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3/22/2015 WheretoStayinTokyoFirstTime&TokyoFamilyHotels

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Where to Stay in Tokyo First Time


TRAVEL TIPS
Tags: Japan (http://asiatravelbug.com/tag/japan/), Tokyo (http://asiatravelbug.com/tag/tokyo/)
by : asiatravelbug FEBRUARY 07 2015
53 Comments (http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-
family/#comments)

Where to Stay in Tokyo First Time


Are you traveling to Japan soon and thinking where to stay in Tokyo first time? In this blog, I will
answer your questions related to thebest place to stay in Tokyo for first time tourists and family
vacationers to Japan.With Tokyo being a huge metropolis comprising of over 20 district wards,
choosing the best area to stay in Tokyo can be overwhelming. It did not come as a surprise to me
that a lot of people asked me for hotel advice right after my two trips to Tokyo last year.

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(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-
content/uploads/2015/02/tokyo-kimono-asakusa.jpg)
Ladies in Kimono Asakusa, Tokyo

I will be sharing my reviews of Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, Park Hotel Tokyo and Hotel Nikko
Tokyo where I have personally stayed at in my previous visits to Tokyo. Hotel Sunroute Plaza
Shinjuku (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-sunroute-plaza-shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
is my favorite among the three and you can learn the reasons why in this post.The other hotels
which I will be mentioning in this blog are the hotels which Ive thoroughly researched on and
would seriously consider to personally stay at in my future trips to Tokyo.

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(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/mount-fuji-view-park-hotel1.jpg)
Mount Fuji View from My Hotel Window in Park Hotel Tokyo (Zoomed In)

Are Hotels in Tokyo Expensive?


Tokyo hotels are not as expensive as you think. You can actually forget about capsule hotels! Well-
located 3.5-star hotels in Tokyo can be had for ~USD 150 similar to prices of similar range hotels
in Singapore and Hong Kong. Below you can find the approximate prices of hotels in Tokyo.

3 to 3.5 star hotels (local business hotels) USD 100 to USD 200
4 to 4.5 star hotels (local/international luxury hotels) USD 150 to USD 300
5 star hotels (international luxury hotels) USD 300 and up
Based on my personal experience traveling to Japan and Asia in general, hotels in Tokyo are of
great value with very high level of service standards even for 3.5 star hotels. For a USD 200/night
hotel in Tokyo, I need to pay at least USD 250/night in Hong Kong to get the same level of
hotel service and value. Hotel rates in Tokyo can be a real bargain if you compare it with similar
progressive cities like Paris or New York. Before I talk about the best places to stay in Tokyo for
tourists, let me share some tips to guide you before you book your Tokyo accommodation.

Double vs. Twin Rooms in Tokyo Hotels


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Hotels in Tokyo typically offer two types of rooms and it is important to distinguish one from each
other.

Double Room 1 double-sized bed with typical room size of 15 to 19 sqm. One side of the
bed is usually against a wall. Double rooms are typically suitable for couples.
Twin Room 2 twin beds with typical room size of 20 to 25 sqm if your hotel is within
Central Tokyo. You can get bigger twin rooms ranging 30 to 40 sqm in luxury hotels or in
areas farther from Central Tokyo. Twin rooms are approximately 30% much more
expensive than double rooms but the price is well justified since the room size is typically
bigger by 30%. Twin rooms are best travelers who place a lot of value in comfort or for
families traveling with kids.

Saturday and Peak Season Rates


Expect to pay an additional ~30% from regular room rates when you stay in Tokyo on a Saturday or
during peak seasons. Local Japanese people love to do weekend trips, hence the surge in hotel
demand on Saturday nights. Cherry blossoms and autumn foliage are super peak seasons in
Tokyo. Rooms sell out fast on these dates. It is best to book Tokyo hotels
(http://www.agoda.com/city/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) at least 3 months in advance if you will be
in Tokyo between the last weeks of March to early April and during the last weeks of November.

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(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/07/street-food-dinner-yasukuni-shrine.jpg)
Cherry Blossom Illumination Yasukuni Shrine, Tokyo

Stay Near a Train or Metro Station


Due to high taxi fares in Tokyo which could cost you USD 30 for a 15-minute ride, I strongly
recommend staying in hotels within walking distance to major train stations in the JR Yamanote
Line train loop to save MONEY, TIME and ENERGY. The JR Yamanote Line is the main circular
train line in Tokyo with stops in major tourist districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Yarakucho (Ginza),
Tokyo Station, Akihabara, and Ueno.

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(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/JR-yamanote-line-tokyo.jpg)
Tokyo in a Nutshell | Photo Credit: eerkmans
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/eerkmans/179721258/in/photolist-9W7dCt-gT7So-acMEv-m3wxiU)

If it is not possible for you to book a hotel near the JR Yamanote line, just book a hotel within
walking distance to a Tokyo metro subway or rail station. Central Tokyo is well covered with train
and rail systems. As long as you stay near a train or metro station in Tokyo, you wont find the need
to take a taxi unless you have mobility issues.

7 Tokyo Tourist Districts to Consider


Out of over 20 district wards in Tokyo, let me concentrate on 7 districts that I consider as the best
areas to stay in Tokyo for tourists. For me, the best place to stay in Tokyo is Shinjuku especially for
first time travelers. If you are wondering which other areas can be good base areas convenient for
sightseeing, you may want to consider Ginza, Tokyo Station and Shibuya. If you are a huge group

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traveling together and are looking for alternative locations where to stay in Tokyo with family, you
may want to consider Asakusa, Odaiba or Tokyo Disney Area where hotels can offer bigger room
space.

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(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time1.jpg)
Where to Stay in Tokyo First Time (Note: The JR Yamanote station in Ginza is JR Yarakucho. Public
transportation to Mount Fuji goes to the general Mount Fuji area and not directly to the foot of the
mountain.)

1. SHINJUKU: Where to Stay in Tokyo First Time


(Best Area to Stay in Tokyo For Tourists)
If I were to return to Tokyo anytime, I would choose to stay in Shinjuku in a heartbeat. Shinjuku
epitomizes Tokyo as what you see on TV neon lights, bustling streets, busy train stations,
modern business skyscrapers, beautiful public parks, vendor-machine restaurants, large shopping
malls, and affordable 100 yen shops all sitting side by side.

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(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/shinjuku-tokyo-back-alley.jpg)
Bustling Shinjuku Tokyo | Photo Credit: Kevin Poh
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinpoh/4563388587)

Here are the reasons why I considerShinjuku to be the best area to stay in Tokyo for tourists
especially for first time visitors.

Why Stay in Shinjuku:


Convenient for day trips. Great base for day trips to Hakone and Mount Fuji area via
public bus or Odakyu train. Since Shinjuku Station is just walking distance, there is no
need to wake up extra early to catch your train or bus to Hakone and Mount Fuji area.
Group tours to Mount Fuji area depart from major hotels in Shinjuku.
Convenient for sightseeing in central Tokyo.
Convenient direct access to airportsvia airport limousine bus from Haneda and via
Narita Express train from Narita.

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Great local Japanese atmosphere. Bustling nightlife. Restaurants and 100 yen shops
close very late at night.
Easy access to affordable shopping and restaurants.
Good variety of mid-range tourist hotels around the area.
Sights Nearby:Shinjuku Gyoen Park for cherry blossom picnics or for autumn foliage
sights. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Free Observatory to see Mount Fuji on a
cloudless day.

(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/04/hanami-picnic-shinjuku-gyoen.jpg)
Hanami Picnic in Shinjuku Gyoen Park

Where to Stay in Shinjuku Tokyo: Asiatravelbugs Recommended


Hotels

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Shinjuku is a huge commercial district in Tokyo and it houses the worlds busiest station
Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku Station divides the district between the West and East. If you are
traveling with kids and worried about the Kabukicho red light district, stay in West Shinjuku. I
stayed in West Shinjuku for a week before and never came across the Kabukicho area located in
the North East of Shinjuku Station.

(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Shinjuku-Station-Kimono.jpg)
Lady Commuter in Shinjuku Station Dressed in a Lovely Kimono.

West Shinjuku
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-sunroute-plaza-
shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) (3.5*) I have personally stayed here in a

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standard twin room and can strongly recommend this hotel! Their twin standard rooms
are surprisingly spacious for Japanese hotel standards at 23 sqm. A word of warning
though, this hotel is extremely popular and its common for all rooms to get sold out
months in advance. I actually tried to book this hotel for my second trip to Tokyo as a
repeat guest, but was frustrated to know that all of their rooms have been sold out even if
I tried to book 1 month in advance. So better book at least 3 months ahead before your
arrival, even during off-peak seasons.Standard twin rooms start at USD 160/night while
economy rooms start at USD 115/night. Asiatravelbug recommends the standard twin
rooms for more space and is well worth the price difference. Check out live rates of Hotel
Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku in Agoda (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-sunroute-plaza-
shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)orBooking.com
(http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/sunroute-plaza-shinjuku.html?aid=393099&label=wtsit).

