Best Hotels in Shinjuku for First-Time Visitors: 6 Great Places to Stay
Shinjuku is one of the most convenient areas to stay in Tokyo, especially if you are visiting the city for the first time.
The neighborhood offers excellent transportation, endless restaurants, major shopping centers, nightlife, and easy connections to many of Tokyo’s most popular attractions.
But Shinjuku is also a large area.
A hotel near the South Exit of Shinjuku Station can feel very different from a hotel in Kabukicho or near Shinjuku Gyoen.
If you are still deciding which part of Tokyo is right for you, start with our guide to where to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors.
For travelers who have already decided on Shinjuku, here are six hotels worth considering.
Quick Comparison: Best Hotels in Shinjuku
| Hotel | Best For | Nearest Area/Station | Stay Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku | First-time visitors | Shinjuku Station South Exit | Convenient |
| Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku | Easy transportation | Shinjuku Station South Exit | Practical |
| Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo | Comfort and upscale stays | West Shinjuku | Full-service |
| Hotel Gracery Shinjuku | Nightlife and entertainment | Kabukicho | Lively |
| Shinjuku Granbell Hotel | Couples and nightlife | Higashi-Shinjuku | Stylish |
| Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo | Longer stays | Shinjuku-Gyoenmae | Apartment-style |
1. JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku – Great for First-Time Visitors
JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku is one of the most convenient options for travelers who want to stay close to Shinjuku Station without being directly in the busiest part of Kabukicho.
The hotel is about a three-minute walk from the South Exit of Shinjuku Station and around two minutes from the Toei Shinjuku and Oedo subway lines.
That location is especially useful for first-time visitors.
Shinjuku Station connects you with many parts of Tokyo, while the hotel’s position on the southern side of the station makes it easy to reach shopping, restaurants, and the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal area.
Why Choose It?
The biggest advantage is location.
After spending a full day exploring Tokyo, being only a short walk from a major station can make your trip much easier.
This hotel is a strong option for travelers who plan to visit several different neighborhoods during the same trip.
Best For
- First-time Tokyo visitors
- Couples
- Solo travelers
- Travelers using trains frequently
- Short Tokyo stays
Keep in Mind
Shinjuku Station is enormous.
Even if your hotel is close to the station, using the correct exit can save a surprising amount of walking.
2. Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku – Great for Transportation Convenience
Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is another very convenient choice on the southern side of Shinjuku Station.
The hotel is approximately three minutes on foot from the South Exit and Koshu-Kaido Gate of JR Shinjuku Station. It is also about one minute from the A1 exit of Shinjuku Station on the Toei Oedo Line.
This makes it particularly attractive for travelers who value easy transportation over nightlife directly outside the hotel.
Why Choose It?
You get convenient access to one of Tokyo’s biggest transportation hubs while staying slightly away from the busiest streets of Kabukicho.
For a first trip to Tokyo, that balance can be very useful.
Best For
- First-time visitors
- Couples
- Travelers with luggage
- Sightseeing-focused trips
- Travelers prioritizing station access
Keep in Mind
If your main goal is to experience Kabukicho nightlife every evening, a hotel on the eastern side of Shinjuku may put you closer to the action.
3. Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo – Great for a More Comfortable Stay
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is located in Nishi-Shinjuku, the skyscraper district on the western side of Shinjuku Station.
According to the hotel, it is about a five-minute walk from Shinjuku Station and around two minutes from Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line.
Compared with the dense entertainment streets east of the station, this side of Shinjuku generally has more of a business-district atmosphere.
Why Choose It?
Keio Plaza is better suited to travelers looking for a full-service hotel experience rather than simply a place to sleep between sightseeing days.
Its location also works well for visitors who want access to Shinjuku while staying outside Kabukicho.
Best For
- Couples
- Families
- Travelers who prefer full-service hotels
- Business travelers
- Visitors looking for a more comfortable stay
Keep in Mind
Nishi-Shinjuku is convenient, but the atmosphere is different from the neon streets many travelers imagine when they think about Shinjuku.
If nightlife is your priority, the east side may suit you better.
4. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – Great for Staying in the Middle of the Action
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is located in Kabukicho inside the Shinjuku Toho Building.
The hotel states that it is approximately five minutes on foot from the East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station and three minutes from Seibu-Shinjuku Station.
That puts you directly in one of Tokyo’s busiest entertainment districts.
Restaurants, nightlife, shops, and entertainment venues surround the area.
Why Choose It?
Location is the main reason.
If you want to leave your hotel in the evening and immediately be surrounded by Shinjuku’s bright lights and busy streets, this is one of the most convenient areas to stay.
Airport limousine buses also stop at Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, which the hotel describes as about a two-minute walk away.
Best For
- First-time visitors who want a lively experience
- Couples
- Nightlife
- Entertainment
- Travelers who want to stay in Kabukicho
Keep in Mind
Kabukicho stays busy late into the evening.
Travelers who prefer quiet streets and a relaxed neighborhood may be happier on the south or west side of Shinjuku.
