I'm looking for advice. I'm just starting the planning process for a trip to Japan with a group of friends. There are 5 of us flying into Narita Airport mid April. I was wondering what district I should be looking at places to stay in? Cheap is preferred? We are mostly looking at hostels or business hotels or similar price range.

Depends what you’re looking for! If you want hustle and bustle, somewhere close to Shinjuku will get you to the heart of everything. The city is huuuuuge so anywhere close to a train station is good.

There are many good deals to be had if you look more locally or can read Japanese.

CJ Sigh* If only.

Ikebukuro?

Last time I was there I stayed in Asakusa right near all the action. Also a brief stay in Shinjuku, close to all the girl bars.
It was great but I was hoping for options. I just don't know what those options could be.

If you're cool with the ppl you're traveling with, get a large group air bnb close to a train station. Pick a locale you want to based out of and search.
air bnb in Japan is actually regulated similar to their hotels (I.e. passports required for check-in, etc.) so there's better cleanliness and quality than North American air bnbs I've booked. And Japan ones usually have a kitchen/stove and laundry in the suite.

Shin Okubo is near the Yamanote line and walking distance to shinjuku so you’re a little bit out of the crazy hustle and bustle but still relatively close. Booking in the area is usually also a little cheaper. It’s their “k-town”.

Asakusa easy to get to from the airport. Just 1 train ride lots of cheaper accommodation and great cheap eateries. Several supermarkets and all walking distance. Asakusa, oedo and ginza lines are all walking distance.

I like staying in Shinjuku or Ikebukuro

Honestly it depends. Will you only be in Tokyo? Are you clubbing? Sightseeing? Eating? Do you want curated Japan or dirty Japan?

Doesn’t really matter the area since the transit system is so easy & efficient. This past April we stayed in Kinshicho and really liked it there (plus it was fairly cheap - roughly ¥6200/person at Mimaru). Usually I stay in Ikebukuro but tried somewhere else this time

Jenny how many days was that for?

Shauna we stayed a week. Came to ¥175,500 for 2 preteens & 2 adults

TokyoCheapo on YouTube is really good

Caden Slaunwhite

Ueno or Asakusa are my faves.

Any business hotel like APA, Sotetsu, Keio, Toyoko will be good value near a major station. I would choose a station that is direct from Narita so you don't need to transfer or walk too much. Look at Ueno stn, Tokyo stn and Shinagawa stn.

We always stay at Sakura Hotel/hostel in Ikebukuro, cheap and near the train station. So easy to get anywhere.There are a few other Sakura Hotels around the city if you prefer a different area.

We stay at the Sakura hostel in jimbocho. Excellent spot. Easy to get anywhere.

We enjoyed staying in Shinjuku - had luck booking through Booking and Agoda

I remember staying in Narita and taking the train in, as it was cheaper. But that was a long time ago.

Micaela is a B.C. lady living in Japan. Checkout her YouTube videos for great travel insight. https://youtu.be/frT4aZDnIaA?si=N1MaWpHwmyB7bSDS
YOUTUBE.COM
Where To Visit | 日本の簡単な紹介

I’ve always been a big fan of the ‘Dormy Inn’ chain. Buffet breakfast included, so if you stock up, you can skip lunch…

Angus Dormy Inns are great, but I found the one in Tokyo above my budget. Check out the Sotetsu Fresa chain.

I hear Gifu prefecture has mountains and beach nearby fyi

Thank you everyone. I think we will go with Sakura hotel in Tokyo and an airbnb in Kyoto.
Does anyone know if they have Black Friday sales?

osaka is great!

Leslie Calvert Orpana

Following!