Tokyo is full of amazing accommodation options, from high-end luxury hotels to homey Airbnb experiences. It’s almost too hard to settle on just one!
If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, there’s one major tip I want to share with you that’ll help you trim down your accommodation choices.
In order to make the most of your time in this bustling city, you’ll want to stay near the JR Yamanote Line. This train line connects many of Tokyo’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions, making it easy to get around quickly and efficiently.
By staying near the Yamanote Line, you’ll save time transporting back and forth, you’ll save money on unnecessary train/bus tickets, and you’ll be able to spend more time exploring all that Tokyo has to offer!
In this post, I’ll share some of the best hotels along the JR Yamanote Line, so you can focus on what matters most — plan your perfect Tokyo travel itinerary!
And since a lot of hotels in Japan are smaller than what we’re used to in the West, I’ve also included the hotels’ bed types and square footage of their standard rooms for you.
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
Table of Contents
TOKYO IN A NUTSHELL
Here’s a quick overview of all the useful info you need to plan an awesome trip!
When To Go: Spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms, Summer (June to August) for festival season, Fall (September to November) for epic fall foliage.
Where To Stay: Choose a hotel along the JR Yamanote Line for the most convenience. We like:
- Hotel Matsunoi for solo travelers
- LANDABOUT TOKYO for budget travelers
- Book And Bed Tokyo Shinjuku if you’re looking for hip hostel vibes
- Mandarin Oriental Tokyo for the ultimate luxury
Nearest Airport: Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). NRT is 60 kilometers (37 miles) east of Tokyo’s city center. HND is 14 kilometers (9 miles) south of Tokyo’s city center.
How to Get Around: Public transportation all the way. Don’t even think about renting a car in Tokyo! If you plan on traveling across Japan, a Japan Rail Pass can save you a lot of money on transportation. The pass allows unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) trains, buses, and ferries for a set period of time.
Must-Do’s: Immerse yourself in all the digital art at TeamLab Planets, feel the Disney magic at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, eat a crepe in the Harajuku district, try vending machine ramen and conveyor belt sushi, spend your early jet-lagged hours at Tsukiji Fish Market.
Before You Go:
- Read up on all our tips on how to do Japan on a budget
- Consider getting the Klook Pass Tokyo — you’ll get up to 48% off your tickets to Tokyo’s popular attractions, including Tokyo Disney, teamLab Planets, Legoland, Sanrio Puroland, Shibuya Sky Deck, and more. Choose from 6+ different combinations, and add on activities based on what you like to do!
‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Japanese:
- Hello: こんにちは (Konnichiwa) or おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) in the morning or こんばんは (Konbanwa) in the evening
- Thank You: ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)
Currency: the Japanese yen (¥) – click for current conversion rates
What Is The JR Yamanote Line?
The JR Yamanote Line is a train line in Tokyo that circles around the city’s central districts.
It is one of the most convenient and popular train lines for visitors to Tokyo, as it connects many of the city’s top landmarks and attractions.
For first-time visitors to Tokyo, the JR Yamanote Line is a great way to get around the city and explore its many neighborhoods and districts. The line stops at many of Tokyo’s major train stations, including Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, Shibuya Station, and Ueno Station, making it easy to transfer to other train lines and explore different parts of the city!
Here’s what it looks like:
Is it really that convenient?
As an example, if you were to stay by Shibuya Station and wanted to go to Shinjuku (a district that you’ll definitely end up in at some point during your trip), it would take approximately 5-10 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line. Easy!
However, if you were to stay along another train line or had to bus to the nearest subway station, you’ll need to transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to get to Shinjuku. This could take considerably longer, depending on the distance between your starting station and the nearest Yamanote Line station.
Plus, that doesn’t even take into consideration the time it takes to get off your first train and transfer to your next train!
To save yourself the logistical headache of having to worry about bus/train transfers, AND to save both money and time, opt to stay at a hotel as close to a JR Yamanote Line train station as possible!
Check out the map below, which shows hotels and VRBO rentals along the JR Yamanote Line train stations (marked in gold). The hotels featured in this post are marked with an ORANGE marker.
