Wondering where to stay in Shinjuku, Tokyo for an upcoming vacation or business trip? From modern skyscrapers and classical art to historic temples, kabuki theater, and the gardens of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo is a bustling and exciting capital city whether you’re visiting or relocating.
Located in east-central Japan, the huge city of Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Shinjuku City, in central Tokyo, is where the capital is located.
Shinjuku, Tokyo is famous for the entertainment and nightlife of clubs and karaoke bars as well as the upscale hotel bars and restaurants of the skyscraper district.
Add in theaters, galleries, bookstores, huge electronics shops, and more cultural sites than you can imagine, and you’ve got an endless list of things to add to your east Asian itinerary.
Now that we’ve successfully sparked your interest, let’s get to the fun stuff. The first step is to decide what area or neighborhood you want to call home away from home.
Shinjuku is one of the 23 wards of Tokyo. There are several neighborhoods within the Shinjuku ward.
They include Shinjuku city (known as Shinjuku ku), Takadanobaba, Shin Okubo, Kagurazaka, Ichigaya, and Yotsuya. We’ve broken each down into its own section to make it easier. We’ll go over the best Shinjuku, Tokyo hotels, and attractions to visit in each one.
Getting to Shinjuku
Tokyo International Airport (HND), also known as Haneda Airport, is the closest airport to the Shinjuku ward of Tokyo. There are train stations all around the entire city of Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Best Areas and Fun Neighborhoods in Shinjuku
Shinjuku
Shinjuku, Tokyo is the area around Shinjuku Station, a large railway station with more than two million travelers a day. With its skyscrapers, department stores, entertainment, red-light district, and business offices, the city is one of the largest neighborhoods in the world.
Shinjuku is the best neighborhood for sightseeing in the entire city due to the Shinjuku skyline, Japanese culture, exciting nightlife, and luxury hotel options. Most hotels offer all the amenities you need, or want, for a great night’s sleep.
Shinjuku ward is about 15 miles from Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea at Tokyo Disney Resort, which makes it a terrific anchorage if you enjoy seeing other sites on your Disney adventures. Pick a hotel in Shinjuku and enjoy your Mickey time!
Where to Stay in Shinjuku Ku
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
Located in the Skyscraper District near Shinjuku Train Station, Keio Plaza Hotel offers a whopping 21 dining options for the foodie traveler. Try Japanese, Italian, Korean, and Chinese cuisine or premium sake at Amanogawa Saki Bar at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo.
Modern hotel amenities at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo include a fitness center, swimming pool, a karaoke room, a business center, and a convenience store. Spacious rooms have contemporary décor and seating areas.
Guests at the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo can use the free shuttle to get to Tokyo Disney Resort while staying at Keio Plaza Hotel, making it one of the best Tokyo hotels for theme park enthusiasts.
Super Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho
The Super Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho offers complimentary Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and an artificial gas spring for an indulgent hot tub experience. Rooms at Super Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho hotels have an electric tea kettle, a mini-fridge, and air purifiers/humidifiers.
It’s a quick walk to Shinjuku Station from this Shinjuku, Tokyo hotel.
Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo
The Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo hotel offers rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, LCD televisions, a safe, and coffee/tea makers. Air purifiers are available upon request.
Cafe-Restaurant Stella serves an international menu and often has a chocolate fountain, making Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho a fun foodie choice in Shinjuku ward.
Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo hotel is near Shinjuku Station and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
Guest reviews give Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo good marks for cleanliness, value, and location in Shinjuku.
Shinjuku Prince Hotel
Located above Seibu-Shinjuku Train Station, Shinjuku Prince Hotel is next to the Kabukicho area and JR Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku Prince Hotel is within walking distance to Shinjuku Gyoen Garden and nightlife in Shinjuku.
Take advantage of indulgent massage services and the 25th-floor Fuga-Wafu, a Japanese restaurant with a bar and excellent views. Prince Marche restaurant is a buffet with Japanese and western cuisine.
Elegant contemporary rooms have flatscreen TVs, refrigerators, safes, and free internet access. Banquet and business facilities are available. There are several shops below the hotel near Shinjuku Station.
Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku
Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku is near the Taiso-Ji Temple, Hanazono Gallery, and Saikoan Shrine. Shinjuku hotel amenities include a restaurant, complimentary wifi, electric teapots, flat-screen TV, and a hot spring bath. Rooms have terrific city views, bamboo accents, and contemporary Japanese design.
