More about hotels in Tokyo
Hotels in Tokyo: The Complete Guide for Malaysian Travellers
Tokyo is a city on a scale that is almost impossible to comprehend until you experience it firsthand. Home to over 13 million residents in the city proper and nearly 38 million in the greater metropolitan area, Tokyo is the world's most populous city — and arguably its most organised, efficient, and safe. For Malaysian travellers, Tokyo represents the ultimate Japanese adventure: a place where ancient Shinto shrines stand in the shadow of glass-and-steel skyscrapers, where Michelin-starred restaurants outnumber those in Paris, and where every neighbourhood — from the electric chaos of Shinjuku to the understated cool of Shimokitazawa — has its own distinct personality. Hotels in Tokyo start from RM 52 per night, making this iconic destination more accessible than many Malaysians might expect, and Traveloka's extensive inventory ensures you will find the perfect property whatever your budget.
Best Areas to Stay in Tokyo
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is Tokyo's most important transportation hub and one of its most dynamic neighbourhoods. Shinjuku Station — the world's busiest railway station — connects you instantly to virtually every part of Tokyo and the broader Kanto region. The district offers an extraordinary range of accommodation, from budget capsule hotels at around RM 52 to RM 100 per night, mid-range business hotels from RM 150 to RM 400, and luxury properties including Park Hyatt Tokyo (made famous by the film Lost in Translation) starting from RM 1,000 and above. The dazzling neon of Kabukicho entertainment district, the serene Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and the vibrant Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) dining alley are all within walking distance.
Shibuya and Harajuku
Shibuya is home to Tokyo's most iconic intersection — the Shibuya Crossing — and serves as the epicentre of youth fashion and pop culture. Hotels in Shibuya range from RM 100 for budget options to RM 800 and above for upscale stays. Harajuku, immediately adjacent, is famous for Takeshita Street and its unique street fashion scene, as well as the magnificent Meiji Jingu shrine. The Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya is an excellent mid-to-luxury option in this area.
Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree Area
Asakusa preserves more of old Tokyo's shitamachi (downtown) character than almost anywhere else in the city. The magnificent Senso-ji temple dominates the neighbourhood, surrounded by traditional craft shops and street food stalls. Asakusa offers some of Tokyo's most affordable central accommodation, with budget guesthouses and capsule hotels from RM 52 to RM 120 per night and mid-range hotels from RM 150 to RM 350. Tokyo Skytree — the world's tallest tower — is a short walk or one subway stop away.
Ginza, Marunouchi, and Tokyo Station Area
Staying near Tokyo Station or in Ginza places you at the geographic and commercial heart of the city. This is prime territory for luxury hotels — The Peninsula Tokyo, Palace Hotel Tokyo, and Aman Tokyo are all located here — with rates starting from RM 800 to RM 2,000 or more per night. However, mid-range business hotels are also available near Tokyo Station from around RM 200 to RM 450 per night, offering excellent value given the location's unmatched transport connectivity.
Akihabara and Ueno
Akihabara (Electric Town) is a paradise for electronics enthusiasts and anime and manga fans, while Ueno is home to several major museums, Tokyo Zoo, and Ueno Park — one of the city's premier cherry blossom viewing spots. Hotels in this area tend to be competitively priced, ranging from RM 80 to RM 300 per night, making it a good base for budget and mid-range travellers who want easy access to central Tokyo.
Hotel Prices in Tokyo by Star Rating
Budget accommodation including capsule hotels and hostels in areas like Asakusa, Akihabara, and Shinjuku is available from RM 52 to RM 100 per night. 2-star and 3-star business hotels from popular chains such as Toyoko Inn, Super Hotel, APA Hotel, and Sotetsu Fresa Inn are the most common mid-budget option in Tokyo, priced from around RM 100 to RM 300 per night. These properties are clean, functional, and well connected by public transport. 4-star hotels offer significantly more space and amenities — including swimming pools, multiple dining options, and business facilities — with rates ranging from RM 350 to RM 900 per night. 5-star luxury hotels in Tokyo are among the finest in the world, with rates starting from RM 900 and reaching RM 5,000 or more per night at ultra-luxury properties like Aman Tokyo and The Tokyo Edition.
