Last Updated on September 2, 2026
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links.
Planning a Japan itinerary can be exciting. However, if you’re arriving at Haneda Airport, you may wonder where to stay first in Tokyo and whether taking a taxi to your hotel would be the most convenient option.
As someone who has lived in Tokyo for over 20 years and traveled abroad from Japan more than ten times, I’ve learned how to make long-distance travel more comfortable and manageable. In this guide, I’ll introduce convenient areas and hotels for your first night after arriving at Haneda Airport, especially for travelers who prefer the convenience of a direct taxi ride to their hotel.
What to Expect in This Article:
- Which areas to stay in Tokyo on your first night after arriving at Haneda Airport
- How to get to central Tokyo by taxi, including flat-fare and advance-booking options
- Recommended hotels and practical tips for a comfortable first night in Tokyo
Where Should You Stay on Your First Night in Japan?
If you have some time after arriving at Haneda Airport, consider traveling a little farther into central Tokyo. I recommend choosing an area that is about 30 minutes from Haneda Airport by taxi, depending on traffic, and has hotels with comfortable and easy-to-use bathrooms.
Once you’ve dropped off your luggage, you can head out and explore the city without having to carry it around. Alternatively, you can take advantage of early check-in and get some much-needed rest.
If you’re taking a taxi from Haneda Airport, I recommend staying in Akihabara, Asakusa and Shimbashi. I’ll introduce each of these areas below.
Early check-in
Early check-in may also be available for an additional fee, depending on room availability. I sometimes use this service when I travel, as it allows me to avoid the crowds at the regular check-in time and get some time to rest in my room. It can be especially helpful on your first day in Japan, especially if you arrive before the regular check-in time.
Please contact the hotel in advance to confirm availability.
How to Take a Taxi from Haneda Airport
At Haneda Airport Terminal 3, you can find regular taxis, larger taxis, and taxis with services specifically designed for international visitors. Only taxis that meet the requirements for operating at the official airport taxi stands are allowed to enter. A flat fare is available for some destinations, which can make budgeting easier.
However, your preferred type of taxi may not always be available when you arrive. If you want a specific type of vehicle, consider booking an airport transfer in advance through an online travel platform.
Fixed Fares from Haneda Airport
If you take a taxi from the taxi stand at Haneda Airport, you can use the airport flat-fare system for eligible destinations. However, some nearby areas are not covered by the flat fare. At the time of writing, the lowest flat fare is ¥7,600 (approx. $47.5 / €41.0) to Chiyoda City.
To use the airport flat-fare system, make sure to take a taxi from the official airport taxi stand. If you arrange a taxi separately, the flat fare may not apply.
You can also book directly through the official website of a taxi company that offers a flat-fare service. However, some services may not automatically adjust the pickup time for flight delays. For this reason, taking a taxi directly from the airport taxi stand may be a more convenient option.
These taxis generally use the expressway, and the expressway toll is charged separately. The toll varies depending on the distance, but it is usually around ¥1,000 (approx. $6.3 / €5.4). I’ve included a link in the information box below, so please check the details before your trip.
Recommended For:
• Groups with a manageable amount of luggage or groups that don’t mind splitting into multiple taxis
• Travelers who prefer to take a taxi from the official airport taxi stand
• Travelers without a tight schedule
Through Online Travel Platforms
Fares may vary depending on the service, so please check the price when you book. Optional services such as meet-and-greet can also be arranged. Many services can accommodate flight delays. Booking online is convenient.
Recommended For:
• Travelers who prefer to book their airport transfer in advance
• Travelers who need a larger vehicle
• Travelers who regularly use online travel platforms
Looking for a convenient airport transfer? Explore available options and compare prices below.
Recommended Areas with Fixed Fares from Haneda Airport
If you want to use the airport flat-fare service, I recommend staying near Akihabara Station. Chiyoda City, home to Akihabara, is the least expensive area covered by the flat-fare service. Akihabara is served by several train lines, including the Tsukuba Express (TX), JR Yamanote Line, and Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, making it a convenient base for exploring Tokyo.
Akihabara Station
| Station | Akihabara Station |
| Access | About 30 min from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 |
| Eligible Ward | Chiyoda City |
| Fare | Flat Fare ¥7,600 + expressway toll |
| Easy-to-Reach Destinations | Asakusa Shibuya / Shinjuku / Tokyo Ginza |
What Is Akihabara Like?
Akihabara has a lively, energetic atmosphere and is especially popular with anime, manga, gaming, and electronics fans.
You’ll see many young people and international visitors enjoying the area, along with plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants.
At night, Akihabara comes alive with colorful lights and illuminated signs, creating a lively atmosphere.
To Travel from Akihabara to Asakusa
You can reach Asakusa directly from Akihabara by taking the Tsukuba Express Line (TX). The TX platforms are located underground.
