Suggestions for Where to Stay In Tokyo
 

I'm looking for a recommendation as to which neighborhood to stay in when we're in Tokyo in the fall. This is our first trip to Japan and we will have 1 week in Tokyo. We fly into Narita and will be leaving Tokyo to go to Nikko. Any hotel suggestions would also be appreciated. Trying to keep the price around ¥34,000 ($300) if that's possible for a twin room that isn't tiny.

We plan on the seeing basic tourist sites including the Imperial Palace district, Ueno Park & its museums, fish market. We like wandering in neighborhoods such as Aoyama, Harajuku & Shibuya. We plan to do day trips to Mt. Fuji and Kamakura.

We are 2 retirees who travel quite a bit. In many places, we visit we prefer apartments, but for our first trip to Japan, we figured we might need the help of hotel staff. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

I'm glad I chose a place near Ueno because of the ease of access to the JR Ueno train station, the Keisei Ueno train station (which has an express line to/from Narita Airport), and the Nezu subway station -- and for me, those stations were the ones that best suited my plans for each day I stayed in the city.

Unfortunately, the hotel in which is stayed is not one I would recommend -- it doesn't seem to have withstood the challenges of intervening time very well.

Good luck!

We very much liked the elegant and gracious Park Hotel near the Fish Market where we stayed some years ago. It was well-priced, it begins on the 15th (?) floor of a building, so the views are great, and though our room was somewhat small (definitely not tiny) we were confused if we had been upgraded to a deluxe (we weren't --it was just that the standard room we had was really nice).

Since Tsukiji Market opens so early, I'd stay nearby it. I've been to Tsukiji enough already, but still usually stay at the Courtyard in Ginza. Less than 5 minutes walk from Higashi Ginza station and 9 minutes walk from hotel to Tsukiji.

Thanks all!
kja - I have not looked at Ueno, but certainly will. Its always hard to say where we will be in a big city as we tend to go all over.

cmstraf -- I will check out the Park Hotel.

The most common suggestion is probably Shinjuku. I'm not sure which fish market you're planning on visiting (the actual market has now moved from Tsukiji) but I wouldn't worry about staying close to it - presumably you're only going to visit it once. Ueno, Asakusa, Akasuka are other possible areas. If you're leaving to go to Nikko, are you planning on taking the Tobu Line? If so, that leaves from Asakusa. In your "places to visit" list, you don't mention Meiji-jingu or Shinjuku Gyoen (both of which are near Shinjuku) or Senso-ji (which is in Asakusa). If you're doing a day trip to Mt. Fuji, are you going to Hakone? If so, the Odakyu limited express leaves from Shinjuku. If you have any interest in bonsai, a morning spent visiting the Omiya Bonsai Village in Saitama is well worthwhile - take the train to Toro (about 30+ minutes from Shinjuku or Tokyo) and then walk south through the village to Omiya-Koen station for the train back.

If you haven't already, I would try to plot out what/where you think you're going to be going each day and then figure out how you're going to get there -- that may well help you identify the optimum area in which to stay.

I couldn't agree more!

tt7 - thanks for your thoughts and particularly the addition of the sites we might want to see. At this stage, our list of the places we want to see is nowhere near complete. We do want to view Mt Fuji. This looks like a possibility for that https://mainichi.jp/english/articles...dNFptuCpDsAw5I. It does leave from Shinjuku.
We tend to plot on a map places to see for big cities close to our time there more to assess the order in which we see things than where we stay. We do tend to wander over a lot of territory in new cities. But perhaps we will do that before figuring out where to stay.

We were in Tokyo two months ago, stayed at a hotel close to the main train station for convenience. Next time, though, I'll stay in Asakusa. Loved the area. Public transportation is excellent, though a bit confusing at first. Tokyo and Japan exceeded my expectations.

I am not sure I would use the criteria of what I wanted to do to base your location preference for Tokyo. As long as you are close to a Yamanote line train station or perhaps some subway stops you can get to just about anywhere in Tokyo fairly easily.

What would you base it on if not proximity to a majority of the places etc. you want to visit? Yes, it's easy to get around Tokyo but why pick somewhere (possibly randomly) to stay and then run the risk that you find it constantly requires you to criss-cross town all day to get to the places you want to go? It may well be that the list of places to go is unclear or as yet ill-defined or, even if it is already well-defined, there may be no obvious place that is optimum based on that places-to-go list but at least it provides a rational approach to trying to figure out where to stay. It works for me but obviously YMMV.

