Tokyo is a busy capital with a wide variety of interesting things to do. The enchanting city at the head of Tokyo Bay, Japan boasts a mix of traditional and ultramodern nuances, from historic temples to neon-lit skyscrapers. Amidst all of these, you’ll find awesome yet cheap hotels in Tokyo.
Tourists come in from every direction to Tokyo. And for many years, it has been a popular travel destination, especially in spring. It’s spectacular for viewing cherry blossom and a large number of both traditional and modern festivals.
Aside from history for more than a century, the city is also known to have more Michelin-starred restaurants than any city in the world. It’s the place to be for gourmet lovers, from eating sushi on the street to multi-course traditional dishes.
As the world’s most populous metropolis, Japan can be expensive to explore. And with so many different neighborhoods, figuring out where to stay can be a challenge. However, as one of the most visited cities in Japan, there’s no lack of budget hotels in Tokyo. Plus, there are plenty of hostels and ryokans (traditional Japanese guesthouses) at every price range available, making them the best hotels in Tokyo on a budget.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you’ll find plenty of budget hotels in Tokyo. You’ll be glad to know that the budget hotel standard in Tokyo is overall excellent with comfortable rooms that have everything you need. On the other hand, since space is a valuable commodity in Tokyo, the rooms tend to be small.
Tokyo has a total of 47 neighborhoods with some of them are the best areas to stay, including Ginza and Tokyo Station. This area offers some of Tokyo’s best hotels and upscale shopping malls. It’s a very safe area and excellent for a family trip.
On the other hand, Shibuya and Harajuku welcome the young and young-hearted. It’s home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, the world`s busiest street crossing. While you’re here, feast your eyes on the marvelous Meiji-Jingu Shrine, the most famous shrine in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Harajuku is a fun place for watching youths dressed up in the craziest cutest costumes.
If you’re a first-timer, Shinjuku is considered the best area to stay, where you’ll find most of the best capsule hotels in Tokyo. It’s packed with neon lights and futuristic skyscrapers. Here, a visit to the beautiful garden of Shinjuku Gyoen is something you shouldn’t miss, as it’s one of the top things to do in Tokyo. You can also marvel at the Tokyo skyline view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, where Mt. Fuji can be seen on a clear day.
Another great neighborhood to stay in Tokyo is Asakusa, where you’ll find plenty of cheap accommodation. Eat, shop, and be entertained at the massive Roppongi Hills complex and sip craft beers on homemade pub-grub favorites.
Tokyu Stay Ginza
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It takes a little extra effort to find some of the best cheap hotels in Tokyo amidst all the skyscrapers and luxurious buildings. But, we’ve found the Tokyu Stay Ginza for you! It’s conveniently located, just a 3-minute walk from Ginza Train Station’s Exit A7. To reach JR Tokyo Station, Asahi Inari Shrine, and Kabukiza Theatre, you’ll only have to walk for about 15 minutes.
Offering modern spacious guestrooms, Tokyu Stay Ginza may not be the cheapest on this list. However, they offer a bit bigger rooms than most budget hotels in Tokyo with fairly complete amenities. Kitchenette and washing machines are offered in selected rooms. Plus, Wi-Fi is available in all areas of the hotel.
Start your day with a fabulous Japanese and western buffet breakfast, which is included in selected room packages. You’ll find there’s no gym and vending machine, but there are two convenience stores nearby. And the Tsukiji outer market is about 10-15 minutes away.
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Hotel Musse Ginza Meitetsu
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Here’s another of the best cheap hotels in Tokyo that offers a great location. It’s a perfect place to stop for a night after a long haul flight. Located in the prime area of Ginza, Hotel Musse Ginza Meitetsu is only a 5-minute walk away from Higashi Ginza Station and a 6-minute walk from Shinbashi Station. Plus, you’ll only need a minute to walk to the main shopping street.
