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12 minutes readContent
- What to Expect from Hotels in Tokyo
- The 4 Best Luxury Hotels in Tokyo
- The Top Boutique Hotels in Tokyo
- 3 of the Highest-Rated Budget-Friendly Hotels in Tokyo
- 4 of the Best Hotels in Tokyo for Families
What to Expect from Hotels in Tokyo
Before we jump into our recommendations for hotels in Tokyo, it’s worth covering what you can expect. Hotels and accommodation are typically smaller than in Europe and North America. You can expect amenities and hotel décor to be more minimalistic, while still providing the basics of ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, and in-room entertainment.
Expect space to be small, so pack lightly. Hotels in central Tokyo are typically small, but you can often upgrade to a deluxe room for extra space. Compact rooms are designed to maximize storage and often come with what’s known as ‘onsen kits’ with all the towels and toiletries you’ll need for a trip to the hot springs.
Don’t underestimate the size of Tokyo – especially if it’s your first visit. You’ll likely be using public transport to get around, so it’s best to choose accommodation close to a subway. Shibuya and Shinjuku are two of the most popular neighborhoods, putting you at the heart of the city’s cultural scene.
The 4 Best Luxury Hotels in Tokyo
There is no shortage of luxury hotels in Tokyo. If you’re heading to Japan on your honeymoon or to celebrate a milestone occasion, consider treating yourself to a 5-star hotel. You can compare and explore luxury hotels in Japan at ZenHotels to get the best rates on your vacation.
1. Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo’s Bvlgari Hotel brings Italian elegance to Tokyo inside the top six floors of a modern skyscraper in the Yaesu neighborhood of Chūūo Ward. Make time to stop by the spa and indulge in the Augustinus Bader products and reserve a table at one of the three on-site restaurants for a culinary experience that’s guaranteed to be a highlight of your trip. Il Ristorante Niko Romito is a Michelin-star restaurant on the 40th floor with indoor and outdoor seating, serving authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
With less than 100 rooms, this luxury boutique hotel marries Italian craftsmanship with Japanese sensibility. If you’re not a fan of nightlife, take it easy and soak up the atmosphere on the hotel’s rooftop bar instead. The hotel is located close to Tokyo Station, making it easy to navigate around the city.
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
If you’re visiting Tokyo for a bucket list vacation or a special celebration, consider checking into The Ritz-Carlton. Nestled inside the second tallest building in Tokyo, The Ritz-Carlton is an example of the international investment and growth driving the city’s popularity. It’s right next to Tokyo Tower, the city’s second tallest structure and the hotel itself spares no expense.
What makes The Ritz-Carlton popular isn’t just the hotel itself, but the views it offers. If you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from your hotel room if the humidity is low. However, you can expect to get some of the best views of the Tokyo Tower every day of the week. If you have the budget, the suites here feel more like an apartment by Japanese standards.
3. The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
If you want to experience Tokyo’s famous nightlife, stay at the Tokyo EDITION in Toranomon. As soon as you slip into one of the robes – known as yukatas – you’ll quickly forget about your travel itinerary. On the rooftop, you’ll find the Jade Room, with a menu crafted by Atom Aikens, a Michelin-starred chef using local ingredients, along with a garden terrace that brings the jungle to Tokyo’s Toranomon district. We love this option as an ideal choice for those seeking to get the most out of their time in Tokyo – day and night.
This neighborhood has transformed in recent years from a sleepy area to the heart of Tokyo’s nightlife. The hotel itself is worth spending an evening in with four restaurants and bars to choose from. You can expect some of the best views of Tokyo Bay and Tokyo Tower as the hotel is located on the top floors of the Tokyo World Gate skyscraper.
4. Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A Parkroyal Hotel
If you’re a music fan, Hotel Groove Shinjuku will offer you one of Japan’s most unique stays. Expect extra amenities in your room, including portable speakers, and curated décor with subtle nods to all things related to music. Many rooms were individually designed by artists who put their own twist on the theme. Washio Tomoyuki took inspiration from an artist’s studio with subtle nods to Tokyo’s nightlife, while the room designed by Toshiaki Kaihatsu features an entire wall of cassette tapes.
This luxury hotel isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s in an ideal location if you want to get around the city on foot or by public transport with floor-to-ceiling windows to help you soak up the view. Want a snack? Head to the hotel’s gelateria to sample unique gelato flavors, including red sweet potato and salty vanilla, and get your caffeine fix with an afternoon coffee.