According to guest reviews, this is one of the best Ryokan hotels in Tokyo.
Hilton Tokyo
Overlooking Shinjuku Central Park, the Hilton Tokyo has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, a fitness center, a rooftop tennis court, shops, a buffet restaurant, and a beauty salon. Stylish rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi, a mini-bar, and satellite TV. This is one of the best luxury hotels in Shinjuku.
Looking for Shinjuku hotels and Tokyo accommodation options with easy transport access? The Hilton Tokyo is connected to the Tochomae Subway Station. Shinjuku Station is a 15-minute walk away, or you can take the hotel’s free shuttle for even quicker service.
Hyatt Regency Tokyo
The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is one of the best hotels in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Modern guest rooms have large windows to enjoy views of the Shinjuku skyline. The hotel has a fitness center and a spa with treatment options (for an extra price).
There’s a bar and two restaurants at the Hyatt Regency Tokyo. Guest reviews give it four stars for the convenient location, cleanliness, and friendly staff.
It’s connected to Tochomae Subway Station and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Shinjuku Station is a quick walk away.
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Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi Shinjuku
Near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Meiji Jingu Stadium, the mid-range Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi Shinjuku features rooms with a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge, and luxury bath products.
There’s an on-site coffee house and a restaurant as well as business and banquet facilities.
The Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi Shinjuku is a great mid-range Shinjuku hotel choice for couples, groups, and business travelers visiting Tokyo.
Guest reviews gave top marks for comfort, friendly staff, and cleanliness.
Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku
A budget hotel, Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku offers the unique experience of a library area to read and relax after a busy day exploring Shinjuku.
There’s complimentary wifi if you prefer to sit back with Insta and eBooks. This is the best budget hotel for the literary traveler in your crew.
This super cute Shinjuku budget hotel is near Tokyo Mystery Circus, Yoyogi Park, and Seibu Shinjuku PePe Shopping Mall. It’s also one of the capsule hotels in Shinjuku that appeal to solo travelers who just need a bed for the night, rather than a luxury or mid-range hotel in Shinjuku.
Park Hyatt Tokyo
The Park Hyatt Tokyo is one of the best hotels for the luxury traveler. It has an indoor pool, a fitness center, a sauna, and a 52nd-floor restaurant with stunning city views. Book massages or a facial or unwind with a yoga session.
The Park Hyatt Tokyo also has a library, a bar, and a pastry shop. There’s a coffee house and a restaurant that serves Japanese and French cuisine at this Shinjuku hotel.
Guest reviews ranked high for friendly staff, cleanliness, and facilities.
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
The Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is centrally located near Shinjuku Station and the Kabukicho area. Sophisticated hotel rooms have an electric tea kettle, complimentary wifi, and satellite TV. There’s a bar and an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Airport shuttle service is free at the Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku.
The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku
Rooms at the Knot Tokyo Shinjuku hotel have a flat-screen TV, a teakettle, a mini-fridge, and a desk. For a cozy Shinjuku stay, this is the way to go. There’s a bar, a restaurant, and a coffee house at this Shinjuku hotel.
Guest reviews give top marks for comfort, cleanliness, and location. It’s within easy access to Shinjuku Central Park and Kumano Shrine.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku offers comfortable rooms and easy access to Shinjuku attractions. You can’t beat the comfort and convenience of this hotel in Shinjuku.
Rooms have complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and an electric tea kettle. A restaurant at this hotel in Shinjuku serves a Japanese and Western-style breakfast buffet.
Guest reviews give high marks for location, cleanliness, and comfort at this hotel in Shinjuku.
Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku
Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku is located near Shinjuku Central Park and Shinjuku Station. Enjoy modern accommodations, complimentary Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities. Rooms at the Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku have an electric tea kettle, a mini-fridge, and a satellite TV.
Guest reviews give this Shinjuku hotel high marks for cleanliness, value, and location.
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Things to do in Shinjuku
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a stunning natural setting with Japanese, English, and French gardens and design. There are four ponds, a tea house, and a greenhouse. As you can imagine, cherry blossom season in mid-April is quite popular.
Shinjuku Golden Gai is a neighborhood with lively pubs connected by narrow alleyways. It’s located in the Kabukicho area, well-known as a red light district.
There are more than 200 restaurants, bars, and pubs within this tiny area. The Golden Gai area is popular with the creative likes of artists, authors, actors, and musicians.