For me, the ideal place to stay is one centrally located to sites I want to see AND equally important that has good restaurants in close proximity to the hotel/apt. We enjoy sampling the local cuisine while traveling. At the end of a long day of sightseeing, we like to be able to walk out the front door and within a 5-10 minute walk be able to find a really good place to eat dinner. In the morning when we leave for sightseeing we have lots of energy and don't mind schlepping all over the city.

The choice of which area of Tokyo is subjective. Lately we have stayed in the “Shitamachi” areas. We have also stayed in Shibuya and Shinjuku areas. For our tastes we prefer the Shitamachi. Although if budget could afford it the Mandarin Oriental would be a top pick in Nihonbashi.
The last two stays have been in Yanaka, Annex Katsutaro, and Asakusa, Richmond Premium. Great stays in both places. The Richmond was a little more easier for transport options. Asakusa can be a little confusing as there are multiple stations and it is worth the effort to find the right ones with the right connections and entrance/exit gates.
Here is a link that describes the distinct areas of Tokyo
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamanote_and_Shitamachi
Some may prefer the more modern high rise areas and others may prefer the older districts.
We liked the Richmond as it is in close proximity to Sanso-ji and after hours it makes for a nice evening stroll.
The same was true for Yanaka with its cemetery, although a little more distant from Nippori Station.
Others tastes might run toward the bright lights of the Kabuchiko,Shibuya or Ginza.
We have also stayed in Odaiba and the south bay area of Shinagawa,Tennozu Island near the Rinkai Line.
In all of these locations transport was never a problem ranging from Mt Takao to Kamakura for day trips or departing to airports or more distant destinations.
Hope you have a great time

Ten years ago on our only visit to Tokyo we spent a week in the Andon Ryokan in Ueno. We found the location perfect for getting around all the major sites we wanted to see. Plenty of very good small restaurants within walking distance. However, where it misses your criteria is the the size of the rooms. Sitting on the futon with arms outstretched, I could touch both walls! The staff were great as were the breakfasts. Given the size of the rooms, I wouldn’t return but we too are considering a return visit in the autumn and would definitely go for that area again.

kalihiwai2 -- thanks! Your descriptions are great. Yes, I think I will have to pass on Mandarin Oriental:unsure:

crellston -- if we were only staying a few days I wouldn't be as concerned with the size, but for a week, we'd like a touch of space. We've certainly had our share of can touch the walls or go from the bed into the bathroom without touching the floor. :toj:

Have you checked out the Tokyu Stay hotels....haven't used them myself but have read the rooms are a bit larger, have cooking facilities and a washing machine. Might be good for a week long stay....

Mara -- thanks for the suggestion of Tokyu Stay hotels. I will look closely at them. I see they are all over Tokyo.

Definitely having trouble finding a place in Tokyo to stay for the 1 week. Right now I'm considering a place in Shinjuku. I found out about a new hotel opening in Ginza and am thinking about it. as a possibility. The address is 6F, 3-3-5, Ginza, Chuo-ku, It says access is "Ginza Station | 2 min on foot
Ginza Line| Hibiya Line| Marunouchi Line"
​​​​​​​Your thoughts on this location would be appreciated.

I personally like the Ginza area better than the Shinjuku area. I find Ginza itself to be very walkable, including to food and to shopping. The Imperial Gardens are right there, and you are a short walk to the Hama Rikyu Gardens (which I enjoyed even more than the Imperial Gardens) and the Sumida River. You also have direct subway access to Asakusa and to Ueno, two of my favorite neighborhoods with good temples, museums, restaurants, and local crafts. Both are convenient to major train stations, although I find the "neon" of parts of Shinjuku unappealing.

Like tripplanner, I would not have wanted to stay in Shinjuku -- too neon, too loud, too limited in its offerings. JMO. But obviously, some people want to be in the heart of it. Good luck!

Thanks, tp & kja -- I am hearing this about Shinjuku and I appreciate your comments.

