Where to Stay in Shinjuku: Best Hotels & Airbnb Options for Every Traveler
Shinjuku is Japan's busiest district. As the location of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, it serves as a political center where numerous people and facilities converge.
Shinjuku is also known as "the city that never sleeps" due to its neon lights that shine through the night and constant foot traffic. Areas like Kabuki-cho and Golden Gai, known for their deep nightlife culture, are filled with restaurants and entertainment venues, keeping the district vibrant 24/7.
Known as Tokyo's premier entertainment district, Shinjuku attracts domestic and international tourists daily. To meet this demand, there are numerous hotels in the area. These accommodations vary in concept, price range, and services, making it enjoyable to find the perfect place to stay in Shinjuku that matches your preferences.
Beyond hotels and traditional Japanese inns, there are many Airbnb options available, allowing visitors to experience Japanese culture in local residences. In this article, we'll introduce recommended hotels in different areas of Shinjuku.
Important Considerations When Choosing Where to Stay in Shinjuku!
When selecting accommodation in the sleepless city of Shinjuku, it's crucial to pay attention to the specific area. Some locations can be noisy even late at night, and there are areas with security concerns. Consider these three criteria when choosing an area:
* Safety
* Accessibility
* Atmosphere
Staying in a safe area will increase your peace of mind and ensure a comfortable stay. Choosing a location with good access makes it easy to move around, allowing you to make the most of your time and fully enjoy your Japan trip.
For those seeking a quieter atmosphere, the areas around Shinjuku Gyoen and West Shinjuku are recommended.
10 Recommended Hotels and Places to Stay in Shinjuku by Area
West Shinjuku Area
West Shinjuku is an area dominated by skyscrapers, offering urban night views from hotel high-rise floors. There's also green space like Shinjuku Central Park, perfect for relaxing morning walks from your accommodation.
Keio Plaza Hotel
Source:Official website
With 80% of its guests being international tourists, Keio Plaza Hotel offers Japanese cultural experience programs. Guests can enjoy:
* Yukata/kimono fitting and photo sessions
* Tea ceremony experiences in a tea room
* Japanese art appreciation
The tea ceremony experience includes English explanations from a certified instructor, and guests can actually prepare matcha tea themselves. You can deeply experience Japanese traditional culture in a serene atmosphere.
During summer, the sky pool is open. Why not spend an elegant time in this quiet space overlooking the garden, away from the city's hustle and bustle?
Shinjuku Washington Hotel ANNEX
Source:Official website
For those who want to enjoy a special breakfast at their hotel, Shinjuku Washington Hotel ANNEX is recommended. You can choose from three restaurants depending on your mood:
* Japanese-Western buffet featuring beef sirloin steak
* Western-style buffet with original open sandwiches
* Japanese-style buffet with seafood bowls
As a seafood lover, I especially recommend the Japanese-style buffet "Fujita's Breakfast." You can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in a calm traditional setting. Try creating your own original seafood bowl by topping it with marinated tuna, conger eel, salmon roe, and grated yam.
Taking photos of your self-made seafood bowl not only serves as a memorable keepsake but is also perfect for Instagram!
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Source:Wikipedia
For those seeking an ultra-luxury hotel experience in Shinjuku and wanting to spend time in an extraordinary setting, Park Hyatt Tokyo is highly recommended. All guest rooms are located on the 42nd floor and above, offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Mount Fuji and Tokyo.
Park Hyatt Tokyo is also perfect for art enthusiasts.
Highlights of Park Hyatt Tokyo:
* A restaurant adorned with 144 black and white photographs on the ceiling
* A corridor showcasing unique art pieces
* A library offering a modern and stylish space
Additionally, shared spaces such as the entrance and lobby are decorated with magnificent art objects. Every corner of the hotel feels like wandering through an art museum.
Currently undergoing complete renovation for its 30th anniversary, the hotel will reopen for stays from October 2025.
Hilton Tokyo
Source:Official website
Hilton Tokyo is the perfect choice for families seeking a luxurious hotel stay with children. It offers numerous features for families to enjoy together:
* Corridors designed like "Alice in Wonderland"
* Bathrooms with footstools for children
* Adorable packaged amenities
* Welcome chocolates for parents and children to enjoy
* Magical letters from forest fairies
* In-room breakfast service without worrying about other guests
* Private indoor pool available for family use
The restaurant offers a buffet breakfast where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine such as soba, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), and rice cooked in traditional pots, as well as Western dishes and desserts that children will love.
If you're concerned about walking around Shinjuku at night with children, you can relax and enjoy the nighttime atmosphere of Shinjuku from the comfort of the Hilton Tokyo's lounge and bar.
