Shinjuku is one of the most convenient places to stay in Tokyo—but choosing exactly where to stay in Shinjuku can be surprisingly difficult.
Shinjuku Station is enormous, and the atmosphere changes dramatically depending on which side of the station you choose. Stay around Kabukicho and you’ll be surrounded by nightlife and entertainment. Head west toward Nishi-Shinjuku and you’ll find skyscrapers, major hotels, and a calmer atmosphere. Around Shinjuku Gyoen, things feel quieter again.
I’ve spent a lot of time around Shinjuku over the years, and in this guide, I’m breaking the area into five traveler-friendly zones to make choosing a hotel easier.
Rather than asking only, “Which hotel is closest to Shinjuku Station?”, I recommend first deciding which part of Shinjuku fits your travel style, and then choosing a hotel within your budget.
Price Guide
- ¥ Value
- ¥¥ Mid-range
- ¥¥¥ Splurge
Price categories are relative to hotels in Shinjuku and can vary significantly by season and travel dates.
My Quick Picks
- First-time visitors: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
- Families: MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST
- Nightlife: HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU
- Food & shopping: Tokyu Stay Shinjuku
- Easy transportation: JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Shinjuku
- Quiet stay: Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
- Luxury: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Shinjuku Area Map: Where Should You Stay?
MAP Coming Soon
The five areas in this guide each offer a different experience:
Shinjuku Station West Side / Nishi-Shinjuku
→ Families, skyscrapers & quieter evenings
East Side / Kabukicho
→ Nightlife, entertainment & first-time visitors
Shinjuku-sanchome
→ Food, shopping & convenient subway access
Shinjuku Station South Side
→ Transportation & short stays
Shinjuku Gyoen
→ Couples, longer stays & a quieter Tokyo experience
Let’s look at each area in more detail.
1. Shinjuku Station West Side / Nishi-Shinjuku — Best for Families & a Quieter Stay
Nishi-Shinjuku is the side of Shinjuku I’d consider if you want excellent transportation without staying directly inside the nightlife district.
This is Tokyo’s skyscraper side of Shinjuku, home to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, major hotels, office towers, and Shinjuku Central Park.
The atmosphere generally feels calmer than Kabukicho, especially once you move farther west from the station.
For families, couples, and travelers who prefer returning somewhere a little quieter after sightseeing, this can be one of the best parts of Shinjuku to stay.
¥ Value: THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku
THE KNOT TOKYO Shinjuku is a stylish value option overlooking Shinjuku Central Park.
The hotel is around a four-minute walk from Tochomae Station, although it’s farther from JR Shinjuku Station—about a 14-minute walk from the West Exit.
I’d choose THE KNOT if you like contemporary design and don’t mind being slightly removed from the busiest station streets.
That distance can actually be an advantage if you want a calmer neighborhood atmosphere while still staying in Shinjuku.
Why I’d choose it: Stylish without paying luxury-hotel prices, with Shinjuku Central Park just outside.
¥¥ Mid-range: MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST
If you’re traveling with children or a group, MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST is one of my strongest recommendations in Shinjuku.
MIMARU specializes in apartment-style accommodation, and all rooms here include a kitchen, cooking equipment, and a dining table. Bathrooms and washbasins are also separated, which can make everyday routines much easier when several people are sharing a room.
That kind of functionality is especially valuable in Tokyo, where standard hotel rooms can be compact.
If I were choosing between a stylish hotel room and an apartment-style room for a longer family stay, I’d seriously consider the extra practicality here.
Why I’d choose it: Kitchen facilities and more functional living space than a typical Tokyo hotel.
¥¥¥ Splurge: Park Hyatt Tokyo
For a true luxury stay in Shinjuku, Park Hyatt Tokyo is the obvious splurge choice.
The hotel has a residential feel, spacious rooms, and expansive views across Tokyo.
It’s also home to New York Grill, one of Shinjuku’s best-known destination restaurants, with panoramic city views and live jazz.
My husband has dined at New York Grill, so this is also one of the hotels in this guide where we have a little personal connection to the property.
I wouldn’t choose Park Hyatt simply because I needed somewhere to sleep near Shinjuku Station. This is the hotel I’d choose when the stay itself is part of the trip.
