One antidote to the vast scale and crowds of Tokyo is a small hotel. There’s something special about staying in a hotel where the staff knows you by name. Here are our favorite small hotels in Tokyo.
Hotel 1899 lobby
Introduction
Tokyo lends itself to large hotels, many of which are located in tall buildings with great views over the city. Staying in a beautiful room with an eye-popping view of the lights of the city is a quintessential Tokyo experience, but there are times when you might appreciate a hotel of a more intimate scale. Here are our favorites.
The Best Small Hotels in Tokyo
Ryumeikan guest room
Ryumeikan Hotel Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Just steps from Tokyo Station, this beautiful little hotel offers great rooms, friendly personal service, healthy breakfasts and reasonable rates.
Marunouchi Hotel corner room
Marunouchi Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This medium-sized hotel is right next to Tokyo Station. It’s stylish, smart, well run and surprisingly reasonable.
The Lively lobby
The Lively Azabujuban
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This boutique hotel is within walking distance of Roppongi but far enough to escape the tourist crowds. It’s of a modest size and both the style and the service are top notch.
MyStays guest room
Hotel MyStays Hamamatsucho
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This efficient little hotel in Hamamatsucho (a few stops from Tokyo Station on the Yamanote Line) is a great value. It’s the perfect base for those on a limited budget.
Mimaru Suites Tokyo Nihombashi
Mimaru Suites Tokyo Nihombashi
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If you’re traveling with a family or small group of friends, you will love this apartment-style hotel within striking distance of Tokyo Station. It’s got everything you need: mini-kitchen, in-room washers/dryers, multiple bathrooms, living rooms etc.
Hotel 1899 guest room
Hotel 1899 Tokyo
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
We just love this superb little midrange hotel on the edge of the Shimbashi neighborhood. The rooms are smart and clean, the staff is super helpful and the breakfasts are good. It’s a great value.
Hotel Blossom corner room
JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
This small-ish hotel is located a short walk from Shinjuku Station in West Shinjuku. It’s a solid and well-run hotel with very reasonable rates considering the quality and location.
Nohga Hotel suite room
Nohga Hotel Tokyo Ueno
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
If you want to stay in the northeast of the city (close to Ueno Park, Asakusa and the Keisei airport trains), this is a great choice. It’s a relatively small hotel with excellent style, great service and reasonable rates.
More Information
Another option if you like small accommodations is a Tokyo Ryokan. You can also check out our favorite Boutique Hotels in Tokyo for human-scale accommodations.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals. Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport.
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
