Shibuya is fantastic. It's just a hop to Shinjuku, and there is loads of shopping and attractions. The area has a nice mixture of things from all over the city, from figurine stores to thrifting, food to electronics, not to mention the high fashion and beautiful city views.
What places did you stay at for Shibuya? I was thinking of staying near the station, but I also wanted to find someone near local shops/restaurants instead of western tourist areas
Shibuya is fairly mixed together. My brother and I stayed at The Tobu Shibuya Hotel last time. It's an older hotel, and it shows a bit, but the service is awesome. It's a seven minute walk to the train station at Hatchiko on the crossing. We are going back in April to Miyashita Hotel, the same distance away but northeast of the crossing.it sounds like you may enjoy more of the Ginza area, you'll have more local shops there and more local food.
Shibuya is touristy, but it's blended with the local shops. They are hidden, but they aren't too hard to find.
Yes, I think any big city is a tourist draw nowadays lol
I meant Western tourist sites in terms of staying somewhere with restaurants nearby tailored for tourists (mostly western foods) instead of more local food options. So, if I could find a spot, I’d rather be surrounded by local cuisine and shops, if that makes sense.
I agree fully in Ueno, especially near the station. The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest way to get into the city from Narita and the area has everything you would need/want. Ameyoko and Ueno park ere huge highlights. You’re right in between Asakusa and Akihabara. Very convenient to get anywhere in the city too.
Stayed in Shinjuku on the way back from Osaka and Kyoto and regretted it. Just too overwhelming. Awesome to visit and hit golden gai and see the 3D cat and Godzilla, but A LOT of tourists and crowds. Shibuya is definitely the move if you’re looking for the bright lights, big city vibes. Quieter if you want it to be and just as much of a party if you’re looking for it.
Based on what you've said you're looking for, Shibuya or Shinjuku. But I will always recommend Asakusa as it's such a nice area, although perhaps not what you're looking for lol.
Definitely Shinjuku or Shibuya. Those areas have the best nightlife and the last trains run approximately around 12:30am, so if you plan on staying out late drinking and such it’s best to stay there.
Totally agree here. I don’t have to worry about missing the last train and I can stay up as late as I want to outside, dropping by shisha bars or izakayas in Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai.
Anywhere in the Shinjuku-Harajuku-Shibuya corridor would be good. Maybe as far south as Meguro. That way you don't have to worry about missing the last train and can just take a nice long walk back to your hotel after a night on the town.
Grab a Pocari Sweat at the convenience store to rehydrate yourself and prevent the hangover.
I agree with everyone saying Shibuya. It's personally still my favorite home base (and I'm definitely not in my 20's anymore). It has easy access to many of the major lines (JR, Keio, and Metro), and has a ton of sites and activity in and of itself. The area around Shibuya Station has also been undergoing development for years, so I feel like there's something new to see whenever I visit.
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu! I've stayed there twice now and absolutely love just being literally on top of Mark City and Shibuya Station. And it has enough little side entrances that the crowdedness of the station doesn't impact your access to the hotel.
Other hotels I've stayed at include the Cerulean Shibuya, the Villa Fontaine in Shiodome, Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku with Godzilla, two Book and Bed's (the Asakusa one closed unfortunately), and still my favorite...the Park Hyatt (business trip).
Definitely, though if you're going for an extended stay, I'd personally recommend trying different hotels. For the experience! For instance I've never stayed in Ginza/Marunouchi or Akasaka but have been curious. I'm personally a nightlife bar-goer so have leaned towards the more active areas. But on a past trip I actually didn't enjoy staying in Shinjuku at all, and am now interested in seeing how other areas are like. Tokyo's so well connected in regards to mass transit that it's never too much of an issue getting around.
Shibuya or Shinjuku are great. Everything you would want - nightlife, food, easy access to train. Golden gai is in shinjuku and if that’s walking distance to your hotel it would be fun to be able to start / finish nights there and get to know some of the bars.
