Tokyo is huge — pick a base near JR Yamanote line stations for easiest access to everywhere.
6 neighborhoods to know
Shinjuku
Towering buildings + epic nightlife + biggest train station in the world
Best forFirst-timers, late-night people, transport convenience
Where to stayPark Hyatt (Lost in Translation), Keio Plaza
Heads-upLight sleepers near Kabukicho
Shibuya
The crossing + youth culture + shopping + nightlife
Best forYoung travelers, shoppers, fashion fans
Where to stayCerulean Tower, Shibuya Stream Excel
Heads-upCrowds on weekends are intense
Ginza
Upscale + department stores + sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro level + Kabuki theater
Best forLuxury travelers, foodies, theater-goers
Where to stayImperial Hotel, Park Hotel Tokyo
Heads-upQuiet on weekends (offices closed)
Asakusa
Old Tokyo + Senso-ji temple + traditional vibe + Sumida River
Best forCulture lovers, first-timers wanting traditional
Where to stayRyokans + traditional inns
Heads-upQuieter at night — limited bars
Roppongi
Expat hub + nightclubs + Mori Art Museum + Tokyo Tower views
Best forNightlife seekers, expats, art lovers
Where to stayGrand Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton
Heads-upTouristy + can be sleazy on Saturday nights
Daikanyama / Nakameguro
Hip + indie boutiques + cherry blossoms along Meguro River + designer hotels
Best forStylish travelers, repeat visitors, cherry blossom season
Where to stayTrunk Hotel, Mr & Mrs Trunk
Heads-upNot for first-timers wanting one-stop sightseeing
How to pick where to stay
Walking time to your top 3 sights matters more than transit time. Pull up Google Maps and check walking distance to the things you actually want to see.
Stay where locals live, eat near the tourist sights. Hotels in the most-touristed neighborhoods are usually overpriced and surrounded by mediocre restaurants.
Check noise levels. A bar district is fun until 2 AM when you're trying to sleep. Read recent reviews mentioning "quiet" or "noise."
Transit matters more than you think. Even 15 extra minutes each way adds up — saves 2+ hours over 4 days.
For first-timers: go central and touristy. You'll do less walking, miss less, and have more energy for sights. Save the hipster-neighborhood stay for trip #2.
