Tokyo is one of the best cities in Japan for solo travellers. But if you have never been to the capital city, it can be overwhelming when it comes to finding the right accommodation, especially when Tokyo has a reputation for being really expensive.
So if you are wondering where to stay in Tokyo for a first-time traveller, keep reading. In this guide, I’ll show you the six best places to stay in Tokyo as a solo traveller. I included a modern Japanese capsule-like hotel, a budget hostel, midrange and luxury hotels if you want to splurge. Plus, I included my honest opinion for each hostel and hotel option so you can make an informed decision for yourself.
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My Tokyo accommodations review is an opinion of my own, and I did not receive any compensation of any kind. I only want to share what I love.
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Before you search for the best places to stay in Tokyo
Before you search for Tokyo accommodation, look at my post on everything you need to know before going to Japan. I included information like how to get around Japan and other travel tips.
Here are a few additional tips for booking hostels and hotels in Tokyo:
- Check-in at 3pm and check-out at 11am.
- Book early, as the rate goes up closer to your travel dates.
- Pay attention to payment details like cancellation policy, etc. If you are not sure of your travel dates, choose the option where you can get a refund if you change your mind.
Tokyo accommodation culture
The accommodation culture in Japan can be quite different from western culture. Here are some things I noticed when it comes to Japanese accommodation culture:
Hostels in Tokyo
- It is common to find people of all ages at hostels in Japan
- Hostels in Japan provide bed sheets, towels and basic toiletries
- Some hostels might even include disposable slippers and toothbrushes and toothpaste
- For hostels and guest houses, always take off your shoes at the entrance and wear slippers inside (which will be provided to you)
- Some hostels and hotels in Tokyo have a traditional Japanese bathroom. It is a room with a sit-down shower area and a large hot tub. You always wash first before soaking in the hot tub. Then when you are done, you rinse off.
Tokyo hotels
- Generally, guest rooms in hotels in Tokyo are quite small and basic. But that’s part of the culture and aesthetics.
- Every hotel will always supply room wear and indoor slippers.
- Some hotels have washing machines, ice machines, and vending machines for guests to use.
Where to stay in Tokyo for first time solo travellers
There are many excellent accommodations throughout Tokyo, And if you are travelling to Tokyo for the first time, finding the right place to stay might be intimidating.
Below are some of my favourite places to stay in Tokyo. I included a modern Japanese capsule hotel option to experience a bit of Japanese accommodation culture, a hostel option for budget travellers and several midrange to luxury hotels if you want to splurge.
I included a link to the location of each hotel and their website so you can research more about each option.
Modern capsule hotels in Tokyo
First Cabin Atagoyama
First Cabin is a modern capsule hotel chain in Japan. There are many locations throughout the country, and several are in Tokyo.
There are several types of “cabins”.
The economy capsule is similar to the traditional capsule, where you can get an upper or lower capsule with a 100cm wide single bed, storage unit and an LCD tv. It also includes a side counter with a safety box and a shoebox.
The business class cabin has a single bed, a side counter to put your valuable belongings and a mounted 26″ LCD tv above your bed. There is plenty of vertical space and a rolling curtain for more privacy.
The first class cabin is very similar to the business class cabin but you get a bit more floor space and an extra table.
The price of an overnight stay includes towels, “cabin wear” or pyjamas, a body towel for washing, a toothbrush set, disposable slippers and earplugs.
First Cabin has traditional Japanese bathrooms with a sitting shower area, a hot tub area, a vanity area and toilets. The bathroom has the standard shampoo, conditioner, and liquid soap.
First Cabin Ichigaya: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: best place to experience Japanese capsule-type accommodations with a modern twist, not claustrophobic like the traditional capsules, affordable for solo travellers, quiet (unlike hostels)
- Lowlights: cabins are booked up quickly
First Cabin Atagoyama Address: 3 Chome-10-7 Nishishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo
Website: First Cabin
Rate: from ¥6,000 for a business class cabin
Other locations: First Cabin Ichigaya, First Cabin Akasaka, First Cabin Haneda Terminal 1
Best hostels in Tokyo for solo travellers
The Share Hotels Lyuro Tokyo Kiyosumi
Lyuro Tokyo Kiyosumi is a hotel and hostel along the Sumida River on the city’s east end. The hotel has five floors of guest rooms, an expansive outdoor deck facing the river and an onsite restaurant serving gourmet breakfast and Kiyosubashi craft beer, a locally brewed beer.
The female dormitory is on the ground level. The dorm room has a small and casual sitting area, a shared bathroom and 14 bunk beds at the back. Each bunk has privacy curtains and comfortable mattresses and bedding.