Which Tokyo Neighborhood Should You Stay In?
Before we dive into all the hotels that are along the JR Yamanote Line, you’re going to want to have a good understanding of where in Tokyo you want to base yourself.
Tokyo is a humongous city, and you’re going to find a wide variety of different districts, from bustling neighborhoods with vibrant nightlife to peaceful areas with quiet parks and temples. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide what area to stay in during your trip to Tokyo.
In this section, we’ll explore the top four neighborhoods we recommend to first-timers in Tokyo and explain why they’re great areas for you to stay in.
Shinjuku
Best for: first-timers, solo travelers, couples, foodies, people who want to be in the center of all the action, shopping and nightlife
Shinjuku is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Tokyo, and for good reason. It’s known for its always-buzzing nightlife, shopping, and entertainment. Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest (and most well-connected) train stations in the world, making it easy to get around the city from here.
Among the dozens and dozens of mega department stores you can enjoy, one of the top attractions in Shinjuku is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck. The area is also home to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a beautiful park with over 20,000 trees and a traditional Japanese garden.
Foodies will love Shinjuku for its many dining options, ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food stalls. The area is also home to Golden Gai, a network of narrow alleys lined with tiny bars and restaurants that offer a unique glimpse into Tokyo’s nightlife.
Shinjuku is a great neighborhood for solo travelers, people who want to be in the center of all the action, and people looking for nightlife. Families may also enjoy the area, but should be mindful of the crowds and noise.
Shibuya
Best for: first-timers, solo travelers, couples, foodies, nightlife and shopping
Shibuya is another popular neighborhood in Tokyo that’s known for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world.
One of the top attractions in Shibuya is Yoyogi Park, a beautiful green space that’s perfect for picnics and relaxing. The park is also home to Meiji Shrine, a popular Shinto shrine that attracts millions of visitors each year.
Foodies will love Shibuya for its seemingly endless dining opportunities! The area is also home to many trendy cafes and bars.
Shibuya is a great neighborhood for people looking for nightlife and shopping. Similar to Shinjuku, families may also enjoy the area but should be mindful of the crowds.
Pro Tip: If you are set on staying in Shinjuku or Shibuya, be prepared to pay a bit more for accommodation/lodging. It’s one of the most popular areas to stay in!
Ginza
Best for: shopping and luxury hotels
Ginza is a high-end shopping district in Tokyo that’s known for its luxury boutiques and department stores. It’s also home to many high-end restaurants and cafes. For the most part, you can expect high-end everything here!
The area’s main drag, Ginza Dori, is like Tokyo’s Champs Elysees — their luxury shopping street. Along the street, you’ll find lots of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cocktail bars conveniently located within the many skyscrapers.
One of the top attractions in Ginza is the Kabuki-za Theatre, which is known for its traditional Japanese kabuki performances. The area is also home to several art galleries and museums, including the Mitsui Memorial Museum and the Tokyo Gallery.
Foodies will love Ginza for its many high-end dining options, including Michelin-starred restaurants.
In fact, there are more Michelin-starred restaurants in Ginza than anywhere else in Tokyo. Ever heard of the popular 2011 documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi? One of the most famous restaurants in Tokyo, Sukiyabashi Jiro, holds 3 Michelin stars and is located right in Ginza.
Ginza is a great neighborhood for people looking for high-end shopping and dining experiences. Families may also enjoy the area, but should be mindful of the high prices.
Tokyo Station / Marunouchi Area
Best for: travelers who plan on taking day trips
The Tokyo Station / Marunouchi Area is another great district to stay in. It’s home to one of the busiest train stations in Tokyo. Because most Shinkansen trains leave from this station, staying around here is especially convenient and effortless if you want to take day trips outside of Tokyo.
From Tokyo Station, you can easily travel to any part of the city quickly (likely without the need to transfer to another train or bus). From Tokyo Station, Shibuya is 25 minutes away, Shinjuku is 15 minutes away, and Ueno is just 5 mins away — no transfer required for any of them!
