If you’ve been considering a trip to Tokyo, you’ve likely already heard of Shinjuku. It’s easily the busiest, liveliest, and most convenient ward (district) in Tokyo. Giant department stores tower over narrow yakitori alleyways. Luxury skyscraper hotels stand vigil over neon-lit streets. Small pockets of residential calm are a 5-minute walk from some of the busiest train stations in the world.
For visitors to Tokyo, Shinjuku often makes the ideal hub from which to explore.
I’ve stayed in Shinjuku on several occasions over the past few years with kids, on food tours, for shopping, and for photography trips. What makes Shinjuku stand out is that it can cater to almost every style of traveler.
Whether you want to stay at a luxury skyscraper hotel with panoramic views of the skyline, book a convenient capsule style business hotel right beside the station, or stay down one of the quieter neighborhoods with more family-friendly streets a short walk from the madness.
In this guide, I will outline the best neighborhoods for where to stay in Shinjuku depending on your style of travel.
Why Stay in Shinjuku?
Tokyo has a lot of great neighborhoods, but Shinjuku is one of my favorites.
Here’s why you should stay in Shinjuku when you visit Tokyo.
First of all, transportation. Shinjuku Station is the busiest train station in the world. While that may seem kind of scary, just know that it makes traveling to other parts of Tokyo extremely easy. Neighborhoods such as Shibuya, Ginza, Asakusa, and Akihabara are very accessible.
It’s also one of the only places in Tokyo that’s active 24 hours a day. There are restaurants that open late at night, convenience stores, bars, arcades, and shopping malls that are open from morning till night.
Plus Shinjuku is just diverse. Some places can be loud and busy, while others are quiet and residential.
Best Areas to Stay in Shinjuku
West Shinjuku: Great for Beginners and Convenience Hotels
The area I recommend to most first time visitors is west Shinjuku.
West Shinjuku has a more “newer” and ordered feel. It’s where Tokyo’ skyscraper district is, as well as most of the big international hotels, office buildings, and broader streets. It’s generally calmer and less chaotic than the east side.
Probably the biggest perk though is access to the airport. A ton of limousine buses going to and from the airport stop right at these hotels. It’s insanely convenient when you have luggage (or kids).
You’ll also find bigger rooms at these hotels than you will in most other parts of Tokyo.
Try staying at: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo / Hyatt Regency Tokyo / Hilton Tokyo / Hotel Groove Shinjuku
Ideal if you want:
- Easier access to/from the airport
- Larger hotel rooms
- Less chaos
- Decent family-friendly hotels
- Convenient train access
East Shinjuku: Great for Food, Shopping and Nightlife
If you closed your eyes and pictured Tokyo in your mind, you probably saw east Shinjuku.
Blinding neon lights, cramped streets, ginormous video displays, tiny noodle shops, arcades, karaoke joints, and restaurants upon restaurants lined with blocks upon blocks of apartment buildings. It truly feels like a movie.
Stay here if you love energy and nightlife.
Kabukicho, in particular, is known for its night scene. Just keep in mind that parts of Kabukicho can have a cheap/predatory feel. That said, it is perfectly safe to walk around as a tourist and visit the area. Avoid eye-contact with overly-aggressive touts and you’ll be fine.
I love staying over here because everything just feels so alive at night. Eat dinner, then stroll through an arcade. Grab some late night sushi. Or wander the city’s maze of side streets.
Try staying at: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku / Shinjuku Prince Hotel /APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower / Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo
Ideal if you want:
- Nightlife
- Food exploration
- Shopping
- Entertainment
- Stuff to do late at night
South Shinjuku: Great for Families and Quieter Hotels
South Shinjuku is often forgotten about, but it’s actually one of my favorite neighborhoods in Shinjuku.
The vibe here is more low-key and less hectic than Kabukicho. You still get amazing train access, but the streets are cleaner, quieter, and much easier to navigate with kids and luggage.
Another huge bonus is it’s ideal if you plan on using the JR lines alot, as your hotel will be much closer to the JR station.
You’re also extremely close to major shopping centers like Takashimaya Times Square and the wide pedestrian-friendly streets of Southern Terrace.