When it comes to rooms, this Japanese-style business hotel features pretty standard amenities and space. However, unlike many other best hotels in Tokyo on a budget, each modern room in Musse Ginza Meitetsu is furnished with a seating area and air humidifier.
Musse Ginza Meitetsu has a 24-hour front desk. You can get some services such as dry cleaning service, free luggage storage, and ironing here. Meanwhile, for business travelers who need a stable internet connection, free Wi-Fi is accessible in public areas.
A continental buffet breakfast of bread, cereal, eggs, yogurt, fruits, and coffee is served each morning at the property at an additional cost. You’ll find three convenience stores and restaurants downstairs if you feel like finding a better deal.
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APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae
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APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoenmae might not offer the view of the city for all its rooms, but its location is excellent. It’s in Shinjuku, one of the best areas to stay in Tokyo. It’s only minutes of walking to JR Shinjuku Train Station, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and Meiji Jingu Shrine. If you arrive from Narita Airport, the Narita Express will take you to Shinjuku station directly.
The rooms at the APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoenmae are no less interesting to discuss. Though most are a bit small, they come with in-room amenities, including an electric kettle and refrigerator. Besides, you’ll get a bath and free toiletries every day. Before you sleep, accompany yourself with the free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TV with video on demand (VOD).
Complimentary breakfast and dinner are included in some room packages. Meals are served in their on-site restaurant, steak & hamburger TAKUMI. Drinks vending machine is also available. Enjoy the nightlife in the Shinjuku area that is packed with some shops, bars, markets, and restaurants within walking distance.
While you’re in Japan, don’t miss trying onsen (Japanese public bath) on the basement floor after exploring. Then continue to relax in the wellness center. It’s a great feature as compensation for the absence of a pool and fitness center. Plus, the laundry facility is a blessing for those on a long trip.
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Mitsui Garden Hotel Otemachi
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If you’re traveling to Tokyo for a business trip, then there are no better cheap hotels in Tokyo than Mitsui Garden Hotel Otemachi. It’s located only a few feet away from Tokyo Sankei Building Metro Square and Ootemori Mall. Tokyo Station is also within minutes of walking, making it also ideal for an overnight layover after flying to Tokyo or before continuing your trip by train.
You may find limited space, but the rooms are actually larger than most similar rooms in Tokyo. And you may not find a beautiful view from your window, but there’s still plenty of natural light. Besides, all amenities, including water bottles and tea are replenished daily. Plus, there’s a refrigerator in each room and a drink vending machine in the lobby.
For a hassle-free morning, we recommend booking a room package that includes limited breakfast at the cafe attached to the lobby. If you don’t feel like getting up early, you can use the electric kettle to make yourself a morning coffee. Otemachi Building Shop & Restaurant is very close, an option for eating out.
Like many other budget hotels in Tokyo, this 4-star hotel doesn’t offer leisure amenities such as a fitness center and swimming pool. However, after a long day, you can grab a quick drink before having your dinner at the on-site Tokyo Baker’s Kitchen. Then retire to your comfortable room to surf the internet with complimentary Wi-Fi.
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Hotel Resol Akihabara
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If you’re like us, love to save money on something more essential, then Hotel Resol Akihabara is your ideal place to stay. With relatively lower rates than other budget hotels in Tokyo, this affordable accommodation offers a superior location.
Lies in the Chiyoda district of Tokyo, it’s only a few steps from Yanagimori Shrine. Plus, it’s within minutes of walking from Akihabara Park and Akiba Tolim. By crossing a small bridge, you can reach the Akibahara Station on foot in just 5 minutes.
The hotel itself feels quiet, less busy, and crowded, which is perfect for a night’s rest. While this isn’t the fanciest one in Tokyo, you’ll get a soundproof room with a bathtub and river view. The rooms are a tad small with almost no storage space. But, you’ll get free pajamas to wear among other in-room amenities.
Plus, Wi-Fi is available and can be used at no additional cost. Meanwhile, a complementary Japanese and continental style breakfast is included in some room packages. The hotel’s on-site Italian restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner. 24-hour front desk and parking at an extra cost are also available.
