Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and bustling wards, offers an array of experiences from the neon-lit chaos of its entertainment districts to the tranquil beauty of its parks. It’s a microcosm of Tokyo’s vast contrasts, making it an exciting base for exploring the city.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of shopping, the desire for culinary adventures, or the pursuit of cultural experiences, Shinjuku’s diverse neighborhoods cater to every type of traveler.
Here’s a guide to the best places to stay in Shinjuku, ensuring you find the perfect spot for your visit.
Shinjuku Station East Side Area
Ideal for first-time visitors, shoppers, and nightlife enthusiasts. The area around the east side of Shinjuku Station is known for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and an abundance of shopping and dining options. Attractions like the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the lively Kabukicho entertainment district are within walking distance. Accommodations range from luxury hotels offering stunning city views to budget-friendly hostels.
If you want to be in the heart of the action, the East Side of Shinjuku Station is unbeatable. It offers easy access to both local and regional transport, making it a convenient base for exploring Tokyo.
Luxury
- BELLUSTAR TOKYO, A Pan Pacific Hotel, this luxurious hotel boasts elegantly designed rooms with panoramic city views, top-notch amenities, multiple dining options, and a prime location in the heart of Shinjuku’s vibrant district.
- HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel, combining modern style with comfort, this hotel offers chic rooms, a rooftop bar with stunning city views, and easy access to Shinjuku’s bustling entertainment and shopping areas.
- Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – known for its iconic Godzilla statue, this hotel features stylish rooms, free Wi-Fi, on-site dining options, and is centrally located in Shinjuku’s entertainment hub.
- Shinjuku Granbell Hotel – this trendy hotel offers contemporary rooms with artistic decor, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and is situated in a lively area of Shinjuku, close to numerous shops, restaurants, and nightlife spots.
Mid-range
- Shinjuku Prince Hotel is a sleek and modern hotel offering panoramic city views, multiple dining options, and direct access to Shinjuku’s major shopping and entertainment districts. Located next to Seibu Shinjuku station and steps from JR Shinjuku Station.
- Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo is a contemporary hotel providing rooms with kitchenettes, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a convenient location near Shinjuku’s bustling nightlife and shopping areas, ideal for both short and extended stays.
- Hotel Villa Fontaine Tokyo-Shinjuku is a stylish hotel featuring comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and a prime location within walking distance to Shinjuku’s vibrant attractions and transport links.
Budget
- Premier Hotel Cabin Shinjuku is a modern hotel offering comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, and a prime location near Shinjuku’s popular shopping and dining options.
- HOTEL LiVEMAX Shinjuku Kabukicho is a budget-friendly hotel featuring compact and functional rooms with essential amenities, situated in the lively Kabukicho area for easy access to Shinjuku’s nightlife.
- La’gent Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho is a stylish hotel providing contemporary accommodations with free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, and close proximity to the vibrant Kabukicho district.
- Book And Bed Tokyo Shinjuku is a unique hostel that combines a bookstore and accommodation, offering cozy book-themed bunks, free Wi-Fi, and a central location perfect for book lovers and quirky travelers.
Shinjuku Station West Side (Nishi-Shinjuku) Area
Ideal for business travelers and those seeking a quieter stay. The West Side (Nishi-Shinjuku) is characterized by its government buildings, leading hotels, and quieter streets compared to the East Side. It offers easy access to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and its free observation decks for panoramic views of Tokyo.
The area has a range of accommodations, from high-end hotels to business-oriented lodgings. The West Side of Shinjuku Station provides a more subdued atmosphere while still being conveniently located. It’s ideal for those who prefer a quieter base but still want easy access to Shinjuku’s attractions.
Luxury
- Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand is a luxurious hotel offering panoramic city views, exceptional dining options, and a prime location in the heart of Shinjuku, perfect for both business and leisure travelers seeking premium comfort and convenience.
- Hyatt Regency Tokyo is an elegant and comfortable hotel featuring spacious rooms, excellent amenities, and easy access to Shinjuku’s vibrant shopping and entertainment districts, ideal for guests looking to explore Tokyo’s dynamic urban landscape.
- Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo is a chic and modern boutique hotel known for its stylish design, personalized service, and proximity to Shinjuku’s bustling urban attractions, providing a unique and luxurious experience for discerning travelers.
- Hilton Tokyo Hotel is a sophisticated hotel providing upscale accommodations, diverse dining experiences, and convenient access to Shinjuku’s commercial and cultural hubs, making it a top choice for travelers seeking both comfort and connectivity.
Mid-range
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku PREMIER is a contemporary hotel that offers stylish rooms with modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, and provides easy access to Shinjuku’s vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment areas.
- MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST, ideal for families and groups, this hotel features spacious apartment-style accommodations equipped with kitchens and living areas, a fitness center, and is situated in a convenient location near Shinjuku’s popular attractions.