Food lovers will love Tokyo Station for its many restaurants, department store food courts, cafes and dessert shops.
Should you choose to stay around here, some of the top attractions near Tokyo Station is the Imperial Palace, which is the residence of the Emperor of Japan. The area is also home to several museums and galleries, including the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum and the National Museum of Modern Art.
You’ll also be pretty close to the neighborhoods of Akihabara (manga, arcades, and electronics haven) and Ginza (luxury shopping).
Having said that, the downside of staying in this area is that you will have to take the train to get to Tokyo’s must-see attractions such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku/Shibuya districts, Harajuku district, etc.
Still, being based around Tokyo station is super convenient, especially if you plan on taking day trips to farther away destinations like Hakone, Yokohama, Tokyo DisneySea / Disneyland Tokyo, or any of the other theme parks near Tokyo.
Ueno
Best for: families, travelers on a budget, people who like public parks and value quiet neighborhoods
Ueno is a vibrant neighborhood in Tokyo that’s known for its cultural attractions and outdoor spaces. It can be best described as being quieter than other districts, convenient, family-friendly, and budget-friendly!
Ueno is home to Ueno Park, one of the largest parks in Tokyo, which is famous for its cherry blossom trees and museums.
One of the top attractions in Ueno is the Tokyo National Museum, which houses the largest collection of Japanese art in the world. The area is also home to the Ueno Zoo, which is known for its giant pandas.
Foodies will love Ueno for its many street food stalls and traditional Japanese restaurants. The area is also home to Ameya Yokocho, a bustling shopping street that’s perfect for souvenir shopping.
To give you a sense of its location, Ginza is 12 minutes away and Tokyo station is just 8 minutes away. However because it is further east, Shibuya and Shinjuku are 28-30 mins away by train.
All in all, Ueno is a great neighborhood for families and people looking for a more cultural experience in Tokyo. Solo travelers may also enjoy the area for its lively outdoor atmosphere.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning on taking day trips that lie north of Tokyo (Nikko, Nagano, etc), then staying in Ueno can be a great idea. Most Shinkansens heading north typically stop at the Ueno Station.
Luxury Hotels Near JR Yamanote Line
Shangri-La Hotel
1-minute walk from Tokyo Station on JR Yamanote Line
Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo is a luxurious 5-star hotel that offers a world-class experience to its guests, similar to all Shangri-La hotels worldwide!
It is conveniently located just a short walk away from Tokyo Station, which is one of the main transportation hubs in Tokyo. This makes it an ideal hotel for travelers who want to stay close to the JR Yamanote Line and explore the city with ease.
The hotel’s location near Tokyo Station provides easy access to many of Tokyo’s top attractions, including the Imperial Palace, the Ginza shopping district, and the Tokyo Tower.
Additionally, the hotel is just a few train stops away from the bustling neighborhoods of Shibuya and Shinjuku, which are known for their vibrant nightlife and shopping scenes. You can shop til you drop or drink the night away in comfort knowing your hotel is but a few train stops away!
The Shangri-La Hotel offers luxurious rooms and suites with gorgeous views of the city skyline. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a very modern fitness center, the CHI spa, and an indoor pool.
The hotel also has several dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant, Nadaman, which serves traditional Japanese cuisine.
- Price Range: $$$$
- Bed Types: King / 2 Twins
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 538 feet²
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi
1-minute walk from Tokyo Station on JR Yamanote Line
The Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi is a classy, sophisticated, and tastefully opulent 5-star hotel located in the heart of Tokyo, just steps away from Tokyo Station. Its location along the JR Yamanote Line makes it an ideal hotel for travelers who want to explore the city with ease.
Once you step outside the hotel, you’ll practically be in front of Tokyo Station! From here, you can transfer to other train lines with ease, making it easy to get all around the city.
The Four Seasons is a 5-minute walk from the Imperial Palace, and a 10-minute walk from downtown area Ginza. It is a 20-minute train ride away from Shibuya, Harajuku or historical Asakusa.
The Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi offers stylish and luxe rooms and suites with amazing views of the city. As with many Four Seasons stays, expect nothing less than the most luxurious bedding and private bathrooms with both a shower booth and a large bathtub.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a fitness center, complimentary use of hot-spring baths and sauna in a spa, and an indoor pool. The hotel also has several dining options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Daniel Calvert, which serves French cuisine.
- Price Range: $$$$
- Bed Types: King / 2 Queens
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 474 feet²
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
5-minute walk from Shibuya Station on JR Yamanote Line
The Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is an elegant 5-star hotel located in the heart of Shibuya, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods! The hotel offers a range of luxurious rooms and suites, all of which are located on the 19th floor and above overlooking the greater metropolitan area.
As soon as you enter the hotel, you’ll be struck by its grandeur and elegance. The lobby is spacious and bright, with high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The hotel’s rooms are equally impressive, with plush bedding, modern furnishings, and (of course!) views of the city skyline.
The hotel also has several dining options, including Japanese, French, and Italian cuisine, as well as a top-floor bar perfect for savoring fancy cocktails. The hotel’s top-floor restaurant, Coucagno, offers sweeping views and is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner!
One of the standout features of the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is its location. Shinjuku is just a mere three train stops away, and the hotel is within walking distance from the famous Shibuya Crossing, Yoyogi Park/Meiji Shrine, and the Shibuya 109 shopping center.
The area is also known for its lively nightlife and dining scene, with plenty of bars and restaurants to explore!
- Price Range: $$$
- Bed Types: King / Queen / 2 Twins
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 306 to 405 feet²
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
5 to 7-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on JR Yamanote Line
See the best of Tokyo with a stay at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, which puts you right in the city center amidst the many sights and landmarks in the Shinjuku district.
The rooms at Keio Plaza offer panoramic views of the Shinjuku skyline. Your private bathroom comes with a bath, free toiletries, and even Japanese-style yukata robes and slippers for use around the hotel. Some selected rooms at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo include a separate living room as part of the room design.
While the Keio Plaza Hotel is great as it is, if you’re looking for even more luxury, opt for the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand Club Floor! Opened in December 2016, the new Club Floor “Premier Grand” welcomes guests with green tea and hand towels as well as private check-in and check-out.
The wide range of cuisines offered at Keio Plaza Hotel includes Japanese, Italian and Chinese. Start your mornings right, with the continental and buffet breakfast options offered at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo.
When not enjoying all the good food/drink the hotel has to offer, guests can work up a sweat in the fitness center or take a cool swim in the outdoor pool. The hotel also features a convenience store and coworking space, perfect for business travelers and digital nomads!
- Price Range: $$$
- Bed Types: Queen / Full / 2 Twins
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 363 feet²
The Peninsula Tokyo
3-minute walk from Yūrakuchō Station on JR Yamanote Line
The Peninsula Tokyo (a hotel brand that needs no introduction) is a 5-star hotel located in the heart of Tokyo, just a short walk away from the JR Yamanote Line’s Yurakucho Station.
Strategically located in the luxurious Ginza neighborhood, The Peninsula Tokyo allows you easy access and proximity to many local attractions and sights on the Eastern side of Tokyo.
Expect a range of luxurious rooms and suites, each with its own unique design and amenities. All rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Some of the higher-end rooms also feature separate living areas.
Warm up at the end of the day with a visit to the massage, hot tub, salon, steam room, spa and sauna. Take a dip in the pool, or sweat out your jet lag at their state-of-the-art fitness center.
One of the standout features of The Peninsula Tokyo is its exceptional service, which is known to be some of the best in the city! The hotel’s staff is highly trained and attentive — their goal is that guests have the best possible stay in Tokyo.
To help pre-arrange your arrival and departure, airport transfer services can be booked before you even check-in. Your explorations of Tokyo can be assisted with taxi and car hire services available. The hotel’s concierge can even help you book tickets and reservations for entertainment and explorations.
