Who Says Tokyo is Expensive? 9 Hotels for Under $100
The skyline of Tokyo, where it’s possible to stay affordably (Photo: Thinkstock)
Tokyo, like any other big city, can be expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. Sure, you can blow tons of money on the Park Hyatt (where Bill Murray famously stayed in Lost in Translation), but you don’t travel to such an exciting city just to stay inside, do you?
With a little knowledge about what you want to do when you visit, you can find a great place to stay for under $100 a night. Partier? Nerd? Foodie? Shopper? We’ve got a place for you. Some of these finds even include breakfast.
So get to it: head to the city with the best food, best nightlife, and coolest people east of the Sagami River.
For the Nerd
A sunny guest room at Remm Akihabara. (Photo: Remm Akihabara)
If you love anime, electronics, and video games, you’ll want to spend at least a day in the Akihabara neighborhood, home to miles of electronics shops, manga, and even maid cafes (look it up). Remm Akihabara is a great little hotel located right at the Akihabara station on the Yamanote Line, which will give you easy access to the rest of Tokyo when you’ve had enough nerding out. Ask for a high room (ninth floor and above) for amazing views of the city. Rates start at $99.
For the Foodie
Shinjuku Granbell’s rooftop bar, overlooking the Tokyo skyline. (Photo: Shinjuku Granbell)
If you’re looking to sample the best food Tokyo has to offer — and there’s a lot of it — this well-located hotel in the Shinjuku area is for you. Shinjuku Granbell Hotel is right in the Kabukicho district, which was once a seedy red-light district. But don’t worry: the area is now safe and hopping with izakaya (restaurant/pubs), shopping, and nightlife. Don’t miss the lovely roof terrace bar for great views and great drinks. Rates start at $85.
Related: Move Over Paris and New York — Tokyo is Officially the Food Capital of the World
For the Shopper
Hotel Monterey Ginza’s interior. (Photo: Hotel Monterey Ginza)
Even though Ginza hosts the most expensive shopping and real estate in all of Japan, Hotel Monterey Ginza will surprise you with its reasonable prices. Located on a cute little side street, this European-style boutique hotel can be hard to find, but it’s located near some great shopping and public transit. The rooms run a little small, but they’re clean and charming. You can’t go wrong with this one. Rates start at $97.
For the People Watcher
Tokyu Stay Shibuya, in a bustling part of the city. (Photo: Tokyu Stay Shibuya)
If you like shopping, people watching, and being near the world’s busiest intersection, Tokyu Stay Shibuya is for you. Well-located just a stop away from uber-trendy Harajuku, Shibuya is where young Tokyoites spend their time. The rooms at Tokyu Stay Shibuya are surprisingly big for the area. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a view of the busy crossing. Non-smokers should be sure to ask for a smoke-free room, as it can be an issue here. Rates start at $99.
Related: I Got Caught in a Typhoon at the Coolest New Hotel in Tokyo
For the Partier
The lobby of APA Hotel Roppongi Itchome Ekimae. (Photo: APA Hotel Roppongi Itchome Ekimae)
If late-night partying, nightclubs, and an international atmosphere is your thing, APA Hotel Roppongi Itchome Ekimae is your place. Bonus: Nearby is Roppongi Hills, where you’ll find some of the best fine dining Tokyo has to offer. Note that rooms are small, so pack light. Corner rooms, if you can get them, are slightly larger. Rates start at $94.
For the Hipster
Kiichijoji Tokyo Inn, in Tokyo’s version of Brooklyn. (Photo: Kiichijoji Tokyo Inn)
Think of the Kichijoji district like Tokyo’s Brooklyn. Record shops, delicious-but-inexpensive yakitori spots, and trendy shopping all make this somewhat out-of-the-way neighborhood a great choice, even if for a couple nights. Kiichijoji Tokyo Inn can be found right near Kichijoji Station on the JR Keio line, so it’s a good base for exploration. If you’re a fan of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli movies, the Ghibli Museum is a 17-minute walk away (buy tickets ahead of time in local convenience stores). Rates start at $89.
Related: Airport Review: Traveling Through Tokyo’s Narita International Airport
For the Extended Stay
A sleek Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo room. (Photo: Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo)
The recently-built Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo hotel is a 5- to 10-minute walk from the nearest train station, but the amenities and size make up for that, especially if you plan on staying longer than a couple nights. The suites include small living rooms, kitchenettes, and free WiFi, which can be a rarity in Japan. Rates start at $99.
For the Adventurous Spirit
A room at Hotel BaliAn. (Photo: Hotel BaliAn)
Love hotels are pretty much what you think they are: Rooms that can be had for as little as an hour for those…ahem… amorous moments. Sound gross? Don’t let their main purpose get to you: They’re cleaned regularly and are super modern — much like the rest of Tokyo. Most importantly, Love Hotel rooms are quite an experience. They’re outfitted with everything from video games and karaoke to private pools, and they’re all themed in different, fun ways. In Shibuya, try Hotel Colorful P&A. In Shinjuku, try Hotel BaliAn. Rooms can be had for under $100 a night, but be aware that weekends can cost more (for obvious reasons).
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