Last updated on October 25th, 2024 at 01:25 pm

Best 3 Star Hotels Ueno District, Tokyo

Why Stay in Ueno District in Tokyo

When I started traveling to Tokyo, Japan many moons ago my Japanese friends told me Ueno was the best place in Tokyo for budget accommodations. Today, it’s still a true statement.

Hopefully, this blog post is helpful enough to convince you to find a budget 3 star hotel in Ueno to sleep and re-energize for another day of fun in Tokyo. Just like my friends advised me to do so.

There are many affordable hotel alternatives in Ueno, Tokyo, making it an excellent choice for those on a limited budget yet wish to stay at a convenient hotel. Many of these accommodations are near Ueno Station, which makes it simple to reach and explore other popular parts of Tokyo via the extensive train network.

Ueno is a great destination for travelers on a tight budget because it offers many free or low-cost attractions. There are also several free museums to enjoy.

For food, there is no problem at all. Affordable sushi restaurants, flavorful ramen, and izakayas for grilled meats and beer are all Ueno. Don’t forget about 7-Eleven and other Konbini for quick snacks and ready-to-eat meals and drinks!

You’ll love it here!

Even though there are quite a few attractions in Ueno of course you’re going to want to explore greater Tokyo and more.

Here’s how you can do just that!

Ueno Train Stations

Ueno Station (上野駅)
Keisei Ueno Station (京成上野駅)
- Keisei Main Line (connects to Narita Airport)
Okachimachi Station (御徒町駅)
- JR Lines: Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line
Ueno-Okachimachi Station (上野御徒町駅)
- Toei Oedo Line
Naka-Okachimachi Station (仲御徒町駅)
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Ueno-Hirokoji Station (上野広小路駅)
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line

These stations are all within walking distance of each other, making Ueno a well-connected hub for getting around Tokyo.

Though there are many things to see, do, and eat around Ueno, it is not a well-known spot, even today when Japan travel is exploding.

So you might be curious as to why Ueno…

Where is the Ueno District

Ueno is located in the northeast section of central Tokyo, within the Taitō ward. This lively area is famous for its cultural sites, rich history, and bustling markets. It’s nestled between the Asakusa and Akihabara districts, giving it a more traditional Tokyo vibe.

At the heart of Ueno is Ueno Park, home to several important museums, Ueno Zoo, and Ueno Station, which serves as a major transport hub linking the area to the rest of Tokyo and beyond.

Major roads like Chuo-dori flank the Ueno neighborhood on the west and Shinobazu-dori on the east, creating a vibrant mix of commercial, cultural, and residential spaces.

It’s a favorite spot for tourists and locals, thanks to its affordability, cultural attractions, and easy access to other parts of Tokyo.

At night, I enjoy walking around Ueno. When it’s super quiet, you’ll feel like you’re the only person around.

If you prefer walking to do your touring here are points of interest for those that enjoy traveling on their feet.

What’s in Walking Distance and Things to Do in Ueno

Ueno is a fantastic spot to explore on foot, with plenty of cool attractions and neighborhoods nearby.

Check out these highlights:

1. Ueno Park – This spacious public park is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in the spring. It’s home to several museums, like the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Don’t forget a visit to Ueno Zoo, which is Japan’s oldest zoo.

2. Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko Market) – Just below the train tracks between Ueno and Okachimachi stations, Ameyoko is a bustling street market where you can find everything from fresh seafood and tasty snacks to clothes and souvenirs, all at great prices. It’s one of my favorite places to visit in Tokyo!

3. Shinobazu Pond – Nestled within Ueno Park, this beautiful pond has walking paths all around and offers boat rentals. Don’t miss the Bentendo Temple, a serene little shrine located on an island in the pond.

4. Yanaka – A quaint, traditional neighborhood just west of Ueno, Yanaka is known for its charming old-town vibe, narrow streets, temples, and the lovely Yanaka Cemetery, which is especially stunning during cherry blossom season.

5. Akihabara – Just a short stroll south of Ueno, Akihabara is the go-to place for electronics and otaku culture. It’s a paradise for anime, manga, and video game fans, blending pop culture with cutting-edge tech. And even though I’m 50 years old I can still appreciate the nostalgia of some of my favorite gaming systems and anime I grew up with.

