Hotels in Tokyo

Tokyo hotels are as exceptionally diverse as you might expect...

Of course, you'll find Western-style hotels with standard-sized rooms, wonderful service and comfort levels cranked up to high. All the big players in the hotel industry have luxury hotels in Tokyo. Pick from hotels under the Hilton, Mandarin Oriental, New Otani, Westin, Park Hyatt, Mercure, Hyatt Regency, InterContinental, Best Western, Sheraton and Ibis brands.

But you're also going to find the kind of Tokyo hotels you read about in travel supplements: the capsule (or pod) hotels where you buy a space to sleep and little else; outdoor spa-style hotels (onsen) in the heart of the action; and fantasy-themed rooms at Tokyo Disney.

If you're looking for budget hotels in Tokyo – and do note this isn't a cheap place to stay – then quirky capsule hotels are a good bet.

Tokyo is a vast city, but the attractions of the city centre are easy to reach from almost anywhere. And once you're there it's fairly simple to get around thanks to ultra-efficient train and subway systems. If you take the Imperial Palace to be at the very heart of things and look for hotels around this central area, you won't go far wrong.

Consider a stay in any of the following central areas for fuss-free sightseeing: Asakusa is traditional and charming; Roppongi is party central and packed with bars and clubs; upmarket Ginza is a paradise for shoppers; the artificial island of Odaiba, on Tokyo Bay, is a great family destination with theme parks and entertainment; and Shibuya is the place to be to get to grips with the latest fashions, games, gadgets and technologies in Tokyo.

From the mystifying and ancient to theme parks for the family, Tokyo has holiday fun covered… whatever you’re into...

Top five attractions

Imperial Palace

This is still the residence of Tokyo's Imperial family, so guided tours must be booked in advance.

Edo-Tokyo Museum

A museum offering a wonderful look at Tokyo's past.

Tokyo Disney

Tokyo Disney is the third most visited theme park in the world and a faithful recreation of the American original. Meet Mickey Mouse and friends and get your kicks on the rides.

Tokyo Tower

This is a colourful doppelganger of the Eiffel Tower and one of the tallest structures in the city.

Sensoji Temple

Visitors have been flocking to this vibrant Buddhist temple for more than 1,400 years. Find your own moment of tranquillity here.

Extra special holiday memories are made in Tokyo during these fantastic annual events…

Hanami (blossom viewing); March-April: Each spring, parts of Tokyo are transformed by the intense beauty of the cherry blossom. There are many viewing spots across the city but each will change by day, so enjoy some accidental meanderings to find the best.

Sanja Matsuri Festival; May: Food stalls and street games are packed tightly into the Asakusa district of Tokyo as up to 2m people come to honour gods and the founders of the Sensoji Temple. This event is not for the claustrophobic, as much of the time you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with other visitors.

Japan Cup; November: The Japanese love to gamble, and horse racing is a passion followed by millions. To honour this appetite for the sport, the Japanese Cup has become one of the best racing spectacles of the year. Hotel prices are at a premium during this event.