(http://www.agoda.com/hotel-sunroute-plaza-shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Standard Twin Room (23 sqm) of Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-
sunroute-plaza-shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) ~USD160/night

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This hotel sits on an unbeatable location tucked in a quiet street but just a minute away from all the
action. Family Mart and McDonalds are just a minute walk away. Shinjuku station, eateries, malls
and 100 yen shops are all within 10-minute walk radius. Airport limousine bus from Haneda or
Narita airport drops you right off in the lobby of the hotel. You just cannot go wrong with Hotel
Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku in terms of convenience. If you are a first time traveler to Tokyo wishing
to do day trips to see Mount Fuji using Hakone Free Pass, look no further, Hotel Sunroute Plaza
Shinjuku (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-sunroute-plaza-shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852)is the hotel to stay.

JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku (http://www.agoda.com/jr-kyushu-hotel-blossom-


shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) (4*) Ran out of rooms in Hotel Sunroute Plaza
Shinjuku? Dont fret. Theres a new kid on the block which could easily rival the
convenience offered by Sunroute. I stumbled across Hotel Blossom on Tripadvisor by
chance and it looks like this hotel is a great alternative to Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku.
Hotel Blossom is a fairly new hotel owned by the JR rail company, just 3 minutes walk
from Sunroute and less than 10 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station. You practically get an
unbeatable location, similar room size and brand new rooms at Hotel Blossom for the
same nightly rates as Sunroute.Im bookmarking this hotel now and will definitely try to
stay here next time Im in Tokyo. If you have stayed in this hotel, tell me about your
experience! Double rooms start at USD 140/night while twin rooms start at USD 160/night.
Check out live rates of Hotel Blossom inAgoda.com (http://www.agoda.com/jr-kyushu-hotel-
blossom-shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852).

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(http://www.agoda.com/jr-kyushu-hotel-blossom-shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku (http://www.agoda.com/jr-kyushu-hotel-blossom-
shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) Twin Room (25 sqm) ~USD160/night | Photo Credit: Agoda

Although the airport limousine bus does not directly stop at Hotel Blossom
(http://www.agoda.com/jr-kyushu-hotel-blossom-shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852), you
can get off or ride the airport bus at Shinjuku Station West Exit, which is just a good 5-minute walk
away. I have personally tried alighting at Shinjuku Station West Exit from the airport limousine bus
and the walk towards the area of Hotel Sunroute and Hotel Blossom is fairly easy even with a
luggage in tow.

Keio Plaza Hotel Shinjuku (http://www.agoda.com/keio-plaza-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?


CID=1649852) (4*) The hotel offers free shuttle to Tokyo Disney for their guests and a
number of group tours to Hakone and Mount Fuji start from this hotel. Also, the airport
limousine bus drops off guests right in the hotel lobby. This hotel should be a great base

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for families who want to feel the action in Shinjuku while having convenient transportation
options to Tokyo Disney, Hakone, Mount Fuji, Haneda Airport and Narita Airport. If you
are a family planning to see bothTokyo Disney and Mount Fuji in your trip, I highly
recommend you to stay inKeio Plaza Hotel Shinjukufor convenience. Lowest category
twin room rates start at USD 230/night. I think the strategic location of this hotel for first
timers in Tokyo well justifies its price.

(http://www.agoda.com/keio-plaza-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Keio Plaza Hotel Renovated Superior Twin Room (http://www.agoda.com/keio-plaza-
hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) at Main Bldg. (33 sqm) ~USD250/night | Photo Credit: Agoda

Some of my friends have stayed in Keio Plaza and have no complaints whatsoever except for the
long breakfast buffet lines. Just book a room without breakfast since there are a lot of affordable
eateries within 5 minutes walk from this hotel. The free shuttle for guests to Tokyo Disney requires
advance booking. Check out live rates of Keio Plaza Hotel Shinjuku in Agoda.com
(http://www.agoda.com/keio-plaza-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852). During non-peak
seasons, you might be able to book double rooms in this hotel for as low as USD 180/night.
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Hotel Rose Garden Shinjuku (http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/rose-garden-shinjuku.html?


aid=393099&label=wtsit) (3*) Great boutique hotel for group or family travelers located
just 10-15 minutes walk away from Shinjuku Station. Triple and quadruple rooms are
available for 3-4 adults staying in one room making this hotel a great affordable choice for
travelers looking for Tokyo accommodation for family of 4. Nightly rates starts at USD
110, USD 220 and USD 250 for double, triple and quadruple rooms respectively. If it is not
necessary for your travel group to be in one room, booking 2 separate double rooms may
come out cheaper.

(http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/rose-garden-shinjuku.html?aid=393099&label=wtsit)
Hotel Rose Garden Shinjuku (http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/rose-garden-shinjuku.html?
aid=393099&label=wtsit) Triple Family Room (31 sqm) ~USD220/night | Photo Credit: Booking.com

East Shinjuku
Best Western Shinjuku Astina Hotel (http://www.agoda.com/best-western-shinjuku-astina-
hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) (3.5*) If you do not mind staying in Kabukicho red
light district, this hotel is cheap with a great location just under 10 minutes walk away from

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the main Shinjuku Station. Double rooms start at USD 130/night while executive twin
rooms start at USD 170/night inclusive of breakfast.

(http://www.agoda.com/best-western-shinjuku-astina-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Best Western Shinjuku (http://www.agoda.com/best-western-shinjuku-astina-hotel/hotel/tokyo-
jp.html?CID=1649852) Executive Twin Room (27 sqm) ~USD170/night | Photo Credit: Agoda

Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo (http://www.agoda.com/citadines-shinjuku-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?


CID=1649852) (3.5*) A bit of walk from Shinjuku Station but great for travelers who are
looking for hotel rooms that can fit 3 adults. The hotel is 20-minute walk away from
Shinjuku Station and 5-minute walk away from Shinjukugyoenmae Subway. Unlike Best
Western, Citadines is not in the Kabukicho area and is tucked in the quieter side of
Shinjuku, so you need not worry if you are traveling as a family. Double and twin rooms
start at USD 115/night while triple rooms start at USD 135/night.

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(http://www.agoda.com/citadines-shinjuku-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Citadines Shinjuku (http://www.agoda.com/citadines-shinjuku-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852) Executive Twin Room for 3 Adults (28 sqm) ~USD 160/night | Photo Credit: Agoda

Read on the rest of this blog to learn more about staying in Ginza, Tokyo Station, Shibuya,
Asakusa, Odaiba, and Tokyo Disney Area.

2. GINZA: Where to Stay in Tokyo First Time


Tourists may feel intimidated by Ginza as it is known as the premier luxury shopping area in the
Japan. But Ginza has its own fair share of mid-range and cheap shopping too! Yes, I mean cheap
shopping check out the Don Quijote bargain store at the southern edge of Ginza where you can
buy cheap 100 yen (~USD1) souvenirs and second hand LV bags. There are plenty of affordable
restaurants around the area and it is pretty easy to get a 900 yen (~USD7.50) bowl of ramen.In my
personal opinion and based on my own experience in Tokyo,Ginza is the next best area to stay
for tourists after Shinjuku.

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(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ginza-at-night.jpg)
Ginza Intersection at Night

Why Stay in Ginza:


Convenient for sightseeing in central Tokyo. You can access Ginza metro subway or JR
Yarakucho in JR Yamanote line, which can get you practically anywhere in central Tokyo.
Convenient for regional travel and airport transfer. One stop away from Tokyo Station
where you can board buses or bullet trains to go to Kyoto, Osaka, Narita Airport and
Haneda Airport. Ginza is just about 1000-1500 yen (~USD 8.50 USD 13) taxi ride away
from Tokyo Station, so you need not worry about exorbitant transportation fees between
Ginza and Tokyo Station if you have lots of luggage with you.
Great Japanese atmosphere but not as crowded as Shinjuku or Shibuya.
Wide variety of shopping and restaurants from luxury to cheap.
Good variety of mid-range tourist hotels around the area.
Sights Nearby:Tsukiji Fish Market, Kabuki-za Theater, Hibiya Park, Imperial Palace and
Tokyo Station.

Where to Stay in Ginza Tokyo: Asiatravelbugs Recommended Hotels


Mercure Ginza Tokyo (http://www.agoda.com/mercure-hotel-ginza-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
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CID=1649852)(3*) The hotel sits right smack in the middle of Ginza and just 5 minutes
walk from Ginza metro station and 15 minutes walk from Tokyo Station. Deluxe twin rooms
are of decent 27 sqm size and one child under 16 years old can stay for free using
existing beds. Connecting rooms can be available upon request. Superior rooms start at
USD 145/night and deluxe rooms USD 180/night.