Spend the late hours of the evening listening to jazz, punk rock, R&B, and more at Golden Gai. The wildly popular Robot Restaurant was here. Unfortunately, it closed in 2020 and has not yet re-opened.
The Samurai Museum has traditional dress, sword, and battle armor exhibits. Unlike most museums of this sort, visitors are allowed to try on real Samurai helmets and costumes.
Japan National Stadium is a sports arena built for the 2020 Olympics. Visitors can check out the Japan Olympic Museum for sports history and commemorative gardens.
The Waterium Museum of Contemporary Art is a major visual arts center in Japan and Asia. Enjoy lectures, workshops, and large-scale art exhibits by artists like Federico Herrero, Mike Kelley, and Barry McGee.
Yoyogi Park, located near Meiji Shrine, is a popular spot to watch street performers such as jugglers, musicians, comedians, and more.
There are bike paths, sports courts, and picnic areas. During spring, the place blooms with the pink blossoms of cherry trees.
The tree-lined Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue is fall’s answer to cherry blossoms. You can stroll among the vibrant yellow leaves of more than 100 ginkgo trees. It’s within a park with tennis courts and a softball stadium.
Surrounded by skyscrapers, Shinjuku Central Park is an oasis in the middle of the city.
Meiji-Jingu Gyoen, also called Yoyogi Garden, is a public garden next to Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park. There’s a tea house, an arbor, a fishing pond, and an iris garden within the 83,000-square-meter property.
Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery features permanent and special exhibits on contemporary art, design, and fashion. It’s a fun place to visit during a stay in Tokyo.
Hanazono Shrine, founded in the mid-17th Century, features traditional Japanese design and architecture.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has observation decks with an incredible range that can be accessed for free. You can check out amazing views from the 45th floor. You can sometimes even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Take a selfie or propose your affection for someone at the famous LOVE Sculpture during your hotel stay in Tokyo.
Getting Around in Shinjuku
Shinjuku Station is served by the JR Yamanote line as well as many other subway lines and train station lines.
Shinjuku Sanchome Subway Station is operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. The area around the station offers a relaxed setting of restaurants and casual bars.
Busta Shinjuku is a bus station terminal located on top of the railway station. It’s west of the station in the skyscraper district.
Takadanobaba
Takadanobaba, previously known as Totsuka, is home to university neighborhoods, shopping, dining, and izakaya (Japanese pubs). It’s the home of the fictional character Astro Boy and some of the best hotels in Shinjuku ward.
Where to Stay in Takadanobaba
Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo
Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo – located near JR Takadanobaba Station, Okuma Garden, and Hiromart Gallery Tokyo – offers seven dining options as well as an indoor pool and fitness center (for an extra charge).
Enjoy afternoon tea at the Garden Lounge in this Shinjuku ward hotel.
The lobby and guest rooms are rich in European décor with chandeliers, statues, floral bouquets, and vaulted ceilings. Dressed in soothing Italian décor, guest rooms have bay windows, seating areas, and a minibar. Some hotel rooms have garden views.
Visit the Rihga Health Club Waseda at the Rihga Royal Hotel Tokyo or book beauty treatments during your stay in Tokyo hotels.
Guest reviews ranked it high for friendly staff, comfort, and cleanliness.
FLEXSTAY INN Lidabashi
FLEXSTAY INN Lidabashi is within easy access to Tokyo Dome and Lidabashi Subway Station. Apartment-style rooms have free wifi, a small kitchenette, flat-screen TVs, and a private bathroom. There are snack and beverage vending machines. Tokyo International Airport is about 10 miles away.
Hotel Livemax Takadanobaba Ekimae
Hotel Livemax Takadanobaba Ekimae is near Takadanobaba Station, Hikawa Jinga Shrine, and the Statue of Peace. Shinjuku, Tokyo hotel amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, vending machines, and laundry facilities.
Rhodes Kagurazaka Hotel
Available for short or extended stay living, rooms at Rhodes Kagurazaka Hotel have balconies, free wifi, seating areas, and fully equipped kitchens. There’s a community kitchen and dining area as well.
This super hotel Shinjuku hotel is near Enpuku-Ji Temple and Ayunm Gallery. This is one of the best rentals in Shinjuku if you’re going to be in town for a while.
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo
One of the best hotels in Shinjuku, the Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is set among the traditional Japanese design of Chinzanso Gardens. The hotel has a glass-enclosed indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and several dining options.
