Arriving NRT 1pm Saturday, departing 11am the following day. Can't decide whether to stay in Tokyo or at Narita. 3-4 hours on the airport bus seems like a long time, but then again I'm not sure I would want to spend almost a whole day in one of those horrible airport hotels. Currently I have a reservation at the Imperial, but if there was anywhere halfway decent at Narita I would stay there instead.....any advice gratefully received.

With that much time, I'd probably go into Tokyo. The train takes a bit over an hour for the one way trip.

When you say "stay in Narita" and "anywhere halfway decent at Narita," are you referring to the city or the airport? I would never recommend any of the NRT area hotels for a full day unless you simply want to sleep. Narita city, on the other hand, is only 10 minutes away by train and has several "decent" places to stay and eat as well as a nice temple to visit. Most of us feel that Narita is fine for a layover of 6 to 8 hours but can't compete with Tokyo for longer stays but you may find a night in Narita to be relaxing and stress-free before your flight the next morning. If you stay in Narita, you will probably notice several overnighting aircrews as they tend to stay there.

JR

Looks like you have plenty of time to "do Tokyo" a bit.
That said, I would stay in a hotel in Narita. Nothing would be in the class of the Imperial. But the Hilton Narita or the Nikko is not too shabby. Both are typical business class hotels with all the conveniences for a business traveler. You will be much more relax in the morning when you head toward NRT to catch your flight.

Don't take the limo-bus. Take the express train to Tokyo Station and connect to the subway network.

Both these places are near Narita
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/d...atsuhonten.htm (on the guests' comments section the last one is about 'Kukuna' a completely different hotel)

And (slightly cheaper)
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/chiba/otakeya.htm

I tend to stay at the Mercure on my last night in Japan as the rates for a double room can be very competitive (usually around 9,000yen). I like it as it is right in Narita town rather than in an area only accessible by airport shuttle/taxi like most of the NRT hotels.

Comfort Inn is another economical choice for those wanting a single room in town.

There's lots to do in the evening in Narita - izakayas, bars and restaurants are equally geared towards foreign patrons and Japanese locals and travellers. A calm stroll through the temple grounds before checking in for a morning flight is a not to be overestimated experience.
Many of the regular shops (most of which will close by 6pm) sell local specialities and are by no means tourist traps.

The train will get you into the airport within ten minutes and the trains depart regularly (just don't use the Narita JR station! Aim for the Keisei line instead)

If you have the time, then by all means go to Tokyo. But if you just want to relax and enjoy a quick, stress-free immersion into Japanese culture, then a ryokan overlooking Narita Temple is not a bad idea at all. If someone I knew had your itinerary I'd suggest staying in Narita as an option too.

As a member of the Accor Hotels Royalty Programme, I do like the Mercur. Upgrade notwithstanding.

What are the upgraded rooms like at the Mercure Narita? I've never seen photos so I'm genuinely fascinated.