Top Hotels in Tokyo
The Peninsula Tokyo in the Marunouchi district is considered one of Japan's finest hotels, offering exquisite service, beautifully appointed rooms, and a superb location steps from the Imperial Palace and Ginza. Aman Tokyo, perched in the upper floors of the Otemachi Tower overlooking the Imperial Palace gardens, is arguably Tokyo's most exclusive address, with rates to match. Park Hyatt Tokyo in Shinjuku occupies the top floors of the Shinjuku Park Tower and remains legendary for its New York Bar and the timeless elegance of its design. Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel in Shibuya is a sophisticated choice at a slightly more accessible price point, offering outstanding city views and excellent service. Dormy Inn Tokyo Hatchobori is a favourite among Japanese domestic travellers and budget-conscious foreign visitors, offering natural hot spring baths and clean, comfortable rooms at a very reasonable rate. APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower provides reliable, well-located budget accommodation in the heart of Shinjuku at rates that are among the most competitive in central Tokyo.
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
Like Osaka, Tokyo is a year-round destination with distinct seasonal highlights. Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is without question the most magical time to visit — parks like Ueno, Shinjuku Gyoen, Chidorigafuchi, and Yoyogi are transformed into pink wonderlands, and the entire city takes on a festive, celebratory atmosphere. Book your hotel many months in advance as this is Tokyo's absolute peak travel season. Autumn (October to November) offers spectacular foliage in parks, temple grounds, and gardens across the city, with slightly cooler and very comfortable weather. Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and includes the rainy season (tsuyu) in June, but it is also the season for energetic summer festivals, fireworks events over rivers and bays, and the famous Obon celebrations in mid-August. Winter (December to February) is crisp, sometimes cold, and very occasionally sees snowfall that dusts the city in a rare, beautiful white. Winter is the low season for tourism in Tokyo, offering the best hotel rates of the year — sometimes 30 to 50 percent below peak season prices.
Getting to Tokyo from Malaysia
Tokyo is served by two major international airports: Narita International Airport (NRT), located approximately 60 km east of the city centre in Chiba Prefecture, and Haneda Airport (HND), which is much closer to central Tokyo and is the preferred choice for travellers wanting minimal transfer time. Malaysia Airlines operates direct flights from KLIA to both Narita and Haneda, with flight times of approximately 6 to 7 hours. AirAsia X offers budget direct flights from KLIA2 primarily to Narita. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) also operate services between Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo. From Narita Airport, the Narita Express (N'EX) connects to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and other central stations in approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The Limousine Bus service is another option, taking 70 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. From Haneda Airport, the Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line connect to the city centre in approximately 30 minutes, making it the faster and more convenient option.
Top Attractions in Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest and most celebrated temple, framed by the dramatic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) and lined with traditional Nakamise shopping street. It is particularly stunning in cherry blossom season and at night when the gate is illuminated. Shibuya Crossing is the world's most famous pedestrian scramble and an unmissable visual spectacle — best viewed from the Starbucks overlooking the intersection or from the Shibuya Sky observation deck. teamLab Planets Tokyo in Toyosu offers an immersive digital art experience that has become one of Tokyo's most talked-about modern attractions. Tokyo Skytree in Asakusa is the world's tallest tower at 634 metres and provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the city on clear days, with views all the way to Mount Fuji. Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku is a serene forested sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, offering a tranquil escape from the surrounding urban intensity. Akihabara Electric Town is a neon-lit paradise for electronics, anime merchandise, manga, and gaming. Hamarikyu Gardens, a historic feudal-era garden adjacent to Tokyo Bay, offers a stunning contrast of traditional Japanese landscape design against the backdrop of the modern Shiodome skyscrapers.
Tips for Malaysian Travellers Visiting Tokyo
Malaysian citizens require a tourist visa to visit Japan. Apply at the Embassy of Japan in Kuala Lumpur or through authorised agents — processing takes approximately 5 to 7 working days and there is no fee for Malaysian citizens applying for a single-entry visa. A confirmed hotel booking from Traveloka will be required as part of your application. IC Cards: Purchase a Suica or Pasmo card at Narita or Haneda airport — these rechargeable smart cards work on virtually all trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo, and can also be used for purchases at convenience stores and vending machines. Currency: Japan uses the Japanese Yen (JPY). RM 1 is approximately 33 JPY. Tokyo is more cashless-friendly than many other Japanese cities, but smaller restaurants, shrines, and local shops still prefer cash. Wi-Fi: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi device or purchase a prepaid data SIM at the airport for reliable connectivity. Halal food: Tokyo's halal dining scene has expanded considerably in recent years, particularly in areas like Shinjuku (which has a dedicated halal restaurant cluster near the station), Asakusa, and Akihabara. The Tokyo Muslim community has also established several mosques including the Tokyo Camii in Yoyogi-Uehara, which is open to visitors. JR Pass: If you plan to travel beyond Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto, or other destinations, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) before departing Malaysia — it cannot be purchased in Japan and offers excellent value for long-distance Shinkansen travel. Book your Tokyo hotel through Traveloka for the best selection, genuine guest reviews, and convenient ringgit payment.