Il Teatro restaurant serves Italian cuisine. Miyuki serves Japanese dishes. Enjoy international cuisine at the Bistro. Le Jardin serves European cuisine.
Visit YU the Spa for luxury treatments, relaxation, and traditional Japanese hot spring baths after a day of exploring Shinjuku, Tokyo.
Modern and stylish meets traditional in the spacious rooms at this hotel. Rooms have garden or city views, free wifi, flat-screen TVs, and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs.
This Shinjuku hotel is pet-friendly for an extra fee. It’s near Edogawabashi Subway Station and Ko Shrine.
Things to do in Takadanobaba
Belle Salle Takadanobaba is a very large event hall near Takadanobaba Station. Food festivals and events are held there throughout the year.
The Panasonic Globe Theatre, opened in 1988, was designed to hold local and international Shakespeare play productions.
Sunshine International Aquarium has a rooftop marine garden with penguins and nighttime lighting effects. Visit fish, frogs, mammals, and more throughout the aquarium.
Getting Around in Takadanobaba
Shin Okubo
Known as the Koreatown of Tokyo, Shin Okubo is where to go for authentic Korean food, K-pop music, and pop culture shops.
The area has a large population of Korean residents who share their culture and cuisine in the local restaurants, markets, and pubs.
It’s about a 20-minute walk from Shinjuku Ku.
Where to Stay in Shin Okubo
Shinjuku Warm House
Hotel rooms at Shinjuku Warm House have an electric teapot, complimentary wifi, and a private bathroom. Laundry facilities are available. This Shinjuku hotel is near Higashi-Shinjuku Station, Korea Museum, and Koizumi Yakumo Memorial Park.
Guest reviews ranked this Shinjuku hotel high for comfort, cleanliness, and facilities.
GLOU Higashi Shinjuku
GLOU Higashi Shinjuku is near Okubo Baptist Church, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Shinjuku Eastside Square. Small and cozy rooms have desks, seating areas, and complimentary Wi-Fi at this hotel in Shinjuku.
Guest reviews come in high for friendly staff, comfortable accommodations, and excellent location.
Things to do in Shin Okubo
Kankoku-Hiroba is a grocery store along the lines of a massive food market. Looking for cooking supplies? You’ll find it. Looking for fresh fish for sushi?
You’ll most definitely find it. Need noodles and kimchi? Yep, they’ve got that too.
Check out the street food vendors for authentic Korean sweet pancakes, mochi, and bubble tea.
Get your beauty fix at a wide variety of cosmetic stores. You’ll find everything from makeup and moisturizers to nail polish, facial masks, cleansers, and more. Think Tonymoly, Missha, Neogen, and other Korean brands.
Enjoy the entertainment of street performers dancing and singing as you take a short walk around town.
For impressive traditional architecture, visit the Anahachimangu Shrine. In its current location since 1180, the Shinto shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the samurai and the Minamoto family.
Getting Around in Shin Okubo
Access Shin Okubo via the JR Yamanote line. It’s within a convenient walking distance from Okubo Station and Higashi-Shinjuku Station. For subway access, there’s the nearby Nishi-Waseda station.
Kagurazaka
Kagurazaka, an older neighborhood, is the former home of Geisha houses but few are left. It’s now known for its French population and Japanese and French cuisine.
Where to Stay in Kagurazaka
Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo
The Hotel Metropolitan Edmont Tokyo offers comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. It’s near the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium at Ryogoku, Tokyo Shrine, and Lidabashi Station.
There’s a convenience store and several fine dining restaurants that serve sushi, Japanese teppanyaki, Chinese, and western cuisine. Restaurant Beltempo serves a breakfast buffet (at an extra charge).
There’s a business center and meeting and banquet facilities as well as a chapel/shrine and a beauty salon at this hotel in Shinjuku ward.
Guest reviews rank high for cleanliness, location, and comfort.
APA Hotel Tokyo Kudanshita
Modern rooms at APA Hotel Tokyo Kudanshita have an LCD TV, an electric tea kettle, a mini-fridge, a desk, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
You can book a massage for a relaxing start or end to the day. Island Plate restaurant serves European cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Laundry facilities and vending machines are available. This hotel in Shinjuku ward is near Kudanshita Station, Yasukuni Shrine, and Tokyo Dome.
Things to do in Kagurazaka
Okuma Garden is part of Waseda University. There’s an extensive array of lawns, hills, walking paths, lotus ponds, and brooks accented with lanterns, statues, and small pagodas.