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Hotel Sardonyx Ueno
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Immerse yourself in the vibrant Tokyo life, as Hotel Sardonyx Ueno is close to Keisei Ueno Train Station. It boasts a direct high-speed rail link to Narita Airport. The hotel is also very close to Ueno Park that you shouldn’t miss, especially if you’re visiting Tokyo to see the cherry blossom!
As you’d expect from one of the best cheap hotels in Tokyo, the rooms at this 3-star hotel offer simplicity and compact space. But, it’s fully equipped with all the necessary amenities. A fridge, an electric kettle with green tea, and LCD TV with English and Taiwanese channels are all provided. Meanwhile, Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the property.
A free limited variety of western-style breakfast is available every morning at the Cafe Italian Tomato. They also serve Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Besides, free microwaves are available on several floors. A drink vending machine is also available on the property. What’s more, there are several supermarkets nearby if you need more sustenance.
You can make use of the coin-operated laundry machines or use the dry-cleaning service if you need to take care of your dirty clothes.
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Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International
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It’s no surprise that Richmond Hotel Premier Asakusa International is one of the best cheap hotels in Tokyo. For one thing, it offers an excellent location in Asakusa. Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station is only a minute away on foot while getting to Asakusa Train Station will take you just 5 to 10 minutes. For sightseeing, you’ll find that Sensoji Temple, Nakamise-Dori Street, and Kaminarimon Thunder Gate are also within minutes of walking distance. Meanwhile, Tokyo Skytree is located a mile away.
This 3-star hotel features compact rooms with a nice Tokyo Skytree view. You may get the chance to view an amazing light show at night from your cozy room. Plus, you can relax and make use of the complimentary Wi-Fi after strolling around Asakusa.
You’ll also find in-room and bathroom amenities, including refrigerators, kettles, and a hairdryer. Besides, there are snacks and drinks vending machines in case you have a midnight craving. Like most budget hotels in Tokyo, the hotel has a coin-operated laundry facility on-site.
To start your day, complimentary continental and Asian buffet breakfast is available, but only if you book selected room packages. The hotel doesn’t have a dining restaurant. But, there are several restaurants, shops, and food stores within walking distance of the property.
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Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi
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Candeo Hotels Tokyo Roppongi is one of the loveliest cheap hotels in Tokyo for its price range. The hotel is set in the Tokyo-to region, only a few feet away from Asahi Shrine and Roppongi Hills. The popular Sony Music Roppongi Museum, Tokyo City View Observation Deck, and the Mori Art Museum can be reached on foot.
Perhaps, its best features are the free rooftop onsen, a spa, and wellness center. It’s a great place for anyone looking for a bit of luxury at a more than reasonable price. You’ll also find the ice cubes machine on each floor, which is refreshing.
Aside from sizes, all rooms in this 4-star hotel come with a seating area where you can view the stunning Tokyo Tower from the window. In addition, you’ll also get a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi access.
The on-site restaurant serves an à la carte breakfast, which is included in selected room packages. However, you may find limited options for vegetables and fresh fruits.
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Hotel Emit Shibuya
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There’s a lot to like about Hotel Emit Shibuya. To begin with, it offers an excellent location near Yoyogi Park, the Shibuya shopping area, and Shibuya Station. It’s also located on a quiet street, so you can have a good rest after your busy day.
This is also a great alternative to other best hotels in Tokyo on a budget. Besides Shibuya Station, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Harajuku street, and Shibuya Crossing are just minutes away.
You’ll get free coffee and water every morning. Meanwhile, the limited breakfast in a light, airy café section of the hotel is available at an additional cost. There’s a Family Mart across the hotel if you’re looking for another option.
At the end of the day, retire yourself in a compact room, something common among budget hotels in Tokyo. But, you’ll find the bed very comfortable. Plus, you can use the free Wi-Fi to check social media or contact your loved ones.
