Ueno Station, often called Tokyo’s “northern gateway,” is one of Japan’s major terminal stations. Around it are famous spots loved by both locals and visitors, such as the bustling Ameya-Yokocho shopping street and Ueno Park, home to museums, art galleries, theaters, and a zoo.

In recent years, Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi—collectively known as “Yanesen” for their nostalgic Showa-era charm—have also grown in popularity as destinations that showcase Tokyo’s old downtown atmosphere.

To make the most of your time and easily explore both Ueno and Yanesen, staying at a hotel with convenient access is essential.

As a frequent traveler well-acquainted with Kanto’s attractions, I’ve selected 10 hotels that meet the following three points:

This chic, station-adjacent hotel blends elegant design with a deep sense of place

A stylish designer hotel set in a quiet, calm neighborhood, yet offering excellent station access.

It’s just a 5-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, 7 minutes from Keisei Ueno Station (the Keisei Skyliner terminal for airport access), and within 10 minutes on foot to Ameyoko and Ueno Park—making it an ideal base for sightseeing.

The interiors highlight “experiences born from deep community connections,” with Japanese-inspired design complemented by regional art, crafts, and vintage furniture.

The in-house restaurant, Bistro NOHGA, serves seasonal dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The hotel also hosts community events designed to connect guests with the local Ueno spirit.

Guest rooms start at a generous 18 square meters, all featuring original amenities and high-resilience Airweave mattresses for restorative sleep.

Guests can also enjoy the open lobby gallery that shifts between café, dining, and bar throughout the day, a relaxing outdoor terrace, and a fitness gym—creating spaces where comfort and local culture come together.

Just steps from Ueno Station, this hotel charms with panda-themed rooms and a tasty Italian breakfast

The Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno stands right in front of JR and subway Ueno Station, just a 10-minute walk from Ameyoko and Ueno Park. Stroll a little farther to reach Kappabashi Dougu Street, lined with specialty kitchenware shops and rare food sample stores, or head toward Asakusa to see the famous Kaminarimon Gate. With both unbeatable transportation links and a prime location, this hotel is an excellent base for exploring Tokyo.

The biggest highlight is the Panda Room® and Panda Floor, themed after Ueno Zoo’s beloved pandas. From plush toys and pillowcases to cushions, coffee cups, and even shower curtains, the playful panda décor fills every corner. Original panda artwork inspired by world-famous masterpieces adds an extra touch, making this a dream come true for panda lovers.

Standard guest rooms are simple and functional, with some high-floor rooms offering views of Tokyo Skytree and the sparkling city nightscape. In keeping with Ueno’s reputation as a hub of art and culture, contemporary works are displayed throughout the hotel.

Breakfast follows the concept of “a breakfast worth looking forward to,” served buffet-style by Il Chianti, a Tokyo Italian restaurant with over 50 years of history. Signature dishes include authentic pasta and fresh vegetable salads topped with the restaurant’s secret dressing, among many other carefully crafted items—guaranteeing a luxurious start to the day.

With easy airport access and top sights like Shinobazu Pond, Ueno Park, and Ameyoko just steps away

The APA Hotel Keisei Ueno Ekimae offers unbeatable convenience, located directly outside Keisei Ueno Station—the terminal for the Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport. Its prime location is highly praised, with Shinobazu Pond in Ueno Park and Ameyoko just 2 minutes away, and the nostalgic Yanesen area also within easy reach.

The interiors follow the classic Japanese business hotel style, simple and functionality-focused. Standard guest rooms measure a compact 11 square meters, sufficient for sightseeing stays, while the limited 22-square-meter Deluxe Twin rooms are especially popular for their panoramic views of Ueno and Shinobazu Pond.

Breakfast is served at Wine Dining Kamakura House in buffet style, with more than 35 Japanese and Western dishes crafted from carefully sourced ingredients. Highlights include freshly steamed shirasu (whitebait) delivered directly from Kamakura, artisanal ham and sausages from Asakusa’s long-established Andes Ham, and aromatic coffee brewed from beans roasted by Matsuya Coffee, a historic shop in Tokyo’s Toranomon district.

The hotel also receives high marks for thoughtful details, such as the speedy “1-second check-in” via the APA app and the availability of children’s amenities upon request.

