From a charming studio to a four-storey home, these properties will elevate your Tokyo vacation
Between the scores of sky-scraping luxury retreats and intimate boutiques, Tokyo has no shortage of hotel options for travelers to choose from – but when location is the priority, Airbnb is often the way to go. Staying in a rental is perfect for those who want to be immersed in the colorful streets of neighborhoods like Ginza, Shinjuku, and Nakano. Admittedly, some of these apartments – like most in the Japanese capital – are on the small side but come filled with personality and helpful amenities like early luggage drop-off, washer/dryers, and even a grand piano in one Shinjuku abode.
From sakura-themed living rooms to tatami-lined traditional homes, here are 14 spots that are well worth a stay on your next trip to Tokyo.
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For the remote worker
This airy two-bedroom in Shibuya is a remote worker’s dream. The host, Mitsuko, offers guests cooking classes and has a wealth of information on what to see and do in the area. The bathroom has convenient perks that guests will love, like a curling iron and bubble bath products. The kitchen features natural marble, cooking appliances, and a dining table that can accommodate up to six – and easily functions as a workspace, too. The living room TV comes preset with Netflix and Hulu, while upstairs, one of the two bedrooms offers views of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Sleeps: Six
Price: From around £224 per night, with a two-night minimum -
For the business traveler
When you’re traveling on business – and not staying in a hotel with all of your coworkers – you need a few specific things out of your accommodation. Among them, great WiFi, a desk or workspace to answer after-hours emails (the time zone change here is really something), quiet surrounds, and easy access to transportation for meetings. Luckily, this studio in a residential area of Minato has all of the above. It’s just a two-minute walk to the metro, has a kitchen island and couch for you to do work on, strong WiFi, toiletries like shampoo and body wash so you don’t have to pack your own, and, as a bonus, a terrific view of the city below.
Sleeps: Three
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For a peaceful getaway
Check into this quiet retreat located in the historical Yanaka neighborhood. Named one of the Top 10 Most Wishlisted Japanese Airbnbs in 2022, Yanaka Sow functions as a hotel and rental property. A former center for major events in Tokyo’s history, many of the original structures of yesteryear still remain intact on the streets just outside – like their Edo period houses and variety of temples. The two-bed studio features a full kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals with a stove, kettle, and large refrigerator. A shared laundry area and lounge space are also available. Work by Japanese artists adorns the walls. UENO park is nearby, alongside a number of bars that dot the narrow roads; the Nippori train station is just a seven-minute walk away.
Sleeps: Three
Price: From around £154 per night -
For a spacious retreat
Celebrating Japan’s ubiquitous blush-colored flower, this one-bedroom wood-toned space features a large cherry blossom painting in the living room and another on the shower tiles in the bathroom. Spread across two brightly lit levels, sleeping accommodations include two futons on traditional Japanese tatami mats and two single beds. The full bathroom has a comfortably-sized shower and various bath products, and a minimalist kitchen with a hot plate, small fridge, and microwave available for guests who plan to cook. Other amenities provided include a USB adapter, hair dryer, bath towels, face towels, and laundry detergent for the in-unit washer. Conveniently located near Asakusa, the nearest train station is 10 minutes away on foot and the convenience store, Lawson, is just a few steps away.
Sleeps: Five
Price: From around £150 per night
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For traditional craftsmanship
Step into this sleek fourth-floor retreat that features luxurious views of Mount Fuji on a clear day. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom accommodations were designed by Japanese craftsmen to include rich wood-toned walls and vibrant wall paintings. There’s one double bed in the main bedroom while an additional tatami room holds two futons for sleeping, though the landscape-lined walls might serve as a great place for meditation, too. The kitchen offers amenities like a microwave and electric kettle, and on warm days you can relax on the small balcony. Located in Ota-ku, the property is just 20 minutes from Haneda airport and a 15-minute walk to Keikyu Line Omorimachi station.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From around £112 per night, with a two-night minimum -
For the solo traveler
Perfect for when you’re on your own, this 320-square-foot studio has just enough space yet is packed with modern conveniences like air conditioning, unlimited WiFi, and a galley kitchen. Bonus: You can drop off your luggage before check-in if you arrive ultra-early and coordinate with your host in advance. The accommodation is located in a more residential neighborhood, Nakano, but is only three minutes from the closest Metro station and just two stops from Shinjuku.
