Where to stay in Tokyo?

As one of the world's largest cities, Tokyo can be a challenge to navigate. Blending modern cityscapes with historic temples and natural vistas and gardens, Tokyo has so much to offer the restless traveller. There are excellent hotels and accommodations in almost every area of the city depending on your needs and hotels near landmarks and activities are easy to find.

Tokyo is notable for its excellent electronics, anime, video games and manga and Akihabara is the hub in the city. Shrines and temple gardens are one of the city's most popular attractions and there are Edo style sushi, Monjayaki, tempura and yakitori dishes to enjoy at hundreds of restaurants and vendors in the city. If you want to be close to all of this then staying in Shinjuku is an excellent choice. This area is a major commercial centre in Tokyo and provides a taste of modern Tokyo including shopping, museums, street fashion, parks, restaurants, music venues, bars and more. Top quality hotels and accommodation can be found in skyscrapers and other buildings dotted around the city.

Tokyo, a diverse metropolis

In many ways, it is easier to consider Tokyo as a collection of cities all connected by a great transport system. From the bustling Shibuya crossing to another urban hub Shibuya, through to the culturally rich Nihonbashi, each city in Tokyo offers a new experience. From high rise skyscrapers and Western hotels with names you’ll recognise like Park Hyatt, to the unique experience of temple lodgings, the range of experiences in Tokyo are huge. Temple lodgings are Buddhist temples that allow visiting pilgrims or tourists an overnight stay in their ground. You don’t have to be a practicing Buddhist to attend. It’s a fascinating look into the austere existence of Buddhist monks, giving you the chance to experience morning prayers and meditation. You can expect to find temple accommodation in Nagano, Kyoto, Osorezan, Mount Mitake and Dewa Sanzan, but by far the most popular destination can be found on Mount Koya.

Traditional living

If you’re looking for a more traditional taste of Tokyo, head East. Asakusa is home to the city’s oldest temple, Sensoji, and the winding lanes will reveal kimono stores and tea shops that you just won’t find in the centre. Take advantage of the Japanese hospitality and stay at a ryokan inn, many of which are family run. At a ryokan inn you can expect the authentic Japanese experience, from tatami-matted rooms, futon beds and communal baths or if you’re lucky a natural hot spring. Usually when staying at a ryokan, there is an elaborate meal in the evening called kaiseki ryori. When you stay at a ryokan the emphasis is on the traditional style and atmosphere, it is important to read up on etiquette before attending, to make sure you find it a relaxing experience. For example, it is important to know that the onset (hot spring baths) are gender segregated and Japanese people tend to enjoy them whilst naked. If a ryokan is not for you, consider a minshuku, which is a Japanese-style bed and breakfast.

Something a little different

For a totally unique experience in Tokyo, why not book into a capsule hotel? Capsule hotels first started in Osaka to handle Japan’s busy business needs and have started popping up all over the city. Usually found near the major train stations, capsule hotels are perfect for a low budget, single night stay. You can expect private enclosed beds with shared bathrooms and living areas. They tend to offer segregated living floors, but couples can also stay together. They are becoming increasingly popular with tourists. The actual pod is a fibreglass unit built around a single futon mattress. These are stacked high and in long lines, which is where they are truly unique. Sheets, blankets and pillows are provided, usually with a TV, light, radio and alarm clock built in.

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