The Share Hotels Lyuro Tokyo Kiyosumi: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: comfortable hostel bed, one of the cheapest and nicest shared accommodation
- Lowlights: further away from the city centre, not much to do in the immediate area
The Share Hotels Lyuro Tokyo Kiyosumi Address: 1-1-7 Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Koto, Tokyo
Website: The Share Hotels Lyuro Tokyo Kiyosumi
Rate: from ¥4,500 for a dormitory bed in a female dorm room
Midrange hotels in Tokyo
Landabout Tokyo
Landabout Tokyo is a modern and hip hotel for those who want a minimalist room and close to public transportation. The 3-star hotel is only 3 minutes from Uguisudani Station and 12 minutes from Ueno Station.
There is a public cafe and lounge area, a rooftop terrace (which doesn’t have much), and a laundry area. And there are free rental items like adapters, hair iron, humidifier, etc.
The compact double room is the smallest room available at Landabout Tokyo. It is 11 sqm big and has a double bed on a low platform, a desk area, and a tv.
Landabout Tokyo: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: contemporary minimalist room, close to railway stations
- Lowlights: basic room
Landabout Tokyo Address: 3 Chome-4-5 Negishi, Taito City, Tokyo
Website: Landabout Tokyo
Rate: from ¥12,000 for a compact double room
DDD Hotel
Located in Nihonbashi, DDD Hotel is an art hotel focusing on contemporary minimalist guest rooms and curating art experiences for designers and viewers.
The minimal double room is perfect for a solo traveller. The deep moss green compact room is 14 sqm big and has a double bed and shower room. Even though the room is very minimal, there is a lot of focus on the quality of bed linens, towels and amenities.
Besides the modern guest rooms, the hotel has other interesting areas to check out. Abno is a cafe and bar for coffee and cocktail, nôl is a 1-star Michelin restaurant, and Parcel is a gallery space for various cultural events.
DDD Hotel: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: minimalist luxury accommodation, focus on quality
- Lowlights: no tv/work desk area, very small room
DDD Hotel Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Nihonbashibakurocho, Chuo City, Tokyo
Website: DDD Hotel
Rate: from ¥11,000 for a minimal double room
Luxury hotels in Tokyo
Yuen Bettei Daita
Located in Setagaya City, Yuen Bettei Daita is one of the best modern ryokans (traditional Japanese inns with tatami-matted rooms) in Tokyo. The hotel has a public open-air onsen (hot spring) with water from Ashinoko Hot Springs in Hakone, a spa, a tea room and a Japanese restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The deluxe twin room with outdoor bath is 24 sqm room with twin beds, a sitting area, and an outdoor bath. It is one of the better rooms at Yuen Bettei Daita. Other rooms are cheaper but they don’t include an outdoor bath.
Yuen Bettei Daita: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: modern ryokan guest room with mattresses, next to Setagaya-Daita Station, close to Shimo-Kitazawa
- Lowlights: very expensive, must take the train to go anywhere
Yuen Bettei Daita Address: 2 Chome-31-26 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo
Website: Yuen Bettei Daita
Rate: from ¥52,400 for a deluxe twin room with an outdoor bath
Muji Hotel Ginza
Muji Hotel Ginza is located in Ginza District, an upscale shopping area with boutique stores, department stores and international brands. The 4-star hotel has an onsite restaurant, a drink salon, and a leisure library. And the Muji Ginza global flagship store is in the same building.
There are 79 rooms with 9 different room types. Each room is outfitted with Muji furniture, bedding, and amenities.
The smallest is Type A Room which is about 14 sqm big, and it has a semi-double bed, a sitting area, a desk area, a 32″ tv, etc.
I tried to book Muji Hotel a few times but couldn’t find the room I wanted. Even though I didn’t stay here, I know the room will not disappoint.
Muji Hotel Ginza: highlights and lowlights
- Highlights: modern contemporary room, everything is made by Muji
- Lowlights: challenging to book (lack of availability)
Muji Hotel Ginza Address: 6F, 3-3-5, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Website: Muji Hotel Ginza
Rate: from ¥18,900 for Type A Room
Where are you going to stay in Tokyo during your first trip?
There are many places to stay in Tokyo, depending on your budget and style. I noticed the prices have gone up in the past few years, but there are still budget hostels in Tokyo for solo travellers if that’s what you decide to book.
For your first time in Tokyo, select a place to stay that you will enjoy the most. Even though it is only a place where you sleep at night, you want to ensure it gives you all the comforts you need while away from home.
I hope you enjoyed my post and will consider some of these accommodations in Tokyo. When I return to the capital city, I will try to find new hostels and hotels and share them with you here.
Thank you for reading my Tokyo accommodation post
You might also like these other posts on solo travel in Japan:
Introduction to Japan
- Solo Travel to Japan: 17 best cities for solo travellers
- Things I wish I knew before going to Japan
- 11 Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
- Japanese Food Culture: 11 must-try food
- One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima
Kanto region
Kansai region
- Kyoto 2-day itinerary
- Uji day trip from Kyoto
- Nara day trip from Kyoto or Osaka
- 2-day Osaka itinerary
- Osaka to Kobe day trip: 1-day itinerary
- Himeji day trip from Osaka
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