Why I’d choose it: A genuine destination hotel rather than simply a convenient base.
2. East Side / Kabukicho — Best for Nightlife & Entertainment
If you want to step outside your hotel and immediately feel the energy of Shinjuku, stay on the east side.
Kabukicho is packed with restaurants, bars, entertainment, nightlife, neon signs, arcades, and late-night activity.
This can be an incredibly convenient place to stay if you want to go out at night without worrying about catching the last train back to your hotel.
The trade-off is obvious: it’s busy and lively.
For families or travelers dreaming of peaceful evenings, I’d probably choose Nishi-Shinjuku or Shinjuku Gyoen instead.
¥ Value: APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower
APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower is one of the more straightforward value choices if you want to stay right in the Kabukicho area.
It’s within walking distance of JR Shinjuku Station’s East Exit and very close to Seibu-Shinjuku Station. The hotel also has a large public bath for guests.
Rooms are typically compact, so I’d prioritize this hotel for location and price rather than space.
Why I’d choose it: A practical way to stay right in Kabukicho without paying for a premium hotel.
¥¥ Mid-range: Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is one of the easiest hotels to recognize in Kabukicho thanks to the famous Godzilla head above the Shinjuku Toho Building.
For first-time visitors, I think this location is especially easy to understand: you’re right in the middle of Shinjuku’s entertainment district, surrounded by restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.
One thing to know is that access to the Godzilla terrace may be restricted, so I wouldn’t choose the hotel solely because you expect to walk right up to the statue.
Why I’d choose it: One of the easiest bases for experiencing the classic neon-and-nightlife side of Shinjuku.
¥¥¥ Splurge: HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel
If you want to stay in Kabukicho but prefer something much more upscale, HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU is my pick.
The hotel is inside Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, one of the newer entertainment complexes in the area.
It’s especially convenient for Seibu-Shinjuku Station and still within walking distance of JR Shinjuku Station.
This is a good choice if you want the energy of Kabukicho but don’t necessarily want a standard business hotel.
Why I’d choose it: A more polished stay right inside modern Kabukicho.
3. Shinjuku-sanchome — Best for Food, Shopping & Couples
Shinjuku-sanchome is one of my favorite parts of Shinjuku.
You’re close to Isetan, Shinjuku Gyoen, restaurants, cafés, bars, Golden Gai, and central Shinjuku shopping, while also having access to multiple subway lines.
If food is a major part of your Tokyo trip, this is an especially convenient area.
It’s also slightly removed from the most intense part of Kabukicho while still keeping nightlife and central Shinjuku within walking distance.
¥ Value: VIA INN Shinjuku
VIA INN Shinjuku is a straightforward choice if you want good access to Shinjuku-sanchome without paying for a more elaborate hotel.
It’s only a short walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station and around ten minutes on foot from JR Shinjuku Station.
That makes it particularly practical if you plan to use the Marunouchi, Fukutoshin, or Toei Shinjuku subway lines during your trip.
Why I’d choose it: A simple, practical location for exploring Shinjuku-sanchome and central Tokyo.
¥¥ Mid-range: Tokyu Stay Shinjuku
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku is one of my favorite practical choices in this area.
The hotel offers rooms with useful long-stay features such as washer-dryers and microwaves, while larger room categories also include kitchenettes.
That makes this particularly appealing if you’re staying in Tokyo for several nights and would rather do laundry in your own room than spend part of your trip finding a laundromat.
And because you’re in Shinjuku-sanchome, restaurants, shopping, cafés, and nightlife are all close by.
Why I’d choose it: Excellent location combined with genuinely useful in-room facilities.
¥¥¥ Splurge: ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU
ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU offers something completely different from the other hotels in this guide.
It combines contemporary Tokyo accommodation with elements inspired by a traditional Japanese ryokan.
The standout feature is the rooftop bathing area, including an open-air bath supplied with hot-spring water transported from Hakone.
It’s technically toward the eastern edge of the Shinjuku-sanchome area, but still within easy reach of both Shinjuku-sanchome and Shinjuku-gyoemmae stations.
I’d choose this if you want something that feels more distinctly Japanese than a typical city hotel without leaving central Tokyo.
Why I’d choose it: You get an onsen-style experience while still staying in central Shinjuku.