The Top Boutique Hotels in Tokyo
If you’re a fan of boutique and independent hotels, you’ll have plenty to choose from in Japan. It’s important to remember most hotels tend to be on the smaller side, especially if you’re used to Western vacations. While it’s easy to get distracted by the luxury hotels locked away in the city’s skyscrapers, there are plenty of small boutique hotels that pack a punch, delivering a five-star service without the price tag.
What makes these boutique hotels special is the extra mile they go for their guests. They’re often a happy in-between if you want to upgrade from a budget hotel but don’t want to pay the price tag of a luxury resort stay.
1. Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Escape to the tranquil paradise of the Trunk Hotel at Yoyogi Park. This stylish boutique offers everything from bicycles for hire to flip-flops to wear in your guest room. Most of the artwork you’ll see dotted throughout the hotel was created by local artists.
It’s located within the Shibuya neighborhood – but you need to act quick if you want a reservation! There are only 20 rooms and five suites, leaning into a feeling of outdoor-indoor living, inspired by its proximity to Yoyogi Park.
Looking for a quiet night? Head to the sunken fire pit on the hotel’s rooftop to soak up the atmosphere of the Tokyo skyline or sit outside on your balcony. If you’re craving Italian food, stop by the Pizzeria e Trattoria l’Ombelico for its wood-fired pizza.
2. Hoshinoya Tokyo
If you’re seeking rest and relaxation with a wellness trip to Japan, you’ll feel right at home in the tranquility of Hoshinoya. It’ll keep you connected to all corners of Tokyo with Otemachi Station close by.
This boutique hotel is unique as it was deliberately built in Otemachi to tap into the area’s natural hot spring, leading to the creation of the open-air rooftop onsen. Hoshinoya has 84 rooms across 17 floors, giving it the feeling of an apartment block with added privacy. Each floor has an ochanoma, or central lounge, designed for guests to relax as if they’re at a wellness retreat.
The theme continues inside the hotel’s guest room, where glass walls and tatami mats invite you to relax and recharge after a day of sightseeing. The on-site restaurant, Nippon Cuisine, is open only to guests and serves a menu that blends French cuisine with a distinctly Japanese twist.
3. MUJI Hotel, Ginza
MUJI is one of the most successful Japanese retailers with stores in over 30 countries. If you’re a fan of the brand’s synonymous minimalistic aesthetic, you can spend your trip to Japan at the MUJI Hotel in Ginza. It’s one of the most unique hotels on our list, given its concept, but reflects the simplicity you’ll find in most Japanese accommodations. The seventy-nine rooms are stocked using MUJI products (no surprise!) and the on-site restaurant, Wa, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s located within the Ginza neighborhood, making it the perfect option if you’re visiting Tokyo for a shopping trip.
4. The Barn Tokyo
If you want the feel of a traditional B&B in Japan, The Barn in Tokyo might be what you’re looking for. The 16 small guest rooms in this family-run hotel have a homely feel with each offering a double or queen-sized bed. There’s a compact communal lobby area and a small garden, ideal for relaxing in the morning or catching up on your messages after a day exploring the city. While there’s not an on-site restaurant, you can get snacks and drinks from the lobby 24/7.
3 of the Highest-Rated Budget-Friendly Hotels in Tokyo
Tokyo can quickly get expensive – especially if you’re planning on shopping and visiting popular tourist attractions like Tokyo Disney Sea or Universal Studios Tokyo. Don’t worry! Tokyo truly has something to suit every budget with plenty of hotels and room options, from capsules to accommodation that bridges the gap between luxury and low cost.
1. OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka by Hoshino Resorts
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality. OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka is a great option if you’re a solo traveler or balling on a budget. The staff are experts in the local area and always willing to give recommendations for things to do around Otsuka with several free guided tours available for guests.
The rooms are minimalistic but feel elevated, designed to give you as much space as possible with multifunctional furniture. This hotel won’t come with an exhaustive list of amenities, but you’ll find an alcohol vending machine in the communal area, perfect for a quiet evening in your room or if you’re getting ready for a night out.
2. Nine Hours Akasaka
Japan is famous for its capsule hotels. If you’re on a budget or travel light, checking into a capsule hotel might be your best option. While the concept might feel like a hostel, it has an added touch of luxury with extra amenities. One of the best capsule hotels is Nine Hours in Akasaka, ideal for solo travelers.