- Oakwood Apartments Nishi-Shinjuku serviced apartments provide comfortable, home-like stays with fully equipped kitchens, modern furnishings, and a prime location close to Shinjuku’s business district and transportation hubs.
Budget
- Shinjuku Washington Hotel Annex features modern rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, multiple dining options, and a convenient underpass connection to Shinjuku Station, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
- HOTEL MYSTAYS Nishi Shinjuku, offering a comfortable and budget-friendly stay, this hotel provides cozy rooms with essential amenities, free Wi-Fi, and a prime location just a short walk from Shinjuku’s bustling nightlife and shopping districts.
- Nishitetsu Inn Shinjuku combines convenience and comfort with its well-furnished rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and proximity to Shinjuku’s major business and entertainment areas, ensuring a pleasant stay for all guests.
- Keio Presso Inn Shinjuku, located in the heart of Shinjuku, this reasonably priced hotel offers clean and compact rooms with free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to public transportation and local attractions.
New South Exit Area
Ideal for business travelers and those seeking modern convenience. The New South Exit area of Shinjuku Station has undergone significant redevelopment, transforming it into a modern, sophisticated area with sleek skyscrapers, new office buildings, and a range of dining and shopping options. This area is characterized by its modern architecture and efficient access to other parts of Tokyo and Japan, thanks to its proximity to one of the busiest transport hubs in the world.
Located directly at the New South Exit, NEWoMan Shinjuku is a stylish shopping complex catering to both locals and visitors.
Nearby, Shinjuku Takashimaya Times Square is a sprawling shopping and entertainment complex. This expansive department store spans several floors and offers a diverse selection of luxury fashion, cosmetics, electronics, and household goods. The complex also features a variety of restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely shopping day.
Accommodations here are predominantly upscale, with several new hotels offering all the amenities needed for a comfortable and convenient stay, including state-of-the-art facilities and stunning city views.
The New South Exit area is perfect for those who appreciate the conveniences of modern urban living. Its recent redevelopment means that everything is designed for efficiency and comfort, making it a great base for business travelers or those who prefer staying in a less crowded part of Shinjuku. Despite its modernity, the area still offers easy access to traditional attractions and green spaces like Shinjuku Gyoen, providing a balanced Tokyo experience.
Luxury
- Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower is an upscale hotel offering spacious rooms with panoramic city views, multiple dining options, and a convenient location near Shinjuku Station New South Exit. Easy access to Takashimaya department store and NEWoMan Shinjuku shopping mall.
- JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku is a modern hotel featuring elegantly designed rooms, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to Shinjuku’s shopping and entertainment areas. This hotel is convenient for access to both JR ans Odakyu Shinjuku Stations.
Mid-range
- Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is a comfortable and contemporary hotel providing well-appointed rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an excellent location just steps from Shinjuku Station New South Exit, as well as Odakyu Shinjuku station.
Shinjuku Gyoen Vicinity
Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Located near the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, this area offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The garden itself is a sprawling oasis of greenery, showcasing traditional Japanese, English, and French garden designs.
The vicinity offers a mix of mid-range and budget hotels, each providing easy access to one of Tokyo’s largest and most beautiful parks. If you’re looking to balance the urban excitement of Tokyo with the serenity of nature, the area around Shinjuku Gyoen is ideal. It’s perfect for those who appreciate the outdoors and seek a calmer environment.
Mid-range
- Tokyu Stay Shinjuku is a modern hotel offering well-equipped rooms with kitchenettes, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient location near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, as well as bustling shopping and entertainment areas.
- Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo is a contemporary hotel providing spacious apartments with kitchenettes, complimentary Wi-Fi, and easy access to Shinjuku’s popular attractions and public transportation.
Budget
- APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae is a budget-friendly hotel featuring compact, functional rooms with free Wi-Fi, located near Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife.
- Pod Select Hotel Shinjuku is a stylish and affordable hotel offering compact yet comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a central location perfect for exploring Shinjuku’s lively district.
- Toyoko Inn Tokyo Shinjuku Gyoemmae Station Exit 3 is a practical hotel providing clean, simple rooms with free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast, conveniently located near Shinjuku Gyoen and the subway station.
- 9h nine hours woman Shinjuku is a unique capsule hotel designed exclusively for women, offering minimalist sleeping pods, free Wi-Fi, and a central location in Shinjuku, ideal for a short and efficient stay.
Okubo and Koreatown
Ideal for cultural enthusiasts and foodies. Just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of central Shinjuku, Okubo and the adjacent Koreatown area offer a multicultural experience, famed for its Korean shops, restaurants, and cultural events. This neighborhood is a food lover’s paradise, offering authentic Korean cuisine, from barbecue to sweet treats, alongside Japanese and other international foods.
