Tips on finding the best accommodation when traveling in Tokyo, Japan
Since I recently came back from Tokyo and have been there numerous times in the past few years, I thought I would share my experience with you on how to find a hotel that suits your needs. For disclaimers, if you have an ample budget and can book any hotel you want, you probably don't need to read this. Also, if you plan to take cabs while you are in Japan, this article is not for you either. I don't have a big budget when it comes to travel. I love good food but don't need the hotel to leave a note or chocolates on the bed when I arrive. Whether exploring the cities or shopping for things I love, I focus on experience and generally don't spend too much time sitting in my hotel room. I also know that my experience doesn't cover everything and may not suit everyone; I won't be shocked if you tell me you can find better advice somewhere.
On my last few trips to Japan, I spent between $50 and $200 per night for a hotel room. The rates depend on the season and how early you book. For example, if you plan to visit Tokyo during the cherry blossom season, even affordable accommodations will cost you much more. On my last trip to Japan, I went around late February to early March since I had seen the sakura blossoms in the past, and it wasn't my priority. I could pay at least twice as much if I chose to go around mid-March or later in the month. I made a video on why I keep going back to Tokyu Stay Shinjuku, which is my favorite place to stay in Tokyo. You can simply watch the video if you are not into reading travel tips.
I won't discuss the Airbnb option since I no longer use it. The complicated billing system and the risks of staying in private property are endless, so it is simply not the way I like accommodation.
A more affordable option is to stay in a capsule hotel. However, if you can afford to spend more, I don't recommend this option unless you simply want to experience this unique Japanese accommodation. If you travel as a couple, you will have to pay for two pods, so the number does add up, so it may be better to book a proper hotel. Be aware that one of the reasons the capsule hotel was created for drunk businessmen to stay overnight when it is too late for them to catch a train. While staying at a capsule hotel, you may hear loud snores, and the noise may wake you up when they get up around 5 or 6 in the morning to get back to work. In addition, you have to keep your luggage in the locker since the pod is not big enough to accommodate luggage.
Places like the First Cabin are the closest to capsule hotels. There are three in Tokyo and one more in Haneda airport if your flight arrives after midnight. First Cabin is great for solo travelers, as you get a room with a full ceiling so you don't feel so claustrophobic. First Cabin has two options: Business Class Cabin and First Class Cabin. They only come with a curtain without a proper door or a lock. As weird as that sounds, it felt pretty safe when I stayed there. When I stayed at the First Cabin, I usually booked their First Class Cabin so I had space for my luggage and didn't have to store my luggage under the bed. Most Japanese accommodations provide full-standard amenities, so that's something you don't have to worry about when searching for a place to stay. Even though my preferred choice is Tokyu Stay, I sure don't mind choosing First Cabin again if I need to.
As someone who likes to save money for shopping or tasty food, I don't want to spend more than $150 per night unless it is during the peak season. Generally, hotel rooms that cost between $80 and $150 are good enough for most people unless you are a fancy influencer who needs the space to forge a narrative for your trip.
The next thing I want to discuss is the location. When searching for hotels, I first mark down the places I want to visit on Google Maps. Depending on what you want to do or see, you may want to book a room near those places so that you don't end up spending a lot of time and energy on transportation. Before making a reservation, I recommend you do a Google Maps direction search to see if the hotel is near any subway or train stations. Especially when you travel with big suitcases from and to the airport, you want to minimize the amount of walking. Be aware that it is likely more than that even when Google Maps says your hotel is 2 minutes walking distance from the hotel. When you get off the train, you usually have to walk a distance to an exit, and that walk can feel exhausting if you have heavy luggage.
Even though I love traveling to Japan, I admit that it is not easy to find elevators or escalators. Once you are familiar with the surrounding area, finding more unofficial subway exits with an elevator is possible. Before that, you can choose the wheelchair-accessible option when you look up directions on Google Maps. For example, I love staying at Tokyu Stay Shinjuku, and the nearest subway exit with an elevator is the C6 exit. However, after staying there multiple times, I discovered another unofficial exit with an elevator by the C4 exit. Technically, it is not an elevator for subway users because it belongs to a business building. You can find it around the corner by the stairway C4 exit. I experienced something similar when I stayed at the Tokyu Stay Osaka Honmachi. The exits with an elevator are a few blocks away based on Google Maps, but I found a closer elevator option in a building across the street from the hotel.
Lastly, I want to touch on the hotel amenities briefly. Most of the hotels around the price range I mentioned provide more amenities than you can find in a similar hotel in the US. One difference with Tokyu Stay Hotel is that they provide an option for rooms with a washer-dryer combination appliance. You read it right—you get your own washer-dryer within your room, and you can do laundry anytime you want—you don't need to spend time waiting at a laundromat! With it, I don't have to bring extra clothes for my whole stay in Japan, and I can have extra room in my luggage for things I want to purchase! I can't stress enough how much I love staying at the Tokyu Stay Shinjuku when I am in Tokyo. Not only is it close to the subway and bus station, but the shopping and food options are endless. I can go to popular places like Isetan, Muji, Uniqlo, Bic Camera, and Don Quijote within walking distance. And if you love buying art supplies and stationery, the Sekaido Shinjuku is across the street. After shopping at places like Loft, Hands, and Itoya, I found that Sekaido truly has the best price for most of the stuff, even though they don't provide tax refunds.
In conclusion, you can find endless options in Japan, especially in big cities like Tokyo. I am sure you will find something fantastic even without reading what I have written. I love traveling in Japan, and I will revisit it every chance I get. I hope my experience delivers a small insight into traveling in Japan. Feel free to ask in the comment area if you need suggestions.
