Where to Stay in Shinjuku Tokyo: Our Top 5 Hotel Picks (2026)
- Last Updated On August 12, 2026
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When we first visited Tokyo in 2023 as part of a three week Japan trip, the first place we stayed was ridiculously out of the way. We’re talking 2-3 trains away in a residential neighbourhood. We didn’t realise how much it mattered until we came back to Tokyo at the end of the trip and stayed in Shinjuku. Honestly, the difference in experience was like night and day.Â
If there’s one thing you take away from this post, it’s that location matters!
When it comes down to it, we always tell friends and family to stay in either Shinjuku or Shibuya when they visit Tokyo. We’ve found that these two locations make for the best way to see so much of Tokyo in a short space of time. We’ve based ourselves in both and find that each one has something unique to offer, but most importantly, you won’t have to catch 3 trains just to grab a meal!Â
We genuinely believe Shinjuku is one of the best places you can stay in Tokyo. So we’ve put together this guide to tell you a bit about our experience staying there and which hotels are our favourite.Â
In a Rush? Here Are Our Favourite Hotels in Tokyo
Why You Should Stay in Shinjuku Tokyo
Staying in Shinjuku was probably one of the best decisions we made when we returned to Tokyo. Surrounded by neon lights, karaoke bars, and every type of Japanese cuisine you could imagine. This was the Tokyo we were expecting. Â
Now that’s not to say there aren’t some downsides, it is an incredibly popular place so hotel prices can be slightly inflated compared to other areas in Tokyo, and it is busy! Every time we stepped out of our hotel we were in the thick of it. For some that might be exactly what you want but it can be quite mentally draining as you try to navigate from your hotel to the busiest train station in the world through the throngs of people. But it’s all part of the Tokyo experience!
In fact, the best part about staying in Shinjuku for us was just how easy it was to reach every corner of Tokyo, having Shinjuku station be so close is both a godsend and a curse. It’s the one station in Tokyo that no matter how many times we travelled through it, we always got lost. But again, that’s part of the experience…
Since that first trip we’ve stayed in multiple regions around Tokyo. Shinjuku, Shibuya, Komagome, Bunkyo & Asakusa, and honestly Shinjuku is up there as one of the best, especially for first timers! Everything you could need in Tokyo is in this area, and if it’s not, well it’s only a short train journey away from Shinjuku station.
Our Favourite Hotels in Shinjuku Tokyo
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (Where We Stayed)
When we returned to Tokyo at the end of our three-week trip to Japan this is where we stayed. As far as hotels go it provided all the basics we needed as a group of 4, and to be honest, we weren’t spending much time in the hotel room. Why would you when there’s the whole of Tokyo to explore? We will say that the staff were really helpful and friendly!
We found that the best thing about this hotel is its location, possibly the best location we’ve stayed in Tokyo. It’s nicely located near Shinjuku station with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby meaning we never had to repeat a meal. And if like us you’re into photography or tech in general, then one of Japan’s biggest electronic stores, Yodobashi Camera, is just around the corner. Many hours have been spent in Yodobashi trying our different lenses (sorry Sarah).
One of the biggest conveniences about staying here was something we didn’t figure out until our last day. After getting lost in Shinjuku station multiple times, we realised that if we got off one stop away at Yoyogi station, we could navigate to our hotel much easier!
Staying at the Sunroute Plaza in Shinjuku was the ideal location for exploring Shinjuku and wider Tokyo, whilst still being out of the way enough to not be hassled by the bustling sound of the city.
Book Here: Hotel Sunroute Plaza ShinjukuÂ
Via Inn Shinjuku
Via Inn sits nicely in that classic Japanese business hotel chain category. They’re fairly low thrills but always situated in ideal locations throughout major cities in Japan. We haven’t actually stayed at the one in Shinjuku, but we have used them as an affordable hotel option in Osaka when we want a break from hostel life.
Around 10 minutes away from Shinjuku station and the Kabukicho district, this hotel offers the convenience of being in Shinjuku without the hassle of having the crowds and noise on your doorstep. It’s a great budget option if you want to save your money for activities and souvenirs.
Expect the classic small Japanese hotel room and friendly customer service that Japan has become known for. Just be prepared for the struggle of opening your suitcase and filling it full of Don Quijote souvenirs with the limited floor space. Which we think is a small sacrifice for the money saved.