Accommodations here tend to be more budget-friendly, with a variety of guesthouses, hotels, and hostels catering to a diverse range of travelers. If you’re keen on immersing yourself in a vibrant cultural enclave and exploring the culinary delights of Korean cuisine within Tokyo, Okubo and Koreatown are unbeatable. The area offers a more local, everyday-life vibe compared to the tourist-centric parts of Shinjuku, making it ideal for those looking to experience a different side of Tokyo’s diverse culture.
Luxury
- Hundred Stay Tokyo Shinjuku is a modern hotel offering spacious suites with kitchenettes, living areas, and panoramic city views, conveniently located near Okubo Station for easy access to Shinjuku’s attractions.
Mid-range
- Galois Hotel Shinokubo is a contemporary hotel featuring well-appointed rooms with modern amenities and a prime location near Shin-Okubo Station, perfect for exploring the vibrant Korean Town and nearby Shinjuku.
- da Haus Shinjuku is a stylish boutique hotel providing uniquely designed rooms with artistic decor, situated in a quiet area close to Shinjuku’s bustling shopping and entertainment districts.
- HOTEL CEN is a trendy hotel offering compact yet comfortable rooms with minimalist decor, located in the lively Shin-Okubo area, ideal for experiencing the cultural diversity of Tokyo.
Budget
- Rembrandt Cabin Shinjuku Shin-Okubo is a capsule hotel featuring sleek, minimalist sleeping pods and shared facilities, located near Shin-Okubo Station for convenient access to Shinjuku’s attractions.
- The Global Hotel Tokyo is a budget-friendly hotel offering a mix of private rooms and capsule accommodations, with modern amenities and a central location in the heart of Shin-Okubo, close to Shinjuku’s vibrant nightlife.
Yoyogi Area
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a youthful, energetic atmosphere. Yoyogi is best known for its vast and verdant Yoyogi Park, offering a respite from the urban environment with plenty of green space for picnics, jogging, and leisurely strolls.
The area exudes a youthful vibe, thanks to its proximity to Harajuku and Shibuya, and is known for its weekend cultural and music events, making it a hub of activity and creativity.
Accommodations in Yoyogi range from hip hostels and boutique hotels to business hotels, catering to a younger crowd or those seeking a lively base for their Tokyo explorations. Yoyogi is the perfect choice for travelers who appreciate the outdoors and want a balance of vibrant city life with easy access to one of Tokyo’s largest parks. It’s also ideal for those who want to be close to the fashion and youth culture of Harajuku and the bustling Shibuya district, providing a diverse urban experience within walking distance.
Luxury
- TRUNK HOTEL YOYOGI PARK is a stylish boutique hotel offering elegantly designed rooms, a rooftop bar, and easy access to Yoyogi Park, perfect for experiencing the blend of nature and urban life.
- TRUNK HOTEL is a chic and eco-friendly hotel from the same brand featuring modern rooms, an outdoor terrace, and a vibrant lounge, located in the heart of Shibuya, near Yoyogi park, focused on social engagement and sustainability.
Mid-range
- Shibuya Tobu Hotel is a contemporary hotel providing comfortable rooms with modern amenities and an excellent location just steps away from Shibuya’s famous shopping and entertainment areas.
- YOYOGI PARK HOTEL is a cozy and convenient hotel offering simple yet comfortable accommodations, situated close to Yoyogi Park and within walking distance to the bustling streets of Shibuya.
- Dormy Inn Premium Shibuya-jingumae is a contemporaty hotel featuring modern rooms, a relaxing onsen, and a convenient location near Shibuya and Harajuku, perfect for exploring Tokyo’s trendy districts.
Budget
- almond hostel & cafe Shibuya is a unique hostel combining comfortable dormitory accommodations with a cozy cafe, offering a friendly atmosphere and a central location near Yoyogi park and Shibuya’s vibrant attractions.
Shinjuku embodies the heart and soul of Tokyo, offering everything from high-energy entertainment districts to serene parks. Whether you prefer the bustling nightlife and shopping opportunities of the Shinjuku Station East Side, the quieter, more business-oriented West Side, the cultural hotspot of Shinjuku Ni-chome, or the tranquil surroundings of Shinjuku Gyoen, there’s a place in Shinjuku that’s perfect for you. Each area provides a unique perspective on Tokyo, ensuring that your stay in Shinjuku will be as exciting or relaxed as you wish it to be.
Visiting Asakusa or Kobe?
Are you planning to visit Asakusa or Kobe as well? We compiled comprehensive guides on where to stay in both cities. Please visit Where to Stay in Asakusa and Where to Stay in Kobe.
Article by Maria Fukuda. Photos by Ryuji/pixta (1,2,7), yu_photo/pixta (3), javarman/pixta(4), gandhi/pixta(5), aki/pixta(6). All rights reserved.