Hotels near Akihabara Station
Two hotels worth considering are JR-EAST HOTEL METS PREMIER Akihabara and remm Akihabara.
| Hotel | JR-EAST HOTEL METS PREMIER Akihabara | remm Akihabara |
| Location | Chiyoda City | Chiyoda City |
| Early check-in | Available depending on room availability *¥2,000 (approx. $12.7 / €11.0) per hour. |
Available depending on room availability *From 11:00 a.m., ¥1,500 (approx. $9.4 / €8.1) per hour. Standard check-in: 2:00 p.m. |
| Features | The bathroom and toilet are separate. Some rooms have balconies. | The room has a separate shower room. Massage chairs are available in all rooms except the Small Room. |
JR-EAST HOTEL METS PREMIER Akihabara
JR-EAST HOTEL METS PREMIER Akihabara is a modern hotel located right next to Akihabara Station. There are also cafés and family restaurants nearby. Guests can enjoy complimentary drinks, including coffee and tea, during their stay. The bathroom and toilet are separate, allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable bathing experience.
remm Akihabara
remm Akihabara is a modern hotel located just a short walk from Akihabara Station. The rooms feature high-quality mattresses and a selection of pillows to support a comfortable night’s sleep. The hotel also pays careful attention to its interior design and fragrances. The rooms feature a separate shower room, allowing you to enjoy a shower without worrying about your surroundings.
Recommended Areas When Booking Through Online Travel Platforms
In addition to Akihabara, which I introduced above, Shimbashi Station and Asakusa Station are also good options when booking your airport transfer through an online travel platform.
| Station | Asakusa Station | Shimbashi Station |
| Access | About 30 min from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 | About 30 min from Haneda Airport Terminal 3 |
| Fare | Check the current price on Klook | Check the current price on Klook |
| Easy-to-Reach Destinations | Asakusa (on foot) Akihabara GinzaTokyo Skytree |
Asakusa Shibuya / Shinjuku / Tokyo Ginza (on foot) / Kabukiza (on foot) teamLab Planets TOKYO / Odaiba / Toyosu Market |
Asakusa Station
Asakusa is located in Taito City. If you use the airport flat-fare service, the fare is ¥9,100 (approx. $56.8 / €49.1), plus the expressway toll.
If you book a pickup service through an online travel platform, there is usually little difference in price between Asakusa and Shimbashi. Although travel time depends on traffic conditions, taxis generally use the expressway, so the difference in travel time is not significant. If you are planning to visit Asakusa, staying in the area can be a convenient option.
Please note that these fares were checked at the time of writing. Check the latest prices on the relevant website before your trip.
What Is Asakusa Like?
Asakusa has a traditional and lively atmosphere, with historic temples, old-fashioned shops, and many local restaurants. It is especially popular with international visitors who want to experience a more traditional side of Tokyo. The area can be busy around Senso-ji Temple, but the quieter streets offer a more relaxed downtown atmosphere.
Staying in Asakusa allows you to explore the area and see Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree beautifully lit up at night. In the early morning, you can take a quiet walk around Asakusa before the crowds arrive. Although the shops are still closed, many of their shutters feature colorful, uniquely Japanese artwork.
Places to Visit from Asakusa
From Asakusa, you can take the TX Line to Akihabara, where you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Sobu Line. The Yamanote Line stops at major stations such as Tokyo and Shibuya, while the Sobu Line stops at Suidobashi and Shinjuku.
The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line takes you directly from Asakusa to Ginza, while the Toei Asakusa Line provides easy access to Nihombashi and Higashi-ginza, near Kabukiza Theatre. The two subway stations are close to each other, but they are not directly connected inside the station. Please check which line you need before going underground.
You can also take the Tobu Skytree Line directly to Tokyo Skytree.
Hotels near Asakusa Station
There are many accommodation options around Asakusa, ranging from affordable hotels to luxury stays, traditional ryokan, and properties with beautiful views. Here, I’ll introduce two hotels in convenient locations with easy access to multiple train lines.
Two options are B:CONTE Asakusa and The Gate Hotel Tokyo By HULIC.
| Hotel | B:CONTE Asakusa | The Gate Hotel Tokyo By HULIC |
| Location | Taito City | Taito City |
| Early check-in | Available depending on room availability *Please contact the hotel for details. |
Available depending on room availability *From 12:00 a.m., ¥2,035 (approx. $12.7 / €11.0). Standard check-in: 2:00 p.m. Please contact the hotel for details. |
| Features | Rooms feature either a separate shower room or a separate bathroom and toilet. | Except for the Authentic Room, rooms feature either a separate shower room or a separate bathroom and toilet. |
B:CONTE Asakusa
The rooms are equipped with a kitchen and washer-dryer, allowing you to enjoy a stay that feels like living in Asakusa. Some rooms offer a unique view of Asakusa, with the five-story pagoda of Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree together in the skyline. Breakfast is not available at the hotel, but there are stylish cafés and chain restaurants nearby that open early in the morning.