With in-room kitchens and open-air baths, this brand-new hotel is ideal for longer stays

&Here Tokyo Ueno is a residential-style hotel that opened in March 2024. The nearest station is Yushima Subway Station, with Keisei Ueno Station just a 3-minute walk away—offering direct airport access via the Keisei Skyliner. Adjacent to Shinobazu Pond and Ueno Park, the hotel also provides quick access to the Yanesen area in just 5 minutes by train, making it an ideal base for both sightseeing and airport convenience.

What stands out most here is the wide variety of stylish guest rooms designed to create a sense of peace and relaxation, almost like being at home. Options range from functional Japanese-modern twin rooms to mini-kitchen-equipped spaces for medium- to long-term stays, as well as suites accommodating up to 6 guests. Playful rooms with bunk beds and hammocks are especially popular with families and groups.

On the top 14th floor, guests can unwind in the men’s and women’s large public baths and open-air baths while taking in views of Ueno’s townscape. On the ground floor, the café facing Shinobazu Pond offers a relaxing spot to enjoy coffee and light meals in an open, airy setting.

The front desk also serves as a “town consultation center,” providing advice on sightseeing and restaurant recommendations, ensuring guests can make the most of their time in Ueno.

A perfect Ueno base with rooftop coffee moments and a front-row seat to Tokyo’s cityscape

Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno offers excellent access, just a 1-minute walk from Ueno Subway Station and within 5 minutes on foot from JR Ueno Station and Keisei Ueno Station. With Ameyoko and Ueno Park right nearby, it’s perfectly located for sightseeing.

Guest rooms come in a wide variety to suit different needs: standard singles, twin rooms, Japanese-modern rooms, ladies’ rooms equipped with beauty appliances, and family rooms with bunk beds accommodating up to 4 guests.

All guests can enjoy the rooftop terrace on the 11th floor, open until 11 PM, where Tokyo Skytree can be seen against the night sky. Many visitors like to take drinks up from the hotel’s free drink corner on the 2nd floor to enjoy the view.

The hotel also pays careful attention to detail, evoking Japan’s four seasons with different scents, colors, and patterns on each floor. All rooms are furnished with Simmons mattresses, and the front desk offers a choice of three pillow types—memory foam, buckwheat hull, or three-layer—for a customized and restful night’s sleep.

With a no-shoes policy in every room, this hotel offers the kind of comfort that feels like home

Although it’s about a 6-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station, which provides direct airport access, this hotel offers outstanding convenience with its location right in front of JR and subway Ueno Stations. Ameyoko and Ueno Park are also less than 10 minutes away on foot, making it an excellent base for sightseeing.

What sets this hotel apart is its emphasis on creating a relaxing, home-like atmosphere. Guests are welcomed by a signature aroma designed to ease tension, while original bedding—featuring memory foam pocket coil mattresses, down comforters, and carefully selected pillows—ensures restful sleep.

Green plants placed at the entrance and throughout the building create a calming ambiance. All rooms follow a Japanese-style “shoes-off” approach, offering both cleanliness and a greater sense of relaxation.

In line with Ueno’s reputation as a cultural hub, artwork by emerging artists is displayed throughout the property, making even the interiors worth exploring.

Breakfast, supervised by a nutritionist, combines health and taste with options such as vegetable-rich bagel sandwiches and warm vegetable soups—highly praised by guests for starting the day on a wholesome note.

With great airport links and close proximity to the Yanesen area, this stay also delivers with a spacious bath and a beloved breakfast buffet

This business hotel focuses on functionality, with its greatest appeal being the wide range of sightseeing and cultural experiences available nearby.

It’s just a 5-minute walk from Nippori Station, a stop for the Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport, and a 15-minute walk to Yanaka Ginza, known for its nostalgic atmosphere and retro shopping streets. Uguisudani Station is also close, giving access to Tokyo’s emerging deep-drinking districts, while Ueno Park is within easy reach as well—making the hotel an excellent base for exploring the many sides of Tokyo.

Guest rooms are designed with relaxation in mind, featuring calm lighting and soft-toned interiors. Simmons mattresses and carefully chosen pillows ensure a restful night’s sleep. Large public baths are available for both men and women, offering the chance to stretch out and unwind, with the women’s bath secured by an auto-lock system for peace of mind.

