Finding the perfect place to stay in Tokyo can make or break your trip to Japan. For a first visit, staying right in the heart of the action is often top of mind. The Shinjuku Prince Hotel sits directly above Seibu-Shinjuku Station in one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods, offering unbeatable convenience and elevated city views.
Here is a full breakdown and honest review of the King Room, amenities, dining, and overall experience to help you decide if it is the right hotel for your Tokyo itinerary.
Overview & Location
The Shinjuku Prince Hotel — part of Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts — was built in 1977 and is integrated directly with the Seibu-Shinjuku shopping center and train station. The Prince Hotel chain itself has a rich history in Japan, dating back to 1947 shortly after World War II.
- Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
- Accessibility: Built right on top of Seibu-Shinjuku Station, making it an ideal gateway for exploring the rest of Tokyo and Japan.
- Best For: First-time travelers to Tokyo who want to be centrally located near transportation, nightlife, dining, and shopping.
Shinjuku Prince Hotel King Room Tour
Japanese hotel rooms are notorious for being compact, but opting for a King Room provides twice the square footage of a standard room. While still cozy by Western standards, it delivers plenty of functional space for a couple staying for a week.
Room Features & Layout
- Bed & Seating: Features a large, comfortable king bed, a dedicated desk area, and a separate seating nook.
- Storage Space: Ample storage including under-seat storage, multiple drawers, a wardrobe closet, and an in-room safe.
- Beverages & Appliances: Equipped with an electric tea kettle (plus plenty of tea), a coffee maker, and a mini-refrigerator (Note: No microwave in the room).
- The View: Undeniably the standout feature of the room, offering sweeping city views over the bustling Shinjuku landscape.
Bathroom & Amenities
The bathroom layout features a dedicated sink area with a door separating it from the main room, leading into a raised bathroom section:
- Bidet Toilet: Includes a heated toilet seat and bidet controls.
- Deep Soaking Bathtub: While the tub is relatively short (a 5’10” guest may find it difficult to fully sit down in standard fashion), having a full bathtub in a central Tokyo hotel room is a major plus.
- Safety Tip: Take note of the step-up threshold leading into the bathroom — mind the edge at night so you don’t trip!
Dining & On-Site Amenities
- Daily Breakfast Buffet: The hotel serves an extensive breakfast buffet covering a wide variety of international and Japanese dishes, making it convenient to fill up before a full day of sightseeing.
- Rooftop Restaurant & Bar: Offers panoramic skyline views. You do not need to be a hotel guest to visit the rooftop restaurant, making it a great spot for drinks or dinner even if you are staying elsewhere.
Is the Shinjuku Prince Hotel Right for You?
The Pros
- Unbeatable Transportation: Being connected directly to a major station makes navigating Tokyo effortless.
- Great Amenities for Couples: The King Room offers double the space of standard options, excellent storage, and beautiful high-rise views.
- Solid Dining Options: Inclusive daily breakfast and high-quality on-site dining.
The Verdict & Final Recommendations
For a first trip to Japan, the Shinjuku Prince Hotel is an excellent choice. The central location keeps you close to everything, and having immediate access to the transit system saves time every day.
However, Shinjuku is an intense, fast-paced neighborhood. After about 7 days, the nonstop noise and crowds can feel overwhelming. If you prefer a quiet, relaxing retreat to wind down at night, you may want to look into Prince Hotel locations in calmer Tokyo districts (such as Shibakoen or Takanawa). But if you crave high energy and maximum convenience, Shinjuku Prince Hotel is tough to beat.
