TOKYO

[nicelynice]

Airbnb is generally pretty great in Tokyo, most people I know have ended up with fantastic places. If you're looking for something similar, however, without going the Airbnb route, at under $100 USD a night, Tokyu Stay Shibuya is my go-to recommendation:

http://www.tokyustay.co.jp/e/hotel/SIB/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1066456-d1115744-Reviews-Tokyu_Stay_Shibuya-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Rooms are simple, but very clean, modern, and come equipped with washer, dryer, and kitchenette. The rooms are also quite a bit bigger than other similarly priced hotels.

Let me know if you have any specific food recommendations, happy to oblige.

[TriggerDiscipline]

Airbnb is generally pretty great in Tokyo, most people I know have ended up with fantastic places. If you're looking for something similar, however, without going the Airbnb route, at under $100 USD a night, Tokyu Stay Shibuya is my go-to recommendation:

http://www.tokyustay.co.jp/e/hotel/SIB/

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1066456-d1115744-Reviews-Tokyu_Stay_Shibuya-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Rooms are simple, but very clean, modern, and come equipped with washer, dryer, and kitchenette. The rooms are also quite a bit bigger than other similarly priced hotels.

Let me know if you have any specific food recommendations, happy to oblige.

Edit:Meant to reply to Jimmy

Not east Tokyo though,

Shibuya ikebukuro shinjuku is where he should be around for sure.

[Comotomo]

I think as long as you are on the Yamanote line it should be fine. But yes, generally stay in shibuya shinjuku area. Transport from those places is easy but jimmy said it can be a bit messy and confusing in and around the station itself. Btw I found the airport bus very convenient as it dropped me at the hotels doorstep. Also check out the portable wifi devices you can rent( you can prebook and collect at the airport or have them send to your hotel). If you have a lot of luggage or don't want to deal with it, there's also a porter service that can send it to your accommodation or vice versa from hotel to airport.

[Faust]

Thanks, all. Booked a beautiful apartment in Shibuya via Airbnb.

[Tiranis]

Also check out the portable wifi devices you can rent( you can prebook and collect at the airport or have them send to your hotel). If you have a lot of luggage or don't want to deal with it, there's also a porter service that can send it to your accommodation or vice versa from hotel to airport.

I strongly recommend this. Tokyo addresses are basically useless without a map so finding your way around can be a challenge.

[Faust]

Seems like all Airbnb apartments come with the pocket wifi now. Also I have T-Mobile - free data anywhere :-)

[jimmycs]

Faust, your first visit to Tokyo ? One way or another, you would have fun and not a moment that is dull. Enjoy.

w/ smiles
Jimmy

[Faust]

Yes, first time. Haven't been this excited for a trip since my first trip to Europe when I was 20.

[MikeN]

Seems like all Airbnb apartments come with the pocket wifi now. Also I have T-Mobile - free data anywhere :-)

I had the same situation. Have great service with T-Mobile but tossed the AirBnB portable wifi in my bag each day anyway.

[Faust]

I was told that Oct 12 is a holiday in Japan. Can you advise if this would be a good time to go to Kyoto? Basically, are most attractions/museums open on this holiday?
And is one night in Kyoto enough? I am thinking it might not be.

[Ulf]

I'm in Tokyo now, and the weather is really pleasant. I walk around in a shirt and drawstring trousers and wish I had brought some slippers with me. Oh well. Now I know until next year. The Yohji SAs are decked out in F/W (and look great!), but they stay inside with A/C, so seasons don't really matter to them.

I'm flying Lufthansa btw, and they are pushing their Oktoberfest theme hard. They served leberkäse and pretzels at the lounge on my way here, and there is practically nothing but sausages on the Western flight menu for October. I fly home on the 4th, so I guess that makes the Japanese menu an easy choice. As well as a tasty one.

[electricgecko]

And is one night in Kyoto enough? I am thinking it might not be.

it's definitely easy to spend more time in Kyoto, especially once you start getting into temples and gardens. pretty much endless. if you have limited time, go for Ryōan-ji, it's breathtaking.

you can do a quick sweep of the city and have amazing food (obviously) in a day. i would go for two days at least, though.

oh, when in Tokyo, absolutely drop by at Daikanyama T-Site for an afternoon or evening. the lounge and their collection of vintage magazines is worth the trip alone.

[Faust]

Last day tomorrow. It's been a blast! What are some less busy and nice areas akin to Daikanyama that I can explore?

[bukka]

Nakameguro (you probably went already though)? Shimokitazawa?

[Faust]

Strolled in Nakameguro yesterday. Pretty!