For travelers weighing a stay at APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Chuo, the central question is rarely if the location works — it almost always does — but whether the trade-offs of a compact, efficiently-run hotel in the heart of Shinjuku’s entertainment district align with your trip style. This review draws on the hotel’s official specifications, guest ratings across multiple booking platforms, and direct comparisons with its nearby sister property to give you a fact-based picture before you book. According to the APA Hotels & Resorts official site, the property sits a seven-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit — among the closest APA locations to the city’s busiest rail hub.
Last checked: 2026-10-18
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Property Name: APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Chuo · Distance to Shinjuku Station: 6-minute walk · Check-out Time: 11:30 AM · Free Wi-Fi: Yes
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-10-18.
Sources reviewed: official hotel website, Booking.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, KAYAK aggregator, Expedia listing, Trip.com reviews, Hotels.com listing.
No on-site visit was conducted, no staff interviews were performed, and no independent price verification was completed across booking sites. Ratings and prices shown are as retrieved from each platform and may have changed since collection.
Snapshot: APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Chuo
- Seven-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit (APA Hotels & Resorts)
- 3 stars — standard for the APA budget chain (Tripadvisor)
- Wi-Fi and VOD included (KAYAK)
- Walking time to JR Shinjuku Station: 7 minutes (among the closest APA properties to the station)
- Star rating: 3 stars (standard for the APA budget chain)
- Check-out time: 11:30 AM (later than many Japanese business hotels)
- Free amenities: Wi-Fi and VOD included (added value for budget travelers)
Which APA hotel is best in Shinjuku?
Two APA-brand properties sit within walking distance of Shinjuku Station: the subject of this review — APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Chuo — and APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower, located about one block away. Both are 3-star budget hotels, but their amenity profiles differ in ways that matter depending on what you prioritise.
The official APA Hotels & Resorts site for Kabukicho Tower lists a large public bath and an open-air bath as key features — a significant draw after a day walking Tokyo. Kabukicho Chuo, by contrast, does not advertise a public bath; its official site highlights in-room equipment such as USB 2.0 ports, blackout curtains, and original APA pillows. The Kabukicho Chuo official site is here.
Key differences at a glance
| Hotel | Distance to JR Shinjuku Station | Star Rating | Check-out Time | Free Wi-Fi & VOD | Public Bath |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Chuo (official site) | 7-minute walk | 3 stars | 11:30 AM | Yes | No |
| APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower (official site) | 6-minute walk | 3 stars | 11:30 AM | Yes | Yes |
The walking-time difference is minimal — one minute — but the amenity gap is sharper. Kabukicho Tower costs more on most dates, reflecting the bath facilities. Kabukicho Chuo compensates with free VOD and a slightly quieter position within the district, being set back from the main thoroughfare.
The bottom line: Both hotels sit within a 6–7 minute walk of JR Shinjuku Station. Choose Kabukicho Chuo for lower cost and free VOD; choose Kabukicho Tower for bath access and a one-minute shorter walk.
Is APA Hotel Shinjuku good?
Guest ratings across booking platforms suggest a property that delivers consistently on cleanliness and staff responsiveness while facing predictable criticism about room size. On Expedia, the hotel scores 8.6 out of 10 from 1,002 reviews — a strong showing for a 3-star property. Trip.com reports 8.4 out of 10 from 27 reviews, while Tripadvisor shows a lower 3.7 out of 5 from 33 reviews. The variation partly reflects different review populations — Expedia draws a higher volume of casual travellers, while Tripadvisor contributors tend to be more critical.
Amenities and cleanliness
The official facilities list includes thermal blackout curtains, USB 2.0 charging ports, bedside power outlets, and APA’s original PRIDE FIT and ADJUST FIT pillows. The official site is here. Each room comes with a refrigerator, flat-screen television, private bathroom, hairdryer, and complimentary toiletries — standard for the category but well-executed according to KAYAK review summaries, which consistently praise cleanliness and staff helpfulness.
The property also offers a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and daily housekeeping (Hotels.com). An automatic check-in machine handles arrivals, accepting all payment methods listed by the property (APA Hotels & Resorts).
Room size and comfort
The most consistent criticism across platforms concerns room dimensions. Multiple reviewers on Trip.com describe the rooms as “very small, particularly for two travelers with luggage.” This is characteristic of APA’s urban model — compact, efficient rooms designed for sleeping and showering rather than lounging. The trade-off is that you gain a Shinjuku address at a price point that larger rooms elsewhere cannot match.
Some guests also note that nighttime and weekend noise from Kabukicho can be audible, especially in rooms facing the street. The thermal blackout curtains help with light but do not eliminate sound.
How far is APA Hotel from Haneda Airport?
The hotel is roughly 30–45 minutes from Haneda Airport (HND) by train, depending on connection timing. By road, the distance is approximately 20 kilometres, which translates to 25–40 minutes by taxi in light traffic and longer during peak hours.
Haneda is the closer of Tokyo’s two major airports to central Shinjuku. Narita Airport (NRT), by contrast, is about 90 minutes away by train. For travellers arriving at Haneda, Kabukicho Chuo is within comfortable reach for a same-evening check-in.
Travel time estimates
- Train (Keikyu + JR): 30–45 minutes, with one transfer at Shinagawa or Yoyogi
- Limousine bus: 35–50 minutes to Shinjuku Station, then a 7-minute walk
- Flat-rate taxi: 25–40 minutes, typically ¥7,000–¥8,000
The implication: Haneda is the better airport choice for this hotel if you have the option. The 30-minute train window makes Kabukicho Chuo feasible even for evening arrivals.
