Where to Stay in Tokyo: Best Areas & Hotels for Solo Travellers
Choosing where to stay in Tokyo can feel overwhelming because every neighbourhood offers a completely different experience.
If you’re asking me, there are two places I’d book again without hesitation. If you want to stay somewhere central with fantastic transport links, great shopping, and easy access to Tokyo’s top attractions, I’d choose Ginza every time. It’s also home to the MUJI Hotel Tokyo, located above MUJI’s flagship store. As someone who’s completely obsessed with MUJI, staying there was a dream come true.
If you’re travelling on a budget or looking for a quieter, more local experience, I’d book Sheena To Ippei in Ikebukuro. It was one of the most welcoming places I stayed in Japan, and it’s the accommodation I recommend most often to solo travellers.
In this guide, I’ll show you who each neighbourhood is best for, along with my favourite hotel in each area, so you can choose the one that suits your travel style and budget.
Best Areas To Stay In Tokyo
| Area | Best For | Budget | My Favourite Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | First visit | $$$ | 👉 Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku |
| Asakusa | Traditional Tokyo | $$ | 👉 The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon |
| Roppongi | Museums & nightlife | $$$ | 👉 Remm Roppongi |
| Ginza | Luxury shopping | $$$$ | 👉 MUJI Hotel Ginza |
| Ikebukuro | Budget & local feel | $$ | 👉 Sheena To Ippei |
Before you book your hotel, here’s one thing I’d sort first…
Make sure you have your eSIM sorted. I’ve tried different providers and 👉 Ubigi eSIMs are the ones that worked best for me! What I loved the most is the ability to top up offline! Check my full review here and don’t forget to get 10% OFF when using code OBSERVER10!
1. Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and lively districts, making it a fantastic option for solo travellers looking to experience the city’s energetic pulse. It’s famous for its nightlife, shopping, and entertainment options, and offers excellent transport connections. There is a cool artistic wall you should check out here (see picture above) located near Shinjuku station.
Right, let’s look at the distance from and to the airports:
- From Narita Airport: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) directly to Shinjuku Station (approx. 1.5 hours).
- From Haneda Airport: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station (approx. 45 minutes).
Recommended Hotels in Shinjuku:
1. Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
This modern hotel is conveniently located just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. The hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms and a women-only floor for added security and privacy (that’s really cool right?)
Price: Approx. $200 per night
2. Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo
Located in the heart of Shinjuku, this hotel offers compact yet well-equipped rooms with all the essentials. It’s within walking distance of major shopping and entertainment areas, perfect for solo travellers who want to be in the centre of the action.
Price: Approx. $125 per night
👉 Find Out Latest Prices For Citadines Central
3. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
A luxury option in Shinjuku, Keio Plaza offers spacious rooms and excellent facilities, including several dining options and a women-only floor. It’s a great choice for those looking for a touch of luxury during their stay.
Price: Approx. $400 per night
👉 Book Your Room On A Women-Only Floor At Keio Plaza!
2. Asakusa
Asakusa offers a taste of traditional Tokyo, with its historic temples, old-style streets, and an amazing walk by the Sumida River. I would highly recommend visiting this area even if you don’t end up booking your place here. Especially if you are visiting during Spring for the blossom season! This neighbourhood becomes absolutely magical!
Now let’s see the distance from Asakusa to the airports:
- From Narita Airport: Take the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno Station, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station (approx. 1 hour).
- From Haneda Airport: Take the Keikyu Line to Asakusa Station (approx. 50 minutes).
Recommended Hotels in Asakusa:
1. The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic
This stylish boutique hotel offers modern rooms with fantastic views of the Tokyo Skytree. Located near the iconic Senso-ji Temple, it’s perfect for travellers who want to experience traditional Tokyo with modern comforts.
Price: Approx. $225 per night
👉 Check Rooms At The Gate Hotel
2. Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel
A trendy option in the heart of Asakusa, Asakusa Kokono Club Hotel offers both dormitory-style rooms and private rooms, catering to different budgets. It’s close to the main attractions and has a vibrant atmosphere that’s perfect for solo travellers.
Price: Approx. $120per night
👉 Check Latest Prices For Dormitory And Private Rooms!
3. Asakusa View Hotel
A more upscale option in Asakusa, this hotel offers spacious rooms with stunning views of the city. It’s within walking distance of Senso-ji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street, making it a convenient and comfortable choice.
Price: Approx. $200 per night
👉 Check Out Asakusa View Hotel
3. Roppongi
Roppongi is an ideal area for those interested in Tokyo’s art scene and international culture. The district is home to several museums, galleries, and foreign embassies. My favourite place to visit in Roppongi was the teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM (see picture above). This place is so fun and engaging you can spend an entire day there without even realising it. Having your accommodation in this area means you can easily get enough time to explore museums and cultural centres but also walk to the Tokyo Tower anytime you want!
