JR Chūō Line Hotel Guide: Easy Access To Tokyo’s Great Neighbourhoods - Updated 2024

JR Chūō Line Hotel Guide: Easy Access To Tokyo’s Great Neighbourhoods - Updated 2024
Rachel
Rachel 
Updated
| 6 min read

As one of the world’s favourite destinations, Tokyo is covered by a dense network of train, subway and bus lines. The extensive public transport network makes travelling around the city so much more convenient, although it can be pretty daunting for first-time travellers. Staying near major train lines in the city will alleviate the challenge in deciphering intimidating-looking maps.

The JR Chūō Line (中央本線), one of the major railway lines in Japan, is the only JR line to cross the prominent Yamanote circle line connecting Tokyo to Nagoya. If you would like to experience living like a local out of central Tokyo, yet still enjoy the must-see attractions in the city centre, choosing a hotel to stay within 3 minutes from Chūō Line stations will allow you to enjoy the best of both worlds. Read this article for a guide to 7 wonderful hotels within a stone’s throw from the JR Chūō Line!

We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.

1. Kichijoji Tokyu REI Hotel : Kichijoji Station (from USD 82)

Kichijoji Tokyu REI Hotel, just 100 metres away from Kichijoji Station on the JR Chūō Line, is a cosy hotel in a charming neighbourhood off the typical tourist path in Tokyo. North of the station are plenty of dining and shopping options available in the district, while the south of the station is home to the alluring Inokashira Park and famous Japanese animation studio Ghibli Museum. Experience life in a more relaxing surrounding yet be connected to popular central districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya via a short 15-minute train ride.

The decor of the guest rooms may look simple, but they are well-equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TV, fridge, electric kettle and ensuite bathroom expected of a typical hotel. For a lower price compared with hotels in central Tokyo, you would be able to enjoy a similar level of comfort in a great location at Kichijoji Tokyu REI Hotel, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

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Kichijoji Tokyu REI Hotel

Address: Musashino-shi, Kichijojiminami 1-6-3

2. Hotel Mets Koenji : Koenji Station (from USD 122)

Directly connected to Koenji Station on the JR Chūō Line, Hotel Mets Koenji may not boast of the most stylish furnishings in town, but it is a great value hotel with clean and tidy rooms. It is also great to note that you are assured of undisturbed rest because of the wonderful soundproof facility in all rooms despite being so close to a busy train station. Nestled in the heart of Koenji, look forward to exploring the streets of Tokyo’s famous centre of alternative youth culture, alongside numerous historical Buddhist temples and shrines.

Unlike most hotels in Tokyo, breakfast is included in your stay so you can replenish your energy before venturing out. There are also many affordable and delicious dining options around the hotel. At night, check out the scores of trendy bars adding to the energetic vibes of the district in an old charming neighbourhood. Staying at Hotel Mets Koenji is certainly a great cost-saving alternative to accommodations in the expensive and crowded central area.

Hotel Mets Koenji

Address: 2-5-1 Koenji Kita, Suginami Ward, Tokyo 166-0002

Price: from 120 USD per night

Number of Guests: 2

Access: just above Koenji Station

Contact: +81 3-5327-0011

Book Now

Stayed at this property?

JR-EAST HOTEL METS KOENJI

Wheelchair accessible

Address: 2-5-1 Koenjikita, Suginami-ku, Suginami, Tokyo, Japan, 166-0002

3. Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku : Shinjuku Station (from USD 74)

Located just 400 metres from Japan’s busiest train station and major transport hub - Shinjuku Station, Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is fantastically located in the heart of the city. Getting to the hotel from both Narita Airport and Haneda Airport is convenient with a direct train ride to Shinjuku Station. Or you may request for the hotel’s airport shuttle service for a fee. Explore any part of Tokyo with ease when you stay at Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku, be it on foot or via the extensive public transport network in Shinjuku.

Be welcomed by the contemporary decor of the guest room, kept in tiptop condition by great housekeeping staff. Rest in peace and comfort in the soundproofed rooms that comes with all the essential amenities you need. Have a good meal or drink at the on-site restaurants and bar. Take your pick from the numerous dining options catering to a wide range of budgets surrounding the hotel too. The best part of staying at Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is you do not have to break the bank to enjoy all the above. It is indeed a great value hotel to consider for accommodations along the JR Chūō Line.

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4. Mitsui Garden Hotel Yotsuya : Yotsuya Station (from 169 USD per night)

If you wish to stay in the bustling Shinjuku area, yet away from the crowd, Mitsui Garden Hotel Yotsuya may just be the ideal choice for you. The chic hotel building is just 3 minutes on foot from Yotsuya Station on the JR Chūō Line. With only 3 main exits at Yotsuya Station, navigating around is an easier task compared with the neighbouring Shinjuku hub. Also, as there are some schools around the station, you will see more students and working adults compared with tourists. Thus, staying at Mitsui Garden Hotel Yotsuya will allow you to experience everyday Japanese life while stay within easy access to tourist spots.

