Looking for affordable accommodation in Tokyo? You’re not alone! As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Tokyo boasts countless hotels across its diverse neighborhoods. But with so many options, finding the perfect budget-friendly hotel can feel overwhelming.
Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! As a local living in Tokyo for 20+ years, we’re here to share insider tips on how to snag high-quality, cheap hotels in Tokyo without breaking the bank. One winning strategy can be opting for Japan’s renowned budget hotel chains, which offer excellent value for money. We think it really works.
Insider tip: APA Hotel offers great locations and prices, but tiny rooms. Most foreign reviews mention the tight space. If you love roomy digs, be warned!
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- A breakdown of the best budget hotels in Tokyo by area
- 11 top-rated Japanese hotel chains that combine affordability with quality
- Expert advice on scoring cheap hotels in Tokyo without sacrificing comfort
Best Cheap Hotel in Tokyo
- Access: 5 min to station
- Why Best?: Heart of Shinjuku, Clean, English OK
Whether you’re searching for the best budget hotels in Tokyo or trying to decide between chain hotels in Japan, this article will be your ultimate resource. Let’s dive in and find you the perfect affordable Tokyo accommodation for your unforgettable Japanese adventure!
- 5 Best Affordable Places to stay in Tokyo
- 11 Popular Affordable Hotel Chains
- Tips for finding affordable accommodations in Tokyo
- Discover Your Perfect Tokyo Stay
- Written and updated by:
- Best Affordable Places to stay in Other Cities
- Other Recommended Hotels in Tokyo:
- Deals and Activities:
- Recent posts from Locals in Japan
5 Best Affordable Places to stay in Tokyo
Tokyo has several areas with concentrated affordable hotels. Shinjuku has the most, followed by Asakusa, Ueno, and Ikebukuro. For those using Haneda Airport, consider Kamata – it’s lesser-known but conveniently close.
Insider tip #2: APA Hotel offers great locations and prices, but tiny rooms. Most foreign reviews mention the tight space. If you love roomy digs, be warned!
1. Shinjuku
Shinjuku Station, handling an astounding 3 million passengers daily, is the heart of this bustling area. Known for vibrant nightlife in Kabukicho, diverse dining in Golden Gai, and shopping at Isetan, LUMINE, and NEWoMan, Shinjuku offers easy access to Tokyo’s attractions.
Staying here immerses visitors in Tokyo’s energetic core while providing convenient transportation links.
🛌🏼Read More: 14 Best Budget Hotels in Shinjuku 🛌🏼
2. Asakusa
Asakusa, a historic district home to the famous Senso-ji Temple, offers a glimpse into old Tokyo with its traditional shops and restaurants. Visitors can immerse themselves in Japanese culture by experiencing activities like trying on a kimono, riding in a rickshaw, or creating and purchasing beautiful food samples.
Best Cheap Hotel in Asakusa
- Access: 1 min to station
- Why Best?: Unbeatable location, New, Heart of Asakusa
Asakusa is an excellent choice for travelers interested in experiencing Japanese culture and history, and it is well-connected to other parts of Tokyo via the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines.
🛌🏼Read More: 12 Best Budget Hotels in Asakusa 🛌🏼
3. Ueno
Ueno, a popular tourist destination in Tokyo, is known for its large park, a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring, and its many museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and the National Museum of Western Art. The area is also home to the famous Ameyoko shopping street, which offers a variety of small shops and restaurants, and the Ueno Zoo, renowned for its pandas.
Best Cheap Hotel in Ueno
- Access: 2 min to station
- Why Best?: Heart of Shinjuku, Clean, English OK
Ueno provides excellent access to Narita Airport via the Keisei Skyliner, with no transfers required. Located near the business district of Tokyo and the upscale shopping area of Ginza, Ueno is an ideal base for both business travelers and tourists looking to experience a luxurious side of Tokyo while enjoying the diverse attractions the area has to offer.
🛌🏼Read More: 11 Best Budget Hotels in Ueno 🛌🏼
4. Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro, a vibrant area in Tokyo, is known for its large department stores, anime and manga shops, and the famous Sunshine City complex, offering a wide range of entertainment and shopping options.