Try staying at: Hotel Century Southern Tower / JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku / MIMARU Tokyo Shinjuku West / Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Families tend to love this area because it’s more convenient, while still central.
Best Hotels in Shinjuku by Travel Style
Best Luxury Hotels in Shinjuku
If you want a more upscale Tokyo experience, Shinjuku has some excellent luxury properties.
Best known for its feature in Lost in Translation, Park Hyatt boasts unbelievable skyline views and perhaps the most quintessential luxury hotel experience in Tokyo.
It’s serene and glamorous in comparison to Tokyo streetlife happening outside.
Possibly the most functional luxury hotel for families and international tourists. Airport limousine buses have stops directly outside this hotel and rooms are typically larger than standard Tokyo accommodations.
Polished and dependable. The hotel is connected to the subway system. Standout executive lounge and breakfast.
Best Budget Hotels in Shinjuku
APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
Really small rooms, but really good location. Great if you will mostly be out sightseeing/touristing around Tokyo during the day and you just need a clean place to sleep at night.
Love this place for mid-range since many rooms come with washing machines. SO convenient when you’re here for an extended stay!
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku
Good subway access and typically cheaper than hotels right next to Shinjuku station.
Best Family Hotels in Shinjuku
Tokyo hotel rooms can be notoriously small, so choosing the right family hotel matters.
Possibly our favorite family friendly hotel in Tokyo. Having apartment-style rooms means more space, little kitchenettes, and bunk beds the kids will love.
They’ve really catered to families here with lots of thoughtful amenities, as well as convenient airport transportation.
Roomier than most Tokyo hotels and in a quieter area of Shinjuku.
Is Shinjuku Safe?
How safe is Shinjuku at night? Most asked questions by first time visitors to Tokyo. Overall Shinjuku is extremely safe when compared to red light districts in other major cities around the world.
However that being said, Kabukicho at night can feel very hectic with it’s crowds, nightlife, host clubs, and promoters that may be aggressively asking you to come into their bars. Here are my tips. Don’t listen to the guys on the street
Avoid sketchy bars Keep your head on a swivel Practice regular city sense. Even when roaming the streets late at night Tokyo will feel very safe.
How Many Days Should You Stay in Shinjuku?
If you’re staying in Tokyo for most trips, 4-6 nights in Shinjuku is ideal.
Due to great train connectivity, Shinjuku is ideal for:
- Sightseeing in other areas of Tokyo
- Day trips to Hakone
- Day trips to Kamakura
- Tokyo Disney Resort
- Nightlife / Shopping
Personally, I like to stay at 1 hotel in Tokyo for most of my trip instead of switching areas.
Tips for Booking Hotels in Shinjuku
Book Early If You Can During Peak Seasons
Tokyo hotels can become booked quickly during popular seasons such as:
- Cherry blossom season
- Golden Week
- Year end holidays
- Autumn foliage season
Booking earlier often leaves you with more hotel options.
Look at Distance from Station Carefully
Your hotel may advertise being in “Shinjuku” but still be a 15 minute walk from the station.
While that isn’t that far, Tokyo can be a grind to navigate with luggage after you’ve been traveling all day. Pick a hotel with an easy walk or consider taking a taxi from the airport if this is a concern.
If you have small children or lots of luggage, consider how easy it is to get to your hotel by airport limousine bus. Hotels like Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo and Hilton Tokyo have great access.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Shinjuku
Shinjuku packs convenience, transportation, food, shopping, and nightlife into one district.
West Shinjuku is ideal if you want the easiest experience overall. Most hotels in Shinjuku are concentrated in this area because it’s usually the safest bet for first-time visitors and families.
East Shinjuku / Kabukicho is what you want if you’re going for nonstop energy, nightlife, and that classic Tokyo feel.
South Shinjuku is the great middle ground if you don’t mind sacrificing a bit of that energy for a quieter area.
No matter where in Shinjuku you stay, you’ll be right in the heart of what Tokyo has to offer with quick access to everything else in the city.
Where to Stay in Shinjuku (2026): Best Areas & Hotels for Every Traveler