When planning a trip to Tokyo, deciding which area to stay in is often one of the first decisions to make, right alongside flights and sightseeing spots. Tokyo is one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas, and the atmosphere and convenience vary greatly from area to area, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Akihabara, and Asakusa. Depending on where you stay, travel times can become longer, reducing the time you have available for sightseeing.
Below, we compare five popular areas in Tokyo for international travelers from three perspectives: sightseeing goals, travel style, and length of stay. Whether it is your first time in Tokyo or you are planning a long-term stay, please use this as a reference to choose the area that best suits your trip.
Comparison Table of Recommended Tokyo Areas by Purpose
| Area | Recommended for | Area Atmosphere | Transportation Access |
| Shibuya | Shopping, nightlife, young travelers | Energetic, cutting-edge trends | Very convenient (concentration of JR, private railways, and subway lines) |
| Shinjuku | First time in Tokyo, families, wide range of demographics | Diverse, convenient, has everything | Very convenient (major terminal for JR, private railways, and subway lines) |
| Ginza | Luxury-oriented, art, gourmet food | Refined, elegant, relaxed | Convenient (3 subway lines) |
| Akihabara | Anime, games, subculture | Niche, unique worldview | Convenient (JR, private railways, subway) |
| Asakusa/Ueno | History, culture, families, relaxed travel | “Shitamachi” (historic-town), traditional, calm atmosphere | Convenient (JR, private railways, subway) |
1. Shibuya: The Symbol of Modern Tokyo
Shibuya is the most popular area among international travelers. One reason is the presence of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of the world’s most famous intersections. The sight of people crossing from all directions as soon as the light turns green attracts travelers from all over the world as a place to experience Tokyo’s urban energy.
Shibuya is also an excellent hub for shopping. In addition to many large commercial facilities such as Shibuya Scramble Square and MAGNET by SHIBUYA109, a short walk will take you to the luxury brand area of Harajuku and Omotesando, as well as the streets lined with boutique shops of Daikanyama and Nakameguro. At night, the area offers a rich dining and club scene, making it a suitable area for travelers who want to enjoy Tokyo’s nightlife.
On the other hand, the area around the station is always crowded and extremely lively, especially on weekend nights. Families with small children and travelers who prefer a quiet environment will have a more comfortable stay if they choose accommodations a little further away from the station.
Recommended for: Travelers looking to shop, enjoy the nightlife, and experience the latest trends
2. Shinjuku: A Central Area in Tokyo Where You Can Find Everything
Shinjuku is considered the most well-balanced area for travelers looking for their first place to stay in Tokyo. Shinjuku Station, which has JR, private railway, and subway lines, is recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s busiest station. Its greatest strength is the easy access it provides to sightseeing spots throughout Tokyo.
The west side of the station is lined with skyscrapers and is home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (which has a free observation deck) and long-established department stores. In contrast, the east side of the station has many different sides. Completely different cultures exist side by side within walking distance, such as the large entertainment facilities in Kabukicho, the yakitori restaurants in Omoide Yokocho that retain the atmosphere of the Showa era, and the Korean town of Shin-Okubo.
For family travelers, we recommend Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden which features expansive Japanese and Western-style gardens.. It is a place that blends expansive Japanese and Western-style gardens, and During the spring cherry blossom season, it boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Tokyo. Having a nearby place to rest between sightseeing is especially helpful for those with children, who can easily become tired during a long trip.
Recommended for: Travelers on their first visit to Tokyo, family travelers, business travelers, and those who want to efficiently visit sightseeing spots.
3. Ginza: A Mature Side of Tokyo Where Sophistication and Culture Intersect
Ginza, where some of the world’s leading luxury brands are located, is an exceptionally sophisticated area even within Tokyo. Chuo-dori Avenue is lined with flagship stores of famous brands, and on weekends, it becomes a pedestrian paradise. What makes Ginza especially appealing is that you can enjoy shopping and dining in a calm atmosphere, away from the crowds and commotion of places like Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Cultural highlights are also abundant here.. The Kabukiza Theatre, a famous kabuki venue, is one of Ginza’s symbolic landmarks. It offers Single Act Tickets (Hitomakumi) that allow international travelers to watch just one act, making it easy to experience this traditional performing art.. It is also an area where many galleries featuring Japanese and international contemporary art are concentrated, making it especially attractive for art-loving travelers.
Staying in an apartment hotel with a kitchen and cooking for oneself by buying Japanese ingredients from nearby grocery stores is becoming especially popular among long-term guests spending time in Ginza. Because there is a wide selection of food options within walking distance, such as restaurants, markets, and supermarkets, it is suitable for stays of several nights or more.
Recommended for: Travelers with a taste for luxury, those interested in art and culture, couples and adult trips, and long-term stays.
