Airbnb
From the electric streets of Akihabara to the sleek and efficient Shinkansen, and the diverse, delicious Fuji-sized mountains of Japanese food, there’s plenty of reasons Tokyo is a must-visit destination for many Australian travellers. But where are the best places to stay in Japan’s capital? While it’s well known for top-end hotels, Tokyo also has an impressive range of highly rated Airbnbs – which may be more your style if you want the kind of ‘local’ experience a hotel may not offer.
While we’re on the subject of experiences, Airbnb has also named Tokyo among the trending destinations for culinary travel in 2026, particularly for bakery classes (authentic mochi, anyone?). And after a full day of tasting (and making) Japanese delights, imagine returning to a sprawling multi-level Shibuya apartment, a traditional Japanese crash pad or a quiet, cherry blossom-fringed loft.
Here, we’ve curated an edit of some of the best Tokyo Airbnbs to book based on location, number of guests, luxe amenities and other features.
GT’s top Airbnb Tokyo Stays for 2026
- Best for families and large groups: One Shibuya Hill: Urban Oasis
- Best Airbnb in Shinjuku: Traditional Shinjuku Home
- Best for amazing one-of-a-kind style: Grand Piano Studio House
- Best for modern Japanese style: Villa Lusso
- Best Airbnb in Shibuya: Shibuya Apartment
- Best Airbnb for a taste of Japanese life: Traditional Japanese House
The best Tokyo Airbnbs to book in 2026
Sleeps: 16
For those seeking space, One Shibuya Hill is a standout Airbnb in the heart of Tokyo’s Shibuya ward. Tucked away in an upscale neighbourhood, and in easy walking distance of trains, restaurants and famous sights like Shibuya Crossing, this spacious six-bedroom, four bathroom home is the ultimate space to unwind.
Take in sparkling views of Shibuya from on the private rooftop, perfect for relaxing after long days of sightseeing, kick-start your day with an early morning yoga session in the sun-drenched atrium or simply hang out in one of the elegantly draped hammocks.
Location: Shibuya
Distance to trains: ~ 10 minute walk to Shibuya or Yoyogi Hachiman stations
Best for a sanctuary at the end of the day
Sleeps: 9
This three-storey house may be nestled in a quiet, residential area of Shinjuku but it’s only a stone’s throw from the action. With a private rooftop, onsen-style baths and an at-home cinema, this is the ideal home away from home for large groups enjoying the best Tokyo has to offer.
Location: Shinjuku City
Distance to trains: ~ 6 minute walk to Shinanomachi station
Best for amazing one-of-a-kind style
Sleeps: 8-16
This house in Shinjuku is singular in its style and features, with a sound-proof semi-basement area that includes a music room and grand piano, as well as a large entertainment space and projector for movies, games, slideshows and more. The dining and lounge area includes a herringbone-style floor, feature wall panelling and plenty of seating, while the four bedrooms are furnished with two double beds each.
Within walking distance of trains, shops, dining and Tokyo’s famous Golden Gai network of alleys, this is a place for travellers who love nightlife as much as having their own space.
Location: Shinjuku City
Distance to trains: ~ 5 minute walk from Shin-Ōkubo station, 12 minute walk from Shinjuku station
Best for modern Japanese style
Sleeps: 8
A Japanese-style apartment updated with delicate, luxurious touches, Villa Lusso is located just a seven-minute train ride from central Shinjuku Station in an area that has more of a local neighbourhood feel than some of the more popular tourist destinations in Tokyo. The traditional dining room is laid with traditional tatami mats and the paper-covered shoji sliding walls invite soft natural light for a tranquil at-home dining experience.
Attention to detail, including luxe mattresses, bedding and pillows, adds to the luxe feel and, unlike many Airbnbs, you can request luggage storage before check-in if you need it.
Location: Shinjuku
Distance to trains ~ 1 minute walk to Nakai station
Best Airbnb in Shibuya
Sleeps: up to 5
Small and perfectly formed, this apartment is in the heart of Tokyo’s Shibuya ward, just a three minute walk from Shibuya station. It features traditional shoji (sliding screen doors) to the main bedroom, with two double beds, a sofa bed and everything you need for a home base in the heart of it all. While very central, the apartment sits in the newly developed Shibuya Sakura Stage precinct, which is relatively quiet but still within easy walking distance of everything.