Book Here: Via Inn Shinjuku
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
As a complete contrast to Via Inn, Keio Plaza Hotel is for those that are after a bougie, luxurious stay in Tokyo. We’re talking fine dining, views of Mt Fuji, incredible rooms, and a rooftop pool overlooking the city. We were honestly surprised to find a hotel in Tokyo that had an outdoor pool, one of the last things we expected to see amongst the concrete jungle.
Keio Plaza is high on our list of ‘places to stay when we’re rich’, we’re not quite there yet so for now it’s only a dream. But perhaps one day when we’re wanting to splurge on an incredible hotel experience in Tokyo, this is the place we’ll go.
Keio plaza is hailed for having incredible attention to detail and customer service, whilst being ideally situated on the west side of Shinjuku station. Slightly away from the chaos of Kabukicho but close enough to visit. It’s also next door to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building which has a light show on the outside of the building every night and a free viewpoint overlooking the city (although you probably won’t need it if you’re stopping here).
Book Here: Keio Plaza Hotel Shinjuku
Shinjuku Washington Hotel
The Shinjuku Washington hotel is where our friends stayed on their Japan trip whilst we were working a ski season in Japan. Even though we were too busy to come to Tokyo and meet them, they said they had a great time staying here! One of the things they enjoyed about this hotel was the breakfast buffet. Rather than have to figure out where to go for breakfast every morning they enjoyed the breakfast buffet put on by the hotel and then could head straight to whatever activity they had planned that day. Making their trip that little bit less mentally taxing.
The hotel is located just around the corner from the Keio Plaza Hotel and is a great option if you’re looking for the same relaxed atmosphere but at a cheaper price point, all whilst staying connected to Shinjuku station. The Shinjuku Washington hotel even has a direct tunnel access to Shinjuku station, making navigating to and from even easier! One thing our friends did point out was that the rooms are the typically small Japanese hotel rooms they had come to expect on this trip. But that’s the price of affordable accommodation in Tokyo!
Book Here: Shinjuku Washington Hotel
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
I don’t think you could find a more iconic Shinjuku hotel. This is somewhere we tried to book on one of our many visits to Tokyo during our year living in Japan, but we always found it was booked up. Another reason why you should book in advance!
Hotel Gracery is a modern hotel situated right next to the iconic Godzilla head statue in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, with some rooms even having a window that looks out over the statue! It’s a highly sought after hotel with decent size rooms by Japanese standards. We’ve even walked past this hotel several times when exploring Shinjuku and noticed that there seems to be a 7-eleven in the hotel! Doesn’t get more convenient than that.
Location wise Hotel Gracery is in the thick of it. You couldn’t be more centrally located to Shinjuku’s nightlife if you tried. If you’re a couple or young traveller who wants to have endless possibilities on your doorstep then this is the ideal hotel to stay in. We wouldn’t say it’s unfriendly to families, but you should keep in mind that it is technically in Tokyo’s red-light district, although it is quite tame by European standards.
Book Here: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Best Backpacker Option in Shinjuku: Unplan Shinjuku Hostel
Deviating slightly from our hotel recommendations, we always like to include a hostel option where we can. Not everyone loves the idea of hostel life, which is understandable, but we stand by them as a great budget option, especially for solo travellers. We usually stay in a Shinjuku hotel as a ‘treat’ away from hostel life, so we haven’t actually stayed at Unplan Shinjuku. However, we have met lots of travellers who’ve based themselves here on their trip to Tokyo and absolutely loved it!
It’s located close to Kabukicho and the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku, making it ideal for solo travellers looking to meet people. They do offer private rooms with a shared bathroom for couples but it’s always worth checking cheap hotel prices instead to see how they compete. Definitely an option to keep in mind if you’re on a tight budget!
Book Here: Unplan Shinjuku Hostel
Things to Know Before Visiting Tokyo
How to Get Around Tokyo
Getting around Tokyo is going to heavily rely on using the vast rail network. One of the reasons we recommend staying in Shinjuku is because of how well connected Shinjuku Station is, especially its access to the Yamanote Line. To make getting around Tokyo easier, you should absolutely get a Suica card. Fortunately, we've written a whole guide on what a Suica card is and how to set one up!
Get an eSIM
Staying connected in Tokyo is going to massively improve your trip. Having reliable access to Google Maps and Google Translate makes navigating the streets and restaurants 1,000 times easier. Even after living in Japan for 10 months, we still relied heavily on Google Maps to get around! Check out our guide on the best eSIM options in Japan.