4. Akihabara: A World-famous Mecca of Pop Culture
Anime, manga, games, cosplay, figures… Akihabara is an area unlike any other in the world, where all of these come together in one place. Each floor of the buildings is divided by category, and there are countless stores specializing in specific hobbies, such as trading card game specialty stores, retro game shops, and bookstores specializing in doujinshi (self-published works).
Akihabara is also ideal for purchasing electronics. There are stores where you can purchase items tax-free. Furthermore, the selection of cameras, audio equipment, and the latest gadgets in Akihabara is extremely extensive.
Geographically, Akihabara is located between the Ueno/Asakusa area and the Tokyo Station/Ginza area, making it a location with easy access to sightseeing spots in either direction. A route combining traditional cultural sightseeing in Asakusa and Ueno with the pop culture of Akihabara creates an itinerary that contrasts Tokyo’s past and present, allowing you to enjoy both traditional and modern culture all at once.
Recommended for: Travelers who are anime, manga, and game fans, those looking to purchase electronics, and those who want to experience Japanese pop culture.
5. Asakusa and Ueno: Good Old Tokyo Preserved in Traditional “Shitamachi” (Historic Downtown)
If Shibuya embodies the Tokyo of the future, Asakusa is historic Tokyo. On Nakamise-dori Street leading to Senso-ji Temple, stalls selling traditional crafts such as folding fans and ningyo-yaki, or doll-shaped cakes, line the street, as travelers in kimono mingle with local temple visitors. Senso-ji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Tokyo, offers a solemn atmosphere that does not feel like a tourist destination when visited early in the morning amid the scent of incense and the quiet morning atmosphere.
Ueno is located about one subway stop away, or a 20-minute walk, from Asakusa. Ueno Park is home to some of Japan’s leading cultural facilities, including the Tokyo National Museum , which houses numerous Japanese and Asian artworks and cultural properties, as well as the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo and is an especially popular spot for families with small children.
Compared to Shibuya and Shinjuku, both areas tend to have relatively lower accommodation costs and fewer crowds. They serve as ideal bases for those who want to enjoy the calmer side of Tokyo, as well as family travelers and photography enthusiasts.
Recommended for: Travelers interested in history, culture, temples, and shrines; family travelers; those who enjoy exploring on foot; and photography enthusiasts.
Recommended Areas in Tokyo by Length of Stay
| Length of stay | Recommended areas | Purpose/Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 nights (Short-term) | Shinjuku/Shibuya | Focus on access and sightseeing efficiency |
| 3-5 nights (Medium-term) | Ginza | Focus on culture and gourmet food |
| 3-5 nights (Medium-term) | Akihabara | Focus on pop culture |
| 3-5 nights (Medium-term) | Asakusa/Ueno | Deeply experience traditional culture |
| 1 week or more (Long-term stay) | Around Shinjuku, Ginza, and Asakusa | Ease of sightseeing and daily comfort |
Short-term stay of 1-2 nights in Tokyo
In terms of transportation and sightseeing efficiency, either Shinjuku or Shibuya is the most practical choice. You can reach many tourist destinations in Tokyo with no transfers or just one transfer.
Medium-term stay of 3 to 5 nights in Tokyo
You can enjoy choosing an area based on the purpose of your trip. Ginza is suitable if you are focusing on culture and gourmet experiences, Akihabara if you prioritize pop culture, and Asakusa or Ueno if you want to deeply experience traditional Japanese culture.
Long-term stay of 1 week or more in Tokyo
The longer your stay, the more daily comfort becomes an important criterion for choosing an area, in addition to the ease of sightseeing. Whether daily necessities such as supermarkets and pharmacies are available within walking distance is also an important point. The areas around Shinjuku, Ginza, and Asakusa are excellent in this regard, and are highly recommended as locations that balance not only sightseeing but also the comfort of using the area as a home base.
Reasons Why APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU Is Chosen for Medium to Long-term Stays
Hotels in Tokyo generally have small guest rooms, and staying with multiple people can feel cramped in terms of both cost and space. Therefore, the option of an apartment hotel, which features a kitchen and living space, and offers convenient on-site laundry facilities, is attracting attention.
MIMARU is an apartment hotel that is highly popular among international travelers. With multiple locations in and near major areas of Tokyo such as Shinjuku, Ginza, and Asakusa, MIMARU’s strength lies in the flexibility to choose according to your travel style and the length of your stay.
It offers the experience of staying as if you are living in Tokyo at your own pace. It is an excellent option for long-term stay guests who want to buy ingredients at a supermarket and cook for themselves, as well as for families who want to relax in a spacious living space.
Whichever area you choose, selecting a hotel that suits your stay style can greatly improve the quality of your trip to Tokyo.
→ View the list of MIMARU locations in the Tokyo area: https://mimaruhotels.com/en/hotel/?area%5B%5D=tokyo