(http://www.agoda.com/mercure-hotel-ginza-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Mercure Ginza Tokyo (http://www.agoda.com/mercure-hotel-ginza-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852) Deluxe Twin Room (27 sqm) ~USD 180/night | Photo Credit: Agoda

Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Ginza (http://www.agoda.com/solaria-nishitetsu-hotel-


ginza/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)(3*) A nice boutique hotel 5 minutes walk from
Ginza metro and 10 minutes walk from the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Double rooms start
at USD 160/night and twin rooms start at USD 185/night.

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(http://www.agoda.com/solaria-nishitetsu-hotel-ginza/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Solaria Nishitetsu Ginza (http://www.agoda.com/solaria-nishitetsu-hotel-ginza/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852) (24 sqm) ~USD185/night | Photo Credit: Agoda

Park Hotel Tokyo (http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/park-tokyo.html?


aid=393099&label=wtsit)(4*) If you will be in Tokyo for a short period of 2 to 3 days and
want to avoid high Saturday hotel rates in Tokyo, try to stay in a less touristy area or a
business district over the weekend. The Park Hotel Tokyo in Shiodome Business District
has almost flat nightly rates throughout the week and the hotels location is just 10
minutes walk away from the southern edge of Ginza. I have personally stayed in this hotel
and loved the Tokyo Tower and Mt. Fuji view from my room. Double and twin rooms start
at USD 170/night.

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(http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/park-tokyo.html?aid=393099&label=wtsit)
Park Hotel Tokyo (http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/park-tokyo.html?aid=393099&label=wtsit)
Shiodome Twin Room (21 sqm) ~USD170/night

3. TOKYO STATION: Where to Stay in Tokyo First Time


Tokyo Station is the main transportation hub in Japan and the main draw of staying here is its
strategic central location. Tokyo Station is well connected to central Tokyo, Tokyo Disney, Tokyo
airports, Tokyo suburbs, and other regional cities like Kyoto and Osaka. Surprisingly, the area
within Tokyo Station has a more European feel rather than a local Japanese feel.Staying around
the immediate area of Tokyo Station will be a great choice if you plan to have a stopover in
Tokyo for a few days before you head to other regional cities in Japan.

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(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/tokyo-station.jpg)
Tokyo Station

Why Stay Near Tokyo Station:


Convenient for sightseeing in central Tokyo.
Convenient for regional travel. Tokyo Station is a main shinkansen bullet train stop in
Tokyo.
Convenient for airport transfers to and from Narita and Haneda Airports via train or
airport limousine bus. The NEX train from Narita Airport takes you to Tokyo Station in a
little under an hour.
Convenient to go to Tokyo Disney. From JR Tokyo Station, it will take only 20 minutes to
go to JR Maihama Station in Tokyo Disney via JR Keiyo line or JR Musashino line.
Easy access to affordable shopping and restaurants. Tokyo Station is actually a mall
itself. Also, the famous Ramen Street is inside the Tokyo Station where there are
numerous small ramen eateries.
Sights Nearby:Ginza, Imperial Palace and East Gardens of Imperial Palace.

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Where to Stay Near Tokyo Station: Asiatravelbugs Recommended


Hotels
Majority of the hotels around the Tokyo Station area are either in budget (think 12 sqm. rooms at
~USD100/night or less) or high-end luxury (USD 400/night upwards) range. If you are looking for
mid-range hotels, try Hotel Ryumeikan or The Tokyo Station Hotel within Tokyo Stations
immediate vicinity. If you want a better variety of mid-range hotels to choose from and a better
local Japanese atmosphere, I suggest that you stay in Ginza where 3.5 star hotels are plenty. Ginza
is just one stop away from Tokyo Station. You can also walk if you want to since these two areas
are just next to each other.

Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-ryumeikan-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?


CID=1649852)(3.5*) Hotel Ryumeikan just sits next to Tokyo Station making this hotels
location unbeatable. Connecting rooms can be available upon request. Lowest category
double room starts at USD 150/night.

(http://www.agoda.com/hotel-ryumeikan-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)

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Hotel Ryumeikan (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-ryumeikan-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?


CID=1649852) Semi Double Comfort Sleep Room (19sqm) ~USD170/night | Photo Credit: Agoda

The Tokyo Station Hotel (http://www.agoda.com/the-tokyo-station-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?


CID=1649852)(4.5*) Recently opened hotel right in Tokyo Station with a European flair.
Rates start at USD 290/night.

(http://www.agoda.com/the-tokyo-station-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Tokyo Station Hotel (http://www.agoda.com/the-tokyo-station-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852) Queen Room (26 sqm) ~USD290/night | Photo Credit: Agoda

4. SHIBUYA: Where to Stay in Tokyo First Time


(Best Area to Stay in Tokyo for Young Adults)

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Shibuya has a similar local bustling atmosphere as Shinjuku but with a younger crowd. If you see
people mostly in business suits in the streets of Shinjuku, you will see mostly students in uniform in
the streets of Shibuya. Sometimes, you can come across people in bizarre outfits too!If you are
young adults in early 20s or if you are family with teenagers, the atmosphere in Shibuya may
suit to your liking. Shibuya Station is also a major transportation hub in Tokyo making it easy to
connect to airports or anywhere within central Tokyo.

(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/yoyogi-park-street-performer1.jpg)
Yoyogi Park Street Performance

Why Stay in Shibuya:


Convenient for sightseeing in central Tokyo.
Convenient for airport transfers to and from Narita and Haneda Airports via train or
airport limousine bus. The NEX train from Narita Airport stops in Shibuya.
Great local Japanese atmosphere with bustling nightlife.
Easy access to affordable shopping and restaurants.
Sights nearby: Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Yoyogi Park, Meiji Jingu
Shrine, Harajuku, Ometesando. Three stops to Shinjuku.

Where to Stay in Shibuya Tokyo: Asiatravelbugs Recommended Hotels

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Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya (http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/dormy-inn-premium-shibuya-


jingumae.html?aid=393099&label=wtsit)(3*) Previous guests have raved about the hotels
free breakfast, free ramen nights and free access to in-house onsen making Dormy Inn a
highly rated hotel in Shibuya. Twin rooms are spacious at 25 sqm. Shibuya and Harajuku
Stations are within 5-10 minutes walk away from this hotel. Double rooms start at USD
140/night and twin rooms start at USD 185/night.

(http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/dormy-inn-premium-shibuya-jingumae.html?
aid=393099&label=wtsit)
Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya (http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/dormy-inn-premium-shibuya-
jingumae.html?aid=393099&label=wtsit) (25 sqm) ~USD200/night | Photo Credit: Booking.com

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu (http://www.agoda.com/shibuya-excel-hotel-tokyu/hotel/tokyo-


jp.html?CID=1649852)(3.5*) This hotel is directly connected to Shibuya Station and
overlooks the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Twin rooms are huge for Tokyo standards at
30 sqm. Triple rooms are available. Double rooms start at USD 200/night and twin rooms
start at USD 225/night.

http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/wheretostayintokyofirsttimebestareafamily/ 27/72
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(http://www.agoda.com/shibuya-excel-hotel-tokyu/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Shibuya Excel Tokyu (http://www.agoda.com/shibuya-excel-hotel-tokyu/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852) Twin Room (30 sqm) ~USD225/night

Are you traveling with a bigger family or travel group and need a lot of
space?
Read on the rest of this blog to learn why staying in Asakusa, Odaiba or Tokyo Disney Area can
be a great choice for you.

Where to Stay in Tokyo with Family


(Tokyo Family Hotels):

5. ASAKUSA: Where to Stay in Tokyo First Time

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Asakusa is a little slice of Kyoto in the heart of Tokyo. If you imagine your Tokyo vacation with
Japanese rickshaws and temples, Asakusa is the place to be. Although there arent many huge
malls around, there are lots of small shops and eateries in Asakusa. Asakusa is located in the older
part of Tokyo and is not within the JR Yamanote Line loop. So, the location is not as convenient as
Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station or Ginza. However, Asakusa is just a 10-minute ride away to Ginza
via the metro Ginza line.If you are traveling with a group of friends or traveling with older
children, you can find affordable triple and quadruple rooms in Asakusa.

(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/asakusa-rick-shaw.jpg)
Human Powered Rickshaw in Asakusa Tokyo

Why Stay in Asakusa:


Great local Japanese atmosphere and a perfect place to soak in Japanese culture.
Convenient for airport transfers to and from Narita and Haneda Airports via train or
airport limousine bus. Asakusa is serviced by Keikyu Limited Express train from Haneda
Airport and Keisei Access Express train from Narita Airport.
Good variety of affordable ryokans and hotels around the area.

