Shinjuku: Best for First-Timers
Shinjuku is the chaos you imagined, in a good way. The station handles over 3.5 million passengers daily, so you're never far from a train. Stay near the east exit for easy access to Golden Gai (tiny bars, 500 yen cover charges) and Omoide Yokocho (yakitori alleys). Hotels range from 8,000 yen ($55) for a capsule to 30,000 yen ($200) for a business hotel like Hotel Gracery. Tip: Book a room on a high floor to escape street noise.
Shibuya: For Nightlife and Shopping
Shibuya Crossing is a tourist trap, but the neighborhood around it delivers. The new Shibuya Sky observation deck (2,000 yen) offers better views than Tokyo Tower. For shopping, head to Parco for Nintendo Tokyo and Pokemon Center. At night, Nonbei Yokocho has tiny bars that seat six people. Stay at Shibuya Stream Excel Hotel (25,000 yen) or the cheaper Mustard Hotel (12,000 yen).
Asakusa: Old Tokyo Charm
Asakusa feels like a different city. Senso-ji Temple is the oldest in Tokyo (founded 645), and the surrounding streets sell sembei (rice crackers) and matcha ice cream. It's quieter and cheaper than the west side. Ryokan stays like Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu (15,000 yen with breakfast) offer tatami rooms. The Sumida River walk is perfect for morning jogs.
Ginza: Luxury and Sushi
Ginza is where Tokyo shows off. The main street, Chuo-dori, closes to cars on weekends. Department stores like Mitsukoshi and Matsuya have basement food halls (depachika) that are worth a visit even if you don't buy anything. For sushi, avoid the 30,000 yen omakase and try Kyubey (lunch set from 4,000 yen). Hotels are pricey: Mitsui Garden Hotel (20,000 yen) is a solid mid-range pick.
Nakameguro: Local Vibe
Nakameguro is where Tokyoites go to escape. The canal is lined with cherry trees in spring and cafes year-round. Onigiri Asakusa Yadoroku (yes, it's in Nakameguro) serves the best rice balls for 300 yen. The area has no big hotels, so book an Airbnb (10,000-15,000 yen) or stay in nearby Ebisu. It's one stop from Shibuya on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.
Getting Around
Get a Suica card at the airport (2,000 yen deposit) and load it. Trains are cheap: 160-200 yen per ride. The Yamanote Line loops the city in 60 minutes. Taxis are expensive (700 yen base) but useful late at night. Google Maps works perfectly for transit. Avoid rush hour (7:30-9:00 AM) if you can.
Budget Tips
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) sell meals for 500 yen. Stand-up soba shops charge 400 yen. Temple stays in Asakusa cost 5,000 yen. The Tokyo Metro 24-hour pass (600 yen) pays off if you take 4+ rides. Skip the JR Pass unless you're leaving Tokyo—it's not worth it for city-only trips.