How to choose an area tostay in Tokyo

Tokyo is a city I fell in love with from the very first minute.

I’ve been here twice already (2019 and 2025), and each time Tokyo reveals a completely different side of itself.

After staying in different districts during both trips, I now clearly understand where tourists should stay and why choosing the right location in Tokyo can save you hours of travel.

 My Experience Staying in Tokyo

🏨 Minato-ku . Where I stayed in 2019

Minato-ku is a prestigious, modern, and very peaceful district.

It’s full of embassies, business centers and stylish restaurants.

I loved the atmosphere: it’s safe, clean, beautiful, and quiet — especially after busy walks around the city center.

But there’s one detail: Minato-ku is a bit away from the main tourist areas.

To reach Shibuya, Shinjuku or Asakusa, I had to make transfers.

It’s not a disadvantage, but for your first trip it's better to stay closer to the circular line.

🏨 Kyobashi - between Ginza and Tokyo Station. Where I stayed in 2025

And this was the perfect choice!

Ginza is an amazing district with skyscrapers, a vibrant atmosphere, excellent restaurants and great shopping.

Tokyo Station is the main transportation hub of the entire city:

Shinkansen, multiple subway lines, and — most importantly — the Yamanote Line start here.

From this area, you can reach almost any district in 10–15 minutes.

This dramatically simplified all my movements around Tokyo.

I stayed at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Tokyo Kyobashi (I wrote a separate review).

After two trips, I realized one important thing:

➡️ Staying near the Yamanote Line (the circular line) is the best decision for any tourist.

This legendary loop train line passes through all major districts of Tokyo.

No complicated transfers, you just hop on and ride until your stop.

Yamanote Line stops at all top destinations:

◼️ Shibuya

◼️ Shinjuku

◼️ Ikebukuro

◼️ Ueno

◼️ Tokyo Station

◼️ Akihabara

◼️ Shinagawa

◼️ Harajuku

Perfect for first-time visitors and for saving time.

🏙 Recommended Districts

📍 Shibuya

Trendy, youthful, active: Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, shops, street food, neon lights.

📍 Shinjuku

Skyscrapers, bars, restaurants, a huge park and one of the busiest train stations in the world. A top transport hub.

📍 Asakusa

Traditional Tokyo: Senso-ji temple, kimonos, rickshaws, and the spirit of old Edo.

📍 Ginza

Skyscrapers, luxury boutiques, elegance. My favorite district for walking.

💡 The best choice is to book a hotel in central districts near Yamanote Line stations.