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Easy access to affordable shopping, restaurants and izakayas.


Sights Nearby: Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Dori Shopping Street, Sumida Park, and Tokyo
Skytree. One stop away from Ueno Park.

Where to Stay in Asakusa Tokyo: Asiatravelbugs Recommended Hotels


Asakusa View Hotel (http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/asakusa-view-tokyo.html?
aid=393099&label=wtsit) (3.5*) Triple and quadruple rooms are available. Best for groups
or family with older children. The airport limousine bus from Narita and Haneda Airport
service this hotel. Twin rooms start at USD 140/night, triple rooms start at USD 155/night
while quadruple rooms start at USD 200/night.

(http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/asakusa-view-tokyo.html?aid=393099&label=wtsit)
Asakusa View Hotel (http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/asakusa-view-tokyo.html?
aid=393099&label=wtsit) Triple Room (26 sqm) ~USD155/night | Photo Credit: Booking.com

The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic (http://www.agoda.com/the-gate-hotel-


asakusa-kaminarimon-by-hulic/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) (4*) Modern and chic hotel
in Asakusa. Twin rooms are spacious at 24 sqm. and can accommodate 2 adults and 1
child under 12 years old using existing bedding. Double rooms start at USD 150/night and
twin rooms start at USD 165/night.

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(http://www.agoda.com/the-gate-hotel-asakusa-kaminarimon-by-hulic/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852)
Gate Hotel Asakusa (http://www.agoda.com/the-gate-hotel-asakusa-kaminarimon-by-
hulic/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) Twin Room (24 sqm) ~USD165/night | Photo Credit: Agoda

6. ODAIBA: Where to Stay in Tokyo First Time


Odaiba is a reclaimed land east of Central Tokyo and is known to house the famous giant Gundam
statue. Although the area doesnt have a local Japanese atmosphere and is a bit far from Central
Tokyo, Odaiba maybe the best area to stay in Tokyo for family who would like to spend most of
their time in childrens activities. The science museums, theme parks and Odaibas proximity to
Tokyo Disney will definitely keep your children fully occupied.

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(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/odaiba-gundam-statue.jpg)
Odaiba Gundam Statue

Why Stay in Odaiba:


Complimentary shuttle to Tokyo Disney if you stay in Disney Good Neighbor Hotels in
Odaiba.
Near theme parks and science museums.
Convenient access to airports via airport limousine bus during daytime. The Airport
Limousine Bus from Haneda and Narita Airports service major hotels in Odaiba like Hotel
Nikko Tokyo and Grand Pacific Le Daiba.
Major hotels have large rooms between 30 to 40 sqm., making them great hotels in
Tokyo for families.
Dramatic view towards Rainbow Bridge and Central Tokyo.
Sights Nearby: Rainbow Bridge, Fuji TV Building, Gundam Front Tokyo, Tokyo Joypolis,
Legoland Discovery Center, Toyota Megaweb, and Venus Fort.

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Where to Stay in Odaiba: Asiatravelbugs Recommended Hotels


Hotel Nikko Tokyo (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-nikko-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
(4.5*) I have personally stayed in this hotel and can recommend it for its huge rooms
and great views. The Mt. Fuji view from my Superior Room was a nice surprise. Stay here
during non-weekends for better rates. Triple rooms are available and one child under 9
years old can stay for free using existing beds. Double and twin rooms start at USD
150/night while triple rooms start at USD 220/night.

(http://www.agoda.com/hotel-nikko-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Hotel Nikko Tokyo (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-nikko-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Ocean Twin (40 sqm) ~USD150/night

Grand Pacific Le Daiba (http://www.agoda.com/grand-pacific-le-daiba/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?


CID=1649852) (4*) This hotel is right across Hotel Nikko Tokyo and is very popular
among group tours. Typical room size ranges between 30 to 42 sqm. Triple rooms are
available and one child under 6 years old can stay free using existing beds. Twin rooms
start at USD 120/night and triple rooms start at USD 190/night.

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(http://www.agoda.com/grand-pacific-le-daiba/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Grand Pacific Le Daiba (http://www.agoda.com/grand-pacific-le-daiba/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852) Twin Room (33 sqm) ~USD120/night | Photo Credit: Agoda

Both Hotel Nikko Tokyo and Grand Pacific Le Daiba are Tokyo Disney Good Neighbor hotels and
guests can have complimentary shuttle to Tokyo Disney. Both hotels are also right next to Daiba
monorail station which connects to Shiodome Station near Ginza.

7. TOKYO DISNEY: Where to Stay in Tokyo First Time


If you are traveling with kids and if more than half of your Tokyo itinerary will be spent in Tokyo
Disneyland, the Official Hotels within the Tokyo Disney Resort maybe the best area to stay in
Tokyo for family.

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(http://asiatravelbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/tokyo-disney.jpg)
Tokyo Disneyland | Photo Credit: Amy Gustafson
(https://www.flickr.com/photos/amy_jane/8657010376)

Why Stay in Tokyo Disney Resort Official Hotels:


Guaranteed park admission even during peak days.
Disney tickets can be obtained at the hotel.
Hotels have huge rooms for families. Quadruple rooms are also available.
Free shuttle bus between your hotel to the Bayside Station of Disney Resort Line
Monorail. The monorail will take you to the entrance of Tokyo Disney Sea and Tokyo
Disneyland for a fee.
Convenient and fast to go to Tokyo Station in Central Tokyo. From JR Maihama Station
in Tokyo Disney, it will take only 20 minutes to go to Tokyo Station via JR Keiyo line or JR
Musashino line.
Convenient access to airports via airport limousine bus during daytime. The Airport
Limousine Bus from Haneda and Narita Airports service major hotels in the area like
Hilton Tokyo Bay and Sheraton Grande.

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Where to Stay Within Tokyo Disney Resort (Official Hotels):


Hilton Tokyo Bay Hotel (http://www.agoda.com/hilton-tokyo-bay/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852) (4*) Triple and quadruple rooms are available making this hotel a great
accommodation in Tokyo for family. One child under 6 can stay for free using existing
beds. Twin occupancy starts at USD 150/night, triple occupancy starts at USD 180/night
and quadruple occupancy starts at USD 210/night.

(http://www.agoda.com/hilton-tokyo-bay/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Hilton Tokyo Bay (http://www.agoda.com/hilton-tokyo-bay/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Celebrio Ocean Quadruple Room (40 sqm) ~USD250/night w/ Breakfast | Photo Credit: Agoda

Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel (http://www.agoda.com/sheraton-grande-tokyo-bay-


hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) (4*) Triple rooms available and all children under 6
can stay for free using existing beds. Twin rooms start at USD 155/night and triple rooms
start at USD 185/night.

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(http://www.agoda.com/sheraton-grande-tokyo-bay-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay (http://www.agoda.com/sheraton-grande-tokyo-bay-
hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) Triple Room (36 sqm) ~USD185/night | Photo Credit: Agoda

Both Hilton Tokyo Bay Hotel and Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel are within the Tokyo Disney
Resort area and are great family hotels in Tokyo. You also get all the perks of Tokyo Disney
Official Hotels as mentioned above if you stay in any of these two hotels.

Best Place to Stay in Tokyo With Family


(Tokyo Accommodation for Families)
The best place to stay in Tokyo with family depends on how many you are and whether you are
with young or adult children. To make it easy for you to objectively decide, Ive compiled my
recommended Tokyo accommodation for families in the chart below summarizing the maximum
adult and child occupancy based on data from Agoda and Booking.com, whether connecting

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rooms can be granted if available and whether the hotels are serviced by the airport limousine bus.
The hotels listed below are generally safe for families with kids except for Best Western Shinjuku in
Kabukicho red light district.

Note: Ive embedded summary information about each hotel in the table below just
hover your mouse on top of the heart and plus icons to get more details.

If you have any other suggestions on the best areas to stay in Tokyo, please feel free to leave your
comments in this blog.


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Other Japan Travel Tips:


Afraid to get lost in Japan?A pocket wifi can be your travel best friend. Asiatravelbug
strongly suggests first time visitors to rent a pocket wifi. Check out 5 reasons why you
need aPocket Wifi Japan Rental (http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/pupuru-pocket-wifi-japan-
rental-review/)in your trip to Tokyo.Free public WiFiisRAREin Japan!
No Tokyo itinerary yet? No problem, weve done all the grunt research work for
you!Check out AsiatravelbugsTokyo Itinerary (http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/tokyo-itinerary-
7-days-japan-travel/)travel blog.
Want to see Mount Fuji?Mount Fuji only shows up 80 days a year! Increase your
chances of seeing Mount Fuji by checking out our How to See Mount Fuji
(http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/mount-fuji-guide/) blog. Other readers have reported to see
Mount Fuji following Asiatravelbugs guide.

