Tokyo, a bustling metropolis with a population of 14 million and a popular tourist destination, offers a wide range of hotels in various districts. With diverse qualities, ratings, and price ranges, choosing the right hotel can be challenging, especially for first-time visitors. As locals, we have curated a list of 5 recommended areas with affordable hotels, selection tips, and 11 representative budget-friendly hotel chains to help you plan your trip more efficiently and avoid any missteps. We hope this list will save you time in booking your accommodation, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your travel planning and fully enjoy your Tokyo experience.
5 Best Affordable Places to stay in Tokyo
1. Shinjuku
As a major transportation hub, Shinjuku offers easy access to various parts of Tokyo. This bustling area is known for its vibrant nightlife like kabukicho, countless dining options like Shinjuku Golden gai, and shopping destinations like Isetan, LUMINE, NEWoMan, Marui, and Takashimaya. Staying in Shinjuku allows visitors to experience the energetic side of Tokyo while having convenient access to popular attractions.
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. 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.
3. 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. 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.
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. 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. With its lively atmosphere and abundant affordable hotels, Ikebukuro is an ideal base for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore Tokyo’s western side, including Shibuya, Roppongi, Ebisu, and Shinjuku.
5. 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 Ameya Yokocho shopping street, which offers a variety of small shops and restaurants, and the Ueno Zoo, renowned for its pandas. 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.
Tips for finding affordable accommodations in Tokyo
- Book well in advance, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage season (November), to secure the best rates.
- Consider staying in areas such as Asakusa, Kamata, or Ueno, which offer lower prices while still providing convenient access to popular attractions. Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, although more central, also have affordable options.
- Look for hotels with amenities that can help you save money during your stay, such as in-room kitchenettes, complimentary breakfast, or free Wi-Fi.
- Be aware that hotel rooms in Japan tend to be smaller compared to Western standards, even in affordable hotels. If you prefer a more spacious room, be sure to check the room size when booking. Popular hotel chains like APA Hotels, Toyoko Inn, and Route-Inn are known for their relatively smaller rooms but are frequently used by international tourists for their convenience and affordability. Keep this in mind when considering these options.
11 Popular Affordable Hotel Chains
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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