Staying in two hotels in Tokyo can work well on a trip of about a week. You stay on the west side for part of the trip and on the east side for the rest. This cuts the long ride from one side of the city to the other. It costs you one extra check-out and check-in, so the split must make sense for your plans. Here is how to decide.
When a split makes sense
A split works best when your list of sights falls into two clear groups. The west side has large shopping areas, nightlife and many lines. The east side has old temples, parks, museums and the market streets. If you plan to visit both sides on most days, a single base means long rides every day.
A split does not suit you if you move in and out of the city every day, or if you need one long stay in a quiet hotel. In that case, choose one base and make day trips from there.
How to split the nights
- Two nights east, two nights west. This suits a short week in the city, with a clear half for each side.
- Three nights west, two nights east. This suits a trip where the nightlife and shopping come first.
- Arrive in the east, leave from the west. This works when your flight leaves from a station on the west side.
Count the moves. Each move means packing, checking out and checking in. Plan the moves for the days when you travel onwards, such as a shinkansen day.
Choose the two sides
For the west side, Shinjuku is the main hub. For the east side, Asakusa and Ueno are close to each other and have many temples, parks and museums. The lines between them are useful, but check the route on the planner before you book, because the transfer can take longer at peak times.
Move your bags with care
The biggest cost of a split is the move. Carry one bag if you can. If you are not sure, send a larger bag to the next hotel by a luggage service, and carry a small day bag. Check the service's rules and the timing before you book. Some services need the bag at a set time in the morning.
Keep your trip papers and your card in one place. Check the route on the planner, then check the station exit for each hotel on the map.
A sample plan
A split can look like this. Stay two nights in the west to see the crossings, the shops and the evening streets. Move to the east for two nights to see the temples, the parks and the old streets. On the last morning, check out from the east side and take the train to the station you need for your next city. Keep the last day light, so that a delay does not spoil the trip.
Mistakes to avoid
- Moving on a busy travel day. Pick a quiet day for the move, not the day you arrive somewhere new.
- Packing for the whole trip on the move. Pack a small day bag for the first afternoon, so you are not searching through a large case.
- Booking the second hotel first. Check the transfer time before you pay, not after.
A second hotel also means a second set of check-in rules and house rules. Save both in your phone, with the address and the nearest exit.
If you are not sure, start with one base for the first two nights. Learn the lines and the walks, then decide whether a second base saves you time on the rest of your plan.
Check first
Check first: the check-in and check-out times of both hotels, and the transfer time on the operator's app at the time of your trip. Check the cancellation rules before you book the second hotel. Check the luggage service's pick-up times if you plan to send a bag.
What to do next
Use the planner to test your split against your list of sights. Read the Tokyo page for the city, the Shinjuku area guide for the west base, and the Asakusa area guide for the east base.
See also: Ueno guide.