Your luggage will be placed in a secure locker room before you go into your assigned capsule. While these aren’t large enough for you to stand in, you’ll have plenty of room for sleeping. The amenities are like what you would expect at a hotel with high-quality showers, branded toiletries comfortable pillows, and even an on-demand sleep analysis service, only available at the Akasaka location. There are plenty of outlets inside your capsule to recharge your devices.
3. The Gate Hotel Tokyo by HULIC
Are you looking for the perfect compromise between luxury and affordability? The Gate Hotel ticks all the boxes. This hotel is located within a tower that offers spectacular views of Ginza. You’ll want to check into The Gate Hotel if you’re looking for the added extras that make your hotel a destination in itself. The champagne bar sits on the fourth floor, frequented by local residents and hotel guests, giving the feel of a venue worthy of a far higher price tag.
The restaurant on the top floor specializes in beef and seafood dishes, while the lobby bar provides specular views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s just a short walk from Hibiya train station and delivers some of the best customer service you’ll find anywhere in the city.
4 of the Best Hotels in Tokyo for Families
The limited size of most Japanese hotel rooms can make it difficult to travel with kids – but it’s not impossible! There’s a growing number of accommodation options that cater to groups and families.
1. Shiba Park Hotel
If you’re heading to Tokyo with kids, look no further than the Shiba Park Hotel. This hotel is made for the bookworms at heart with over 1,500 books dotted throughout the lobby and public areas of the hotel. Look out for them in the staircases! Most of them are English and many of them are children’s books.
If you’re not fluent in Japanese, don’t worry. The on-site restaurant offers an English menu and there are several Western dishes available. Its location, close to Shiba Park, also makes it ideal for families as there’s a children’s playground and plenty to do in the local area. Many of the rooms were renovated only a few years ago and the hotel hosts several on-site experiences, including learning traditional Japanese art.
2. Mimaru Apartment Hotel Asakusa Station
Most Japanese hotel rooms are small, but Mimaru Apartment Hotel offers an alternative if you’re traveling with more than four people. It bridges the gap between a hotel room and an apartment, giving you extra space and the freedom to have a little flexibility with your itinerary. It’s a great option if you want to be able to cook or have meals in your room, especially if you have fussy eaters in your family or dietary requirements.
There are several Mimaru Apartment Hotels located throughout Tokyo, but we recommend the one next to Asakusa Station as one of the most convenient and family-friendly locations. You can choose a room with multiple bedrooms and even bunk beds, ideal for larger groups and families, giving you the freedom to set it up to suit your specific needs.
3. Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Traveling with kids doesn’t mean you can’t stay in a luxury hotel. The Grand Hyatt in Tokyo is one of the city’s best accommodation options for families. Located in Roppongi Hills, this luxury hotel pays just as much attention to its youngest guests as the adults. Your kids will get matching yukata robes, just like the adults, with kids’ menus available at the on-site Oak Door restaurant and family-friendly activities hosted throughout the hotel, including scavenger hunts.
It’s easy for kids to get overwhelmed on vacation, but the Grand Hyatt has you covered! There are lots of kid-friendly options available from the room service menu and the hotel is hosting a Pokémon Beach Resort collaboration for the summer from June to August 2025 with themed kids’ meals, plushies, and extra exclusive treats.
4. The Tokyo Station Hotel
If you’re visiting Japan with young kids and want to use public transport, The Tokyo Station Hotel is a great option for an overnight stay to break up your travel. Located inside the station itself, this property is worth visiting even if you don’t intend to stay overnight.
This property offers everything you’ll need when traveling with kids, making it easier when you’re packing. You can even rent strollers and request bed guards and cribs. Along with your usual amenities, you’ll also find pajamas and slippers sized for the smallest guests. These extras will need to be requested in advance and the hotel has a strict policy of only one child per bed.
Although there are food options located throughout the train station, there’s also a breakfast buffer inside the hotel where kids under 3 eat for free. Don’t forget to visit Character Street close to the Daimaru store within the station to explore the free kids’ area.
Book Your Tokyo Accommodation and Make Your Japan Dreams a Reality
Tokyo deserves a spot on every travel bucket list. It’s a vacation that’s becoming more accessible than ever with accommodation options and tourist destinations to suit every type of traveler.
At ZenHotels, we’re here to help you curate your dream vacation to Japan, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or as a group. Not sure if Japan is the right choice this time? Explore top destinations on ZenHotels and get more expert-curated travel tips by visiting our blog.
