Looking back on my trip to Tokyo in 2024 for the cherry blossom season, hotel prices around Shinjuku Station were surprisingly expensive. I wanted to find a good balance between my budget and convenient transportation, so I ended up staying at Toyoko INN Shinjuku Kabukicho, located near Higashi-Shinjuku and within easy reach of the lively center of Shinjuku.
When people hear “Shinjuku Kabukicho,” the first image that may come to mind is a neon-lit entertainment district that never seems to sleep. Although the hotel is located in this area, after actually staying there, I found that it is slightly away from the busiest part of Kabukicho, giving it a surprisingly calm and comfortable atmosphere.
For travelers who want to stay in Shinjuku, enjoy the convenience of having shopping and restaurants just a short walk away, while also keeping accommodation costs under control, I found this hotel to be a very practical choice.
How to Find the Hotel in the Shinjuku Maze
Shinjuku Station is famous for being a huge maze, and if it’s your first time visiting, it can definitely feel a little overwhelming when you first exit the station. The best route to the hotel also depends on which train line you are taking:
JR Shinjuku Station: I recommend exiting through the East Exit. From there, head toward Kabukicho, in the direction of TOHO Cinemas and the famous Godzilla head. It takes approximately 10–12 minutes on foot.
Seibu-Shinjuku Station: If you’re traveling on the Seibu Railway, head toward Higashi-Shinjuku. It takes around 7–10 minutes on foot.
Higashi-Shinjuku Station: If you’re taking the Toei Oedo Line, getting to the hotel from this station is also very convenient. In my opinion, this is the closest and easiest option.
The area around the hotel is incredibly convenient, with everything you could need close by. There are convenience stores and a Don Quijote nearby, while a public bath is about an 8-minute walk away.
For those interested in visiting shrines, Inari Kio Shrine is only about a 3-minute walk from the hotel, while Hanazono Shrine is around 7–8 minutes away on foot. Whether you want to grab a late-night snack, do some shopping, relax at a public bath, or visit a shrine, you can easily find plenty of options within walking distance.
A Look Inside the Ryokan
One of the biggest advantages of Toyoko INN is its consistency, and this branch did not disappoint either.
Efficient Use of Space: Although the room isn’t particularly large, there is usually enough space at the foot of the bed to store your suitcase. This makes good use of the available space without taking up too much room.
Amenity Pickup: As part of the hotel’s eco-friendly approach, basic amenities such as toothbrushes and combs are no longer provided in the guest rooms. After checking in, remember to pick them up from the self-service amenity area next to the elevator.
There is also a cabinet in the lobby where guests can pick up freshly sanitized pajamas.
Soundproofing & Sleep Quality: Although the hotel is located in the lively Kabukicho area, the windows provide good sound insulation. I didn’t find the room particularly noisy at night, so I was able to enjoy a comfortable and restful night’s sleep.
Free Breakfast
Every morning, complimentary breakfast is served in the hotel lobby on the first floor. The selection is fairly simple, usually including rice balls, miso soup, a small salad, and one or two hot dishes. However, in an expensive area like Shinjuku, being able to save the cost of breakfast while enjoying a warm bowl of miso soup is already a great bonus for travelers.
Watching the streets of Shinjuku slowly come to life outside the window while having breakfast here gave me a refreshing start to the day. After finishing breakfast, I always felt ready and energized to head out and explore Tokyo.
Toyoko INN Shinjuku Kabukicho Information
Address: 2-20-15 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan