If you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time, Shinjuku is one of the most convenient places to stay. It offers excellent transportation, countless restaurants, shopping, and one of the widest selections of hotels in Tokyo.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury hotel, a comfortable full-service hotel, or a lively area with restaurants and nightlife, Shinjuku has many options. This guide explains why Shinjuku is a useful base for first-time visitors, what to know before booking, and which hotels are worth considering.
Hotels in Tokyo can book up early during busy travel seasons. If your travel dates are fixed, it is a good idea to check availability early.
Why Stay in Shinjuku?
Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s biggest transportation hubs. From here, it is easy to reach popular areas such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Asakusa, Tokyo Station, and Ueno.
The area also has a wide range of hotels, from luxury properties to practical city hotels. You will also find many restaurants, convenience stores, department stores, and shopping centers within walking distance.
For first-time visitors, Shinjuku is useful because you can base yourself in one area and still move around Tokyo easily.
Things to Know Before Booking
Shinjuku Station is very large and has many different exits. A hotel that looks close on a map may still require a 10 to 15-minute walk depending on which exit you use.
The west side of the station is generally quieter and has many business and luxury hotels. The east side is livelier, with shopping streets, restaurants, entertainment, and the Kabukicho nightlife district.
If you are visiting Japan for the first time or traveling with family, hotels on the west side or near the south exit are often easier to navigate. If you want nightlife and entertainment, the east side may be more convenient.
Find Hotels in Shinjuku
If you already know you want to stay in Shinjuku and prefer to compare many hotel options, you can browse hotels in the area below.
If you want a few selected hotel ideas first, continue to the Featured Hotels section.
Representative Hotels in Shinjuku
BELLUSTAR TOKYO
BELLUSTAR TOKYO is a luxury hotel located in Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, in the heart of Shinjuku’s entertainment area. It offers a high-end stay with impressive city views and a modern atmosphere.
This hotel is especially suitable for travelers who want a luxury hotel in a lively part of Shinjuku. The location is convenient for restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment, but it may feel busy for travelers who prefer a quieter area.
Best for:
- Luxury travelers
- Couples
- Visitors who enjoy city views and nightlife
Park Hyatt Tokyo
If you are looking for a luxury stay in Shinjuku, Park Hyatt Tokyo is one of the area’s most iconic hotels. Located in the upper floors of Shinjuku Park Tower, it is known for its spacious rooms, panoramic views of Tokyo, and its appearance in the film Lost in Translation.
Originally opened in 1994, the hotel underwent a major 19-month renovation and reopened in December 2025. The renovation introduced redesigned guest rooms, refreshed restaurants, upgraded wellness facilities, and modernized interiors while preserving the elegant atmosphere that has made the hotel famous for decades.
Although it is one of the most expensive hotels in Shinjuku, it is an excellent choice if you want a memorable luxury stay with easy access to Shinjuku Station while enjoying a quieter environment away from the busiest streets.
Hilton Tokyo
Hilton Tokyo is located in Nishi-Shinjuku and is a popular choice for international visitors. It offers the reliability of a global hotel brand, spacious rooms, and multiple dining options.
The hotel is a good choice if you want a comfortable luxury stay in a quieter part of Shinjuku. It is not directly beside the main station, but the surrounding area is easier to manage than the busiest east side.
Best for:
- Families
- Luxury travelers
- Hilton Honors members
Hotels I’ve Personally Stayed At
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
I have stayed at Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo, and it remains one of my favorite hotels in Shinjuku.
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo opened in 1971 as Tokyo’s first skyscraper hotel. It has a long history in Nishi-Shinjuku and still feels like one of the landmark hotels in the area.
During my stay, I found the service very comfortable and refined. The hotel has a calm, Japanese-style sense of hospitality, which can be reassuring for first-time visitors to Japan.
The location on the west side of Shinjuku Station also feels much calmer than the busy east side, while still being within walking distance of the station. I also found the Airport Limousine Bus service especially convenient, as it made traveling to and from the airport much easier with luggage.
If this is your first visit to Japan and your budget allows, I think Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is one of the safest and most comfortable choices in Shinjuku.
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
I have also stayed at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, which is located in the heart of Kabukicho.
This hotel is famous for its Godzilla theme. Depending on the room type and availability, you may be able to see the large Godzilla head up close or stay in a special Godzilla-themed room. This makes the hotel more unique than a standard city hotel.
Despite being in one of Tokyo’s busiest entertainment districts, I found the hotel itself comfortable and surprisingly quiet. The location is excellent if you want easy access to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and entertainment.
If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and want to experience one of Tokyo’s most famous neighborhoods, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku can be a memorable choice. However, travelers looking for a quieter stay may prefer hotels on the west side of Shinjuku.
My Local Tip
When choosing a hotel in Shinjuku, do not look only at the distance from Shinjuku Station. Check which station exit is closest to your hotel.
For most first-time visitors, the west side and south side of Shinjuku are generally easier to navigate and more relaxed. The east side is better if you want to stay close to shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment.
If you are arriving with large luggage after a long flight, choosing a hotel with easier airport access or a simpler route from the station can make your first day in Tokyo much smoother.
Explore Other Areas
Not sure if Shinjuku is the right area for your trip? Explore our guides to other popular places to stay in Tokyo.
Learn more:
→ Where to Stay in Tokyo for First-Time Visitors
You may also find these area guides helpful:
→ Hotels Near Tokyo Station for First-Time Visitors
→ Hotels in Ginza for First-Time Visitors
→ Hotels in Roppongi for First-Time Visitors
→ Hotels in Shibuya for First-Time Visitors
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