Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Chicago, IL., U.S.A.
Programs: Global Entry · WN, UA, AS, AA, DL, NH; IHG, Wyndham, Hilton, Best Value Inn, Marriott, Ramada
Posts: 650
Save your ¥ for the good stuff.
Originally Posted by
airboss
Will be in Tokyo Dec. 4-12. Looking for advice on hotels for 2 adults, budget is a consideration, but so is a bit of relaxation as well. She shops, I watch....that is also a consideration. Looking at 1 or 2 day trips, know nothing about the area, any ideas on hotel, location, or what to see are welcome. I am doing my research on the fly so lots to read.
Thanks to any pros on Tokyo.
Originally Posted by
ksandness
Book your hotel soon, but only you and your wife know what you will find interesting. Asking strangers on the Internet to plan your trip for you is risky. You have about two weeks to buy (at any major bookstore) a guidebook and read it.
Then when you have more or less figured out what your schedule will be, come back with specific questions.
I am no stranger on the Internet. 
I have been to Tokyo ten times, including this past April's "Japan Do! #2".
OP, you can help yourself a bunch by downloading a copy of my "Japan Jaunt" zine.
An English-language atlas I keenly recommend is Tokyo Metropolitan Atlas from Shobunsha. I believe it wouldn't arrive at your domicile before you leave,
. You could look for it at a bookstore there when you arrive.
Most of my stays in Tokyo (& Yokohama - visit there too if you don't want to stay there) have involved at least a week.
Short form: Business hotels in Ueno are less expensive than those in Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, & Shibuya.
As for shopping, I can recommend Jinbocho for both of you. Let her browse the book shops on Yasukuni Dori. You should cruise northward up and down Hakusan Dori. There are solid bargains on Japanese DVDs at its shops. (Your baggage will weigh a lot less than hers.)
For evenings, I recommend any number of Japanese craft beer bars. There are reviews of several I have visited in "Japan Jaunt".
Last edited by pudgym29; Dec 14, 2016 at 4:01 am
Reason: Found the ISBN for a valuable English-language Tokyo atlas - restored link to "Japan Jaunt".