The Best Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals in Tokyo

With an interior aesthetic that blends Japanese minimalism with touches of mid-century modern, the five-sleeping apartment at Grace Heiwajima is understatedly chic. A simple, well-equipped kitchenette and a dining room are added perks, and the bedroom is stripped-back but cozy. A location in the Ota area, south of central Tokyo, means easy access to the train, as well as to lots of shopping and dining options.

Splashed from floor to ceiling in an eccentric shade of aquamarine, this one-bedroom studio apartment is, without doubt, one of the city’s more unique self-service stays. That said, the bedroom and living room are still manages to feel stylish and cosy, while the open-plan kitchen-diner is clean and bright. A washing machine and a bathtub are thoughtful, unusually-practical perks, and a location in Shinagawa, just south of central Tokyo, couldn’t be better for exploring the city.

The dinky studio rooms at Tokyo’s Numero Uno hotel are as compact as they come, but manage to feel cozy rather than cramped, thanks to clever styling and warm lighting. Contemporary, comfortable beds, lots of natural light and high-tech bathrooms give you all you need for a convenient city crash pad. A location a brief walk from the train station in Ota, just south of central Tokyo, makes city access super easy.

Tokyo’s Goen Inn offers a minimalist, traditional-feeling base in the city. The studio apartments feature inviting, duvet-piled beds behind a sliding door that opens onto a tatami mat area. Bathrooms are functional and modern, as are the compact kitchenettes that come with the apartments. A location in Bunkyo, north of central Tokyo, virtually next door to the train station, makes at least getting home easy, when there are plenty of other challenges for Tokyo first-timers.

For a no-frills, live-like-a-local-style stay in the city, Otsuka Station Apartment Hotel will make you feel right at home. The studio rooms are more functional than fancy, but come with well-equipped kitchenettes for whipping up late night bowl of noodles, and a variety of bed options including bunk beds, making this a good option for families. Small balconies serve as a cute coffee spot, while a location a short walk from Otsuka Station means it’s easy to get into the centre of things.

Tokyo’s Yotsuya Sanchome takes the form of three modern-feeling, almost dorm-like studio rooms, stylishly decorated in a monochromatic palette. The beds here are exclusively bunk-style, making this a no-brainer for large groups or families. Kitchenettes and semi-private dressing areas provide even more space and convenience, and a location just east of the city, steps from a well-connected train station, makes getting into town a doddle.

Feeling like a cross between an inner-city hotel and a private university dorm room, are the studio rooms at Tokyo’s Hotel MyStays Ueno Inaricho. Tight but well-designed to maximise space, furnished with cool, contemporary furniture and blessed with natural light, they’re Tokyo in a nutshell. A kitchenette and mini-fridge, not to mention vending machines, are there for self-catering, and a desk is provided for working. A location near a busy train station, in Taito, just north of central Tokyo, makes it a convenient base.

The studio room at Tokyo’s G&R House 101 is a comfortable, cozy place to settle into the city. The two sofas feel a little bulky, and perhaps unnecessary given the space restrictions, but one of them does fold out to become a bed. There’s a compact kitchenette and a fully-equipped bathroom, and the quiet location in a suburban-feeling area means you won’t have to worry about getting a solid night’s sleep – you’ll be ready to hit the city with gusto.

Big enough to fit a travelling group of four, this breezy apartment is right in the heart of the action, in Minato. It’s a stylish, laid-back apartment with tastefully minimalist furniture and enough storage space for even those who travel heavy (a rarity in the city of Tokyo). Prices are a little higher than for some others on this list, but, given its location, you’ll be saving a whole lot of money on transport.

This beautiful, historic two-storey house can host up to six people. Advertised as a “hidden gem”, this doesn’t quite do it justice; this home evokes a feeling of nostalgia for a bygone era in Japan while also boasting some of the most modern amenities available. The traditional-style home includes a hot tub, hammock, sunroom, garden, heated table and fully stocked kitchen, just to name a few of its features. It’s also within walking distance of an onsen and many convenient train lines.