4. Shinjuku Station South Side — Best for Transportation & Short Stays
If transportation is your priority, the South Exit is one of the most useful parts of Shinjuku.
You’ll be close to JR Shinjuku Station, Busta Shinjuku, NEWoMan, Takashimaya Times Square, and Southern Terrace.
I particularly like this area for travelers arriving with luggage, taking buses or trains early in the morning, or spending only a few nights in Tokyo.
Compared with Kabukicho, the atmosphere also feels more transportation- and shopping-focused than nightlife-focused.
¥ Value: Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is difficult to beat for straightforward transportation convenience.
It’s only a short walk from JR Shinjuku Station’s South Exit and Busta Shinjuku. Airport limousine buses also stop at the hotel.
This is exactly the type of hotel I’d consider when I don’t want to think too hard about luggage and transportation.
Why I’d choose it: Extremely practical location near both Shinjuku Station and the highway bus terminal.
¥¥ Mid-range: JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Shinjuku
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Shinjuku is another strong transportation-first hotel, but with a slightly more polished feel.
It’s only a few minutes from JR Shinjuku Station’s South Exit and Busta Shinjuku.
The hotel design also incorporates elements inspired by Kyushu, giving it a little more character than a purely functional station hotel.
I’d consider this if you want excellent station access but would like something more comfortable and refined than the most basic value option.
Why I’d choose it: A strong balance between excellent access and a more comfortable hotel experience.
¥¥¥ Splurge: Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo
Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo is the one hotel in this section where the area boundary gets a little fuzzy.
It’s technically on the southwestern edge of Nishi-Shinjuku rather than immediately beside the South Exit.
So if your only goal is the shortest possible walk from the station, I’d choose one of the two hotels above instead.
Kimpton makes more sense if you want a stylish, contemporary upscale hotel with more personality, while still remaining within walking distance of the South Exit.
Why I’d choose it: A much more distinctive hotel experience for travelers willing to trade a few extra minutes of walking for style and space.
5. Shinjuku Gyoen — Best for Quieter Stays & Longer Trips
If you like the convenience of Shinjuku but don’t want to stay in the middle of its busiest streets, look around Shinjuku Gyoenmae.
This side of Shinjuku has restaurants and cafés, but the atmosphere generally feels more neighborhood-like than Kabukicho or the station area.
You’ll also have Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden nearby.
For couples, repeat Tokyo visitors, and travelers staying for several nights, I think this area is underrated.
Unlike the other areas in this guide, I’m only recommending two hotels here.
I’d rather recommend two options that fit the area well than add a third hotel simply to fill a price category.
¥ Value: Shinjuku City Hotel N.U.T.S Tokyo
Shinjuku City Hotel N.U.T.S Tokyo is a practical option close to Shinjuku Gyoen.
The hotel is only a short walk from Shinjuku-gyoemmae Station and within walking distance of Shinjuku Gyoen.
This isn’t the option I’d choose for a luxurious hotel experience.
I’d choose it because you want to stay close to Shinjuku Gyoen while keeping the accommodation budget lower than many central Shinjuku hotels.
Why I’d choose it: Very convenient access to the garden and subway without paying for a premium property.
¥¥ Mid-range: Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo is the stronger choice if you’re staying for several nights and want more living space and functionality.
It’s within walking distance of Shinjuku-gyoemmae and Shinjuku-sanchome stations, as well as Shinjuku Gyoen.
This is a serviced-apartment-style hotel, and rooms include kitchenettes with a stove, microwave, cookware, and other basics, making it particularly useful for longer stays.
I especially like this option for travelers who want to feel a little more settled during a longer Tokyo trip instead of living entirely out of a standard hotel room.
Why I’d choose it: Kitchen facilities and a quieter location while remaining close to central Shinjuku.
Best Shinjuku Hotels by Traveler Type
Still not sure where to stay?
Here’s how I’d narrow it down.
Best for First-Time Visitors
Stay here if you want to step outside and immediately experience the energy of Shinjuku.
Best for Families
Apartment-style rooms and full kitchens make this one of the most practical options for families.
Best for Nightlife
You’re staying right inside the modern Kabukicho entertainment district.
Best for Food & Shopping
Shinjuku-sanchome puts restaurants, cafés, department stores, and nightlife within easy reach.