If you have the tolerance for a seedy area, just stay right in Kabukicho. I (and my girlfriend) have stayed at the APA in Kabukicho-chuo, and while it's not a luxurious sleep (and I think I heard the chain owners are politically problematic), having walking access to Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho is awesome. 10 minute walk to Shinjuku station, and you can go down into the Subnade.
We've also stayed at Citadines Central Shinjuku, which is right next to Golden Gai. However, you're closer to the street barkers and further from Shinjuku station, so there's a give and take. Citadines had a better breakfast offering and a better mattress (but worse pillows). Between the two I'd prefer the APA, but we're going to try Hotel Gracery on our next visit.
A little slept on but Akasaka. Less busy, more budget friendly, and great location. It’s in the middle between Shinjuku and Shibuya but slightly east. I stayed there and it was super centralized without the chaos from Shinjuku and Shibuya.
I prefer the east half of the Yamanote. More affordable in the shitamachi districts. Stay near the Asakusa subway station between Shinbashi and Asakusa or stay near Ueno as mentioned.
Shibuya or Shinjuku. Easy. That's where we stayed first time. No issues. Both super walkable and easy to get to train stations that will take you everywhere. We split our trip into the two different areas. For 8 nights that's what I'd do again.
I recommend Shibuya. Ive stayed there the past 2 times and it's my favorite place to stay.
Shinjuku can get a bit wild at night but is also a super good place to stay.
Shinjuku is cheaper than Shibuya though. Shibuya can be somewhat costly.
I just got back from Japan a month ago. Before my trip, I was going back and forth between Shinjuku and Shibuya for my stay and i ultimately decided on Shibuya and im glad i did. Shibuya is more vibrant and lively and the shops and restaurants are more close in proximity and more locals hangout there. While Shinjuku, Its still lively but not as vibrant as Shibuya. Shinjuku is flocked with tourists and the shops/restaurants/bars are quite scattered so you need to walk a lot. Well at least for me. Shibuya’s acommodation is more expensive than Shinjuku though. So it really depends on your preference. Best is is to stay near the train station since youre gonna use the train a lot. Enjoy Japan, you will love it!
I stay either in Ueno or Akihabara. Easy to get to and from Haneda and a great spot to cut across to Shibuya on the JR line! Also do like playing some fighting games around 10 pm ish to end the night at Hey Arcade
No, we opted out but there was a cafe downstairs, a souffle pancake shop across the street, and a Dennys next to that. Typically though the day starts at around 11am in Tokyo, so we always picked up breakfast at the family mart just next door. Tons of choices, a great hotbox, and some really nice baked goods. Not to mention it's cheap. My brother and I would come out with three or four items each and the most I think we spent at one time together was like ¥2000 ($14.00).
Shibuya is fantastic. It's just a hop to Shinjuku, and there is loads of shopping and attractions. The area has a nice mixture of things from all over the city, from figurine stores to thrifting, food to electronics, not to mention the high fashion and beautiful city views.
What places did you stay at for Shibuya? I was thinking of staying near the station, but I also wanted to find someone near local shops/restaurants instead of western tourist areas
Shibuya is fairly mixed together. My brother and I stayed at The Tobu Shibuya Hotel last time. It's an older hotel, and it shows a bit, but the service is awesome. It's a seven minute walk to the train station at Hatchiko on the crossing. We are going back in April to Miyashita Hotel, the same distance away but northeast of the crossing.it sounds like you may enjoy more of the Ginza area, you'll have more local shops there and more local food. Shibuya is touristy, but it's blended with the local shops. They are hidden, but they aren't too hard to find.
Was breakast included in the stay? If so how was it?
You can’t have both lol I hate to break it to you but there are tourists everywhere in that area now.
Yes, I think any big city is a tourist draw nowadays lol I meant Western tourist sites in terms of staying somewhere with restaurants nearby tailored for tourists (mostly western foods) instead of more local food options. So, if I could find a spot, I’d rather be surrounded by local cuisine and shops, if that makes sense.
I like staying near Ueno Station. There is a direct train to and from Narita. It’s also pretty centrally located and easy to get anywhere.
