeks. I am still finding it hard to choose between shibuya or akihabara? The difference i hotel price dan room size is quite significant. Would u guys help me. Thanks

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Both areas are good choices. Look into Toyoko inn. Clean, modern rooms at a reasonable price. A little small though. If you want a larger room it’ll cost 200 to 400 a night.

[@jasonbig1353]

I’m staying at the peninsula hotel as they can guarantee the booking of Jiro.

[@JapanandMoreTours]

I completely understand. Jiro will only accept bookings from tourists if the reservation is made through a concierge of a 5 star hotel. Another hotel that can make a booking for you at Jiro is The Tokyo Station Hotel. It’s right on the JR Yamanote train line. Enjoy your visit to Japan. 😀👋👍🇯🇵

[@nenupem]

Do you know if the shibuya tokyu rei hotel good?

[@JapanandMoreTours]

I’ve been in the lobby, but never seen a room. I do know that the location is great. It’s a 3 minute walk from the Shibuya crosswalk. Every Tokyu brand hotel we’ve ever stayed in have been great. Do be prepared for a small room size though.

[@zzj612]

Hi, solo traveler here. Which hotel you can recommend in Shinjuku or Shibuya ?

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Check out this website for info about hotels in Japan: japanandmore.com/travel-tips/japan-hotels/

[@tybug1]

I'm planning a trip to Tokyo with my two kids and one of their friends (two 18 year old girls and a 25 year old guy). I'm 55- the old man (Dad). They would like to stay where the action is (arcades, shopping, food, neon lights, etc.)- however I don't want to stay in an area where there is a lot of "adult" entertainment /red light typr district at night for obvious reasons. Also, I would like a safe area for them to explore and be able to go out in the evening. What would be your recommendation? Shinjuko? Shibuya? Any particular areas that are nicer- but have the attractions as well? Thanks!

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Shibuya would most likely appeal to their tastes. It’s a big shopping district with lots of cafés and restaurants. Shinjuku is often referred to as the “red light” district, but it’s not that obvious nor prominent. Most people probably wouldn’t even notice. As for safety, Japan is not a dangerous place. When you’re there you’ll see and understand. You have to actively find danger. Staying at either place will work. Make sure you stay as close to the station as possible. Stations are safe and where all the shops and restaurants are located.

[@tybug1]

@@JapanandMoreTours Thank you very much!

[@sumpunkster]

Even more confused haha. I see trains down near Disneyland that say JR. Also I see other train lines that dont say JR. Are those different? They look the same. Is that to far to stay from the city? I'm so lost and I leave in 3 weeks

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Disney is near the port. It’s kind of far. Can’t use rail pass on non-JR trains. The Yamanote line (green line) is most convenient. High season. Book soon.

[@bellelovesred]

Hi! Will be in Tokyo in June. How was it? Where did you end up staying and would you recommend?

[@muajin]

I'm trying to find the best places to stay myself. Cheapest place with privacy/safety in mind for a month *with bags* seems to be about 55,000 yen. Share houses are cheaper but initially you won't be able to get in I think, right off the plane.

[@JapanandMoreTours]

55,000/month doesn't seem that bad. Short term leases are often more expensive. Did you check out Airbnb, and Hotels.com. I think Agoda does some apartments and houses now also. If you're willing to stay in Nagoya, rather than Tokyo, you can get a studio apartment for about $1,000 USD. Still not as good of a deal you seem to have found. Try to be close to a train or subway station though. I lived on a bus route that took ten minutes to get to a station for nearly 10 years. It was fine, just made going on excursions a bit more of a pain. Busses aren't as punctual as trains. So, if your bus is late, you'll miss the train you wanted and have to wait for the next one. Which can sometimes be up to an hour.

[@muajin]

@@JapanandMoreTours As a tourist, your cheapest options *privacy wise* are net rooms and share houses that accept tourists *i didn't know this until recently but most share houses have an age limit. I'm 46 and the limit is 30 in many places* Net rooms are scattered around tokyo's main central area.

[@angelazuspan6302]

what's the robot restaurant in Shinjuku?

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Permanently Closed. Sorry.

[@evelynerogge610]

Can I pay for the trains on the yamanote line with a suica welcome card?

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Yes! The Suica card works on almost all transportation, including JR.

[@evelynerogge610]

@@JapanandMoreTours Thank you so much! We'll be visiting Tokyo in february, this video was very usefull!

[@umershafiq100]

Name of market 4.42 , how do you spell it

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Ameyayokucho market.

[@hardtrailrider]

for a solo traveller to stay cheap and comfortable for a week and travel around Tokyo , where should I prefer?

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Toyoko Inn is a clean, modern hotel chain you may want to look into. Make sure you get a hotel within walking distance to a train station.

[@reynaldoflores4522]

The APA Hotels chain is a good, affordable choice.

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Agreed. Many APA hotels also have public baths (Sento) you can use. Breakfast is often an extra cost though. But the room is slightly more comfortable than a Toyoko Inn.

[@vaultboi76]

3:49 I though robot restaurant closed?

[@JapanandMoreTours]

It is closed for the time being. Their website was recently updated and it says “Temporarily Closed”. We’ve walked by it, and it looks VERY closed. So we don’t know what they are doing, but it seems like they could open again in the future.

[@syaiera9782]

I will stay in kinshicho area.is tht a good are??

[@JapanandMoreTours]

It should be good. You’re 3 stops from Akihabara on the Chuo line (Yellow line). This line can be tricky. Make sure the train stops at Kinshicho. The Yamanote line is the easiest line.

[@tosaipom2177]

@@JapanandMoreTours thanks.😉

[@aatruong6]

Wonderful information and thank you. Can you do a video with overlay of the map as you speak? Thank you again.

[@purplebear445]

What is a JR train station???

[@JapanandMoreTours]

Japan Rail Train Stations. It’s the national train service. There are other train lines, referred to as private lines, and they do not accept the Japan Rail Pass. JR = Japan Rail.

[@Hmsfnd-Mark]

👍👍🙏🙏

[@cs-rg8tp]

Where did you stay in Tokyo?

[@JapanandMoreTours]

We’ve stayed at many places in Tokyo. Big budget - I recommend Shinjuku. Tight budget, Kanda has some good business hotels and it’s an awesome location.

[@cs-rg8tp]

Thank you

[@BaconLordBear]

I never understand why people force themselves to fake smile when someone else is speaking. It just looks weird

[@JapanandMoreTours]

It feels weird too. But I don’t know what else to do. Just trying to help people have a good trip to Japan. Can’t help what I look like. 🥲

[@jamescc2010]

I think it is showing friendliness and politeness. Yes it can look fake sometimes. Not a big deal.

[@bobbarista]

Would you rather them look angry or depressed?

[@towada1066]

actually,... I think suburbs on the Tozai Line ... Kameido, Monzen-nakacho ... minimal foreign tourists and lots of small shops

[@Tonyis138]

Hotel Mets Akihabara is right under Akihabara station.