Best Cheap Hotel in Ikebukuro
- Access: 9 min to station
- Why Best?: Fantastic service and free of charge items, including free ramen!!
As a major transportation hub, Ikebukuro provides easy access to popular areas like Shinjuku (5 min), Shibuya (11 min), and Tokyo Station (16 min) via the Yamanote Line and several other train and subway lines. It also offers excellent access to Haneda Airport (43 min) and direct access to Narita Airport via the Narita Express.
🛌🏼Read More: 11 Best Budget Hotels in Ikebukuro 🛌🏼
5. Kamata
Kamata, a residential area in southern Tokyo, offers a wide range of affordable accommodation options, primarily business hotels known for their cleanliness, functionality, and reasonable prices. One of the main attractions of staying in Kamata is its excellent accessibility to Haneda Airport, which can be reached directly by the Keikyu Main Line train or bus.
Best Cheap Hotel in Kamata
- Access: 1 min to station
- Why Best?: Great Location, Clean, Large Public Bath
This convenient location allows visitors to experience a more local side of Tokyo while still having easy access to the city center via the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, Keikyu Line, and Tokyu Tamagawa Line, as well as popular tourist destinations.
🛌🏼Read More: 11 Best Budget Hotels in Kamata 🛌🏼
11 Popular Affordable Hotel Chains
So, here is the best and main section of this page.
As you try to search hotels in tokyo, especially if it is your first visit, I’m very sure it takes your precious time. Tokyo’s vast hotel scene can be overwhelming, but one strategy for finding satisfying accommodation is choosing high-quality Japanese chain hotels, and yet they are affordable, offering great value.
One standout is Dormy Inn, arguably Japan’s most beloved budget chain. They’re known for generous freebies like evening ramen and post-bath ice candy. Most locations feature public baths, a legacy of their dormitory origins. Dormy Inn’s brands include La Vista, Onyado Nono, and the namesake Dormy Inn.
Other top Japanese hotel chains worth considering for your Tokyo trip include Tokyu Stay, Daiwa Roynet, and APA Hotels. These chains consistently deliver clean rooms, good service, and comfort at budget-friendly prices.
This chain operates over 90 hotels throughout Japan, with a focus on providing a comfortable and relaxing stay. Dormy Inn has a passionate fan base, and enthusiasts love the chain for three main reasons: the extensive hot spring facilities, the luxurious buffet-style breakfast featuring local specialties, and the generous complimentary services like late-night ramen and free drinks. Rooms are equipped with high-quality bedding, massage chairs, and free Wi-Fi. The chain also operates the Global Cabin sub-brand, which offers compact, capsule-style rooms at lower prices.
With over 30 properties mainly in Tokyo, Tokyu Stay is known for its “residential hotel” concept. Offering “comfortable space for any length of stay,” rooms feature unique amenities like kitchenettes, washer/dryers, microwaves, and free Wi-Fi, ideal for extended stays. Most are within 5 minutes from major stations. Rooms and bathrooms are spacious, designed for stress-free long-term stays. Complimentary breakfast and 24-hour front desk are also provided.
A popular urban hotel brand with around 30 properties in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, brings the apartment hotel experience to Japan. Guests enjoy spacious rooms with kitchens, living areas, and amenities for a home-like stay. The diverse staff, with 80% being foreign, provides excellent service. Mimaru Suites offer two or more bedrooms, while some properties feature unique concepts and Pokémon-themed rooms, creating a special experience for fans. With its combination of comfort, amenities, and exceptional service, Mimaru caters to families, groups, and those seeking a distinctive hotel stay.
With over 75 properties across Japan, Daiwa Roynet Hotels offer comfortable and modern accommodations at affordable prices. Rooms feature high-quality bedding, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. The chain is also known for its “Daiwa Roynet Style” concept, which focuses on providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere, as well as its “Ladies’ Rooms,” which are designed specifically for female travelers.