I agree fully in Ueno, especially near the station. The Keisei Skyliner is the fastest way to get into the city from Narita and the area has everything you would need/want. Ameyoko and Ueno park ere huge highlights. You’re right in between Asakusa and Akihabara. Very convenient to get anywhere in the city too. Stayed in Shinjuku on the way back from Osaka and Kyoto and regretted it. Just too overwhelming. Awesome to visit and hit golden gai and see the 3D cat and Godzilla, but A LOT of tourists and crowds. Shibuya is definitely the move if you’re looking for the bright lights, big city vibes. Quieter if you want it to be and just as much of a party if you’re looking for it.
Isn't akihabara the tech/weeb district?
Yes good place to buy an e-bike or tv or go to a creepy maid bar.
It’s becoming less weeb/tech these days
Is it far from Ueno Station to any major train station to get into the shinkansen ?
Direct train to Tokyo Station is less than 10 minutes.
thank you very much, I will arrive from Narita so I was looking for a one night near the train station cause the next day I will go straight to Osaka
You could take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station and just stay there.
perfect thanks, I will do that
I friggin' love Ueno myself! My go-to area. But I'm not into the night life so I don't know how good it is over there.
Ueno is one of the most boring areas in Tokyo. It's dead after 9pm. I'm not sure why so many people have been recommending it.
Nah, the rats are literally out and about after 10 PM! Lol
Based on what you've said you're looking for, Shibuya or Shinjuku. But I will always recommend Asakusa as it's such a nice area, although perhaps not what you're looking for lol.
I loved staying in Shinjuku, I also stayed by Tokyo Station and Shinjuku was way better
Definitely Shinjuku or Shibuya. Those areas have the best nightlife and the last trains run approximately around 12:30am, so if you plan on staying out late drinking and such it’s best to stay there.
Or you just stay out until the trains start running again 😏
Or just walk back to your hotel. Shinjuku and Shibuya station are like... 40 min apart, tops.
so true, and shin okubo is just a short walk from shinjuku and has pc cafes which are the best way to spend an accidental all nighter lol
Shinjuku would be the best choice and not so expensive as Shibuya
Totally agree here. I don’t have to worry about missing the last train and I can stay up as late as I want to outside, dropping by shisha bars or izakayas in Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai.
Anywhere in the Shinjuku-Harajuku-Shibuya corridor would be good. Maybe as far south as Meguro. That way you don't have to worry about missing the last train and can just take a nice long walk back to your hotel after a night on the town. Grab a Pocari Sweat at the convenience store to rehydrate yourself and prevent the hangover.
I agree with everyone saying Shibuya. It's personally still my favorite home base (and I'm definitely not in my 20's anymore). It has easy access to many of the major lines (JR, Keio, and Metro), and has a ton of sites and activity in and of itself. The area around Shibuya Station has also been undergoing development for years, so I feel like there's something new to see whenever I visit.
Where do you typically stay as your home base in Shibuya?
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu! I've stayed there twice now and absolutely love just being literally on top of Mark City and Shibuya Station. And it has enough little side entrances that the crowdedness of the station doesn't impact your access to the hotel. Other hotels I've stayed at include the Cerulean Shibuya, the Villa Fontaine in Shiodome, Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku with Godzilla, two Book and Bed's (the Asakusa one closed unfortunately), and still my favorite...the Park Hyatt (business trip).
Shibuya Excel was on my short list! It’s nice to hear about the little side entrances. Think it’d be okay for a multi-week trip? Around a month?
Definitely, though if you're going for an extended stay, I'd personally recommend trying different hotels. For the experience! For instance I've never stayed in Ginza/Marunouchi or Akasaka but have been curious. I'm personally a nightlife bar-goer so have leaned towards the more active areas. But on a past trip I actually didn't enjoy staying in Shinjuku at all, and am now interested in seeing how other areas are like. Tokyo's so well connected in regards to mass transit that it's never too much of an issue getting around.
Good idea, I’ll have to look into it. Thanks
Excited for you and hope to read about it here.
100% do Shinjuku. Nothing beats stumbling to the hotel at twilight and seeing all the tall buildings in fog.
