Best area to stay in
What’s the best neighborhood to stay in for a four night visit to Tokyo? We are in our late 60s.
What is the standard of best for you?
https://trulytokyo.com/tokyo-districts/ = districts of Tokyo.
It all depends on what you like; a very busy happening place, relatively quiet and peaceful, or more traditional. So tell us what you like.
A related question is how much would you like to spend for a hotel room. Popular areas like Shinjuku are more expensive than areas like Ueno or Ikebukuro. If you post a target nightly rate in yen, that will get you more targeted advice.
All areas are generally safe, so that should not be a consideration.
It's handy to be within a short walk of a train or subway station. Locations along the Japan Rail Yamanote Line are generally convenient.
How do you feel about being near busy retail districts, department stores, nightlife districts, adult entertainment venues, older residential neighborhoods, office districts, etc.? (Note that all locations will be more urban than anything in Marin.)
Another consideration might be your arrival and departure modes and times (for example, Narita arrival 4 p.m., Shinkansen to Kyoto departing 9 a.m., etc.) . You'll want to avoid having to use local trains or subways during the peak hours of the morning commute.
Hotel rooms tend to be small in Japan. Are you ok with being in a tiny room if that will save you money?
Tokyo Station or Nihonbashi area will be more targered for your generation.
You can use several metro stations on top of JR.
I don't want to classify anyone's preference based on age. Instead, think vibe. if you want happening (though expect more crowded streets), look into Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ueno. If you want quieter, check out Tokyo station. If you want a balance, look into Ginza, Yurakucho and Shimbashi.
Maybe non-locals won't know but the clothes section of department stores are definitely targeted to each generation.
Trying to find cosmetics for the mature at Takeshita Street is ridiculous. It is better to go to the department stores at the east side like Daimaru, Takashimaya or Mitsukoshi.
Edited: 12:38 am, August 30, 2025
