Where to stay in Tokyo for First Time Traveller: 6 Tokyo Accommodations

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 to find the right accommodation, especially since 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.

My Tokyo accommodations review is an opinion of my own, and I did not receive any compensation. I only want to share what I love. 
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost. Thank you for supporting this website. For more information, please read the disclosure for more info.

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.
• Hotel prices can be higher on the weekends and during high seasons (cherry blossom, Christmas, etc)
• Pay attention to payment details like cancellation policy when you book your accommodations online. If you are not sure of your travel dates, choose the option where you can get a refund if you change your mind or if something comes up unexpectedly.

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, 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 traditional Japanese bathrooms. These rooms have a sit-down shower area and a large hot tub. You wash first before soaking in the hot tub and then rinse off when you are done.

Tokyo hotels

• Japanese hotel rooms are generally quite small and basic. But that’s part of the Japanese accommodation culture and aesthetics.
• Every hotel will always supply room wear and indoor slippers.
• Most hotels in Tokyo will have shared coin laundry. Sometimes high-end hotels will have it in the guest room.
• Most mid-range hotels will have toiletries placed at reception or near elevator so you can take what you need.
• Every hotel has its own housekeeping schedule; rooms are not cleaned every day.

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.

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. Within each First Cabin hotel, there are several types of “cabins”.

The Economy Capsule is similar to the traditional capsule. You can get an upper or lower capsule with a 100cm wide single bed, storage unit, and 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 store valuable belongings, and a 26″ LCD TV mounted above the 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 sitting showers, hot tubs, vanity areas, and toilets. The bathrooms have 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

Address: 3 Chome-10-7 Nishishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo | 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

Address: 1-1-7 Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Koto, Tokyo | 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. Free rental items like an adapter, hair iron, humidifier, etc., are also available.

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

Address: 3 Chome-4-5 Negishi, Taito City, 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 cocktails, 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

Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Nihonbashibakurocho, Chuo City, Tokyo | Rate: from ¥11,000 for a Minimal Double Room

Luxury Hotels in Tokyo

Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo Daita

Located in Setagaya City, Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo 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 an outdoor bath is a 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.

Onsen Ryokan Yuen Bettei Tokyo 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

Address: 2 Chome-31-26 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo | 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 boutiques, department stores, and international brands. The 4-star hotel has an on-site restaurant, a drink salon, and a leisure library. 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 a Type A Room, which is about 14 sqm big. It has a semi-double bed, a sitting area, a desk area, a 32″ TV, etc.

I tried to book a room at Muji Hotel a few times but couldn’t find the one 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)

Address: 6F, 3-3-5, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo | Rate: from ¥18,900 for Type A Room

Where are you staying in Tokyo during your first trip?

There are many places to stay in Tokyo, depending on your budget and style. Although the prices have gone up in the past few years, 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.

Ready to plan your trip to Tokyo? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner 
* Book accommodation: find the best Tokyo accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination.
* Join tours: check Get Your Guide and Klook for the best tours around Tokyo.

Thank you for reading my Tokyo accommodation guide

I have many posts on Japan, and 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
• Off-the-beaten-path places in Japan
• One month in Japan: from Tokyo to Hiroshima

Kanto region

• 5-day Tokyo itinerary for first-time visitors
• Tokyo Food Guide: 42 best places to eat in Tokyo

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!