- Price Range: $$$
- Bed Types: King / 2 Twins
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 581 feet²
Mid-Priced Hotels Near JR Yamanote Line
JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
2-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on JR Yamanote Line
The JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku is a modern and stylish hotel located in the heart of Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku neighborhood. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be struck by the hotel’s sleek and contemporary design, with clean lines, bright colors, and plenty of natural light.
The hotel offers a range of comfortable and well-appointed rooms with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and plush bedding, as well as great views of the city skyline.
The hotel is walking distance from many of Tokyo’s most popular landmarks and attractions, including the famous Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and the Kabukicho entertainment district.
In addition to its prime location, the JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku also offers a range of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Guests can enjoy a fitness center, spa, and several dining options, including a Japanese-style breakfast buffet.
- Price Range: $$
- Bed Types: Queen / Full / 2 Twins
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 194 to 205 feet²
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku
6-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on JR Yamanote Line
Opened in May 2015, Tokyu Stay Shinjuku is ideally located in the middle of the lively Shinjuku area and just steps away from Shinjuku Sanchome Subway Station. JR Shinjuku Station is also an 8-minute walk away.
As soon as you step inside, you’ll be quite impressed by the hotel’s sleek design, with light wood furnishings that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The hotel offers a range of comfortable and well-appointed rooms, featuring flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and cozy bedding.
There are a number of restaurants and bars in the surrounding area, as well as the Isetan Department Store and movie theaters. Shinjuku Gyoen Park is a 3-minute walk away, while Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building can be reached within a 20-minute walk.
In addition to its prime location and exceptional service, Tokyu Stay Shinjuku also offers a range of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Guests can enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and several dining options, including a Japanese-style breakfast buffet.
- Price Range: $$
- Bed Types: Full / 2 Twins
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 172 to 237 feet²
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel Tokyu
3-minute walk from Shibuya Station on JR Yamanote Line
Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel recently just opened in 2019, so travelers looking for a modern, sleek hotel experience will love this one. In fact, this hotel was built with creators in mind — featuring a creative atmosphere combining an interior with old and new items arranged in a fashionable and modern manner.
The guest rooms, while smaller than standard rooms in the USA, are still larger than most other options in Tokyo — especially the Superior and Deluxe rooms. The rooms are tastefully filled with thoughtful touches that are both nice to look at and functional.
The bar and dining area feature refined tastes with a Japanese vibe, stylish cocktails and music.
With direct walkways to JR Lines and other metro stations, this is really the best-located hotel in Shibuya. Along with its convenience to the train stations, you’ll also find tons of restaurants, cafes and food options in the attached Shibuya Scramble mall.
- Price Range: $$
- Bed Types: Queen / 2 Twins
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 258 to 323 feet²
MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST
5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on JR Yamanote Line
For those of you traveling in groups of 4 or more, a great accommodation option could be MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST, which features apartment-style living spaces.
This hotel is perfect for families or other larger groups who want to stay together and enjoy comfortable yet affordable accommodations while still in the middle of all the action in the bustling district of Shinjuku!
Unlike traditional hotels, MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST offers a unique and spacious experience, where guests can enjoy a private apartment-style room with all the amenities they need. Each room comes equipped with a kitchenette, private bathroom, comfortable bedding, and other creature comforts such as air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, an electric tea pot, and a bidet.
You can choose between rooms with Japanese-style beds or Western-style beds, as well as rooms with single beds or bunk beds. There are lots of options to fit any type of group!
- Price Range: $$
- Bed Types: Bunk Beds / Twins
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 431 feet²
MIMARU TOKYO UENO NORTH
3-minute walk from Ueno Station on JR Yamanote Line
Much like the MIMARU property listed above, MIMARU TOKYO UENO NORTH offers very similar rooms and amenities with the only difference being its location. If you’d rather stay in the Ueno neighborhood, the Ueno North location is just the apart-hotel you’re looking for!
