The best areas to base yourself, with nightly prices per room for each budget.
Near Shinjuku (JY17/M08/E27)
Best all-round base: the JR Yamanote and Chuo lines, the N'EX to Narita, and the highway buses to Mt Fuji, plus late-night food and shopping.
Per room per night. Split it if you share.
Near Asakusa (G19/A18) · Ueno (JY05/G16)
Old-Tokyo charm and cheaper hotels. The Skyliner from Narita stops at Ueno, and the Toei Asakusa Line runs straight to both airports.
Per room per night. Split it if you share.
Near Tokyo (JY01/M17) · Ginza (G09/M16)
Shinkansen at your door, the N'EX to Narita and quick Haneda access. Polished and quieter at night.
Per room per night. Split it if you share.
Near Namba (M20/NK01/A01)
The best Osaka base: walk to Dotonbori and Kuromon, the Rapi:t to KIX, and Kintetsu trains to Nara.
Per room per night. Split it if you share.
Near Umeda (M16) · Osaka (JR-A47)
The rail hub: JR to Kyoto, Hankyu, and Shin-Osaka one stop away. Big department stores and food halls.
Per room per night. Split it if you share.
Near Shin-Osaka (M13/JR-A46)
Right at the Shinkansen station with cheaper business hotels. Quiet at night, but Namba is 15 minutes away on the Midosuji Line.
Per room per night. Split it if you share.