5. Shinjuku Granbell Hotel – Great for a Stylish Stay Near Nightlife
Shinjuku Granbell Hotel is another option in the Kabukicho area, but it is positioned closer to Higashi-Shinjuku.
The hotel is about four minutes on foot from Higashi-Shinjuku Station, around seven minutes from Shinjuku-sanchome Station, and approximately 15 minutes from the East Exit of JR Shinjuku Station.
The property has a more design-focused feel and includes a rooftop bar.
Why Choose It?
It can work well for travelers who want access to Shinjuku nightlife but do not need to be directly beside JR Shinjuku Station.
Higashi-Shinjuku Station also provides another useful transportation option for exploring Tokyo.
Best For
- Couples
- Nightlife
- Travelers interested in a more stylish hotel
- Repeat Tokyo visitors
- Travelers using Higashi-Shinjuku Station
Keep in Mind
If you expect to use JR Shinjuku Station several times every day, the walk is noticeably longer than from hotels near the South Exit.
6. Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo – Great for Longer Stays
Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo is slightly removed from the busiest part of central Shinjuku.
The property is around five minutes on foot from Shinjuku-Gyoenmae Station and offers apartment-style rooms with kitchenettes.
Room options start around 25 square meters, and larger connecting configurations are also available, making the property particularly interesting for longer stays or travelers who want more living space.
Why Choose It?
Having a kitchenette can be useful if you are staying in Tokyo for more than a few nights.
You also stay closer to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and away from some of the busiest streets surrounding Shinjuku Station.
Best For
- Longer Tokyo stays
- Couples
- Families
- Travelers who want a kitchenette
- Visitors who prefer a quieter location
Keep in Mind
This is not the best option if being immediately beside JR Shinjuku Station is your main priority.
The nearest useful subway station is Shinjuku-Gyoenmae rather than JR Shinjuku Station.
Which Shinjuku Hotel Should You Choose?
Your best choice depends on how you plan to travel.
Choose JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku if:
You are visiting Tokyo for the first time and want excellent station access.
Choose Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku if:
Transportation convenience is your biggest priority.
Choose Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo if:
You prefer a larger, full-service hotel and a more comfortable stay.
Choose Hotel Gracery Shinjuku if:
You want to stay in the middle of Kabukicho and Shinjuku nightlife.
Choose Shinjuku Granbell Hotel if:
You want a stylish hotel near nightlife and do not mind being farther from JR Shinjuku Station.
Choose Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo if:
You are staying longer and would benefit from additional space and a kitchenette.
South Shinjuku vs Kabukicho vs West Shinjuku
For first-time visitors, the exact part of Shinjuku matters almost as much as the hotel itself.
South Shinjuku
Stay here if easy access to Shinjuku Station is your priority.
This area works especially well for sightseeing-heavy itineraries.
Kabukicho and East Shinjuku
Stay here if restaurants, entertainment, and nightlife are a major part of your trip.
The area is much livelier, particularly at night.
West Shinjuku
Stay here if you prefer a business-district atmosphere and larger hotels.
It can feel calmer than Kabukicho while still providing convenient access to Shinjuku Station.
Tips for Booking a Hotel in Shinjuku
Before booking, check more than just the nightly price.
Look at:
- Walking distance to the nearest station
- Which Shinjuku Station exit is closest
- Room size
- Luggage storage
- Check-in and check-out times
- Airport transportation
- Laundry facilities
- Whether breakfast is included
- Cancellation conditions
Hotel prices in Tokyo can change significantly depending on travel dates, weekends, holidays, and major events.
Always check the current rate for your exact dates before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shinjuku a good area for first-time visitors?
Yes. Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s largest transportation hubs and offers convenient access to shopping, dining, nightlife, and many other parts of the city.
Which side of Shinjuku is best for tourists?
The south side is particularly convenient for travelers prioritizing Shinjuku Station.
East Shinjuku and Kabukicho are better for nightlife, while West Shinjuku offers more of a business-district atmosphere.
Is it better to stay near Shinjuku Station?
For first-time visitors planning to explore many areas of Tokyo, staying within comfortable walking distance of the station can save time.
However, hotels near subway stations such as Higashi-Shinjuku or Shinjuku-Gyoenmae can also be convenient depending on your itinerary.
How many nights should I stay in Shinjuku?
Shinjuku can work as your base for your entire Tokyo stay because you can easily travel to other neighborhoods rather than changing hotels.
Should I book a hotel in Kabukicho?
Kabukicho can be a good choice if you enjoy a lively entertainment district and want restaurants and nightlife close to your hotel.
Travelers who prefer quiet surroundings may prefer South or West Shinjuku.
Final Thoughts
Shinjuku is a strong base for a first trip to Tokyo, but choosing the right hotel depends on your travel style.
For easy access to Shinjuku Station, hotels on the southern side are particularly convenient.
Kabukicho works better for travelers who want nightlife and entertainment right outside the hotel, while West Shinjuku offers a calmer, more business-oriented environment.
Before booking, compare the hotel’s exact location with the places you plan to visit most often.
A slightly more convenient location can make a big difference during a busy Tokyo itinerary.