Where to stay in Tokyo: Best areas and locations for Malaysians

Japan is an in-demand destination, for travellers looking for history and culture, great food, and - of course - the futuristic city experience that is iconically Tokyo. But what's the best place to stay in Tokyo to fit everything in?

In truth, there’s no single best area to stay in Tokyo. Instead, this guide covers where to stay in Tokyo based on different traveller needs. We’ll cover where to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors, with family, and on a budget. We’ll also share more about the Wise card, a handy way for you to save while spending abroad.

What types of accommodation are there in Tokyo?

You’ll find a full range of hotels and hostels, including boutique and luxe options through to cheaper capsule style hostels - providing something for every budget. Plus, there are plenty of more traditional options too. Look out for Japanese-style inns called Ryokan, which often have traditional tatami floors and futon bedding, or bed and breakfast style accommodation known as Minshuku.

This guide will give you some great inspiration for which area to stay in Tokyo - then you can enjoy browsing accommodation sites to find the perfect place for your specific trip.

Is Airbnb legal in Japan?

Yes. AirBnB is legal in Japan¹. Your host must show their license or registration number in all listings in Japan, which is how you’ll know they’re legit to use. It’s also helpful to know that in Japan, AirBnB hosts must take a copy of your passport if you’re not a Japanese legal resident.

Where to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors?

Tokyo is a huge urban area, and while public transport is good it can be famously congested at peak times. Because of this - and the city’s sheer size - picking the best place to stay in Tokyo is important, or you risk wasting a lot of time crossing the city to sightsee.

We’ve got some ideas here, but wherever you pick, aim to be within easy distance of the Yamanote Line for good connectivity. Let’s take a closer look at some top picks for where to stay in Tokyo for first time visitors.

Shinjuku

Shinjuku has plenty to do in itself, and is also extremely well connected, particularly for the sights on the western side of the city. There’s lots of choice for accommodation here, and although it can be a fairly crowded and busy area, it’s possible to find quieter corners when you need some downtime.

Within Shinjuku you’ll find attractions like the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tochō) which has two observation decks to get amazing views of the city. All in all, Shinjuku offers a good balance of places to shop, eat, drink and people watch, with good access to all the sights that should be on your list as a first time visitor.

Ginza

Ginza is another central Tokyo location which can be a good place to stay for your first trip to the city. You’ll be surrounded by high end eating and shopping options, but there are also some more budget friendly accommodation choices if you need them. There are department stores like the Wako Honkan store and Ginza Place to buy your electronics and anything else you want, and over the weekends areas are pedestrianised to allow for easier access.

Ginza is also home to a theater for a moment of culture, and easy for getting to and from most other key Tokyo destinations to allow for hassle free sightseeing.

Where to stay in Tokyo with family?

Tokyo can be a great family destination, but choosing a location which isn’t too hectic can be a good plan. By picking somewhere which has good transport links and plenty of local attractions for days when you just want to hang out nearer to home, you can keep everyone happy - no matter their ages. We’ve picked out a couple of strong contenders for you to consider here.

Marunouchi Area

The Marunouchi Area which is around the main Tokyo station can be a good choice if you’re looking for where to stay in Tokyo with kids. The streets are wide which makes life easier if you’re walking with younger kids, and there are tourist attractions within walking distance. There are also lots of places to eat and drink - a highlight of any trip to Tokyo - and some very popular malls if you want some souvenirs to take home.

The whole area is a fascinating mix of old and new architecture, and you’ll be able to easily get to the Imperial Palace East Gardens as well as several great art galleries if you want some local activities.

Roppongi

Roppongi isn’t as central as Marunouchi, but it’s a cosmopolitan area with excellent attractions, particularly for art lovers. Accommodation options - as well as eating places - are plentiful, but often on the higher end of the price range. However, there’s more than enough to do to keep you busy for several days, including several large art museums showcasing local and international art, designer stores, and places in the Roppongi Hills skyscraper complex to take in the views over the city.

Roppongi is also known for its nightlife which may appeal if you have an older family, or a hotel with babysitting on tap.

Where to stay in Tokyo on a budget?

Tokyo isn’t really known as a budget destination. However, there are lots of accommodation options at a lower price point if you look out for hostels, or if you choose an area which may be slightly further away from the heart of the action. Thanks to the great public transport in Tokyo, being a bit outside of the key areas isn’t a crisis as long as you choose somewhere which has good links in and out.

Here are a couple of ideas for where to stay in Tokyo on a budget without sacrificing convenience.

Shibuya

Shibuya is a commercial area, but still has plenty of local attractions including shrines and temples. It’s a good choice thanks to its connectivity, with two major train stations, as well as places to stay, eat, drink and shop if you would prefer to relax in the area. If you’re a beer lover, check out the Yebisu brewery which has tours and beer tasting options, as well as a gallery showing the brand’s history.

You’ll also likely experience the Shibuya Scramble - the pedestrian crossing outside the station’s Hachiko exit, which sees anything up to 3,000 pedestrians cross at once when the lights go green. It’s hectic, but it sums up much of the chaotic joy of the city at peak times.

Gotanda

Gotanda, in the Shinagawa area is a strong budget option for accommodation, while having good links into most parts of the city. It’s at the bottom of the Yamanote Line and has easy access for the shinkansen if you’re planning on moving out of Tokyo for the next part of your stay. It’s not the most touristy area, but that means you can find more authentic izakayas and eateries, while enjoying ease of access to all the more classic tourist sites as well.

Save even more on your travels when paying in foreign currency with the Wise card

Check out Wise and the Wise card for a great - low cost - way to spend while you’re away from home. Top up in MYR from your bank or with a card, and manage your money in JPY with the mid-market rate and low, transparent fees.

You can use your Wise card to spend in 150+ countries around the world, in over 40+ currencies. Start spending with your free virtual card, or order a physical Wise card for a one time fee. This grants you some free ATM withdrawals of up to 1,000 MYR each month as you travel, to save time waiting at a money changer.

Choose to convert your MYR to JPY in advance at your desired rate, or leave it to Wise’s auto conversion and spend in MYR directly. All Wise currency exchanges use the rate you see on Google, so you’ll know you’re getting a great deal without the hassle.

Getting ready for your trip to Tokyo? Before you hop on a plane, make sure you’ve packed your Wise card, for easy and cheap spending and cash withdrawals in Tokyo and wherever else your travels take you.

🚀 Get started with Wise

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