Best Cheap Hotels in Tokyo

best cheap hotels in Tokyo

For those who have visited Japan, you will know that it’s not exactly a budget location. So when you are looking for cheap hotels in Tokyo, you need to be realistic. it’s not going to be cheap like South East Asian prices.

But Tokyo itself is a once in a lifetime experience and well worth the price tag that comes with it. From ancient Buddhist temples to high tech malls followed by drinks in Rappongi, this city will astound you on so many levels.

What kind of Hotels can you find in Tokyo?

Hotels run by Robots?!

Also there are several unusual hotels in Tokyo that will really amaze you, including the hip and cultural – not to mention the high-tech hotels run by robots!

Ryoukan – The Traditional Japanese B&B

If you are interested in Japanese culture, have you considered staying in a Ryoukan? This is a type of traditional Japanese inn/ B&B recommended by a friend of mine who lived in Japan for many years. Ryoukan often have tatami-matted rooms and communal baths. There are other public areas where visitors may wear yukata (a summer kimono) and talk with the owners – great if you are looking for a more local than commercial experience.

Sleeping Pods or Capsule Hotels

Capsule Hotel Tokyo
Capsule hotel, Tokyo

Something else that is very unique about Tokyo is the ‘sleeping pods’ or capsule hotels that it offers. They are not only cheap hotels, but also great for the experience! In your pod, you will get a bed and a charging station for your mobile phone. It’s a bit like a massive dorm, but your pod or capsule is fully contained! They were first developed in 1979 by Kurokawa Kishō, the Japanese architect who designed the National Art Center in Tokyo. 

Where to Stay in Tokyo

The first thing that you need to think about is which district you would like to stay in. There are 23 wards in Tokyo and the city is MASSIVE! You will need to consider what kind of ‘Japan experience’ you are looking for and how loud or quiet you want it to be. The best advice is to stay near a Yamanote Line (Tokyo loop line) station for convenience of travel. It’s the busiest and most important train line with all but 3 stations connecting to a subway.

Yamanote Line Tokyo

Some of the most popular areas in Tokyo for travellers to stay in are:

Shinjuku

Shunjuku is often considered to be the best place for tourists to stay. It’s often the Tokyo you see in the media, with the bright lights and sky scrapers. It has excellent options for shopping, transport and entertainment. Check out the Robot Restaurant while you’re there!

Tokyo Station area

Tokyo station area is the central business hub of Tokyo and is more suited to business trips than general travel. However, it does have the benefit of the bullet train connections to other cities such as Kyoto.

Ginza

Ginza is one of Tokyo’s top shopping districts – here you will find glamorous cocktail bars, sushi restaurants (with sushi delivered to you on conveyer belts!) and upmarket jewellery and fashion stores. This is the place tobe if you are a shopaholic!

Roppongi

Roppongi is the nightlife and entertainment hub of Tokyo – it’s basically where you go for bars and clubbing! It’s a great place to be especially if you are a party animal, but if you need a good nights sleep or like it to be quite then this wouldn’t be the place for you!

Roppongi at night - Tokyo
Roppongi

Shibuya

Shibuya is very accessible and full of bustling streets that attract a somewhat younger crowd. Here you will find an abundance of galleries, restaurants and bars. The area opposite the station – Shibuya crossing – is one of the busiest crossings in the world. Shibuya is where you will find the statue of the famous dog Hachiko was showed loyalty to his owner and is loved throughout the world.

Best Cheap Hotels in Tokyo

This week, I asked my travel blogger friends for their favourite cheap hotels in Tokyo and here’s what they came up with…

Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa

The Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa is one of the best Pod or Capsule hotels in Tokyo. Poshtel offers offers air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge and free WiFi. It’s right near Asakusa station and so very accessible. Resol Poshtel is also close to popular attractions like Kinryu Park, Hozomon Gate and Honpo-ji Temple.

Tokyo Stay Shinjuku

The Tokyo stay Sinjuku is a relatively affordable hotel in a popular part of town. It’s located just a few minutes walk away from Shinjuku-sanchome station. This modern and light hotel has good internet and excellent in-room facilities including a TV, fridge and washing machine!

Tokyo Inn

The clean and comfortable Tokyo Inn is a 10 second walk from Magome Station on Toei Asakusa Line. All rooms have an LCD TV, WIFI, humidified air cleaner and a shower toilet! Honestly, some of these Japanese toilets are amazing!

Hotel Emit Shibuya

Hotel Emit Shibuya offers rooms with free WiFi, conveniently set an 8-minute walk from Shibuya Center. The Meiji Jingu shrine is just 10 minutes walk away. Room facilities include a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and a refrigerator. Some rooms also have a balcony. If you are a non-smoker make sure that you request a non-smoking room.

Hotel Emit Shibuya
Hotel Emit Shibuya

DDD Hotel

DDD Hotel is located within 350 yards of Asakusa Mitsuke Memorial and 550 yards of Hatsunemori Shrine. All rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom. There is free WIFI throughout the hotel and a communal lounge. This hotel also has family rooms available.

Hotel Horidome Villa

Horidome Villa is a very popular option gaining good reviews from 2 travellers, so it is ideal for couples on a budget. It was voted one of the Top 25 Bargain Hotels in Japan by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award in 2013. Horidome Villa is just under on a less than 5-minute walk from Kodenmacho Station and Ningyocho Station on the Hibiya Subway Line. Rooms have TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. If you book a room with a private bathroom that comes with a shower, a bathtub and free toiletries.

 Red Planet Tokyo Asakusa

The  Red Planet Tokyo Asakusa is one of Booking.com’s top picks in Tokyo. Red Planet is a relatively new hotel – it opened in 2015. Red Planet is only a 2-minute walk away from Asakusa Train Station. It is a non-smoking hotel. All rooms have flat-screen TV’s, Satelite television and WIFI. All rooms are air conditioned and have a private bathroom with shower. Slippers and bath robes are provided for your comfort. There is a 24 hour desk service for check in and other convenient facilities such as printing, faxing and laundry.

Where did you stay in Tokyo? I’d love your Feedback!

Have you already been to Tokyo? Did you find a good cheap hotel in Tokyo that I haven’t mentioned here? If so, please let me know in the comments below – I’d love to hear about it!

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