Where to Stay in Tokyo the First Time + Why

On my first visit to Japan, I did a lot of research into the neighborhoods of Tokyo to figure out where to stay.

I had a couple of conditions. It had to be:

Close to a major train station — to reach day trip destinations easily.
A vibrant nightlife — to continue exploring and making the most of Tokyo after day trips.
Not too touristy (definitely avoid Shinjuku and Shibuya) — to look forward to returning and not have to deal with crowds.

My conclusion? Stay in Akihabara!

buildings lit up at night in Akihabara — Akihabara, Tokyo

girl standing in the middle of a pedestrian street in Akihabara with people passing by, surrounded by tall lit-up buildings at night — Akihabara, Tokyo

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Why I Decided to Stay in Akihabara

I ultimately decided to stay in Akihabara (the anime/manga district) because it is a modern, late-night neighborhood full of arcades, gachapon machines (my wallet did not thank me), and lit-up nightscapes.

It ended up being the perfect place to come home to after a day of traveling around Tokyo.

More fun? More Family Mart snacks? Even at midnight? Why not, you’re in Japan!

I also loved that Akihabara did not feel as touristy as Shibuya — it was not as crowded at night, and it was a fun crowd (mostly locals).

Hotel Where I Stayed

I stayed at the JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara and LOVED it.

The hotel rooms were clean and roomy considering Tokyo standards, and a buffet breakfast was included with the stay.

The hotel staff was also so friendly and considerate.

JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara checked all the boxes. It is:

Steps away from Akihabara Station, a major train/metro station with connections to Tokyo Station and more.
In the manga/anime district (Akihabara), a super fun neighborhood with many arcades, gachapons, and claw machines, open late.
Not in a touristy area, but it did get more crowded at night, mostly with locals looking to spend a night on the town. Mornings and mid-day are pretty quiet.

Would I recommend it? Yes, and I would definitely stay at the JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara again.

Modern hotel room with a sliding door partially open, revealing a white toilet and part of a bathtub on the left, and a bed, suitcase, and yellow bench in the bedroom area on the right. — Our room at JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara

Two single beds with white bedding are placed side by side, separated by a geometric-patterned headboard with built-in lights. A folded white robe is on one bed. The room has a modern, minimal design. — Our beds in JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara

A buffet with various dishes on display in bowls and plates, labeled with small signs, set on a wooden counter. Colorful artwork and framed pictures decorate the wall in the background. — Buffet breakfast at JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara

Two trays of breakfast food with scrambled eggs, hash browns, pancakes, cherry tomatoes, rice, juice, and fruit, plus a cup of water and a green pamphlet on a light wooden table. — Breakfast trays at JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara

Top Things I Did in Akihabara

Food: Kurikoan Taiyaki, Family Mart (also ate at a really great Italian place, but cannot remember the name of it!)
Arcades and games: Taito Station Akihabara, Akihabara Gachapon Hall
Shopping: Bookoff, Don Quijote Akihabara

A person with shoulder-length hair stands in front of a wall lined with colorful capsule toy vending machines, also known as gashapon, in a brightly lit indoor space. — My cousin at the gachapon machines, Akihabara, Tokyo

A brightly lit arcade crane game machine filled with turquoise plush toys and smaller plushies, with another prize machine beside it, both displaying colorful toys behind clear glass. — Claw machines, Akihabara, Tokyo

A person crouches in front of GiGO claw machines in an arcade, focusing intensely while trying to win a prize. The scene is brightly lit with colorful lights and reflections on the floor. — My cousin at the claw machines, Akihabara, Tokyo

Other Areas in Tokyo + Why I Didn’t Stay There

There are so many areas of Tokyo, being that it is the largest city in the world.

Which other ones to consider staying in for a first visit?

Shinjuku and Shibuya

Modern Japan

The touristy Shinjuku and Shibuya are popular for a reason, but I only visited them for half a day.

Of the two areas, I spent a lot more time in Shinjuku and enjoyed it more than I expected. There are so many unique things to see and do!

Why I didn’t stay here: Both of these areas are very crowded with tourists — Shibuya much more so.

I barely managed to stay in Shibuya for an hour to do the scramble crosswalk (a few times) and pass by Harajuku before turning and running away.

A crowd looks up at a giant 3D digital billboard displaying a lifelike, animated calico cat stretching in a busy city area with tall buildings and signs. — Shinjuku, Tokyo

Setagaya City

Traditional Japan

I went to Setagaya City to see the lucky cat temple and try cat-shaped taiyaki and Totoro cream puffs. This was a more suburban area, and it was nice to see a quieter part of Tokyo.

As a cat lover, I had to see the unique Gotokuji Temple, and the cute treats were simply a bonus.

Why I didn’t stay here: Even though it was a calm, safe area of Tokyo, it was too far out of the way of everything else I wanted to see and do.

I only had 3 days in Tokyo and I wanted to stay in a much more convenient location, to make the most of my short time.

A person stands smiling under a clear umbrella in front of a traditional Japanese gate, surrounded by autumn foliage and a wet stone path. — Gotokuji Temple, Tokyo

A hand holds a cat-shaped pastry in front of a blurred storefront sign that reads RARASAND SETAGAYA. The pastry resembles a lucky cat with a raised paw. — Rarasand, Setagaya City, Tokyo

Asakusa

Traditional Japan

I decided to visit Asakusa because it was a more traditional part of Tokyo, where we could try classic Japanese treats and tour the oldest temple.

Why I didn’t stay here: I really loved exploring Asakusa and, in hindsight, would have enjoyed staying here as well.

However, it didn’t have the vibrant nightlife like Akihabara, where we could stay up until midnight playing the claw machines.

A woman smiles at the camera while holding food on a stick in a busy street with shops in the background, some people are walking and students in uniforms are gathered on the left. — My cousin in Asakusa, Tokyo

What to Pack for Your Trip to Japan

Comfortable and convenient footwear

You’ll likely walk a lot while visiting Japan, so a good pair of walking shoes is a must. However, one additional recommendation is make sure your sneakers are slip-in.

Why wear slip-in sneakers?

Many traditional places in Japan require guests to remove shoes before entering. Shoes with a lot of laces are hard to get off. But slip-ins? A breeze.

Slip-in sneakers — I wore this pair of slip-in sneakers from Skechers my entire trip to Japan, and it was so convenient! I didn’t even have to sit down to take off my shoes, like everyone else did. My shoes just slipped right off. I also felt comfortable in these shoes despite walking 20,000 steps every single day.
Ankle socks — Be sure to wear ankle-covering socks with your shoes so you don’t get blisters with all that walking. I wore these Hanes ankle socks every day of my trip to Japan and didn’t get a single blister.

Favorite travel essentials

I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized.
I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.