Tokyo’s Most Budget-Friendly Hotels

Researching and booking for a trip to Japan should be seen as part of the vacation experience itself. There is a certain thrill attached to the fervent scrolling, Google searches, and innumerable open tabs. However, choosing dates, flights, hotels, tour packages, commuter cards, SIM providers and so on can become rather overwhelming. When it comes to the matter of accommodation at least, Tokyo makes it easy. One of the densest and most populated cities in the world (only recently losing the title to Jakarta), Tokyo has a hotel market to match. 

Unsurprisingly, capsule hotels and hostels are a popular choice for the lone traveler in Tokyo, with both options coming in at an average of 6,000 yen per night. However, for couples, families, and larger groups, Tokyo’s hotel scene still offers more than enough bang for your buck, with an added dash of luxury. Due to Tokyo’s density, shopping for a hotel is a buyer’s market, with many chains competing to offer low prices. Pair this with the weak performance of the Japanese yen, with the currency’s depreciation giving greater purchasing power parity to the likes of the US dollar, euro, and British pound, and securing affordable hotel accommodation in Tokyo can be smooth sailing. 

From free ramen, complementary drinks, and even on-site onsen and sento (large public baths not fed with hot-spring water), cheap doesn’t have to mean boring. Here is a selection of five affordable hotel chains in Japan’s capital. 

Dormy Inn: Offerings of Onsen and Ramen

Having quickly gained a reputation for its generous offerings and wide selection of on-site amenities, Dormy Inn is also notable for its abundance of on-location hot springs and sauna, the perfect conclusion to a busy day traversing Tokyo’s neon-draped streets. Following a dip and a steam, Dormy Inn locations further offer late-night noodles, with bowls of ramen being available to guests from around 9pm. 

Dormy Inn is a premium option, with rooms coming in at an average of 20,000 yen a night, though with the value of the public baths, complimentary noodles, and other amenities such as a drinks bar and free yogurt drinks and popsicles, there is more than enough benefit. 

Furthermore, Dormy Inn locations are designed for guests to be comfortable not only in their rooms, but in the entirety of the hotel. To that end, in-house wear is provided, granting a breezy transition from room to sauna, or lobby to bar. This evokes more of a resort feeling.

Hilton Tokyo Odaiba: Family and Business-oriented

A name synonymous with the global hotel sphere, the Hilton Group entered the Japanese hotel game in the 1960s, collaborating with a domestic firm to open a branch before the opening of the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The first fully foreign-owned hotel in Japan, there are currently two Tokyo Hilton locations. Our spotlight is on the Odaiba branch, looming 15 stories above Tokyo Bay.   

A monumental hotel, both in terms of historic significance and sheer size, the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba boasts over 450 rooms, six on-site restaurants and bars, and a wide selection of gym and spa facilities. This allows for a wide array of room selections at various price points; though, with a slightly higher price also comes a grand location. A waterfront hotel situated on Tokyo Bay, guests are treated to spectacular views of the Tokyo skyline and the Rainbow Bridge.  

Perfect for the business-oriented traveler, with network and conference spaces available, the Hilton is still a fabulous choice for families, with a variety of events hosted throughout the seasons. Furthermore, as a Tokyo Disney Resort Good Neighbor Hotel, a free shuttle to and from the park is offered. 

Toyoko Inn: Widespread and Wallet-Friendly

The largest hotel chain in Tokyo, even surpassing the seemingly omnipresent APA, Toyoko Inn has experienced a rapid growth period in recent years, going from 61 hotel locations in 2002 to 347 in 2022. Headquartered in Kamata, a midpoint between Tokyo and Japan’s second biggest city of Yokohama, even the organization’s name is a portmanteau of the two locations. The reach of Toyoko Inn is not limited to Japan, however, as it operates a few select hotels in Asia and is expected to open its first US branch in 2027, in Portland, Oregon. 

With an average nightly cost of just 11,000 yen, the appeal of Toyoko Inn lies in its widespread availability and wallet-friendly price. The epitome of a business hotel, this chain may not offer many thrills alongside its rooms, but this just means it is perfect for tourists who wish to make the most of every second of sunlight. With branches strewn about the length and breadth of Tokyo, guests can tailor Toyoko Inn to their itinerary, matching their sleep spot with their most desired landmarks. 

Hotel Tavinos: For Lovers of Manga

Hotel Tavinos may have a more niche appeal than the other chains mentioned in this article, as its unique, manga-inspired aesthetic is sure to appeal to a younger demographic. Hosting a variety of pop culture events throughout the year, Tavinos is recommended for travelers who wish to meet and socialize with foreigners and locals alike, as the hotel provides several itineraries depending on location. Currently operating two hotels in Tokyo, situated in the cultural hub of Asakusa and the business district of Hamamatsucho, Tavinos has further expanded to Kyoto, which is unsurprising given the ancient capital’s ties to the medium of manga.

Boasting a fusion of traditional Japanese crafts and modern innovations, with the latter including automatic check-in machines, the layout of the hotel is a remarkable sight. For lovers of manga, the lobby, public areas, and guest rooms are awash with illustrations that celebrate Japan’s iconic art form. 

Comfort Inn: Brilliant for a Budget 

The perfect choice for the traveler on the go, Comfort Inn is likely to be the most basic entry on this list. However, while the chain itself may be best described as functional rather than fashionable, it excels at meeting the needs of guests who plan on staying out from dawn until dusk. Plain rooms, but at an arguably unbeatable price of around 10,000 yen (including breakfast), Comfort Inn locations are plentiful, with a few situated close to some of Tokyo’s most renowned landmarks. For example, the Roppongi location is just a short walk away from Tokyo Tower.

One standout highlight for Comfort Inn is the provision of breakfast, giving tourists the necessary fuel to walk the day away. With breakfast items being relatively scarce in Japan when compared to Europe and the US, and with cafés opening late in the morning, this provision is much appreciated.

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Disclaimer: Hotel prices displayed in this article are estimates calculated from an average of several third-party booking sites. As such, prices are set to fluctuate depending on date, location, and room type. 

Feature image courtesy of Hilton Tokyo Odaiba