6. Asakusa – About a 20-minute walk from Ueno, Asakusa is home to Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, and the iconic Kaminarimon Gate. The area is rich in traditional Japanese culture, with many souvenir shops and street food stalls. With so many attractions within walking distance, Ueno is a perfect starting point for exploring Tokyo’s cultural and historical gems.

Now that you know why Ueno is a good location to explore the country even if it’s your first or second trip to Japan, let’s go on some highly recommended and favorably reviewed budget hotels in Ueno!

Quick Tips on Booking Tokyo Hotel

If you don’t smoke, make sure you book non-smoking room
Check in time is usually 3pm (double check with hotel)
Check out time is usually 10am (double check with hotel)
Certain hotel reception close at midnight (double check with hotel)
Many hotels have coin-operated washing and drying machines
Narita Airport is connected to Ueno Station via Skyliner Express Train

Best Ueno, Tokyo Budget Hotels

Candeo Hotels Ueno-koen ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Candeo Hotels Ueno-koen is the place to be for first-time visitors to Tokyo Japan! It’s super close to Ueno Park and Ueno Station, making it super easy to hit up all the cool spots in Tokyo. You can stroll to awesome places like the Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, and Ameyoko Market, so it’s perfect for exploring the city.

The hotel itself is a nice blend of modern amenities and Japanese culture. Rooms are a bit small of course at 16 square meters. As of writing their buffet breakfast cost around $11 USD.

Now for me, it’s worth it because I eat a lot, I really, really eat a lot. The breakfast buffet is a treat too, with both Japanese and Western dishes to satisfy both cravings.

Enough about food. This is an affordable hotel and I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

Read reviews and find discounts for Candeo Hotels Ueno-koen at Agoda.com.

APA Hotel Asakusa Shin Okachimachi Ekimae ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Who doesn’t like staying at a brand-new hotel?

APA Hotel Asakusa Shin Okachimachi Ekimae is a sleek and budget-friendly spot right by Asakusa and Ueno, making it super easy to hit up Tokyo’s top attractions. And, it was built in 2022 so fixtures are nice and still shiny.

Standard rooms here are only 11 square meters. It’s just enough for two people and some luggage space. No doubt it’ll be tight.

But hey you’re here to explore Tokyo not stare at your toes in bed.

Though there are larger deluxe rooms expect to pay twice to three times the price.

The hotel features cozy yet well-appointed rooms that prioritize comfort, complete with APA’s signature perks like comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, and big flat-screen TVs. APA Hotel Asakusa Shin Okachimachi Ekimae is an awesome pick for travelers looking for a budget-friendly stay without skimping on comfort.

Read reviews and find discounts for APA Hotel Asakusa Shin Okachimachi Ekimae on Agoda.com

Tokyo Ueno Touganeya Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Although this is one of the oldest hotels on this list, it has been renovated awhile ago. But because the property is well taken care of it has become quite a popular choice for budget travelers. And, it’s always about location, Tokyo Ueno Touganeya Hotel is a 5-minute walk to Ueno station.

The beds are soft and comfortable here and yet again, standard rooms are small at 12 square meters. They do have room types that are larger with bunk beds so it’s a great place if you’re traveling with young children. Of course, these rooms with extra beds will cost more, but not more than booking an extra room.

Great little hotel and one I recommend quite often.

Read reviews and find discounts for Tokyo Ueno Touganeya Hotel on Agoda.com

Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno okachimachi ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another terrific 3-star hotel in Ueno near train stations, restaurants, and konbinis! And it’s a newer hotel built in 2020. If you’re into otaku culture you can take an easy stroll to Akihabara from the hotel’s doorsteps. Asakusa is also a walkable as well.

It’s slightly more expensive to stay here but you do get what you pay for. Which are slightly larger but newer rooms, and a super convenient location close to train stations.

And the hotel’s buffet breakfast costs an additional $8 USD per stay. I think that is a great bargain, they have a decent Western and Asian spread. Just fill up and you might be able to forgo lunch. Though with so many amazing Japanese foods around it will be hard to resist that extra snack or meal.

Out of all the Ueno area hotels recommended here Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi is slightly pricier. Book in advance you will save money.

Read reviews and find discounts for Tosei Hotel Cocone Ueno Okachimachi on Agoda.com