The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Tokyo
The capital of Japan gets a reputation for being a rather expensive city to visit. Sure, it’s easy to drop a lot of cash if you want, but like many other Asian cities, it’s definitely possible to visit on the cheap. You just need to know how to get around, what to eat and where to stay on a budget in Japan. Save your yen to spend on sushi and karaoke bars by staying in one of these cheap hotels in Tokyo – from capsule hotels to classic ryokan inns – all bookable with Culture Trip.
1. Shinjuku Granbell
Hotel, Boutique Hotel
Set on the fringes of Shinjuku’s nightlife district, Kabukicho, with karaoke bars, izakaya (pubs) and throngs of revellers, this affordable stay gives you access to the charismatic Tokyo you’re craving, any time of day or night. Classy rooms provide respite from the electric crush: white walls, marble-style accents, views over the city skyline. Come sunset, a rooftop terrace – a rarity in Tokyo – is the perfect place to sink a sharpener before heading out to explore the scene.
2. Wired Hotel Asakusa
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
One of the most celebrated temples in Tokyo, Sensoji, is on your doorstep at Wired – its grand, postcard-perfect red lanterns are a three-minute walk away, so it’s easy to visit early or late to escape the tourist crowds. Other benefits of a stay here? Bike hire, so you can explore the quaint shopping streets of Asakusa on two wheels. Cool, contemporary rooms are available in both private formats (with city views, parquet floors and the occasional balcony) and extra-thrifty dormitory styles.
3. Hotel Hillarys Akasaka
Hotel
Sleek wooden walls and crisp whites give the compact rooms at this central stay a contemporary Japanese feel. A top-floor public bathing space further adds to the effect, along with a minimalist lobby sporting a stony backdrop. The location is great for travellers of all kinds: Tokyo’s business district is nearby, while leisure guests can easily dart to palaces, historic gardens and a clutch of great Korean-style barbecue restaurants.
5. Hotel Risveglio Akasaka
Hotel
6. The Gate Hotel Asakusa Kaminarimon by Hulic
Hotel
While many Japanese hotels opt for a minimalist aesthetic, the Gate goes all-in with opulent patterned wallpapers, vibrant carpets and pops of colourful art. This boutique hotel in historic Asakusa doesn’t overdo it, though, keeping the vibe classy enough for business travellers (who can take advantage of the city-facing desk spaces in the smallest rooms). The 13th-floor R Restaurant & Bar is lined with windows and a rare Tokyo terrace; it serves up French toast for breakfast, plus steak and wine come evening.
7. Artist Hotel – BnA Hotel Koenji
Boutique Hotel
West of Tokyo’s main transport hub, Shinjuku, this arty stay is tucked away in an area less often visited by tourists: Koenji. Both bedrooms – there are only two at this intimate stay – have been designed and built by a team of local Japanese artists and textile designers; a gallery public space hosts events and exhibitions. Meanwhile, the front desk bar area is a place to sip a morning coffee and hang out with the locals.
8. Andon Ryokan
Ryokan
9. The Millennials Shibuya
Capsule Hotel, Hotel
Calling all shoppers: the location of this hotel, right in the heart of the best shopping district in Tokyo, Shibuya, is the stay for you. As you’d imagine, space comes at a premium in this popular district, but the Millennials keeps things super-affordable by offering capsule-style sleeping arrangements with comfy beds, storage areas and a pull-down screen for watching bedtime films. All the more cash to save for splurging on nearby Cat Street, or on quirky homewares at Tokyu Hands.
10. Moxy Tokyo Kinshicho by Marriott
Boutique Hotel
A big open-plan lobby with table football, bar and cushy sofas gives you plenty of space to spread out and socialise at this eastern Tokyo pad. Funky wall art, black taps in bathrooms and exposed lightbulbs lends an urban, trendy air that will especially suit younger travellers (a crowd who’ll also appreciate Moxy’s 24-hour noodle bar after a late-night karaoke session). Tokyo’s electronic district, Akihabara, is just a quick metro ride away.
11. Hoshino Resorts OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka
Hotel
Underrated Otsuka, with a Michelin-starred ramen restaurant, Nakiryu, and a photogenic old tram, is your ‘hood when you book into this modern stay. Sign up to a grand tour of the local food and drink scene, free historic walking tour or enjoy DJ nights in a comfy lounge. Rooms sleeping up to three (great for small families) come with loft-style design – the futon bed is suspended above a sofa area to maximise space. Tatami mats lend a proper Japanese feel.
Want to splash the cash on an opulent stay in Japan? Book one of the best luxury hotels in Tokyo with Culture Trip.
This is an updated version of an article originally by Lucy Dayman.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.