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon By HULIC
This hotel is also located in the heart of Asakusa, just a short walk from Kaminarimon Gate. The lobby is located on the 13th floor, offering panoramic views of Asakusa, including Tokyo Skytree. Some rooms have balconies, while others offer beautiful views.
Shimbashi Station
Shimbashi is located in Minato City and is not covered by the airport flat-fare service. Since taxi fares can vary depending on traffic and the route taken, booking an airport transfer through an online travel platform may be a good option if you prefer to know the price in advance.
Shimbashi is a well-connected area, with the Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and JR Yamanote Line providing easy access to different parts of Tokyo. It is also close to Ginza and offers convenient access to Odaiba and Toyosu via the Yurikamome Line.
What Is Shimbashi Like?
Shimbashi has a more local, business-oriented atmosphere. It is popular with office workers, especially in the evening when the area’s many restaurants and izakayas fill up with people enjoying drinks after work.
It is also within easy reach of Ginza and Kabukiza Theatre.
For more about Kabukiza Theatre, please see my previous article.
To Travel from Shimbashi to Asakusa
To get to Asakusa from Shimbashi, you can take either the Toei Asakusa Line or the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, both of which provide direct access without transfers.
Alternatively, you can take a stroll through Ginza on your way to Ginza Station and take the Ginza Line directly to Asakusa Station without changing trains.
Another option is to walk to Higashi-Ginza Station, visit Kabukiza Theatre along the way, and then take the Toei Asakusa Line to Asakusa.
Hotels near Shimbashi Station
Two hotels worth considering are YOTEL Tokyo Ginza and karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza.
| Hotel | YOTEL Tokyo Ginza | karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza |
| Location | Minato City | Minato City |
| Early check-in | Available depending on room availability *12:00–2:00 p.m. ¥4,840 (approx. $30.7 / €26.5). Please check the hotel’s official website. |
No information available *Please contact the hotel in advance to confirm. |
| Features | It features an open and stylish restaurant facing a wide street. | The beds are relatively spacious. The hotel has a lounge for all guests, as well as a mini lounge exclusively for guests staying on the Premium Floor. |
YOTEL Tokyo Ginza
YOTEL is a hotel brand that originated in the UK. It is just a 5-minute walk from Shimbashi Station. The rooms are compact, but they feature separate shower rooms, allowing you to relax without worrying about water splashing around you. There are convenience stores, a Don Quijote store, cafes, and Nara Prefecture’s official antenna shop featuring local products and specialties nearby.
Some rooms may offer views of Tokyo Tower, but please contact the hotel for details.
karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza
This hotel is located just behind YOTEL Tokyo Ginza. It offers rooms ranging from compact to spacious. Even the standard rooms feature a separate shower room. There is a lounge available to all guests, where you can enjoy snacks, drinks, and a simple breakfast.
A paid breakfast is served in your room in a traditional Japanese wooden box. The hotel also offers optional tours where you can experience traditional Japanese culture.
Conclusion
Choosing where to stay on your first night in Tokyo can make a big difference after a long flight. If you want the lowest airport flat fare, Akihabara is a convenient choice, while Asakusa is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy a more traditional side of Tokyo. Shimbashi is a good option if you want easy access to Ginza and other central areas.
If you prefer to arrange your airport transfer in advance, booking through an online travel platform is another convenient option. Consider your budget, sightseeing plans, and preferred type of taxi when choosing the area that works best for you.
Recommended For:
• Travelers arriving at Haneda Airport who want a convenient start to their Japan trip
• First-time visitors who prefer taking a taxi directly to their hotel
• Travelers who want to compare flat-fare and advance-booking options
• Visitors looking for a comfortable and convenient hotel for their first night in Tokyo
Discover more ways to get from Haneda Airport below:
Where to Stay in Tokyo for Your First Night: Easy Train Access from Haneda Airport
Where to Stay in Tokyo for Your First Night: Easy Airport Bus Access from Haneda Airport
Information
Information, prices and exchange rates are current as of my visit but may change. Please check official sites.
Haneda Airport Taxi Information
– Haneda Airport Official website
Tokyo Hire-Taxi Association
– Haneda Airport Fixed Fare Chart
Online Airport Transfer Booking
– Check the details and prices on Klook
Akihabara Station
JR-EAST HOTEL METS PREMIER Akihabara
remm Akihabara
Asakusa Station
There are several Asakusa Stations, each served by a different train line.
B:CONTE Asakusa
The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon By HULIC
Shimbashi Station
YOTEL Tokyo Ginza
karaksa hotel premier Tokyo Ginza
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