Enjoying the city view from a balcony that is offered in selected rooms is another perfect thing for relaxing. Room and bathroom amenities are available for your convenience during your stay.
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The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome
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While many may consider Tokyo the most expensive city in Japan, staying here can be quite affordable. You can still enjoy the rich culture and food of Tokyo Metropolis by choosing a more budget-friendly hotel. Just like The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome.
To ensure the best stay experience, this 4-star hotel offers a luxurious Mandara Spa. It features various hot tubs for female guests, while rejuvenating massages are also available. It also offers free access to the fitness center and complimentary Wi-Fi in all areas.
Meanwhile, each room is decorated in a modern style and offers more space than most cheap hotels in Tokyo. Some also have a view of Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo Tower. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, and an air purifier/humidifier are available.
For your convenience, some room packages include limited options for breakfast. But, they have 3 restaurants on-site, serving Asian and international cuisines, so you’ll have more options during your stay. The breakfast area may too crowded, so we recommend you to come early. After a busy day, relax at the on-site bar on the 24th floor. Grab some drinks and enjoy the skyline views.
Some of the recommended destinations around here include Sakurada Park, Hayao Miyazaki’s Giant Clock, and Hibiya Shrine. Meanwhile, Ueno, Asakusa, Shinjuku, and Roppongi areas are within a 15-minute subway ride from Shinbashi and Shiodome Station. What we love most about the location is that you can catch a bus to and from Narita and Haneda Airport right in front of the hotel.
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Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo
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Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo offers a convenient location for business and sightseeing travelers. What we love most about this property, it’s only a stone throw away from Nihombashi Subway Station and Tokyo Station. Plus, the Narita airport bus stop and Haneda airport bus stop are on the same street.
What puts this 4-star hotel at the top of our list of recommended cheap hotels in Tokyo is its rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views. What’s more, each modern Japanese style rooms in this hotel are larger than average best hotels in Tokyo on a budget.
Though you won’t have a city view and coffee machine in the soundproof rooms, you’ll find an air purification/humidifier, yukata, and excellent in-room amenities. Besides, you have free access to Wi-Fi and wired internet.
Don’t forget to fill up your energy with many choices of fresh, Japanese food every morning during breakfast at an extra cost. If you feel it’s too pricey, there are plenty of places to get a bite to eat around the hotel.
For your convenience, the 24-hour front desk provides mobile phone rentals, DVD/CD player rentals, and drinks vending machines. You can make use of the in-house launderette for a small fee too. Besides, in-room massages can be requested for an extra cost.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars in Tokyo:
- Sushi Shin – One thing you probably shouldn’t miss while in Japan is trying the best Japan’s sushi. Enjoy a world-class sushi experience by Chef Miyakawa’s while admiring a stunning view of Tokyo Skytree.
- Flavors of Japan Food Tour – Sign up for this tour to understand and experience the unique and delicious Japanese food by visiting 7 shops that represent the different regions of Japan. Enjoy lunch with a choice of tempura and sashimi set, soba, and grilled fish in a very authentic place, plus watching a Wagashi master makes an intricately handcrafted dessert in front of you.
- Starbucks Reserve Roastery – Get a unique experience of Starbucks in the four-story Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo. Admire the industrial-cool interior houses a roasting factory on the top floor, and picturesque Meguro River while you’re sipping hot drinks and grab some food.
Recommended Activities in Tokyo:
- 1-Hour River Cruise Asakusa to Odaiba – On this 1-hour river cruise, you can see Tokyo as you take a cruise along the Sumida River and Tokyo Bay from Asakusa to Odaiba. Admire the panoramic views of the Toky Skytree, Rainbow Bridge, and Hamarikyu Garden, and have your camera ready!
- Ghibli Museum – Heaven for anime fans, Ghibli Museum is a place you must visit while in Tokyo. Spend your afternoon browsing the Tri Hawks reading room, cruising through the collection, or screening one of the animated short films.