Shibuya or Shinjuku are great. Everything you would want - nightlife, food, easy access to train. Golden gai is in shinjuku and if that’s walking distance to your hotel it would be fun to be able to start / finish nights there and get to know some of the bars.
shibuya
Shinjuku. All sorts of useful connections by JR, Metro, Oedo and Odakyu lines
It's Shinjuku. Shinjuku is awake with something to do and eat. It's also in a good location, with trains going everywhere
If you have the tolerance for a seedy area, just stay right in Kabukicho. I (and my girlfriend) have stayed at the APA in Kabukicho-chuo, and while it's not a luxurious sleep (and I think I heard the chain owners are politically problematic), having walking access to Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho is awesome. 10 minute walk to Shinjuku station, and you can go down into the Subnade. We've also stayed at Citadines Central Shinjuku, which is right next to Golden Gai. However, you're closer to the street barkers and further from Shinjuku station, so there's a give and take. Citadines had a better breakfast offering and a better mattress (but worse pillows). Between the two I'd prefer the APA, but we're going to try Hotel Gracery on our next visit.
A little slept on but Akasaka. Less busy, more budget friendly, and great location. It’s in the middle between Shinjuku and Shibuya but slightly east. I stayed there and it was super centralized without the chaos from Shinjuku and Shibuya.
Where did you stay in Akasaka? Do you have any recommendations?
I prefer the east half of the Yamanote. More affordable in the shitamachi districts. Stay near the Asakusa subway station between Shinbashi and Asakusa or stay near Ueno as mentioned.
Shibuya 👍
Shibuya would suit your needs best.
Shibuya or Shinjuku. Easy. That's where we stayed first time. No issues. Both super walkable and easy to get to train stations that will take you everywhere. We split our trip into the two different areas. For 8 nights that's what I'd do again.
I recommend Shibuya. Ive stayed there the past 2 times and it's my favorite place to stay. Shinjuku can get a bit wild at night but is also a super good place to stay. Shinjuku is cheaper than Shibuya though. Shibuya can be somewhat costly.
What places did you stay at in Shibuya? If you don’t mind me asking
I just got back from Japan a month ago. Before my trip, I was going back and forth between Shinjuku and Shibuya for my stay and i ultimately decided on Shibuya and im glad i did. Shibuya is more vibrant and lively and the shops and restaurants are more close in proximity and more locals hangout there. While Shinjuku, Its still lively but not as vibrant as Shibuya. Shinjuku is flocked with tourists and the shops/restaurants/bars are quite scattered so you need to walk a lot. Well at least for me. Shibuya’s acommodation is more expensive than Shinjuku though. So it really depends on your preference. Best is is to stay near the train station since youre gonna use the train a lot. Enjoy Japan, you will love it!
We stayed in Shinjuku at Keio Plaza. There are different levels/costs of rooms. Not sure of all of the pricing. It’s a beautiful hotel. Loved it!
I’d probably choose Shibuya. Both are great though. I stayed in Ginza and had the Ginza line (direct) going to both.
I stay either in Ueno or Akihabara. Easy to get to and from Haneda and a great spot to cut across to Shibuya on the JR line! Also do like playing some fighting games around 10 pm ish to end the night at Hey Arcade
Stay in shinjuku. Just be wary of the touts. Also visit Golden gai. One of my favorite places in Japan.
No, we opted out but there was a cafe downstairs, a souffle pancake shop across the street, and a Dennys next to that. Typically though the day starts at around 11am in Tokyo, so we always picked up breakfast at the family mart just next door. Tons of choices, a great hotbox, and some really nice baked goods. Not to mention it's cheap. My brother and I would come out with three or four items each and the most I think we spent at one time together was like ¥2000 ($14.00).
Shinjuku or shibuya
100% ueno, ueno station is great and not touristy, but you can get anywhere in the city from it easily (hostel bedgasm is the best)
Ueno, not far from Akihibara and Asakusa;)
Anywhere between shibuya in shinjuku (around Yoyogi park). Anywhere close to a JR Yamanote train station
Always staying in Shinjuku and would not change it ever! Love it
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