Breakfast is a highlight, served buffet-style with a surprisingly extensive selection of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. The spread includes Tokyo specialties such as fukagawa-meshi (rice stewed with clams), monjayaki croquettes, chanko nabe, tempura, tonkatsu, soba, curry, sweets, and more. The quality is so good that some guests say they choose the hotel just for the breakfast buffet.

A fan-favorite apartment hotel where kids and grown-ups alike can stay in magical Pokémon-themed rooms

Mimaru Tokyo Ueno East is an apartment-style hotel designed for comfortable stays with friends and family. Just a 3-minute walk from JR Ueno Station, it offers easy access to Ueno Park, Shinobazu Pond, and the lively Ameyoko shopping street—all within a 15-minute walk—making it a prime choice for exploring the Ueno area.

Based on the concept of “a hotel for enjoying staying together,” the property features kitchens, living rooms, and appliances tailored for groups and longer stays. Spacious Japanese-modern guest rooms accommodate 4 to 8 adults, allowing everyone to relax in comfort.

A standout highlight is the Pokémon Room, themed after the world-famous franchise. From walls and ceilings to beds, kitchens, and bathrooms, everything is decorated with Pokémon designs, and guests receive exclusive novelty items. It’s an unforgettable stay that Pokémon fans of all ages will love.

Another thoughtful feature is the hotel’s airport luggage delivery service. By entrusting your bags to dedicated drivers at Narita or Haneda Airport, you can travel hands-free and head straight into sightseeing before checking in—an enormous convenience after a long flight.

With supermarkets close by, guests can easily pick up groceries for self-catering, while surrounding dining and entertainment districts provide plenty of options for eating out. It’s a perfect choice for families and groups wanting to enjoy Tokyo while staying as comfortably as if at home.

A budget-friendly hotel offering clean, cozy stays right near Ameyoko and Ueno Station

Hop Inn Tokyo Ueno, a budget business hotel brand from Thailand, opened its first Tokyo location in April 2024.

The hotel offers excellent transportation access: just a 5-minute walk from Ueno Station and Keisei Ueno Station, 3 minutes to the bustling Ameyoko shopping street, and around 10 minutes to Ueno Park—making it a convenient base for sightseeing.

There are only two room types, semi-doubles and triples. While compact and simple, the bright pop-style interiors, cleanliness, and affordable rates have earned strong support from international travelers. The hotel’s value and location are its biggest draws.

Guest services include a well-stocked amenity bar with pajamas, skincare products, bath items, and bath salts, plus a free hot coffee station. With countless convenience stores and restaurants nearby, finding meals is never a problem.

Luggage storage is available before and after check-in on the same day only, so travelers can drop off their bags right away and enjoy exploring Ueno to the fullest. For those who prioritize sightseeing and want to move around actively, this hotel is an excellent, good-value choice.

A relaxed, comfortable stay with shared areas designed for connection and discovery in Tokyo’s old town

Hotel Graphy Nezu is a stylish hotel renovated from a 40-year-old former ryokan. Just a 3-minute walk from Nezu Station, it’s quietly tucked away in Yanesen’s charming residential area, known for its nostalgic downtown atmosphere. Its greatest appeal lies in the abundant shared spaces, where locals and travelers from around the world mingle in a casual, hostel-like setting.

Guests can freely enjoy a variety of spaces: a cozy lounge that feels like home, a billiards area, a spacious kitchen equipped with full cooking facilities, and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views all the way to Tokyo Skytree. The attached café hosts free beer hours every evening, creating a lively hub for casual international exchange.

Accommodations range from dormitory-style rooms to deluxe private rooms with bath and toilet. Among the highlights are the Theater Rooms, equipped with large-screen projectors for enjoying movies, concerts, or sports right in your room—a favorite for groups of friends.

The hotel is within walking distance of Yanaka Ginza, Ueno Park’s museums and art galleries, and the prestigious University of Tokyo. This ideal location lets you experience multiple sides of Tokyo—from the nostalgic streets of Yanesen to the city’s cultural and academic heart.

Don't worry if the hotels convenient for sightseeing in Ueno are fully booked. There are still plenty of other attractive, highly-rated hotels in the Ueno area. We also recommend staying in Asakusa or Akihabara, popular tourist spots that are just a short train ride from Ueno. Why not find a hotel that perfectly suits your travel style?

Once you've decided where to stay, why not look for popular experiences for your Tokyo trip?
Create unforgettable memories with special activities like popular theme parks, observation decks, and bus tours departing from Tokyo.