Traveler’s Tip: Where to Stay in Japan

A quick, skimmable guide to Tokyo and Kansai neighborhoods—with pros and cons—plus hotel chains for every budget and trip type.

Tokyo Areas

Shinjuku Area

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  Major shopping & entertainment district.
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  Walking distance to Kabukicho nightlife.
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  24-hour restaurants and bars.
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  Access to luxury brands and department stores.
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  Direct limousine bus from Narita Airport.

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  Busy and crowded at night
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  Hotels can be smaller compared to suburban areas

Shibuya Area

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  Famous shopping & youth culture hub
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  Iconic Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue nearby
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  24-hour restaurants and vibrant nightlife
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  Trendy shops and luxury brands

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  No direct train from Narita or Haneda airport
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  Crowded and hectic, less kid-friendly
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  Hotel rooms usually compact (15–20 sqm)

Asakusa Area

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  Rich cultural & historical atmosphere
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  Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street nearby
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  More traditional ryokan-style hotels available
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  Affordable dining options, family-friendly

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  No direct train from Narita or Haneda airport
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  Crowded and hectic, less kid-friendly
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  Hotel rooms usually compact (15–20 sqm)

Ueno Area

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  Famous shopping & youth culture hub
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  Iconic Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue nearby
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  24-hour restaurants and vibrant nightlife
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  Trendy shops and luxury brands

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  No direct train from Narita or Haneda airport
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  Crowded and hectic, less kid-friendly
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  Hotel rooms usually compact (15–20 sqm)

Kansai Area (Osaka/Kyoto)

Dotonbori (Osaka)

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  Must-stay area for first-time Osaka visitors.
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  Surrounded by neon lights, street food & nightlife.
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  Walking distance to Kuromon Market and Shinsaibashi shopping

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  Very crowded with tourists.
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  Hotels in this area can book out fast.

Gion / Higashiyama (Kyoto)

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  Famous shopping & youth culture hub
• 
  Iconic Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue nearby
• 
  24-hour restaurants and vibrant nightlife
• 
  Trendy shops and luxury brands

• 
  No direct train from Narita or Haneda airport
• 
  Crowded and hectic, less kid-friendly
• 
  Hotel rooms usually compact (15–20 sqm)

Recommended Hotel Chains

Budget & Affordable

APA Hotels

Compact, affordable, everywhere.

Toyoko Inn

Business hotel, often with free breakfast.

Super Hotel

Eco-friendly; some branches with hot springs.

Route Inn

Reliable; breakfast & parking options.

Capsule Hotels

Nine Hours, First Cabin, etc.—cheap minimalist stays.

Mid-Range Comfort

Hotel Mystays

Good value for business & leisure.

Minn Hotels

Stylish serviced apartments; great for long stays.

Mimaru Stay

Family-sized rooms with kitchens.

Candeo Hotels

Modern stays; rooftop baths.

Tobu Hotels

Trusted Japanese chain near stations.

Best for Families

Mimaru Hotels

Spacious rooms, kitchens, bunks.

Citadines Apart Hotels

Serviced apartments with laundry.

Somerset Residences

Luxury apartment-style for longer stays.

Hotel Gracery

Family-friendly; unique themed rooms.

Henn na Hotel

Robot-staffed—fun for kids.Robot-staffed—fun for kids.

Tokyo Disney Resort Hotels

Hilton Tokyo Bay, Sheraton Grande, etc.

Luxury Picks

Prince Hotels

Japanese luxury in prime locations.

Hilton Hotels

International comfort; family-friendly.

Okura Hotels

Classic Japanese luxury; refined dining.

Hotel Indigo Shibuya

Boutique luxury with city views.