Have you picked the hotel where you will stay in Tokyo?
Asiatravelbug recommendsAgoda (http://www.agoda.com/city/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) for
best hotel rates in Tokyo.

Need more time to decide?


Dont forget to bookmark this page for future reference!Just press Control+D (Windows) or
Command+D (Mac) in your keyboard to bookmark.

Need help from your travel buddies to decide the best area to stay in
Tokyo? Share this article with them using the social share buttons
below!

About the Author


Tiffy, a.k.a. asiatravelbug, remains to be a nervous flyer despite of her frequent
travels to Asia and beyond. Travel and blogging has kept her sane from all the
hustles and bustles of corporate life. After working for 5+ years as a finance manager
in the worlds leading consumer goods company, Tiffy finally left her comfort zone
and quit her day job in 2014 to pursue her own dream as a web entrepreneur. Her
favorite cities are Kyoto and Tokyo and would choose to visit Japan over Paris in a
heartbeat!

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53 Comments

melodx February 11, 2015 at 12:03 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-

family/?replytocom=280#respond)

Hi, have u tried shinjuku prince hotel? i cnt decide f we will stay at shinjuku
princd or hotel blossom.

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 14, 2015 at 12:15 am Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=290#respond)

Hi Melody,

http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/wheretostayintokyofirsttimebestareafamily/ 42/72
3/22/2015 WheretoStayinTokyoFirstTime&TokyoFamilyHotels

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, I have not been to Shinjuku
Prince Hotel (http://www.agoda.com/shinjuku-prince-hotel/hotel/tokyo-
jp.html?CID=1649852). But I did a little bit of research and found out that it is
located right in Shinjuku Station with a basement entrance. Their room rates
look affordable but their standard rooms are very small at 15 sqm which
could be claustrophobic for 2 adults staying together, in my personal
opinion. Their 30 sqm deluxe rooms seem to be a better value for money
with rates starting from USD 150.

The inside of Shinjuku Station is a big maze (with lots of people) and I find it
easier to navigate by walking outside the station rather than inside. So, it is a
possibility that you will need sometime inside Shinjuku Station to locate the
entrance of Shinjuku Prince Hotel.

Newer hotels tend to have better rooms, better facilities and better service.
For this reason, I suggest Hotel Blossom (http://www.agoda.com/jr-kyushu-
hotel-blossom-shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) over Shinjuku
Prince Hotel. Hotel Blossom is near Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, a good 5 to 10
minute walk from Shinjuku Station West Exit and navigating your way is
pretty much straightforward if you walk outside the station.

I hope this helps!


-Tiffy

Lilia February 18, 2015 at 7:56 am Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-

family/?replytocom=311#respond)

Hi Tiffy! Thanks for sharing your experiances! Any recommendation for


AIRBNB in the shinjuku area for 16 Pax?

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 19, 2015 at 8:59 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=318#respond)

Hello Lilia! Thank you for visiting my blog!

I think it will be better for your travel group to stay in hotel in Tokyo.
Space in Tokyo is really scarce is it is very rare to find a airbnb
condo which can accommodate 16 people. Actually, just like you,

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Ive considered vacation rentals but decided to stick to book a hotel


as the latter offers much more convenience in terms of accessibility
and the price difference between the two is not that big.

If you will be going to Kyoto, I can recommend you to stay in a


Machiya (century old Japanese homes) which you can book and
have the whole house to your travel group. Unfortunately, Machiyas
can rarely be found in Tokyo.

My friend with the same case as yours (travel group with more than
12 pax) booked multiple rooms in Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
(http://www.agoda.com/hotel-sunroute-plaza-shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-
jp.html?CID=1649852) last year and have no complaints whatsoever.

I hope this helps and please do let me know if there is anything else
I could do to help!
-Tiffy

helen February 11, 2015 at 2:25 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=281#respond)

Hi i just love the blog you shared. My family is also looking forward to visit japan
soon. And i think it would be helpful for us. Can you recommend a travel agent re
our visas?
Thanks & God bless us all.

Helen

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 11, 2015 at 9:30 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=282#respond)

Hi Helen!

Thank you for your message and Im happy that you found this blog useful.

My travel agent has office in Dusit Thani Hotel (Makati) and they got my
multiple entry Japan visa released in a matter of 2 business days.

I will message you separately for the travel agents name.

Tiffy
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CLLC February 11, 2015 at 10:21 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-

area-family/?replytocom=283#respond)

Hi Tiffy, My family is also planing to travel to Japan this year. Is it okay to


let me know the travel agents name in Dusit Thani Hotel (Makati)? and
also the rate that I need to pay? please please. Thank You

CLLC

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 11, 2015 at 10:51 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=284#respond)

Hi CLLC!

Ive just emailed the details of my travel agent to you, as well as the
service fee which I paid last year.

Thanks.
-Tiffy

Grace February 17, 2015 at 12:15 am

Hi Tiffy! Can you please send me your agents name as well?


This blog is so amazing, I did not even consider doing more
research after I read this! Im planning a family trip and need to
fix things very very soon. If your agent is fast, then that would
really be awesome. I work near Dusit Thani so yay!

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 17, 2015 at 10:31 pm

Hi Grace! Thank you very much for your kind words. Ive just
emailed you the business name of the travel agent and I hope
you have received it!

Happy Tokyo travel planning!


-Tiffy

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Jp February 13, 2015 at 11:10 am Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=286#respond)

Hi Tiffy! You have a very useful yet entertaining blog.


My friend sent me your link and it has actually changed my plans on where to
stay in Tokyo. Other reviews tend to make all the districts seem the same so its
quite overwhelming to decide. You laid it out so clearly, perfect read for first time
vistors to Tokyo.

My girfriend and I are visting Tokyo this coming March and maybe you can share
an advice as to how different Yoyogi and Yotsuya areas in Shunjuku are from
eachother. Im trying to choose between 2 hotels namely Mitsui garden hotel in
yotsuya and Hotel sunroute plaza in yoyogi. Hotel reviews are almost identical
but theres a slight difference in price. Thanks again and thanks in advance for
your feedback.

More power to your blog!

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 13, 2015 at 11:48 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=289#respond)

Hi JP! I am happy that you found this blog post useful in your Tokyo travel
planning.

I would assume that you are referring to Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku


(http://www.agoda.com/hotel-sunroute-plaza-shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852) with address Yoyogi 2-3-1, Shibuya-ku, Japan. If this is the
Sunroute hotel which you are referring to, I strongly recommend this hotel! I
have personally stayed here before in a twin room and loved its highly
convenient location. This hotel is sandwiched between the edge of Shibuya
(Yoyogi) and Shinjuku districts, near business buildings in Shinjuku, but is just
5 minute walk away from all the action (shopping, cheap eateries, night life,
Shinjuku station). The airport limo bus drops you off right in the lobby of
Sunroute. The Shinjuku Station West Exit where you can buy Hakone Free
Pass is just a good 5 to 10 minute walk away.

Yotsuya is well-connected and is located somewhere in the middle of


Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. As far as I know, Yotsuya is not as lively as
Shinjuku. Yotsuya could be a good place to stay if all your hotel alternatives

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within the immediate area of Shinjuku Station have all been sold out, which
could happen during peak seasons in Tokyo.

If I were you, I will go ahead and book rooms in Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
(http://www.agoda.com/hotel-sunroute-plaza-shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852) even if the price is a little bit higher than Mitsui Garden in
Yotsuya. You get to save time in commuting between Yotsuya and Shinjuku,
which means you will have more time to explore, more time to shop and
more time to enjoy Tokyo. PS. The double rooms in Sunroute are compact,
18 sqm, which is the typical size of double rooms in mid range Tokyo hotels.
If you value space, you may want to book their 23 sqm twin rooms.

I hope this helps!


-Tiffy

Jp February 15, 2015 at 10:52 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-

family/?replytocom=295#respond)

Thanks so much Tiffy!

Ill definitely follow your suggestion.

The idea of the hotels location being sandwhich between the edge of
shibuya and shinjuku districts and also having much action within that
location will allow us to maximize our Tokyo experience.

Its also pleasing to learn that the airport limo bus drops off directly to
Sunroute plaza Shinjuku.

Were all set then.

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 17, 2015 at 9:17 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=304#respond)

Hi JP! Im glad Im able to help you make a decision.

Have a safe trip and Im sure you will enjoy Tokyo as much as I did!

-Tiffy

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Gerald Monreal February 15, 2015 at 6:08 am Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-

area-family/?replytocom=291#respond)

hello ,
Im set to go narita this august for 8 days, i want to see heritage place ,
landscaping and rich culture , please teach me ? Thank you

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 17, 2015 at 10:20 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=307#respond)

Hi Gerald,

Thanks for dropping by and Im excited to know that you are bound for
Tokyo this year. Please feel free to check out Asiatravelbugs Tokyo itinerary
(http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/tokyo-itinerary-7-days-japan-travel/) to know
the must visit places in Tokyo.