If this hotel and its location caught your eye but you’re finding that the room type you want has sold out, you’re not totally out of luck because there are a few other Mimaru properties nearby you can check out:
- MIMARU TOKYO UENO EAST: 3-minute walk from Ueno Station
- MIMARU TOKYO UENO INARICHO : 5-minute walk from Ueno Station
- Price Range: $$
- Bed Types: Bunk Beds / Twins
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 366 to 560 feet²
Budget-Friendly Hotels Near JR Yamanote Line
UNDER RAILWAY HOTEL AKIHABARA
2-minute walk from Akihabara Station on JR Yamanote Line
The Under Railway Hotel Akihabara is in an excellent location when it comes to distance from the train station. As the name suggests, it’s literally under the railway, situated on the same street as Akihabara Station.
Although the room sizes may be smaller than your average hotel, the hotel offers fair prices, making it suitable for single travelers or couples traveling lightly.
While there is going to be some noise from passing trains, the hotel provides earplugs to help mitigate any disturbances.
And on the plus side, the hotel’s proximity to the train station allows for easy access to nearby food options — many of them are open late too!
Overall, this one’s a great option for those who prioritize location and affordability over spacious accommodations. You’re barely going to be in the room anyway, right?
- Price Range: $ – $$
- Bed Types: Full Bed / 2 Twins / Family Rooms
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 120 to 258 ft² (10-12 m²)
Landabout Tokyo
6-minute walk from Uguisudani Station on JR Yamanote Line (near Ueno area)
Landabout Tokyo is a great bang-for-your-buck hotel for budget travelers who want a comfortable and convenient place to stay while exploring Tokyo. This hip little hotel offers affordable prices without sacrificing comfort or convenience, making it the perfect choice for travelers on a budget.
Designed for comfort, all guestrooms offer a range of amenities to ensure a restful night. Rooms at the hotel are equipped with linen service, blackout curtains and air conditioning, and some rooms even come with extra design features such as a balcony or terrace.
Packing light is possible at LANDABOUT TOKYO thanks to the hotel’s laundromat keeping your clothes clean.
In terms of attractions that are within walking distance, you’ve got the likes of Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo, and Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum all a few steps away!
- Price Range: $ – $$
- Bed Types: Queen / 2 Twins
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: 118 to 140 feet²
The Millennials Shibuya
3-minute walk from Shibuya Station on JR Yamanote Line
The Millennials Shibuya is a unique and innovative capsule hotel located in the heart of Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood. This area is a hotspot for travelers to base themselves due to nearby attractions including Meiji Jingu, Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko.
Unlike traditional hotels, capsule hotels offer a unique and minimalist experience, where guests sleep in small, individual capsules instead of traditional hotel rooms.
The hotel is perfect for solo travelers and budget travelers who want to meet new people and make friends during their stay. In fact, 20% of the hotel floor area is dedicated to shared spaces: high-tech co-working spaces, kitchens, play zones, dining areas and bar counters that are available 24 hours a day!
The hotel’s communal areas make it so easy to socialize and connect with other travelers from around the world. They also have free coffee and beer (at certain hours)!
Every day at The Millennials Shibuya begins with a delicious in-house breakfast. A memorable night with your travel companions can be had without going far, at the hotel’s very own nightclub.
- Price Range: $ – $$
- Bed Types: Pods
- Square Footage of Standard Rooms: N/A
Anshin-Oyado Tokyo Shinbashi-Shiodome Capsule Hotel (Males Only)
2-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on JR Yamanote Line
Nestled a mere 2-minute stroll from the bustling JR Shinjuku Station, the Anshin-Oyado Tokyo Shinbashi-Shiodome capsule hotel is pure convenience for backpackers, budget travelers, or business travelers staying in Tokyo for just a short while.
Exclusively tailored for male guests, this capsule hotel provides pretty much everything you need as a backpacker / traveler. You basically don’t need to bring anything! Expect a lot of free toiletries, food, snacks, and drinks during your stay!
It’s all about capsule comfort here, where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in private sleeping capsules featuring a tablet PC, flat-screen TV, and air conditioning.
Enjoy complimentary internet café access, WiFi connectivity, and a nourishing breakfast, setting the stage for a productive day. After you’re done exploring Tokyo, unwind in the public bath or indulge in the mist sauna, both of which are free for guests to use. There are also jet bath facilities and massage chairs too.
