Planning a trip with your squad or extended family? Don’t let Tokyo’s “tiny hotel” reputation ruin the vibe. Here is how to keep the group together.
“I want to see the neon lights of Shibuya, eat street food in Asakusa, and spend a day at Disney.” It sounds like a perfect itinerary. But when you look at a map of Tokyo, reality hits. The city is massive. The subway map looks like a bowl of spaghetti. And the distance between attractions can be deceiving.
If you pick the wrong hotel, you risk spending half your trip on a crowded train, hauling luggage through endless stations, and returning to your room utterly exhausted. Location is everything in Tokyo.
In this guide, I’ll decode Tokyo’s geography and show you why staying on the East Side is the secret weapon for savvy travelers. Plus, I’ll introduce the hotel brand that turns “travel burnout” into “travel bliss.”
The Quick Verdict: The Smartest Place to Stay
Source：Minn Official Website
For busy travelers, here is the bottom line. To maximize your sightseeing time and minimize transit stress, base yourself in East Tokyo (Ueno, Asakusa, or Nihonbashi). Specifically, choose an Apartment Hotel like Minn. Their locations are strategically placed near major transport hubs, giving you direct access to the airport, Bullet Train (Shinkansen), and top attractions.
【Official】Minn Reservations | Experience a “Stay as You Live” Style
(Locations in Ueno, Asakusa, Nihonbashi, and near Disney. The most efficient way to see Tokyo.)
The 3 Rules for Choosing a Hotel in Tokyo
“Near a station” isn’t enough. To conquer Tokyo, you need to be strategic. Here are the three criteria for a winning hotel location.
1. Look for a “Hub” Station
Tokyo has multiple train systems (JR, Metro, Private Lines). Staying near a station with only one line limits your options.
- The Strategy: Choose a hotel near a “Hub” station where multiple lines intersect (e.g., Ueno, Nihonbashi, Kuramae). This gives you direct access to different parts of the city without confusing transfers.
2. Prioritize Airport & Shinkansen Access
Dragging heavy suitcases through a rush-hour station is a nightmare you want to avoid.
- The Strategy: Pick a location with a direct link.
- From Narita Airport: Stay in Ueno/Asakusa (Direct via Keisei Skyliner).
- From Haneda Airport: Stay in Nihonbashi/Higashi-Ginza (Direct via Asakusa Line).
- For Shinkansen: Stay in Nihonbashi/Tokyo Station area.
3. Go East (The “East Side” Advantage)
While Shibuya and Shinjuku (West Side) are famous, the East Side (Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara) is often the better base for tourists.
- Why:
- Attraction Density: Senso-ji Temple, SkyTree, Akihabara, and Ginza are all clustered here.
- Disney Access: It takes 30 mins from the East, compared to 60+ mins from Shinjuku.
- Vibe: It offers a mix of historic “Old Tokyo” charm and modern comfort, without the overwhelming chaos of Shibuya Crossing.
Where Should You Stay? Area Guide
Here are the three best zones for your home base.
Zone 1: Ueno, Asakusa & Kuramae
- Best For: First-timers, Families, Culture Lovers.
- Why: This is the cultural heart of Tokyo. You have the Ueno Zoo, museums, and the historic Senso-ji Temple on your doorstep. The direct train to Narita Airport makes arrival a breeze. It’s vibrant, walkable, and full of street food.
Zone 2: Nihonbashi & Tokyo Station
- Best For: Shoppers, Shinkansen Travelers.
- Why: This is the sophisticated center of Tokyo. You can walk to the luxury shopping of Ginza or the Imperial Palace. It is the ultimate hub for day trips to Kyoto or Osaka via the Bullet Train.
Zone 3: Kasai (The Bay Area)
- Best For: Disney Fans.
- Why: If your main goal is Tokyo Disney Resort, stay here. Direct shuttle buses get you to the parks fast. It’s a peaceful residential area with plenty of parks and supermarkets.
Why “Minn” is the Ultimate Strategic Base
Source：Minn Official Website
Location gets you there, but comfort keeps you going. Tokyo sightseeing involves walking 20,000 steps a day. You need a hotel that helps you recover. This is where Minn shines.
1. Strategically Located “Near the Action”
Minn hotels are built exactly where you need them.
- Minn Ueno & Asakusa: Right in the middle of the cultural zone.
- Minn Nihonbashi: Your gateway to the Shinkansen and Ginza.
- Minn Kasai: Your launchpad for Disney. You can sightsee in the morning, pop back to the hotel for a midday rest, and head out again for dinner. That flexibility is priceless.
2. Space to Recharge (Living Rooms)
In a standard business hotel, you collapse onto a bed in a tiny room.
- The Minn Difference: Minn offers spacious suites with living areas. You can stretch out on a sofa, massage your tired feet, and relax. It turns “exhaustion” into “recovery.”
3. Kitchens & Laundry: The “Life” Hacks
- Kitchens: Too tired for a restaurant? Buy a feast at a department store food hall (Depachika) and eat comfortably in your room.
- Laundry: Use the in-room washer to clean your sweaty clothes. Pack lighter and move faster through the stations.
4. Smart Check-In
Minn uses mobile check-in technology. No waiting in long lines at the front desk when you are tired. Just arrive, check in on your phone, and crash. (24/7 online support is available if you need it).
【Official】Check Out Minn’s Rooms & Atmosphere
A Perfect 2-Day “East Tokyo” Itinerary
Here is how staying at Minn makes your trip smoother.
Day 1: Old Tokyo & Culture
- 10:00: Arrive at Ueno Station (via Skyliner). Drop bags at Minn Ueno.
- 10:30: Walk to Ueno Park and the National Museum.
- 13:00: Hop on the subway to Asakusa. See the giant lantern and eat tempura.
- 16:00: Check into your room. Rest your feet in the living room.
- 18:00: Walk to Ameyoko Market for street food dinner.
Day 2: Modern Tokyo & Shopping
- 09:00: Take the subway to Nihonbashi.
- 10:00: Explore the Art Aquarium Museum.
- 12:00: Walk to Ginza for shopping and lunch.
- 15:00: Head back to the hotel, pick up bags, and head to your next destination effortlessly.
What is an Apartment Hotel?
Source：Minn Official Website
For those new to the concept: It is a hybrid accommodation that combines the cleanliness and security of a hotel with the amenities of an apartment (Kitchen, Laundry, Living Room).
- Why it wins: You get the reliability of a hotel with the strategic advantage of a home base.
Verdict: Plan Smart, Travel Easy
Source：Minn Official Website
Don’t let Tokyo’s size intimidate you. By choosing a strategic base on the East Side, you put yourself in control of your trip. Minn offers the perfect combination of location, space, and comfort to ensure you leave Tokyo feeling energized, not exhausted.
Strategic locations sell out first.
【Official】Book Minn Here for the Best Rates
(Select from Ueno, Asakusa, Nihonbashi, or Kasai.)