I hope this helps!


-Tiffy

Mary February 15, 2015 at 11:07 am Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=292#respond)

Hi Tiffy, thank you for writing this article. I thought is what near impossible to
travel to Japan with my toddler and infant and be able to see the city life. But with
this article, I feel more confident that it could be done and would we very
convenient!
I did want to know if I stayed at sunroute plaza shinjuku hotel, will I be able to
take a convienient transportation with my kids from sunroute plaza hotel to
Tokyo Disney theme park?

Thanks,
Mary

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 17, 2015 at 10:15 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=306#respond)

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Hello Mary! Thank you for dropping a message in my blog. Since you have
little kids with you, staying in Keio Plaza Shinjuku
(http://www.agoda.com/keio-plaza-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852)
maybe more convenient to your needs. This hotel has free shuttle to Disney
for guests, which needs to be pre-booked in advance. Also, some Mount Fuji
tours start from this hotel so staying in Keio maybe the most convenient if
you want to avail Mount Fuji bus tours, visit Disney while still being very
close to the local action in Shinjuku.

Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-sunroute-plaza-


shinjuku/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) is located in a highly strategic
location in West Shinjuku. However, in order to go to Tokyo Disney, it will
involve getting into Shinjuku Station and transferring lines in Tokyo Station
which should be ok for adults but could be stressful for someone with very
little kids in tow. I have to warn you that these two stations are massive train
stations and it is quite common for visitors to get lost inside Shinjuku or
Tokyo Station. Alternatively, you can take a bus going to Disney from JR
Shinjuku Station New South Exit (check out this link
(http://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/access/bus/shinjuku/)) but Im afraid Im
not be able to comment further since I have not tried it myself. I checked
google maps and this bus station is just 10-15 minutes walk from Hotel
Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku.

If you are not planning to go to Hakone and Mount Fuji, you may want to
consider staying in Ginza instead which is quite close to Tokyo Station. Cabs
between these two areas are not too expensive since they are just next to
each other.

I hope this helps!


-Tiffy

mutya February 15, 2015 at 2:54 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=293#respond)

hi tiffy,
thank you for the blog. find it very informative and useful. can i also get some info
on the travel agency and visa assistance, including the price? my sisters and
friends are planning to go to japan too.

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thanks,
mutya

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 17, 2015 at 10:53 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=309#respond)

Hi Mutya,

Ive just emailed you the name of my travel agent and some other Tokyo
travel tips!

Happy Tokyo travel planning!


-Tiffy

bebe capuyan February 15, 2015 at 4:37 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-

area-family/?replytocom=294#respond)

HI..will be going to Tokyo ds oct 29 . how can we get there in the city fm narita
airport. bus or taxi.

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 17, 2015 at 9:26 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=305#respond)

Hello Bebe! Taxi is very expensive in Japan and it costs between USD 250
to USD 300 for one way taxi ride between Narita Airport and central Tokyo.
So taxi is not recommended.

Im not sure which part of Tokyo will you be staying but if coming from Narita,
you can take Narita Express train (NEX) (http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/) or
Airport Limousine Bus (https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/) which will only
cost a fraction of your taxi fare. If you will be staying in a hotel serviced by
the Airport Limousine Bus, then taking the bus will be the most convenient
way to transfer between Narita and central Tokyo.

Just save your airport taxi budget for your next airplane ticket to Japan.

I hope this helps!


-Tiffy

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Dodie February 16, 2015 at 9:11 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=296#respond)

Hi,
Thank you for your blog , very useful. If travelling with family, what hotel would
you recommend and can I have info on the travel agency for visa assistance

Thanks,
dodie

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 17, 2015 at 11:20 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=310#respond)

Hi Dodie,

Thank you very much for visiting my blog! Choosing the hotel to stay will
depend on how many you are, whether you are with young or adult children
and what activities you would like to do in Tokyo. If you will be able to
provide more information, then I might be able to pinpoint which hotel may
work best for you. But as a first time visitor, I recommend you to pick a hotel
either in Shinjuku or Ginza.

I will be emailing the name of the travel agency to you shortly.

Thanks!
-Tiffy

marissa February 17, 2015 at 12:19 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-

family/?replytocom=301#respond)

My family is travelling to Japan in June 2015. My agent is offering a package for 3


nights at Shinagawa Prince Hotel. This will be our first visit to Japan. What can
you tell me about that hotel or should we try doing this ourselves to save money?

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 17, 2015 at 9:14 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=302#respond)

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Hi Marisa! If you will be traveling on a free and easy basis and within Tokyo
only, I suggest that you do the hotel booking on your own and use mass
public transportation (trains) to save money. Agoda
(http://www.agoda.com/city/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) and Booking.com
(http://www.booking.com/city/jp/tokyo.html?aid=393099&label=wtsit) have
good hotel rates in Tokyo. Majority of the hotels there offer free
cancellations too to allow more flexibility in case you change your mind at a
later time.

Private transfers are rare in Japan and my understanding is that these are
not usually offered by travel agencies, unless you are on a private group bus
tour. The trains and metro systems in Japan can overwhelming at first, but
with some advance research (check out hyperdia.com), you should be able
to get the hang of it. The signs in trains and stations are mostly bilingual in
Japanese and English.

Regarding Shinagawa Prince Hotel, the hotel is located somewhere south


but is well-connected with JR Yamanote line (the main central line in Tokyo)
and Shinkansen bullet train going to Kyoto-Osaka. If you are planning to visit
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in one go, then the location of Shinagawa Prince
Hotel would be strategic. If you will be visiting Tokyo only, I recommend that
you stay in a more happening area like in Shinjuku or Ginza to experience
the real local Japanese atmosphere as you see on TV.

I hope this helps!


-Tiffy

Nikki February 18, 2015 at 8:54 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=312#respond)

Hi,
I have stayed at both the JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku and the Hotel
Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku in January 2015.

I preferred the Blossom hotel as I felt the same price room (the cheapest single
room) was larger there and better laid out. The room furnishings seemed to be of
a higher quality and there were more free bathroom amenities.

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Thank you for your wonderful website! I am planning a solo trip to Osaka and
Kyoto in June and will be sure to consult your site.

Cheers

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 19, 2015 at 8:33 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=316#respond)

Thank you Nikki for sharing your wonderful experience about JR Kyushu
Hotel Blossom Shinjuku! This is a very helpful information to the other
readers. Indeed, Hotel Blossom looks like a very good alternative to
Sunroute in Shinjuku!

Cheers to more travels to Tokyo and beyond!


-Tiffy

teresita sales February 18, 2015 at 9:34 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-

area-family/?replytocom=313#respond)

Hi tiffy , thank you so much very useful.can you share with me also your travel
agency pls. My family is planning to visit tokyo in july.

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 19, 2015 at 8:37 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=317#respond)

Hi Teresita,

Ive just sent you an email regarding the travel agency for Japan visa. I hope
this helps.

Happy Tokyo travel planning!


-Tiffy

Miva February 19, 2015 at 1:25 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=315#respond)

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Youre heaven sent Tiffy! coming across your asiatravelbug.com, it saves me a lot
of time doing researches for our Japan trip on June. This trip is our advance 18th
birthday (Oct.) gift for my daughter who has been requesting a Japan trip from
the time she started cosplaying 4 years ago. I want this to be a super
memorable one for her better than having a debut party ( well, she never really
wanted one) . She wants to see/go to places where the cosplayers are seen
frequently and fashion malls that sells nice and cheap clothes. We also plan to go
to Kyoto, Osaka, Disneyland and Mount Fuji. Please advise where to get an
accessible, convenient and affordable hotels. Is 5D/4N enough for the activities
that we are planning to do.? How much does your travel agency charges for visa
assistance?
Thanks Tiffy, may you continue to be a blessing to others! God Bless!

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 21, 2015 at 11:47 am Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=321#respond)

Hi Miva,

Thanks for your kind words! In your case, I would recommend you to stay in
Shibuya. You may want to check out Shibuya Excel Tokyo Hotel
(http://www.agoda.com/shibuya-excel-hotel-tokyu/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?
CID=1649852) for your accommodation. This hotel is in Shibuya station so it
is very convenient for airport transfers via NEX train and exploring central
Tokyo using the JR Yamanote line. Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya
(http://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/dormy-inn-premium-shibuya-
jingumae.html?aid=393099&label=wtsit) could be a cheaper Shibuya hotel
alternative, but the number of rooms available there are rather limited. The
crowd in Shibuya are mainly teenagers so this is something which your
daughter may really like.