Let’s see the distance from Roppongi to the airports:
From Narita Airport: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line and change at Kasumigaseki Station for the Hibiya Line to Roppongi (approx. 1.5 hours).
From Haneda Airport: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the Toei Oedo Line directly to Roppongi Station (approx. 45 minutes).
Recommended Hotels in Roppongi:
1. Remm Roppongi
This modern hotel is a 3-star hotel located in the heart of Roppongi. The hotel offers compact, well-designed rooms with lovely views and a focus on comfort and convenience, ideal for solo travellers.
Price: Approx. $130 per night
👉 Check Rooms At Remm Roppongi
2. Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi
Offering a mix of style and comfort, this hotel is known for its rooftop spa with stunning city views. It’s probably an influencer-style accommodation but it’s also a great choice for solo travellers who want to relax after a day of exploring.
Price: Approx. $300 per night
👉 Book Your Room At Candeo Hotels
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
For those seeking luxury, The Ritz-Carlton offers exceptional service, elegant rooms, and stunning views from its location in Tokyo Midtown. It’s an ideal choice for travellers who want to indulge in a high-end experience.
Price: Approx. $600 per night
4. Ginza
Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale shopping and dining district, perfect for travellers who enjoy luxury and refinement. Staying in Ginza means being close to some of the city’s best shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Here below the distance from Ginza to the airports:
From Narita Airport: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ginza Station (approx. 1.5 hours).
From Haneda Airport: Take the Keikyu Line to Higashi-Ginza Station (approx. 40 minutes).
Recommended Hotels in Ginza :
1. MUJI Hotel Ginza
If you are obsessed with the MUJI store, you have to stay at the Muji Hotel! This minimalist hotel will make you feel like you are sleeping in the shop of your dreams right in the heart of Ginza.
The rooms are elegantly designed with MUJI’s signature style, featuring natural materials and a calming atmosphere. It’s perfect for solo travellers who appreciate simplicity and want to be close to high-end shopping and dining options.
Price: Approx. $320 per night
👉 Check Out The Muji Hotel, Especially If You’re A Fan!!!
2. The Royal Park Canvas – Ginza 8
This stylish hotel features contemporary rooms with a focus on design and comfort. Located near the main shopping streets, it’s an excellent base for exploring the upscale Ginza district.
Price: Approx. $320 per night
👉 Check Out The Royal Park Canvas
3. Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo
A luxury stay in Tokyo for female solo travellers is this hotel in Ginza. It offers spacious rooms with modern amenities and a chic design. It’s within walking distance of top attractions, making it a convenient and luxurious choice for solo travellers.
Price: Approx. $500 per night
5. Toshima City (Ikebukuro)
If you are looking for more of a “local” experience, you should definitely stay in Ikebukuro, Toshima City. This lively district is known for its shopping, entertainment, and dining options. It offers a blend of modern attractions with a more local feel compared to places like Shinjuku or Shibuya. This is my favourite neighbourhood to stay because it gives me the chance to have a less touristy experience and because it’s a lot more affordable compared to other places! Ikebukuro is also very well connected to the Tokyo centre.
Let’s look at the distance from Toshima City to the airports:
From Narita Airport: Take the Keisei Skyliner to Nippori Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro Station (approx. 1.5 hours).
From Haneda Airport: Take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station, then transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to Ikebukuro Station (approx. 1 hour).
Recommended Hotels in Toshima City (Ikebukuro) :
1. Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
A well-known hotel in Ikebukuro, Hotel Metropolitan offers comfortable rooms with great city views. It’s located near Ikebukuro Station, making it easy to explore other parts of Tokyo.
Price: Approx. $120 per night
👉 Check Rooms At Hotel Metropolitan
2. Sheena To Ippei Tokyo
Sheena To Ippei Tokyo is definitely the best place to stay in Tokyo for female solo travellers.
Sure, it’s not as luxurious as the other places listed above but it’s cosy, and welcoming and it gives you the chance to meet many other solo travellers (mainly female).
It’s a lovely accommodation with a focus on Japanese culture and hospitality. This place used to be a hostel, now converted in single rooms.
It’s designed to resemble a traditional Japanese home (especially the communal area) and it’s surrounded by lovely traditional grocery stores, restaurants and shops.
I would actually treat it like a hostel as you would need to share the bathroom!
Not Sure What To Pack For Your Hostel?