Location: Shibuya
Distance from trains: ~ 3 minute walk to Shibuya station
Best Airbnb for a taste of Japanese life
Sleeps: 7
This Airbnb is the one to book for travellers seeking an authentic Japanese experience on their Tokyo visit. Located behind the historic and iconic Sensoji shrine, one of Asakusa’s key attractions, this home away from home will immerse you in both culture and comfort. With a traditional low-table dining room and tatami mats with futons for sleeping, this is the perfect spot to enjoy humble home-style comfort.
It’s also a short walk to the train station, which has direct lines to both Haneda and Narita airports for added convenience at the start and end of your time in Tokyo.
Location: Asakusa
Distance from trains: ~ 5 minute walk to Asakusa station
Best for trendy neighbourhood eateries
Sleeps: 9
This renovated 86-year-old double-storey home is a chic blend of modern Scandinavian and traditional Japanese architecture – including indoor and outdoor baths. Classic Scandinavian clean lines and natural wood bedrooms and frames combine with soft tatami to sleep up to nine guests across three bedrooms, making this home perfect for families and groups of friends.
Sangenjaya is packed with local restaurants, cafes and bars – and it’s just a six-minute walk from the local train station, which will take you straight to Shibuya in 5-7 minutes.
Location: Sangenjaya
Distance to trains: ~ 6 minute walk to Sangenjaya station
Best for first-time visitors
Sleeps: 4-6
This unit brings the bright lights and buzz of central Tokyo to your doorstep – or balcony in this case, as it’s on the fourth floor, Located in Minato, this Airbnb has stunning views of Tokyo Tower, which is also just a 12-minute walk away. With two bedrooms featuring queen size beds, plus a baby futon, kid’s chair and tableware and toys, it’s ideal for couples, smaller families or those who want stylish space in the centre of the city.
Location: Minato City
Distance to trains: ~ 5 minute walk to Azabu-Juban station
Best Tokyo Airbnb for longer stays
Sleeps: 4-6
A newly renovated loft-style apartment in the heart of Shinjuku, Matsuri Loft House’s design features thoughtful nods to traditional Japanese décor. The single upstairs sleeping space is traditional tatami, where guests are able to unroll their futon beds. Whitewashed walls and feature wooden flooring add understated style to this Airbnb, while floor-to-ceiling windows invite ample natural light into the room.
It’s currently available for a minimum 32-night stay, so if you’re planning to stay in Tokyo for a while, there’s likely to be less competition for this Airbnb.
Location: Shinjuku
Distance to trains: ~ 5 minute walk to Hatsudai station
Is it better to stay in an Airbnb or hotel in Tokyo?
Like any city, staying in an AIrbnb opposed to a hotel provides a different travel experience. In Tokyo, Airbnbs tend to be located around the fringes of cities, in more residential areas (though still in close proximity to a station), whereas hotels are generally in the heart of the city.
Is an Airbnb cheaper than a hotel in Tokyo?
Opting for an Airbnb can be cheaper than a hotel in Tokyo, although it does depend on where you stay. As an example, we looked at a 7-night booking in central Tokyo in October 2026 and found Airbnbs with prices ranging from around $156 to $915 per night (for an entire place only), while hotel prices ranged from $166 to over $2000 per night.
As with most locations where you have a choice between holiday rentals and hotels, you’re likely to be able to choose either based on your budget. So the other aspect to consider is the experience, with Airbnbs potentially offering more room and a wider range of amenities (such as a stocked kitchen and laundry), while a hotel is the choice for those just looking for a bed (and possibly room service) after a long day of travel.
Three things to keep in mind when booking an Airbnb in Tokyo, Japan
Staying in an Airbnb in Toyko is a great way to experience the city from a different perspective. But as avid travellers, we also think it’s worth keeping these details in mind:
- The maximum number of guests vs bedrooms: As the most densely populated city in Japan, theres a tendency for Toyko Airbnbs to have several beds per room. So the maximum number of guests is often higher than the actual number of bedrooms, which is worth keeping in mind if you want your own space when booking with others.
- Noise etiquette: Tokyo has strict noise guidelines in residential settings, with some research showing more than half of the residents may feel uncomfortable with noise above 55 decibels (around conversational levels). So when you’re in an Airbnb, it’s a good idea to keep this in mind to avoid noise complaints from neighbours.
- Luggage storage and transfers: While you may be able to transfer or forward your luggage from a hotel, an Airbnb in Tokyo won’t typically offer this service. Some of the best Airbnbs do offer luggage storage before check-in, and many are close to trains and transport, so it’s still easy to travel onwards.
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