Apart from Shibuya, I suggest you to wander around Akihabara to see the
bizarre / otaku side of Tokyo. Ive seen cheap cosplay clothes in the Don
Quijote store in Akihabara.
Try to schedule your trips to Shibuya and Akihabara during weekends to
increase your chances of seeing cosplayers. Feel free to check out my
Akihabara tour (http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/akihabara-only-in-japan-tokyo/)
blog.

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I think 5D/4N is sufficient for Tokyo only and you can probably squeeze in a
day either in Tokyo Disney or see Mount Fuji. With this tight timing, I do not
suggest you to include Kyoto and Osaka to your itinerary otherwise you will
spend more time in commuting rather than enjoying Japan. Kyoto warrants a
separate trip.

Sure, I will email you the name of the travel agency which assisted me in my
visa before.

Thanks and I hope my answer helps!


Tiffy

Kye February 21, 2015 at 7:03 am Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=319#respond)

thanks for your blog, can you please share your travel agency in dusit and how
many days will you recommend for a stay in japan, that will be able to see all
those places you mention.

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 21, 2015 at 11:12 am Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=320#respond)

Hello Kye! Thanks for dropping by. I suggest 1 week in Tokyo if it will be your
first time. You can check out my Tokyo itinerary
(http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/tokyo-itinerary-7-days-japan-travel/) and just
pattern your travel plans from there.

I will email the name of the travel agency in a short while.

Happy Tokyo travel planning!


Tiffy

Joyce February 23, 2015 at 7:26 am Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=322#respond)

hi tiffy, loved your article so much, we are a family group of 5 adults going to
tokyo and osaka this april in time for the cherry blossom. Any advice on how to
take the shinkansen from shinkuku where we are staying in tokyo to osaka. And

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maybe a tip for the readers on osaka next? Thanks! Joyce

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 28, 2015 at 7:02 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=339#respond)

Hi Joyce! Thanks for your kind words.

The Shinkansen going to Osaka from Tokyo stops in Tokyo Station. From
Shinjuku Station, you have to take the JR Chuo line to Tokyo Station which
will take about 15 minutes. I suggest you to allot 1 hour or so in commuting
between Shinjuku and Tokyo Station since these two are massive stations.
There is high probability of getting lost. But dont worry, you can always ask
young Japanese people for directions in case you cant find your way
around.

If you have time, you should spend sometime in Kyoto and Nara too since
these two places are really known for beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan.

I have been to Osaka before on a separate trip but just for 2 days. I made
Osaka a pitstop to go to Kyoto. I might go back to Osaka this year for a
second try and will definitely share my experiences for the benefit of the
readers.

Please feel free to share your cherry blossom experience in Japan when you
are back!

I wish you and your family a fun and unforgettable cherry blossom trip in
Japan!
-Tiffy

tp February 23, 2015 at 10:28 am Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=323#respond)

hi!
nice article! hope to visit japan soon with these tips

Good job Tiffy!!!


From Tp

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asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 28, 2015 at 3:09 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=335#respond)

Thank you for your kind words TP! Im sure you will enjoy Japan as much as I
did.

Oh, I just realized we have rhyming nick names. Haha.

-Tiffy

Josie February 24, 2015 at 10:44 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=327#respond)

Hi Tiff,

We are having a 6 day trip to tokyo this coming May. Our schedule will also
include an overnight stay in kyoto. A friend told me to buy a JR pass since we will
be traveling to kyoto. Then what are Suica cards for? I have travelled to tokyo
before but we joined the tour, this time we want to explore it on our own. Can
you help us?

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 28, 2015 at 5:43 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=337#respond)

Hi Josie!

The Suica card is a prepaid reloadable transit card which you can use to pay
fare if you ride JR trains, Tokyo metro and other rail lines. The Suica card can
also be used in convenience stores. If you have been to Hong Kong, the
Suica card is much like the Octopus card.

My understanding is that the JR pass only covers JR trains and not Tokyo
metro. Train and railway systems in Japan are pretty complex and they are
owned by different companies. In order to get to point A to point B in Tokyo,
it is highly likely that you will need to make some transfers between JR train
and Tokyo metro line which are operated by two different rail companies.
Given this, the Suica card will give you much more convenience and
flexibility since you are not only restricted to JR trains.

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The JR pass gives a lot of value if you will be visiting multiple regions in
Japan. If you will be visiting Kyoto only, purchasing a non-JR pass
shinkansen ride may come out a little bit cheaper. Also, I suggest you to stay
at least 2 nights in Kyoto to maximize your shinkansen train fare. In my
personal opinion, Kyoto and Osaka warrant a separate 1 week trip. There are
a lot of things to see in Kyoto and an overnight stay might not be enough.

I hope my answer helps!


Tiffy

Dennis February 25, 2015 at 8:41 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-

family/?replytocom=329#respond)

Hi,

My family (2 adults and 2 children 8 and 6 yrs old) is planning a trip to Japan
from 28Apr to 06May. Our flight is Mla-Osaka-Mla only. We plan to go around
osaka, Kyoto from 29Apr-03May and plan to go to Tokyo from 03May to
06May.Where do you suggest we book our hotel if one of our plan is to see
disneysea?

Thanks very much!


Dennis

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) February 28, 2015 at 5:21 pm Reply

(/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=336#respond)

Hi Dennis,

I suggest you to have two bases in your trip. One hotel base either in Kyoto
or Osaka, and another hotel base in Tokyo. Since the main purpose of your
Tokyo side trip is to see Disney only, I suggest you to book your hotel in
Hilton Tokyo Bay (http://www.agoda.com/hilton-tokyo-bay/hotel/tokyo-
jp.html?CID=1649852) which is within the immediate area of Tokyo
Disney/Disneysea.

You might need to spend your last night in Osaka since your departure will
be from Osaka.

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If you are looking for hotel recommendations in Osaka, I recommend


Swissotel Nankai Namba Osaka Hotel (http://www.agoda.com/swissotel-
nankai-osaka-hotel/hotel/osaka-jp.html?CID=1649852). Ive personally stayed
in Swissotel Namba before and can recommend it for its highly convenient
location. It is located just atop Namba station which can easily get you to
Kyoto, Nara and Kansai airport. Swissotel is located within the Dotonburi
district which comes very lively at night.

I hope this helps! I wish you and your family a safe trip to Japan!
-Tiffy

vicky d February 28, 2015 at 6:39 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=338#respond)

Dear tiffy,
My husband daughter and i will tour japan from march 21 to 27 . WE would like to
visit the following places : shibuya march 21 to 22 then proceed to shinjuku
march 22 to 23 then ginza 23 to 24. We will then proceed to kyoto fr the 24th to
26 then to osaka on the 27th for one day. We will then depart to our home
country on the 28th. It will be our first time in japan and i want my 24 year old
daughter to remember this very much wished for trip. I am so confused whether
to buy the jr pass . Will this pass be useful with regards to our itinerary . What is
the best way to explore the above places. The more i read themore i got
confused. Pls help us. She would like to see cultural shows too.

Thanks a lot

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) March 5, 2015 at 12:27 pm Reply (/blog/where-

to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=344#respond)

Hi Vicky! Thanks for your message.

The difference between the price of 7 day JR pass and a round trip
shinkansen ride between Tokyo and Kyoto is just about 1000 yen. Will you
be departing from Narita/Haneda Airport in Tokyo or from Kansai Airport in
Osaka? If you only need a one way transfer between Tokyo and Kyoto, then I

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suggest you to purchase a standalone shinkansen ticket. If you need a round


trip transfer between Tokyo and Kyoto and would need airport transfer
between Narita and Tokyo, then the JR pass will be a good value.

Your itinerary looks doable but you have to start your day early. You dont
need to change hotels within Tokyo since Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ginza are
reachable via JR Yamanote line.

March 21: Arrival, Shibuya


March 22: Shibuya and Shinjuku (Shibuya AM, Shinjuku PM)
March 23: Ginza Tsukiji Fish Market, East Gardens of Imperial Palace,
Ginza Chuo Dori (you may want to go to Asakusa from Ginza, 10 min. train
ride)
March 24: Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto
March 25: Kyoto
March 26: Kyoto
March 27: Day trip to either Osaka or Nara or just stay in Kyoto (Nara is
known for great cherry blossoms)
March 28: Departure (You have to give yourself sufficient allowance, are you
going back to Tokyo on this day? If you will be departing from Tokyo in the
morning or early afternoon, you might need to spend your last night in
Tokyo.)

For activities, you might want to check the cultural experiences offered by
GoVoyagin (https://www.govoyagin.com/things_to_do/japan?
acode=asiatravelbug). Ive tried GoVoyagin before for their Akihabara tour
and it was great!

