I've stayed in this area last couple of times...
Taito is an older section of tokyo.. unlike the glizy ginza, it's a more "Down and out" section but with that said, it's not dangerous, out of the way, or even boring.
In fact.. it's more Japan than the glizy districts.. cheaper food (including sushi) and more down to earth environment.
Ueno is a nice area.. it's where the zoo is (which is a pretty sad looking zoo) as well as the national museum.. which I didn't find very interesting but when i was there they had an exhibit of those ancient scrolls called "voices from the past" and it showed the mongol invasion, the korean invasion etc.. was really interesting.
can't recommend 5* hotels since i'm a budget traveler, but no matter where you stay.. it's really, really easy to get to as it's a major subway/metro train line and shinkansen junction.
Sweating.. I don't have any idea what to say other than swear light clothes.. Nartia is a really hot airport though.
[This message has been edited by civicmon (edited Jan 31, 2004).]