Cash is Still King
Sort of. A lot of places in Japan accept cards now, and even some vending machines accept Suica. But having cash can still be useful for certain shops and stalls. We always recommend taking a debit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. For us, that's Chase or Revolut. Then, when you get to Japan, withdraw cash at the first 7-Eleven ATM you find. It's free and you generally get a good exchange rate.
Stand on the Left
When using the escalator in Tokyo, you stand on the left-hand side so people can walk up the right. In Osaka, it's the other way around. Don't ask us why!
Get Travel Insurance
We always recommend having travel insurance when you go away. Whilst Japan is an extremely safe country, travel insurance covers you for more than just accidents. Lost luggage, cancelled flights, theft. Make sure you have adequate insurance before you get to the airport. We've written a guide on the best travel insurance for long-term travel.
Learn a Little Japanese
You don't have to become fluent. But learning a few phrases such as hello (kon-ni-chi-wa), excuse me (su-mi-ma-sen), and thank you (a-ri-ga-to) will go a long way! If you really want to test yourself, try this one after a meal or as you leave the restaurant: gochisousamadeshita (go-chee-soh-sah-mah-deh-shee-tah). It means thank you for the meal!
Convenience Stores are Your Best Friend
Honestly, it should be one of the first things you do in Tokyo. Get off the plane and head straight to the konbini. Try all the snacks, try all the bentos, try everything you don't recognise. You'll soon learn what your favourite is and always be able to grab one when your energy levels are low.
Trains Stop Running Around Midnight
Trains in Tokyo stop running around midnight, so plan your nighttime activities accordingly! It's a rite of passage to miss the last train and spend your whole night in the club until the first train at 5am. This is why 24-hour ramen bars exist!
Final Thoughts About The Best Hotel in Shinjuku Tokyo
You might have noticed that the biggest thing we’ve stressed throughout all these recommendations is the location. We think it’s the most important factor when choosing where to stay in Shinjuku, and Tokyo as a whole. Japanese hotel standards are pretty high, especially in the touristic area of the biggest city in the world! Like many hotels all over the world, the more you pay, the more luxury you get, and that tracks with what we’ve seen in Tokyo. There’s plenty of options for every type of traveller. From budget backpackers (like us), to families, to highfliers looking to splash the cash.
Shinjuku is one of those places that we keep coming back to whenever we visit Tokyo. It’s convenient, ideally located and has a great nightlife. Visually, it’s the iconic neon Tokyo experience we wanted. We believe you could genuinely come to Shinjuku time and time again and never get bored.Â
However, to make the most of Tokyo, we like to split our time between different areas and it’s what we recommend to everyone that visits for the classic three-week golden triangle trip. So, if you’re wanting to explore more hotel options in the city, then we recommend checking out places to stay in Shibuya for more iconic views, or even Asakusa for a more cultural experience.
If you’re in the early stages of planning your trip then check out our guide on the best time to visit Tokyo,and see what each season has to offer.Â
If you haven’t mapped out your days yet, our Tokyo 5-day itinerary walks through exactly how we’d use Shinjuku as a base!
FAQs About The Best Hotels in Shinjuku
Is Shinjuku a good area to stay in Tokyo?
Yes. Shinjuku is one of the best base options in Tokyo thanks to its train connections, dining, and nightlife. It's especially good for first-time visitors who want easy access to the rest of the city.
Should I stay in Shinjuku or Shibuya?
Both are excellent choices and it often comes down to personal preference. Shinjuku tends to offer a wider spread of dining and nightlife, while Shibuya feels slightly more youthful and fashion-focused. We've stayed in both and rate them equally.
Is Shinjuku safe at night?
Yes, Shinjuku is generally very safe, even late at night. As with any big city, it's worth using common sense in busier nightlife pockets like Kabukicho, but violent crime is rare.
How far is Shinjuku from other parts of Tokyo?
Shinjuku Station is one of the best-connected stations in the city, with direct lines to Shibuya, Asakusa, and most major Tokyo neighbourhoods in under 30 minutes.
What's the best hotel in Shinjuku for couples?
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is our top pick for couples, offering a solid balance of location, comfort, and price. For a splurge stay, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is a great upgrade option.
Is there a good hostel option in Shinjuku?
Yes, Unplan Shinjuku is our top recommendation for backpackers, offering clean dorms and a central location without the price tag of a hotel.
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Hi! We’re Mark & Sarah.
We’ve been travelling the world together for the past 4 years. Exploring destinations such as Europe, South America, South East Asia, Japan and Australia. Now we’re sharing everything we’ve learned on our travels, to help you get out there and have your own adventures!