How do I get from Haneda Airport to APA Hotel Shinjuku?
Three main transport options connect Haneda Airport to the hotel, each with different trade-offs in cost, convenience, and travel time.
By limousine bus
The Airport Limousine bus runs from Haneda to Shinjuku Station West Exit. The ride takes roughly 35–50 minutes depending on traffic, and the fare is typically around ¥1,300–¥1,500. Once you alight at Shinjuku Station, the hotel is a 7-minute walk east through the station and out the East Exit. Buses run frequently, but schedules vary by time of day.
By train (Keikyu and JR lines)
From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station (about 15 minutes), transfer to the JR Yamanote Line heading toward Shinjuku (another 15–20 minutes), and exit at JR Shinjuku Station. From the East Exit, the hotel is a 7-minute walk. The total trip is 30–45 minutes and costs roughly ¥500–¥700 depending on the specific route. A Suica or Pasmo card works on all legs.
By taxi
Flat-rate taxis from Haneda to central Shinjuku typically cost ¥7,000–¥8,000, though prices vary by company and time of day. Metered taxis run higher in traffic. The drive takes 25–40 minutes. This option suits travellers with heavy luggage or late-night arrivals when trains run less frequently.
What this means: For most travellers, the train offers the best balance of speed and cost. The limousine bus is easier with large suitcases. Taxis are worthwhile for groups splitting the fare or for post-11 PM arrivals when train frequency drops.
Pros and cons of staying at APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Chuo
Pros
- Seven-minute walk to JR Shinjuku Station — excellent rail access
- Free Wi-Fi and VOD included in room rate
- Late 11:30 AM check-out compared to many Japanese business hotels
- Consistently high cleanliness ratings across platforms (Expedia 8.6/10)
- 24-hour front desk and luggage storage
- USB charging ports and blackout curtains in every room
Cons
- Rooms are small — tight for two travellers with luggage
- Nighttime noise from Kabukicho entertainment district
- No public bath (sister property Kabukicho Tower has one)
- Breakfast receives mixed reviews on variety and taste
- No on-site coin laundry confirmed (paid laundry service only)
- Self-parking costs extra and space may be limited
Our recommendation
APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Chuo is best suited for budget-conscious travellers, solo travellers, and nightlife enthusiasts who plan to spend most of their time outside the room. The location is genuinely hard to beat at this price point — a 7-minute walk from Japan’s busiest train station puts the entire Tokyo rail network at your doorstep.
If you prioritise bath facilities or need more space, the nearby Kabukicho Tower is worth the premium. But for travellers who value location and cleanliness over frills, Kabukicho Chuo delivers what it promises: a clean, efficient, well-located base in Shinjuku.
“The hotel is listed as seven minutes on foot from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit.”
— APA Hotels & Resorts, Official property operator
“The official facilities list includes USB 2.0 charging, bedside power outlets, blackout curtains, and APA original pillows.”
— APA Hotels & Resorts, Official property operator
Frequently asked questions
Are foreigners allowed in Kabukicho?
Yes, foreigners are generally welcome in Kabukicho. Some hostess bars and members-only clubs may restrict entry to non-Japanese speakers, but the main restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues serve all visitors. The area is a major tourist destination and sees heavy international foot traffic daily.
Does it matter if you fly into Haneda or Narita?
Yes. Haneda (HND) is about 30–45 minutes from the hotel by train, while Narita (NRT) is about 90 minutes away by Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner. Haneda is more convenient for this property, though both are reachable. Narita serves more long-haul international routes, so flight availability may dictate your choice.
How far is APA Hotel Shinjuku-Kabukicho Tower from Shinjuku Station?
It is a 6-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station East Exit and a 2-minute walk from Seibu-Shinjuku Station, according to the APA Hotels & Resorts official site. That is one minute faster than Kabukicho Chuo’s 7-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station.
Which area is better, Shinjuku or Shibuya?
Shinjuku offers denser nightlife, more entertainment options, and the city’s busiest rail hub. Shibuya is known for shopping, youth culture, and the iconic Scramble Crossing. Both areas are well-connected; Kabukicho Chuo puts you in Shinjuku, with Shibuya Station about 6 minutes away on the JR Yamanote Line.
Is 4 hours enough to transfer from Haneda to Narita?
The journey between Haneda and Narita airports by train takes approximately 2 hours via the Keikyu Line and Narita Express or Keisei lines. Factoring in customs, immigration, baggage claim, and potential delays, a 4-hour window is workable but leaves little margin for error. For international connections, a 5-hour window is safer.
How much does a flat-rate taxi cost from Haneda Airport?
Flat-rate taxi fares from Haneda to central Shinjuku typically range from ¥7,000 to ¥8,000. Prices depend on the specific company, time of day, and vehicle type. Always confirm the flat-rate price with the taxi desk at the airport before departing.
Alternatives to consider
Beyond the direct comparison with Kabukicho Tower, travellers looking at APA Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Chuo may also want to weigh options across the broader Shinjuku budget segment. Hotel Musse Ginza Meitetsu offers a similar budget-meets-location formula in the Ginza district, while Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto covers the same value-oriented approach in Kyoto for those continuing beyond Tokyo.
Within APA’s own lineup in Shinjuku, the choice comes down to bath access versus cost savings. Kabukicho Chuo and Kabukicho Tower sit within the same block and share the same station proximity — the decision is nearly entirely about whether you want a public bath at a higher nightly rate.