Sleeps: Three
Price: From around £96 per night, with a two-night minimum -
For the peace-seeker
For your very own zen retreat in the city, this newly built accommodation features an open-air bath on a lush garden terrace that’s sure to remedy any tiredness after a long day of sightseeing. The second floor includes a king-size bed just steps away from the patio. On the first floor, a living room table and sofa sets up the ideal atmosphere to enjoy takeout or a movie night when you’re depleted from trawling the city. Nearby in the Akasaka neighborhood, streets lined with wine bars and boutique shopping will complete the perfect day.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £202 per night
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For the hostess
This elegant take on Japanese decor is a calm haven in the middle of Tokyo’s neon bustle. Filled with natural light, the two-bedroom apartment in central Akasaka offers a traditional Western bedroom in addition to a tatami living area that can sleep up to three. If you bring all of your friends, expect to host a dinner party in the spacious dining room and kitchen (there’s even a Muji rice cooker). Just know that you’ll have to hike up four flights of stairs – with your luggage – to get to this apartment.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From around £194 per night, with a three-night minimum -
For the armchair traveler
This Airbnb’s bright, floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balcony offer impressive views of Tokyo’s Sumida River and 2,000-foot-tall SkyTree. Ideal for friends traveling to Tokyo, the space offers two full beds plus additional sleeping futons (at an extra cost) for up to four people. You’re about 30 minutes from popular Shinjuku and Shibuya, but just minutes from the nearby Sensō-ji temple and food stalls.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From around £192 per night, with a three-night minimum
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For the whole crew
Spacious Airbnb listings are rare in Tokyo, so large groups will want first dibs on this Shinjuku abode – especially those who like to entertain. The four-bedroom home features four floors: semi-basement, first floor, second floor, and attic. Two soundproof rooms in the basement set the scene for a memorable movie night – there’s a projector screen, surround sound, and a grand piano.
Sleeps: 11
Price: From around £683 per night -
For the history buff
You won’t ever have trouble finding something to admire in this centrally located space in Akasaka. Sitting above a gallery and cafe, the quaint 75-year-old house is ideal for couples or families and includes a queen-size bed and living room with two floor mattresses. With its earthen walls and tatami floor mats, it’s one of the city’s last standing wooden houses – and was recently named a Guest Favourite. It was renovated in 2018 to include a new kitchen, shower, toilet, and washing machine. Head downstairs to the first-floor cafe and you’ll find a curated exhibit on postwar Tokyo as well as a library of photos and books that educate viewers on the city’s multi-faceted past. For a bit of urban life, major metro stations are just minutes away, and right outside the door you can find endless food and nightlife options.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From around £274 per night, with a three-night minimum -
For the influencer
If Hello Kitty could call a home her own, this would be it. Blooming with cherry blossoms and bursting with pink, this Sakura-inspired accommodation is camera-ready from the moment you walk in the door. Even the ceiling is printed with the motif of the flower. The one-bedroom is also just minutes away from Tokyo’s Harajuku neighborhood, full of quirky fashion and dessert shops to enjoy.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From around £214 per night, with a two-night minimum
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For the minimalist
Disclaimer: Yes, that is a Shinkansen train zipping by the home at record speeds. But thanks to double-paned windows, the apartment is relatively quiet. Plus, according to previous guests, rail traffic is minimal during sleeping hours. The traditional Japanese soaking tub, the minimalist, light wood decor, the location minutes from the popular Ginza shopping district, and the chance to see one of Japan’s most iconic symbols fly past your living room window all make up for it.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £203 per night, with a two-night minimum -
For the traditionalist
This classic Japanese-style home includes tatami flooring and minimalist uses of wood throughout. Thoughtful touches like samurai clothing hanging from walls and handmade ceramics in vintage cabinets are an homage to artifacts of yesteryear. Modern amenities include Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a rice cooker. The house can accommodate up to eight guests within its two bedrooms and a living room with two floor mattresses.
Sleeps: Seven
Price: From around £324 per night, with a two-night minimum