Other practical amenities that add to the comfort of your stay include a free green tea upon arrival, 24-hour reception, laundry facilities, and even vending machines that cater to late-night cravings!
- Price Range: $
- Bed Types: Twin futon
- Size of Standard Rooms: 100cm wide
Akihabara Bay Hotel (Female Only)
2-minute walk from Akuhabara Station on JR Yamanote Line
The Akihabara Bay Hotel is a female-only capsule hotel that’s perfect for backpackers, solo travelers, or light travelers on a budget.
The capsules are clean and cozy and feature convenient amenities like control panels for lighting and fans, as well as shelves and phone charging outlets. Worried about loud sounds during the night? Don’t be. The sleeping area (in true Japanese fashion) is generally pretty quiet atmosphere during the night.
Guests have access to bathrooms and shower rooms, but just note that the toilets may be on different floors than the showers. The showers are set up with individual cubicles and provide all the necessary toiletries. There are also sinks available for hair drying and doing your makeup.
For under $50 per night, you really can’t beat it!
- Price Range: $
- Bed Types: Twin futon
Japan Travel Insurance
This is a no-brainer. When traveling internationally, be sure to get yourself some travel insurance.
I’ve heard of too many unfortunate experiences where friends and family have had baggage lost/stolen, hotels canceled, or have had unexpected medical emergencies while traveling where they’ve had to cut their trips short.
True story alert — in 2022, my partner even had his shoulder completely dislocated while surfing in Mexico, resulting in a $950 USD emergency room bill that we had to pay out of pocket for! Not fun… and most definitely not cheap.
Without travel insurance, you would have to pay out of pocket for these mishaps. This is why I get travel insurance for all my international trips now!
One of the best budget-friendly travel insurances for those traveling outside their home country is SafetyWing.
SafetyWing Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs. This means that if you get ill or injured, THEY will cover the medical expenses.
In addition, it provides emergency travel-related benefits such as:
- emergency medical evacuation – very much needed if you like to go hiking or backpacking in the wild.
- travel delay
- lost checked luggage
- adventure sports coverage (add-on) – so you can rappel down waterfalls, cave dive, mountain bike, scuba dive, etc. with peace of mind.
- electronics theft (add-on) – get reimbursed if your laptop, phone, camera or other electronics get stolen.
Click here to price out how much travel insurance would be for your trip.
Planning Your Trip To Japan?
Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!
Tokyo
- 15 Best Hotels In Tokyo Near JR Yamanote Line (With Map)
- 2 Days In Tokyo, Japan: Best Things To Do With Your Time
- The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary In Tokyo, Japan
- Tokyo Travel Tips: 50 Things To Know Before You Go
- 10 Other Cities Worth Visiting Near Tokyo, Japan
- 20 Best Things To Do In Tokyo At Night
- 18+ Best Attractions In Tokyo For Anime Lovers
- 20 Top Things To Do In Shinjuku, Tokyo’s High-Energy District
- Disney Tokyo vs. DisneySea: Which One Is Right For You?
- 10 Of My Favorite Cheap Eats In Tokyo, Japan
- 10 Best Tattoo-Friendly Onsens Near Tokyo, Japan
Kyoto
- The Perfect Kyoto Itinerary: 5 Days In Kyoto, Japan (+ Nara and Osaka)
- 2 Days In Kyoto: The Ultimate Kyoto Highlights Itinerary
- 7 Best Ryokans In Kyoto To Truly Feel Relaxed
Osaka
- Osaka Day Trip From Kyoto: Best Things To Do In Osaka, Japan
- Where To Stay In Osaka, Japan: Neighborhood Guide
Japan In General
- Japan On A Budget: 45 Essential Tips For An Affordable Vacation
- Best Of Japan: The Perfect 2-Week Itinerary For First-Timers
- 18 Popular Foods To Try In Japan
- 15 Amazing Onsen Towns In Japan To Visit On Your Next Trip
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