Guestrooms are compact without compromising on comfort, fitted with Serta pocket coil beds and custom pillows from Lofty. Enjoy delectable meals at the on-site Pizza Salvatore Cuomo Restaurant and Dining Bar G7 Craft Beer Highball. If you prefer to eat in the neighbourhood like a local, head to Shinmichi-dori, a street lined with many izakayas and interesting eateries. After a long day out exploring busy districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya, relax and unwind in this laid-back neighbourhood with a stay at Mitsui Garden Hotel Yotsuya.

Mitsui Garden Hotel Yotsuya

Address: 1-24, Yotsuya, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, 160-0004 (see map)

Price: from 169 USD per night

Number of Guests: 2

Access: 3-minute walk from Yotsuya Station

Contact: +81 3-3358-1131

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5. The Tokyo Station Hotel : Tokyo Station (from USD 305)

Registered as an Important Cultural Property after renovations in 2012, The Tokyo Station Hotel is a luxury hotel featuring elegant European-style rooms with contemporary furnishings. Boasting an unbeatable location right next to the Tokyo Station, enjoy unparalleled access to any part of the city with a lavish stay here.

Every morning, a sumptuous Japanese and European style buffet breakfast is served at the on-site restaurant. With about 70 items from organic juices to freshly baked bread, various types of meat and egg dishes, even the most discerning taste bud will find delight in the scrumptious meal. Hence, do book your room with breakfast included in the stay. After a satisfying breakfast, make your way to the premium fitness lounge equipped with state-of-the-art facilities or the award-winning spa at the hotel basement. The Tokyo Station Hotel is definitely the perfect hotel for an indulgent stay in a top-notch location with impeccable service!

Stayed at this property?

The Tokyo Station Hotel

Address: Chiyoda-ku Marunouchi 1-9-1

6. Hotel Mystays Asakusa-bashi : Asakusabashi Station (from USD 25)

Nestled in the quiet Asakusabashi neighbourhood, Hotel Mystays Asakusa-bashi is a pleasant hotel just 2 minutes’ walk from Asakusabashi Station on the JR Chūō Line and Toei Asakusa Line. The electronic shopping hot spot - Akihabara, and old Tokyo - Asakusa are just a quick train ride away. Alternatively, stroll along the beautiful Sumida River to explore Tokyo’s past and present within a day. Featuring classic rooms that are clean and furnished with modern amenities such as flat-screen TV with video-on-demand movies and free Wi-Fi, relax in comfort throughout your stay here. Unlike other hotels where you need to pay for laundry services, do your laundry at the free-use laundry machines available in the hotel. Laptops are also available for rent from the friendly 24-hour front desk.

Although there are hardly any tourist spots in Asakusabashi, this is the exact charm of staying at Hotel Mystays Asakusa-bashi. Immerse in the quaint atmosphere in this traditional Japanese handicraft wholesale district, and mingle with the locals as you explore the variety of affordable dining options here. Book a room at Hotel Mystays Asakusa-bashi if you are longing for a trip off the beaten track in a convenient location at a bargain!

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HOTEL MYSTAYS Asakusabashi

Address: Taito-ku Asakusabashi 1-5-5

7. Nakano Sunplaza Hotel : Nakano Station (from USD 55)

room
Source: Booking.com

Just steps away from Nakano Station’s north exit, Nakano Sunplaza Hotel is a distinctive landmark in the Nakano district for over 40 years since its establishment. The vibrant Shinjuku area is a quick 6-minute train ride away while the locals’ favourite Kichijoji district is also a short 10-minute train ride away. Explore Tokyo conveniently with the JR Chūō Line so close to Nakano Sunplaza Hotel, where you can relax in a no-frills comfortable setting.

Even if you do not wish to travel, Nakano is a shopping haven for anime fans. Nakano Broadway (中野ブロードウェイ), a shopping complex housing anime and manga collectibles, can be reached in under 5 minutes on foot from the hotel. Shop to your heart’s content with the wide variety of animation figurines, idol collectibles and accessories at lower prices here compared with other parts of Tokyo.

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Connect conveniently to Tokyo’s lovely neighbourhoods all the way to Nagoya

Choosing to stay near major train lines like the JR Chūō Line has its definite advantages. Enjoy the best of both worlds by staying in one of the great neighbourhoods outside central Tokyo, and be able to access major city centres via a quick train ride. With so many quaint hotels recommended above, which is your favourite of the lot? If you can’t decide, just stay in a different hotel each time you visit Tokyo. I am sure you will create unforgettable travel memories at all the above exquisite hotels!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Rachel has forgotten when and exactly how she caught the travel bug. What she does remember is the triumphant feeling she enjoys when she sees the fascinating world out there with her own eyes. She...Read more

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