Kabukicho Area
Kabukicho, perfect for experiencing Tokyo's entertainment culture, features numerous accommodation options. Here are recommended hotels for both those seeking luxury stays and those looking for unique experiences at reasonable prices.
Shinjuku Prince Hotel
Source:SEIBU GROUP
For those wanting a conveniently located hotel with an upscale atmosphere, Shinjuku Prince Hotel is recommended. This 25-story building sits above Seibu-Shinjuku Station and is just a 5-minute walk from JR and subway Shinjuku stations.
The highlight is the top-floor restaurant "Japanese Dining & Bar FUGA," offering spectacular views of Shinjuku, Kabukicho, and the West Shinjuku skyline - a quintessential Tokyo urban landscape.
At the bar counter, you can enjoy premium wagyu teppanyaki courses. The chef carefully prepares Yonezawa beef, known for its fine marbling and high-quality fat content, along with seasonal seafood and vegetables, right before your eyes.
BELLUSTAR TOKYO - A Pan Pacific Hotel
Source:Official website
For those who want to enjoy a restaurant-bar with spectacular Shinjuku views and a sky-high spa, BELLUSTAR TOKYO is highly recommended.
Located between the 39th and 47th floors of a high-rise tower, every room offers panoramic views of Tokyo's cityscape. The floor-to-ceiling windows create an incredibly spacious atmosphere. You can enjoy interiors that blend Japanese traditional culture while relaxing in a serene environment.
On the top floor, you'll find a spa offering ultimate relaxation experiences. They use personal treatments that let you experience the bounty of Japanese soil and its four seasons. Why not unwind and recover from your travel fatigue while gazing at the glittering nighttime views of Shinjuku?
APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
Source:Official website
For those seeking an open-air bath experience in Shinjuku at reasonable prices, APA Hotel Shinjuki Kabukicho Tower is the perfect choice. The open-air bath and large public bath will become special memories of your Japan trip. From the corridor leading to the public bath, you can spot the back of Shinjuku's famous "Godzilla Head" - try to find it!
The rooms feature Cloud Beds that make you feel like you're floating on clouds, perfect for relieving travel fatigue. You can comfortably watch TV on a large screen while leaning against the wall in bed.
Breakfast is served buffet-style in the second-floor cafe space, offering more than 60 dishes. You can start your day in Shinjuku elegantly while enjoying their specially crafted hand-dripped coffee.
Cozy Room with Bar Counter Overlooking the Night View in Kabukicho
Source:Airbnb
For those looking for affordable accommodation with a bar counter overlooking Shinjuku's night view, this hotel is highly recommended. It's especially perfect for couples who can enjoy a romantic space just for two.
The spacious balcony on the upper floors allows you to enjoy breakfast or evening drinks while taking in views of Shinjuku. Why not try getting some delicious Japanese takeout food and enjoying it leisurely on this balcony during your Shinjuku sightseeing?
While the room is Western-style, the wall behind the bed features a large Ukiyo-e (traditional Japanese paintings from the Edo period) style artwork, allowing you to experience Japanese traditional culture throughout your stay.
Other Areas
Here, we'll introduce two facilities in Shinjuku where you can rent entire Japanese houses. These Shinjuku places allow you to fully experience the Japanese lifestyle with your family or travel companions without worrying about other guests.
Japanese-style Room
Source:Airbnb
For those who want to visit not only Shinjuku but also experience the Korean atmosphere of Shin-Okubo, this private apartment is highly recommended. It's perfect for couples or families, accommodating up to 4 people.
The room is filled with photogenic items that capture the essence of Japan. Notable features include an impressive noren (traditional curtain) with ukiyo-e art, a traditional small chabudai (low dining table), and a tokkuri (ceramic sake pouring vessel).
Despite its excellent accessibility, it's located on a quiet street. After a long day of sightseeing, you can relax in a comfortable and peaceful space at night.
Airbnb villa lusso
Source:Airbnb
VILLA LUSSO is recommended for those who want to rent an entirely renovated Japanese house and immerse themselves in Japanese culture with friends.
The spacious kitchen features a traditional Japanese donabe (earthenware pot) made in Mie Prefecture. Cooking rice in a donabe is a unique experience rarely found outside Japan, making it an unforgettable memory.
Enjoy your home-cooked rice in the Japanese-style room, surrounded by the fresh scent of tatami (traditional floor mats) and natural light filtering through the shoji (wooden-framed paper screens). Gathering around the low table to share meals while discussing your Shinjuku adventures makes for a special experience.
The second-floor bedroom features luxury mattresses and pillows from a leading Japanese manufacturer. From the moment you lie down, you'll feel deep relaxation and relief from your travel fatigue.