I agree about Shinjuki. I have no desire to stay there. I stay in Marunouchi as my hotel is a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station's south-Yasu exit. Plus, it's only about a 15-minute walk to Ginza as I've walked to Ginza from my hotel. Shinjuku is fine when I need to go there to two major department stores where I shop, but as for staying there, it's not for me. I'm more than happy to return back to my quiet hotel in Marunouchi.

Happy Travels!

Okay, I canceled the hotel in Shinjuku - I hate the vibe everyone has described.

Yestravel: I stay at the Four Seasons-Marunouchi. It's a 5-minute walk from the South Yasu exit out of Tokyo Station and on the same street. They can run some very good specials there. I check regularly.

I've stayed at that hotel 3 times since Summer 2017. I just pulled up my Expedia account and in Summer 2017 I got a Deluxe room, with buffet breakfast included and other ammenities, for $364.25 a night and the Deluxe rooms are the smallest rooms at 474 square feet which is huge for Japan.

In summer 2018, I got the deluxe room for $442.88 with breakfast buffet included and then stayed there again, during the same summer, and got a Premier room (560 square feet) and breakfast buffet included for $446.37.

Right now I'm holding out in hope that the prices fall for this summer 2019. They usually fall around 1-3 months before my scheduled check in dates. And the above rates were the free cancelation rates. For me, I like space in my hotel rooms and that hotel prides itself on having space. I'll be in Tokyo for 4 nights at the beginning of my stay, but have tentatively booked the Station Hotel connected to Tokyo Station. Then, at the end of my trip, I'll have 7 nights in Tokyo and am holding out for the Four Seasons Hotel. Last summer, I also tentatively booked the Station Hotel and then the Four Seasons prices dropped and I booked it instead. The Station Hotel wasn't that much cheaper than the Four Seasons on that particular booking.

They're building a new Four Seasons hotel closer to the Imperial Palace area and it will open in a couple years, so there will be two Four Seasons hotels. I'll try out the new one, but am perfectly happy with the Marunouchi location as it's a small, old-school style boutique hotel thus just the right size for my likings. Plus the lobby is on the ground, street level which I like. Fast access to outside.

I can walk to Ginza quite easily plus when I need to take transportation from Tokyo Station, there's a hidden passage way, about a 2 minute walk at the back side of the hotel and which leads right down into Tokyo Station. I didn't even realize it was there until one day a staff member walked me to it, put me on the train, waited until the train left before leaving, and headed me in the direction of the station which stops at Disney Sea. Very convenient and only around a 35-minute trip. The service is tops at the hotel. When I check out, and am headed back to Narita Airport, staff members will walk the guest to Tokyo Station, handle their luggage, help buy the train ticket, walk to the platform, and put the luggage inside of the train car and wait until the train takes off before leaving the platform. They are more than happy to provide such top service. My idea of a stress-free, relaxing vacation. Priceless.

Happy Travels!

Thanks, Guenmai. that certainly sounds like a great place to stay and what a price! I will keep looking as I have quite a bit of time until our trip. Would be nice to score the Four Seasons for $350 or so.

You probably won't get it for $350. But, since Japanese hotel pricing is totally cray cray, who knows, it might be possible. And if you can get it with the buffet breakfast included, that will save you a BUNDLE. Of all the hotels that I've booked, around the world, booking in Japan has been the biggest headache due to the insane hotel fluctuation in prices. But, I check Expedia regularly since Expedia has worked out really well for me personally. Plus, I can keep all my trip info in one place as I take 2-3 overseas vacations a year and at least one domestic one. I also check other website prices to compare prices and also the hotel's prices directly of which I've done a lot better booking on non-hotel websites.

Good luck. Keep your fingers crossed. :) Now, back to packing for New Orleans...Time to party and take care of some very important personal business there. :)

Happy Travels!

Thanks a lot. :confetti: I always look forward to the annual trip to NoLa.

One reason that I use Expedia a lot is that if I have to cancel, they refund really fast. I like to book my hotels and pay them in full, but with the liberal cancellation policy. Then, if a better deal pops up, I can click on cancel and they send an e-mail immediately and a few days later, my credit card company e-mails me that the refund has been issued. I also sometimes just call Expedia and mention that I'm on my computer and looking at a lower price and then they just handle the cancellation and re-booking on the spot. I've personally had great service with them and Lord knows I've booked tons of vacations and other types of trips through them for years. :)

Happy Travels!

Good to hear about Expedia.