I hope my answer helps! I wish you and your family a happy trip to Japan!
-Tiffy

Marites February 28, 2015 at 10:23 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-

family/?replytocom=340#respond)

Dear Tiffy;

I find your blog so helpful. Thank you for sharing it.

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I am planning to go to Tokyo with my sister who will be coming from Nagoya. I


want to explore big bargain shopping of used luxury brands that I could re-sell to
my friends plus of course sight seeing and eat authentic japanese food and I
think Shinjuku area will be a good place for us to stay.

Also, can you please refer me to your travel agency who could process my visa.

By mid may this year, I will comeback again to Tokyo with my kids and my
husband.

By the way, do you think I can still book a hotel even if I plan to go 4th week of
March?

Thanks much!
Marites

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) March 3, 2015 at 10:12 pm Reply (/blog/where-

to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=343#respond)

Hi Marites! Ive personally seen Don Quijote stores sell second hand
designer bags when I was in Tokyo, so you might want to go there and see
for yourself. Don Quijote is a chain discount store in Japan and there is a
branch in Shinjuku. You may also want to try Komehyo and Daikokuya for
second hand luxury bags, but Ive never been to these stores yet.

Your travel date at the end of March is super peak when cherry blossoms are
forecasted to start to bloom. Just last week, I helped a personal friend find a
hotel in Tokyo (Shinjuku) for the end of March and it was extremely difficult
to find mid-range accommodation for 1 week. We ended up splitting the stay
between two luxury hotels in Shinjuku. But there is some chance that you
maybe able to find accommodation in non-central Tokyo hotels but it is
highly likely that you may need to do split hotel bookings. If you are not
intending to see cherry blossoms, I suggest you to combine your itinerary in
your mid-May trip when hotel choices are not as sold out as the last week of
March.

I will email the name of the travel agent shortly.

I hope this helps!


-Tiffy

http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/wheretostayintokyofirsttimebestareafamily/ 61/72
3/22/2015 WheretoStayinTokyoFirstTime&TokyoFamilyHotels

Tonette March 1, 2015 at 2:20 am Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=341#respond)

Hi Tiffy

I find your blog so informative. We will be considering the places you recommend
in your blog in finalizing arrangements for our May visit to Osaka and Tokyo. Our
group of 9 will be travelling Mla-Osaka-Tokyo-Mla. Could you also recommend
for affordable accommodations in Osaka? and maybe an itinerary for a 2 day visit
in Osaka too?

I would appreciate getting the name of your agent too who could assist in the
processing of our visa application. Are visa applications to Japan only processed
through travel agencies?

Your reply will be greatly appreciated.

Tonette

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) March 3, 2015 at 8:59 am Reply (/blog/where-

to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=342#respond)

Hi Tonette,

Thank you for dropping by! I would recommend you to stay in Namba district
in Osaka for convenience. Its a happening area with lots of eateries and
small shops around. Ive personally stayed in Swissotel Nankai Osaka
(http://www.agoda.com/swissotel-nankai-osaka-hotel/hotel/osaka-jp.html?
CID=1649852) which just sits on top of the Namba station and I recommend
it for its convenience. If you are looking for more affordable hotel
alternatives, try either Cross Hotel Osaka (http://www.agoda.com/cross-
hotel-osaka/hotel/osaka-jp.html?CID=1649852) or Namba Oriental Hotel
(http://www.agoda.com/namba-oriental-hotel/hotel/osaka-jp.html?
CID=1649852). These two hotels are just minutes walk away from Namba
station.

Im not sure if you are with kids. Maybe you want to spend a day in Universal
Studios? If not, you can spend one day visiting Osaka Castle and having a
food trip in Namba area (Dotonbori/Shinsaibashi).

http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/wheretostayintokyofirsttimebestareafamily/ 62/72
3/22/2015 WheretoStayinTokyoFirstTime&TokyoFamilyHotels

I do suggest you spend a day trip to Kyoto specifically in Kiyomizudera


temple and Higashiyama to soak in traditional Japanese culture. If you are
lucky, you might get the chance to see Maikos (trainee Geishas) and tourists
in kimonos strolling in Kyoto. Osaka and Kyoto are just 1 hour train ride from
each other. You can use the local line for transfer and there is no need to
take the expensive bullet train between Osaka and Kyoto.

Yes, Japanese visa applications are only processed through accredited


travel agencies. Regarding the travel agents name, I shall email this to you
shortly.

Thanks and I wish your travel group a happy trip to Japan! Happy travel
planning!
-Tiffy

Leanne March 8, 2015 at 10:11 am Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=345#respond)

Hello Ms. Tiffy,


Thank you for this informative blog. I was wondering whens the best time to
booked our hotel room? I dont know if Agoda and Booking.com got some
problems or something but I tried booking to see what prices I am to expect for
that period but they are all fully booked. I input Feb 17 to 23,2016 and it resulted
in the rooms were full in your recommended hotels.

Hope you could give me some tips. Truth to be told, this will be my first trip
abroad and I was tasked to handle our planning.

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) March 8, 2015 at 6:02 pm Reply (/blog/where-

to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=346#respond)

Hi Leanne! I am happy to hear that you chose Tokyo as your first travel
destination abroad! Definitely, you made an excellent choice.

I think you are booking your hotel rooms too early. Based on my
experience, hotel inventories are generally available to book online 6
months before your travel date. You can try to check your preferred Tokyo
hotel in Agoda (http://www.agoda.com/city/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) or

http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/wheretostayintokyofirsttimebestareafamily/ 63/72
3/22/2015 WheretoStayinTokyoFirstTime&TokyoFamilyHotels

Booking.com (http://www.booking.com/city/jp/tokyo.html?
aid=393099&label=wtsitC) sometime late August to book your hotel. So,
please do not forget to bookmark this blog post for your future reference.

I normally book my hotels 2-3 months from my travel date. If Im traveling


during a peak season, I always ensure to book 3 months ahead.

February is not peak season in Japan so you should be fine booking your
hotel 3 months ahead from your expected arrival. But booking your hotel 6
months ahead wouldnt hurt if this will make you more comfortable and put
your mind at peace.

I hope this helps and please feel free to let me know if you have any other
questions Leanne!
-Tiffy

Terence March 14, 2015 at 3:47 am Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?

replytocom=352#respond)

Hello Miss Tiffy,

Thank you for your great infor on visiting Japan for the 1st time.
I tried to you all the link you provided to book the hotel from date 11 April till 16
April.
All the hotel is fully booked. Is there any other alternative on that. I will be
traveling with my partner.
Any recommendation. Hope you can help me.

Thank you
Terence

asiatravelbug (http://asiatravelbug.com) March 15, 2015 at 4:22 pm Reply (/blog/where-

to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-area-family/?replytocom=355#respond)

Hi Terence!

April is super peak season and its common for all prime hotels to get sold
out months in advance. Its best to book at least 3 months ahead if you
are heading to Japan for spring or autumn.

http://asiatravelbug.com/blog/wheretostayintokyofirsttimebestareafamily/ 64/72
3/22/2015 WheretoStayinTokyoFirstTime&TokyoFamilyHotels

Anyway, I checked the available hotels for your travel dates in Agoda and I
recommend these two hotels:
1. Hotel Niwa Tokyo (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-niwa-tokyo/hotel/tokyo-
jp.html?CID=1649852) This hotel has great service but not really right
smack in a tourist area. However, Tokyo station is just 10-15 minutes ride
away with two quick train transfers.
2. Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome (http://www.agoda.com/hotel-villa-fontaine-
tokyo-shiodome/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?CID=1649852) This hotel is located in
Shiodome business district 10 minutes walk away from the southern edge of
Ginza and Tsukiji fish market. I have personally stayed in Shiodome district
(Park Hotel Tokyo) before and I find the area to be a good alternative if all
good hotels in Ginza and Shinjuku are sold out. Theres Don Quijote just a
few minutes walk away which is great for cheap shopping 24/7. Shiodome
Station is within JR Yamanote line so its easy to get anywhere in Tokyo from
Shiodome. You can book Hotel Villa Fontaine Shiodome here
(http://www.agoda.com/hotel-villa-fontaine-tokyo-shiodome/hotel/tokyo-
jp.html?CID=1649852).

P.S. Dont forget to book your pocket wifi in advance as it can sell like
hotcakes during spring. I recommend Pupuru wifi and you can book it here
(http://www.pupuru.com/affiliate/P09/14).

I hope this helps and I wish you and your partner a great 1st trip to Tokyo! Im
sure this will not be your last trip to Japan.
-Tiffy

Terence March 15, 2015 at 8:50 pm Reply (/blog/where-to-stay-in-tokyo-first-time-best-

area-family/?replytocom=356#respond)

Dear Tiffy

Thank you for your prompt responce.


I shall look up the 2 hotel and also the pocket wifi you told me.

Terence

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