Yayoi Kusama Museum features the contemporary art of artist Yayoi Kusama in a five-acre building.
Getting Around Kagurazaka
Use Lidabashi Station and Kudanshita Station to get around while in Kagurazaka.
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Ichigaya
Ichigaya is located beside the Imperial Palace, which is home to the Ministry of Defense.
It’s popular for its fishing pond and other unique sites. It’s home to Hosei University and Chuo University for those needing Tokyo accommodations while visiting a college student.
Where to Stay in Ichigaya
Hotel Monterey Hanzomon
Hotel Monterey Hanzomon is within access to the National Theater of Japan, the Palace, and Shinjuku City.
Elegant rooms are decked out in warm colors with wooden furniture and amenities such as coffee/tea facilities, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy daily breakfast at this Shinjuku hotel.
Guest reviews ranked high for location, cleanliness, and value.
Nest Hotel Tokyo Hanzomon
Located in an architecturally striking building, Nest Hotel Tokyo Hanzomon features warm wood tones and elegant neutral décor throughout. Guest amenities at this Tokyo hotel include complimentary Wi-Fi and complimentary bread and coffee in the morning.
Rooms have flat-screen televisions and a mini-fridge. It’s near Hanzomon Subway Station, Roppongi Hill, and the Japan Palace.
Guest reviews gave this Tokyo hotel good marks for cleanliness, location, and value.
Hotel Grand Arc Hanomon
Hotel Grand Arc Hanzomon offers bright and modern rooms with desks, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, a radio, and an electric tea kettle. Some have seating areas and city views.
Patio Restaurant serves Western food while Mon and Hagoromo Tempura restaurants serve different local and regional dishes. Enjoy snacks and beverages at La Mer Lounge. There’s a beauty salon, or you can opt for an in-room massage at this Tokyo hotel.
This Shinjuku ward Tokyo hotel is near Hanzomon Subway Station.
Things to do in Ichigaya
Mizuma Art Gallery features a wealth of contemporary art, paintings, and drawings from Japan, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.
If you’re a photography and film enthusiast, you can’t miss the JCII Camera Museum. While small, it offers an in-depth look into the world of photographic technology.
It’s run by the Japan Camera Industry Institute and has more than 300 cameras on display from manufacturers such as Kodak, Nikon, Pentax, and Canon.
Getting Around Ichigaya
Ichigaya Station is the best bet for accessing other areas of town quickly and efficiently while in the Shinjuku ward. Hanzomon, Nagatacho, and Tokyo Station are also nearby.
Yotsuya
Located near Edo Castle, Yotsuya is known as Ghosts and Salary Men. There’s a famous ghost story, Yotsuya Kaidan, about a woman whose husband married another woman while still married to her. She died after finding out.
The story focuses on how she haunted her husband to get revenge. Her grave is supposedly nearby. The story has been made into a Kabuki play. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it makes for an interesting story.
Where to Stay in Yotsuya
Hotel New Otani Tokyo the Main
The resort-style ambiance of HotelNew Otani Tokyo the Main makes it one of our top choices for the best Shinjuku hotel. The hotel is surrounded by 400-year-old Japanese gardens with footbridges, flowers, ponds, and a waterfall feature.
Contemporary hotel rooms have seating and desk areas. Some rooms have a minibar. Choose from city or garden views during your stay in Tokyo.
There’s a spa, a fitness center, a beauty salon, a convenience store, and a tea ceremony room. The hotel offers a wide variety of dining options, including international, French, Italian, and Japanese teppanyaki.
This Shinjuku hotel is located near Akasaka Palace, Sophia University, and Wakaba Higashi Park.
Guest reviews ranked it high for location, value, and friendly staff.
Things to do in Yotsuya
Sotobori Park is well-known for Sakura, or cherry blossom, trees. It’s located beside the outer moat ruins of Edo Castle, a 1457 castle that is now part of the Tokyo Imperial Palaces. There are tennis courts and a baseball field.
The Shinjuku Historical Museum has exhibits on pottery, art, and regional history as well as a sunken garden and an auditorium.
The Tokyo Toy Museum has more than 10,000 toys on display. The museum, which is really a very large play area, has three floors and areas featuring different themes. Workshops are held where you can create toys out of recycled materials.
Getting Around in Yotsuya
Akasaka-Mitsuki Subway Station provides quick access to Shinjuku and Ginza areas from a local Tokyo hotel.
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