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Price: Approx. $120 per night
👉 Check Out Current Prices For Sheena To Ippei Here! Remember to reserve in advance because this place is super popular. The host is a sweet Japanese lady that treated me like her niece!
3. Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro
A budget-friendly option popular with solo travellers, Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro offers simple, comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s located just a short walk from Ikebukuro Station and offers easy access to the rest of Tokyo.
Price: Approx. $60 per night
Experience Traditional Japanese Houses
For those interested in experiencing traditional Japanese architecture and lifestyle, staying in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) or a machiya (a traditional wooden townhouse) is a must.
These accommodations offer a unique glimpse into Japan’s heritage, often featuring tatami mat floors, sliding doors, and futons for sleeping. If that sounds cool enough. Keep reading!
In Tokyo, you can find a few ryokan options, such as Homeikan in Bunkyo, close to the city’s bustling centre. Homeikan provides a traditional Japanese experience with tatami mat floors, futons, and beautiful garden views. Within Tokyo’s vibrant environment.
It’s an excellent choice if you want to experience traditional Japanese hospitality without leaving the city.
Another beautiful option is Kozantei Ubuya near Mount Fuji. This ryokan provides breathtaking views of Japan’s iconic peak and features hot spring baths with views of the surrounding nature. Staying here offers a chance to relax from the urban hustle of Tokyo. If you decide to stay here because you want to go for a nice hike on Mount Fuji, keep in mind that the trails are not always open. Make sure to check the official website for more info.
Exploring Beyond Tokyo – Cool Places To Explore For Female Solo Travellers
If you’re interested in exploring beyond Tokyo, get the Japan Rail Pass and visit other places in Japan as they are really worth visiting and well connected to the capital:
Mount Fuji: For an outdoor adventure, stay near Mount Fuji. The Fujinoya Ryokan in Fujiyoshida provides stunning views of Japan’s iconic peak and is perfect for hiking and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
-> If you are looking for hostels in Mt Fuji, check out this blog post!
Kyoto: Known for its traditional temples, shrines, and historic neighbourhoods, Kyoto is a beautiful city to explore. Stay in a machiya to experience traditional Japanese living. They are amazing wooden houses, I stayed in this house called Ken Kun in Kyoto and I completely fell in love with that place! For more accommodation options in Kyoto click here!
Hakone: Famous for its hot springs and views of Mount Fuji, Hakone offers a relaxing getaway from the city. Many ryokan in the area feature private onsens (hot spring baths) and traditional Japanese meals.
Check out this blog post for the perfect itinerary for South Korea, Japan and Beijing! ⛩️
Final Reflections on Where to Stay in Tokyo for Female Solo Travellers:
I hope you enjoyed this blog post on the best places to stay in Tokyo for female solo travellers! Japanese culture is so unique, you have to go and visit! Tokyo is probably quite expensive compared to other cities in Japan and definitely a lot more than countries in Southeast Asia.
So it will be quite an investment compared to your everyday budget for Bali. But if you can, you should definitely go. If you are on a budget, you can check out Trusted Housesitters which is a platform that allows you to find houses all over the world where you can stay for free in exchange for looking after the hosts’ pets while they’re away!
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Related Blog Posts:
How To Get From Narita Airport To Tokyo
Shower Facilities At Haneda Airport: Everything You Need to Know
17 Best Things To Do In Tokyo For Female Solo Travellers
Best Hostels In Tokyo And Mt Fuji For Solo Travellers
Exploring South Korea, Japan, and China: A 2-Week Itinerary
Perfect 2 days in Kyoto Itinerary
Visa Run Ideas From Bali: Where To Go If You Are Alone
Where to Stay in Kyoto for Solo Travellers
Best Surf Camps In The World For Solo Travellers
How I Used Ubigi eSIM In Japan To Stay Online
Fly From Bali To Japan For Cherry Blossom Season!
✍️ Tokyo Travel Planning Guide 🍱
Before you start your unforgettable journey to Tokyo here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:
📱 Do I need an eSIM for Tokyo?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Japan plan now
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Tokyo?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit. I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
💧Can you drink the water in Tokyo?
✅ 100% YES! — Tap water is totally safe in Tokyo!
✈️ Where can I book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark into a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Tokyo accommodations?
My go-to for Tokyo hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
⛩️ What’s the best way to book my Tokyo activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook.com. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car instead, use DiscoverCars, they have cars available to pick up right at they airport!
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Bookyogaretreats.com is my go-to for the best yoga retreats worldwide.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Tokyo?
⛔ No! — US, UK, and EU passport holders should not need the visa for up to 90 days
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Yen, and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Tokyo is Wise!
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Tokyo is easy peasy! Public transport works really well! There are underground trains, buses and trams.
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