Super Hotel, with over 170 properties across Japan, offers simple and affordable accommodations with three main attractions. Firstly, more than half of the hotels feature natural hot spring baths, providing guests with an authentic and relaxing experience. Secondly, most properties offer complimentary breakfast buffets, with some locations serving freshly baked bread, organic salads, and additive-free dressings, as well as locally sourced ingredients. Lastly, Super Hotel offers low prices despite the inclusion of hot springs and breakfast.
With 10 properties in and around Tokyo, Keio Presso Inn provides comfortable, convenient accommodations for business and leisure travelers. Hotels feature modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and quality bedding. Many offer complimentary breakfast and are near train stations or popular attractions. The “Smart Stay” concept includes mobile check-in and digital concierge services.
It operates around 10 hotels mainly in Tokyo, offering stylish and comfortable rooms at affordable rates. All properties are conveniently located near stations and tourist spots, ideal for business and leisure. The staff provides heartfelt hospitality to ensure a satisfying stay. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea at the front desk, while rooms feature Simmons beds and a choice of pillows for a comfortable sleep. The hotels offer various room types, including “Japanese Modern Rooms,” “Family Rooms,” and “Ladies’ Rooms” with beauty appliances. The restaurant “Bistro COCONE” serves delicious Japanese or Western breakfast sets to start the day right.
With more than 150 properties across Japan, MyStays Hotels offer a range of accommodations to suit various budgets and needs. The chain’s hotels feature comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, and many properties offer in-room kitchenettes and laundry facilities, making them ideal for longer stays. MyStays Hotels also operate several sub-brands, including MyStays Premier, which offers higher-end accommodations, and FlexStay Inn, which caters to budget-conscious travelers.
With over 400 properties across Japan, APA Hotels has the most guest rooms nationwide and can be found not only in Tokyo but throughout the country. The chain has been profitable for 52 straight terms (!) since 1971 and offers comfortable, compact rooms at affordable rates. Known for its “APA Style” concept, the focus is on high-quality amenities and services, including their “Cloud Fit” bedding system, in-room massage chairs, and complimentary breakfast with local specialties. APA Hotels also operates sub-brands like APA Villa Hotels, offering larger rooms and extra amenities.
With more than 300 properties across Japan, the largest number of hotels among all chains in the country, Route-Inn Hotels offer comfortable and affordable accommodations for both business and leisure travelers. One of the best things about Route-Inn is that most of their hotels have large public baths. All guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast regardless of the booking site or plan. Rooms are kept clean and up to a consistent standard, and guests are provided with a yukata (casual summer kimono) to wear, so there’s no need to bring pajamas. Despite the amenities and quality, the room rates are reasonable compared to other hotel chains.
This chain operates around 300 hotels throughout Japan, offering simple and affordable accommodations for business and leisure travelers. Toyoko Inn hotels feature compact rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, and all properties offer complimentary breakfast. The chain is known for its convenient locations, often near train stations, and reasonable rates.
Tips for finding affordable accommodations in Tokyo
- Book well in advance: Secure the best rates by booking early, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage season (October to November).
- Consider budget-friendly areas: Areas such as Asakusa, Kamata, or Ueno offer lower prices while still providing convenient access to popular attractions. Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, although more central, also have affordable options.
- Be mindful of room sizes: Japanese hotel rooms, especially in budget-friendly options, are often smaller than Western standards. Popular chains like APA Hotels, Toyoko Inn, and Route-Inn typically offer compact rooms. Check room dimensions when booking if space is a priority for you.
Discover Your Perfect Tokyo Stay
Finding affordable accommodation in Tokyo doesn’t mean compromising on quality or location. From the vibrant streets of Shinjuku to the historic charm of Asakusa, budget-friendly options abound in Japan’s exciting capital. Whether you choose a room with a kitchenette for longer stays or opt for a hotel with onsen facilities, Tokyo’s diverse range of affordable hotels caters to every traveler’s needs and preferences.
Ready to book your Tokyo adventure? Don’t wait – the best deals on budget hotels in Tokyo often sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom time. Use our curated list of top affordable hotels and convenient booking links to secure your ideal stay. With your accommodation sorted, you’ll be free to focus on exploring Tokyo’s incredible attractions, savoring its world-class cuisine, and creating unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Start planning your budget-friendly Tokyo trip today!
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