APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae
by the TopOfHotel team
APA Shinjuku Gyoemmae is the quieter value pick - over on the Shinjuku Gyoen side, far calmer than the Kabukicho end of the district.
APA Shinjuku Gyoemmae is the quieter value pick - over on the Shinjuku Gyoen side, far calmer than the Kabukicho end of the district.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
APA is a chain Japan regulars know well, and the rooms here are exactly what that name promises. You're in a single of about 11 sqm - compact, but laid out to use every centimetre, with a big TV, a small fridge, a work desk and a clean prefab unit bathroom. The air-con cools fast and the automatic check-in kiosk has you done in under 2 minutes. The decor is plain and functional rather than stylish, but everything works the way you'd expect, which is the whole point.
Food and amenities
This is a lean, practical setup rather than a resort. There's a restaurant on site, a 24-hour front desk, coin laundry, free Wi-Fi, non-smoking rooms and a full set of toiletries. Nothing flashy, but everything you actually need for a Shinjuku stay is there.
Location and getting there
This is where the hotel earns its place. It sits just 400m from Shinjuku Gyoen, a leafy 58-hectare park worth a morning walk, and this side of the district is far calmer than the Kabukicho end - the surrounding streets are residential, with Tokyoites heading to work rather than touts working the doorways. You're a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Gyoemmae Station on the Marunouchi line, one stop from Shinjuku Station - a hub that moves 3.6 million passengers a day and gets you to Asakusa, Shibuya and Ginza with ease. A convenience store sits 90m from the door.
Things to know before booking
The trade-offs are honest ones. Rooms are compact in the usual APA style - around 11 sqm, fine for one but tight for spreading out. You're 1.6 km from the Kabukicho core and the main department stores, so the busiest shopping and nightlife are a short train ride, not a step outside. And the look is plain - clean and well-organised, with no design flourish. If you want to be in the middle of the action, this isn't that hotel.
Our take
APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae suits solo travelers and couples who want a Shinjuku base on a budget but value quiet and a real night's sleep. We'd recommend it honestly to anyone after a calmer version of Shinjuku - close to the park, good for an early-morning walk, and still a few minutes from Shinjuku Station when you want the city.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- Clean, dependable APA-chain standard - the kind of room Japan regulars book without thinking twice, with an automatic check-in kiosk that takes under 2 minutes.
- Sits 400m from Shinjuku Gyoen, a leafy 58-hectare park that makes for a calm early-morning walk before the day starts.
- Noticeably quieter than the hotels over on the Kabukicho side - the surrounding streets are residential, so you sleep without the entertainment district blaring all night.
- A 3-minute walk to Shinjuku Gyoemmae Station puts you one stop from Shinjuku Station, which moves 3.6 million passengers a day and connects you across all of Tokyo.
- Good value, with rooms starting around $63 a night for an APA-standard stay in central Shinjuku.
- Rooms are compact in the usual APA style - the singles run about 11 sqm, fine for one but tight if you want to spread out.
- It's 1.6 km from the Kabukicho core and the main department stores, so the busiest shopping and nightlife mean a short train ride rather than a step out the door.
- The decor is plain and functional - clean and well-organised, but there's no design flourish to it.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Insider Tips
- Walk Shinjuku Gyoen in the early morning - it's at its prettiest and quietest before the crowds.
- Hop one stop on the train to Shinjuku Station when you want the big shopping.
- Ask for a high floor - it's quieter and easier on the eyes.