Best for Transportation
JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Shinjuku
Its location near the South Exit and Busta Shinjuku makes getting around particularly easy.
Best for a Quieter Stay
A quieter neighborhood atmosphere, kitchen facilities, and easy access to Shinjuku Gyoen.
Best Japanese-Style Experience
Choose this if having an open-air hot-spring bath is part of the experience you want in Tokyo.
Best Luxury Hotel
This is the one I’d choose when the hotel itself is part of the reason for the trip.
Is Shinjuku a Good Place to Stay in Tokyo?
For many travelers, yes.
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s biggest transportation hubs and gives you easy access to restaurants, shopping, entertainment, nightlife, and day-trip transportation.
It’s particularly useful for:
- First-time Tokyo visitors
- Travelers planning day trips
- Food and nightlife lovers
- Shoppers
- Couples
- Families who choose the quieter west side
- Visitors exploring western Tokyo
But choosing the right side of Shinjuku matters.
Someone staying in quiet Nishi-Shinjuku can have a very different experience from someone sleeping in the middle of Kabukicho—even though both hotels say “Shinjuku.”
Advantages of Staying in Shinjuku
The biggest advantage is transportation.
You have access to numerous JR, subway, and private railway lines, plus long-distance and airport buses from Busta Shinjuku.
There are also restaurants and shops everywhere, so you’re unlikely to struggle to find dinner after returning from sightseeing.
Shinjuku is particularly useful if your itinerary includes day trips toward places such as Hakone, Kawaguchiko, or western Tokyo.
Downsides of Staying in Shinjuku
The main downside is that Shinjuku can feel huge and confusing.
Shinjuku Station has many exits, and staying on the wrong side of the station for your itinerary can make a hotel feel farther away than it looks on a map.
Kabukicho can also be noisy and intense late at night.
And if you want to spend most of your trip around traditional eastern Tokyo—such as Asakusa and Ueno—Shinjuku may not always be the most convenient base.
Shinjuku vs Shibuya: Which Is Better to Stay In?
Both are excellent choices, but I’d choose them for slightly different trips.
Choose Shinjuku if you want:
- A huge transportation hub
- Easy day trips
- Lots of nightlife
- Kabukicho
- More hotel variety
- Convenient access to western Tokyo
Choose Shibuya if you want:
- Fashion and shopping
- Harajuku and Omotesando
- Daikanyama and Ebisu
- Contemporary Tokyo culture
- A more walkable connection between nearby neighborhoods
For first-time visitors, either can work.
I’d choose based on where you expect to spend your days, rather than simply choosing whichever neighborhood you’ve heard of more often.
Read: Where to Stay in Shibuya: Best Areas & Hotels
How to Choose a Hotel in Shinjuku
My biggest tip is the same one I give for Shibuya:
Don’t choose a hotel based only on its distance from “Shinjuku Station.”
That name covers a huge transportation complex.
Instead, check:
- Which station exit you’ll actually use
- Whether you need JR or subway lines
- Whether you have large suitcases
- Whether you’re traveling with a stroller
- Whether nightlife is a benefit or a downside
- How late you expect to return at night
- Whether you plan day trips
- How much walking you’re comfortable doing
A hotel that’s ten minutes from the “wrong” side of Shinjuku Station can sometimes feel less convenient than a hotel farther away but close to the subway line you use every day.
That’s why I recommend choosing the area first and the hotel second.
My Final Recommendations: Where I’d Stay in Shinjuku
If you want me to make this very simple:
First trip to Tokyo: → Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Traveling with family: → MIMARU TOKYO SHINJUKU WEST
Want nightlife and entertainment: → HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU
Love food and shopping: → Tokyu Stay Shinjuku
Want easy transportation: → JR KYUSHU HOTEL Blossom Shinjuku
Want a quieter, longer stay: → Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo
Want a Japanese-style experience: → ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU
Want to splurge: → Park Hyatt Tokyo
There isn’t one best part of Shinjuku for every traveler.
The trick is to decide what you want Shinjuku to do for your trip—transportation, nightlife, restaurants, family convenience, or somewhere quieter to come home to.
Once you know that, choosing your hotel becomes much easier.
More Shinjuku & Tokyo Travel Guides
Planning the rest of your Tokyo trip?
You may also like:
