Shinjuku Station, Japan's busiest hub, is a favorite accommodation spot for international travelers. It connects over seven private and subway lines, making trips to Tokyo's downtown or the surrounding Kanto region easy. Around Shinjuku, you'll find not just skyscrapers and lively food districts but also shopping malls and cultural spots like Shinjuku Gyoen and Hanazono Shrine, allowing for a close-up view of Japan's traditions.

In the bustling heart of Shinjuku, finding a hotel close to the station that isn't overwhelming due to the complex transport network is crucial. For first-time visitors to Shinjuku, Shinjuku Prince Hotel is a great choice, with a tourist information center for international visitors and direct access to the Seibu Railway. Its proximity to JR and subway lines makes it an exceptionally convenient option for newcomers. The concierge desk on the hotel's ground floor, certified by the Japan National Tourism Organization, offers multilingual assistance for shopping, sightseeing recommendations, and transportation inquiries, even helping to organize guided tours to ensure guests have a thoroughly enjoyable stay.

When planning a trip to Tokyo, Disneyland is a must-visit! Just a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Station's West Exit, Keio Plaza Hotel, a proud member of the Good Neighbor Hotel program, offers its guests free shuttle service to Tokyo Disneyland. The hotel boasts a main building 47 stories high and a South Tower 34 stories tall, providing over 1,400 rooms that offer stunning views of Shinjuku's bustling skyscrapers or the breathtaking night scene, making it one of the top choices for accommodation. A unique feature of Keio Plaza Hotel is the "Tono-no-Niwa" garden, crafted by Japanese ceramic artist Yosuke Hotta, and the Japanese tea room "Shofuan," where guests can experience the traditional tea ceremony—offering a peaceful retreat during their stay.

Traveling along the JR Yamanote Line brings you to Ikebukuro Station, a popular transit hub surrounded by large commercial centers and leisure attractions. Not only is it a hotspot for famed ramen joints, but Ikebukuro also hosts one of the few large aquariums in Tokyo's center, located inside the Sunshine City shopping complex—a must-visit for families. Additionally, Ikebukuro is unique for its concentration of anime stores geared towards women, setting it apart from Akihabara and making it a favorite destination for female anime fans.

Whether you're shopping, street wandering, or aiming to explore other attractions, staying in Ikebukuro for a night promises a more fulfilling experience.

The Ikebukuro Sunshine City Prince Hotel, known for its guest-friendly reputation, is a top choice among international travelers. Just an 8-minute walk from the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station, Sunshine City is a vast complex that houses an observatory, aquarium, and planetarium, offering a plethora of entertainment options. This iconic building's Prince Hotel underwent a major renovation in 2015, revitalizing nearly 1,000 rooms and becoming a hot topic that attracts numerous visitors. The reborn Prince Hotel combines modern style with traditional Japanese elements, infused with Ikebukuro's unique subculture, adding vitality and charm. Catering not just to domestic guests, the considerate Sunshine City Prince Hotel offers services tailored to international travelers' needs. Rooms that embrace Japanese traditional culture provide foreign guests with an authentic Japanese atmosphere, and the hotel even includes prayer rooms for Muslim guests, showcasing thoughtful touches for travelers from all over the world. Guests staying in the high floors can also enjoy the stunning Tokyo nightscape, capturing the city's beauty in one glance.

In the bustling streets of Ikebukuro, if you're looking for a serene hotel experience, don't miss the Tokyo Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro, just a 3-minute walk from the West Exit. From its grand lobby adorned with large-scale floral art installations to the 24-story building housing over 800 rooms themed in various styles, every detail offers guests a unique stay. The spacious surroundings of the Hotel Metropolitan provide a perfect escape to refresh your mind, body, and spirit. After recharging, you can head to the hotel's own restaurant and bar to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo while savoring dishes made from select fresh ingredients.

Shibuya Crossing is undoubtedly familiar to many! In such a densely packed area of Shibuya, known as a leading cultural and fashion hub in Japan, the shopping and dining options are both abundant and vibrant, making Tokyo feel like a city that never sleeps. Tourists visiting Shibuya often include nearby Harajuku and the hipster haven of Daikanyama in their itineraries. Shibuya is home to the iconic youth culture symbol, the 109 department store, and many shops selling trendy accessories, making it a favorite shopping destination for Tokyo's youth. With its diverse culture, even the hotels around Shibuya boast unique styles, riding the wave of the younger generation's trends.

The Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel, with its prime location directly connected to Shibuya Station, offers a direct view of the iconic Shibuya Crossing. The hotel features four types of rooms, all with a modern urban feel that's particularly popular among young travelers. It even includes themed rooms designed around Shibuya itself, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the ultimate Shibuya culture experience. With comprehensive internet and hotel amenities, plus direct access from Shibuya Station, guests can comfortably arrive with their luggage even on rainy days without the worry of getting wet.

Shibuya, always buzzing with diverse cultures and daily novelties, is the perfect place for solo travelers or friends seeking a night in a stylish hotel that captures the city's vibe. Just a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station's South Exit, MUSTARD HOTEL SHIBUYA merges street charm with a chic atmosphere. It regularly collaborates with Tokyo's young artists, turning the hotel into a cultural hub and showcasing their works for guests to enjoy. The rooms are minimally decorated, focusing on functionality without skimping on amenities like mini kitchens or washing machines, catering to the modern traveler's need for simplicity and convenience.

After highlighting popular major station areas along the Yamanote Line, let's shift our focus to the other side of the line, to Akihabara, a must-visit destination for anime enthusiasts. Known as the sanctuary of subculture, Akihabara attracts tourists from both Japan and abroad, offering firsthand experiences of anime, cosplay, and underground idol performances. From the famous maid cafes to various anime shops and electronics stores, Akihabara is filled with anime-themed merchandise that particularly appeals to guys.

The hotels around Akihabara are not only conveniently located for transport but also embody the Akihabara style!

The Akihabara Washington Hotel, just a 1-minute walk from Akihabara Station, features a unique railway-themed room. Stepping into the room, guests are greeted with model trains and a meticulous miniature of the Akihabara streetscape. The arrangement of the models creates an immersive experience, making it feel like you've taken a tour around Akihabara itself.

Just a 4-minute walk from the station, "bnb+ Costelun Akihabara," a female-only guesthouse that emphasizes the cosplay experience, is not only wallet-friendly but also crafted by the renowned cosplayer "konomiakira," sparking much discussion. Guests can enjoy the comfort of the accommodation while immersing themselves in Akihabara's subculture.

From the convenience of Shinjuku, the bustling vibe of Ikebukuro, the cultural clash of Shibuya, to the anime heartland of Akihabara, the easy transportation and distinct features of each area are enticing. If you're planning a trip to Tokyo, don't miss out on the curated list of hotels from the editorial team. Choose the hotel that best fits your journey to save on travel time, allowing you to enjoy your trip to the fullest!