Where you should stay in Tokyo 2024
Tokyo: where to stay in 2024
guide for first timers
Hi! If you’re part of the massive influx of first-time travelers to Japan in 2023/2024, this is the right post for you. I’ve had a handful of people ask where I usually stay - so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to formalize my reccs. I usually book based off neighborhood / lifestyle compatability. For example: I want slower travel itineraries in the wintertime, so I’ll look for cuter, more local neighborhoods further from city center. If it’s springtime and I’m super energized, I’ll go for efficiency and sacrifice interiors.
My reccs are sorted by neighborhood vibe. Hotels, hostels, etc. are so subjective that I trust you to find what’s right for your taste.. but if you are looking for specific reccs, shoot me a message and I’ll send you a couple.
Why should you listen to my reccs?
Well, you don’t have to, but these are things I look for:
Mix of novelty, familiarity, and comfort
Proximity to my favorite places in Tokyo - local shopping, cafes, vibes
Away from Times Square-esque destinations, but still close to unique areas
Feeling like a local without totally sticking out
Areas where you’re jet-lagged and in that self-reflective state at night where you take a beat and think, “wow I can’t believe I’m here” with subtle Lost in Translation moments
Note: my location scores are based off first-timers, with the intention of wanting to see all the famous attractions
Always remember:
Stay in an area that matches your lifestyle. If you want a vibey nightcap, stay in Shimo. If you want lights and action, stay in Shinjuku.
You can get anywhere in Tokyo via train. Anywhere. That’s why I recommend staying in a neighborhood you enjoy rather than the most convenient. Click for the train guide.
Hotel service + accommodations are very clean. Customer service is unmatched against western’s.
AirBnBs do not guarantee cleanliness and are not always legal.
Airbnb, hostel, or hotel?
The difference in staying at either three: AirBnb, hostel, and hotel difference
Spoiler: I like hostel or hotels
Shibuya
Shibuya. The center of art, fashion, music, culture, etc. You’re essentially staying in the Soho of Tokyo - it’s a massive must-see tourist destination, but there are still underground gems and finds if you look hard enough or know the right people. A great mix of daytime activities and nightlife across all ranges of intensity, and the famous Shibuya Crossing.
Lots of shopping and great brands that range from local, Japan-made to international retailers. You can find one of Japan’s best department stores here - Parco. There’s also a huge LoFt, Tokyu Hands, and Muji (for you stationary lovers!).
Recently it’s been swarmed with foreigners - last time I was there I barely heard any Japanese. It’s also gotten quite dirty over time with trash being left out and people (messily) drinking on the streets, but it really makes you feel like you’re in it.
Perfect if you: are high energy and want to shop, drink, feel young lol
Location score: 5/5, JR Yamanote line, Hanzomon line, Fukotoshin line
Key points: fashion, music, English speakers, youths
📷: pics_yyy, yamepi_01, japan travel
Nakameguro
Nakameguro. The perfect place if you’re interested in a “slower” version of Tokyo visiting. There’s a river that runs through the main street where, during the springtime, you can see all the pink petals floating down. Perfect place to enjoy local spots while having easy access to the touristy spots.
The convenient location makes it ideal for stepping away from busy Shibuya/Shinjuku to enjoy the day-to-day lifestyle in Tokyo. There are friendly, warm storefronts that care about their craft. Mom & pop restaurants that want to feed you the best experience. Occasional pop-ups that peak into Japan’s pop culture and trends.
There’s a good mix of English and Japanese here. Lots of the English you hear are from expats living in Tokyo full time.
Perfect if you: want to enjoy a cup of coffee while enjoying the river, then want to have a nice drink at night at a vibey spot
Location score: 3/5, Tokyo Metro’s Hibiya line, Tokyu Toyoko line. Will probably require a transfer or two
Key points: cafes, restuarants/izakayas, local fashion brands, vibez
📷: steezy_panda, timeouttokyo_, 1ldk_shop
Shinjuku
Shinjuku. I recommend Shinjuku solely for people who are maximizing their time in Tokyo. If you have the classic 10-Day-Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto itinerary and want to get a flavor blast of JAPAN, this might be your best bet. Personally, I never voluntarily spend time in Shinjuku so I can’t speak to specifics, but there are a lot of “classic” Tokyo tourist things to do here. Golden-Gai, Nichoome, etc.
Perfect if you: are project managing your Japan trip and prioritize efficiency
Location score: 5/5 can’t beat it
Key points: it has everything and everyone from everywhere
⚠️⚠️BEWARE: do NOT follow people hounding you for a drink into the bar (the ones usually dressed in suits). You will likely get drxgged and robbed. Even if you’re going for “one drink” and think you’re outsmarting them, you probably aren’t. Stay away. I’ve seen this happen too many times :( ⚠️⚠️
📷: nickelpack, megpanganiban, strictlytuby
Harajuku + aoyama
Harajuku + Aoyama. Living between Aoyama and Harajuku would be a dream. It has such incredible walkability, but you’re only a few train stops away from other popular areas. You have a great mix of locals and lower-key tourists, and there’s so many small streets for endless exploration. It feels like a blend of Williamsburg, Noho/Soho, and Greenpoint. A totally established area that stays true to its creative roots.
Some of my favorite shopping is in Aoyama/Omotesando - there are great department stores with relevant international + local brands. Fun pop-ups on weekends. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, there’s a great blend of architecture and quietness that you can enjoy. I think this area is much better than Ginza, despite people praising it as the luxury shopping district. More quiet pockets, better sightseeing. Feels less commercial. Better variety, and Harajuku is right along the way.
Perfect if you: want to feel a lil boujie while exploring a beautiful city for the first time. You probably love Architectural Digest.
Location score: 4/5 close to JR Harajuku line, Metro Aoyama Itchome line, Metro Omotesando line
Key points: blend of local/commercial fashion, local activities, walking, modern architecture
📷: ___a.xx18, timeouttokyo_, architecturalreality, rinbow00_
My short list of places I’d recomend staying for first-time travelers! These are all in west-Tokyo, which is “new” Tokyo. All these reccs also coincide with other reccs floating around my blog.
If you’re looking for reccs on the east side, please drop me a line so I can keep that in mind for future.
Happy traveling! <3
- Emilia Liu, Champloo
