Last updated: {20/11/2025}
She arrives with a short list. See the big sights. Eat well. Spend less time in transit. Tokyo is huge, but the right base makes it feel small. Pick an area that matches your style and sits on the lines you will use most.
At a glance
- Great bases for a first trip: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station / Marunouchi, Asakusa, Ueno.
- Why these work: They sit on or near the JR Yamanote Line loop and major subways. This cuts transfers.
- Airport links:
- Narita → city: Narita Express (N’EX) runs direct to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku. The fastest train to Tokyo Station takes about 53 minutes.
- Haneda → city: Tokyo Monorail goes to Hamamatsuchō (JR). Keikyu goes to Shinagawa and connects to the Yamanote Line.
- Simple city pass: Tokyo Subway Ticket for 24/48/72 hours is good for busy sightseeing days on Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway.
The best areas (who they suit and what to expect)
Shinjuku — big hub and late nights
Shinjuku is a major rail hub with many hotels and restaurants. It suits travelers who like energy and late dining. You are close to Shinjuku Gyoen and easy trains around the city.
Shibuya — lively and walkable
Shibuya is busy and modern. It is one stop to Harajuku and close to Omotesandō and Yoyogi Park. It is a good base for shopping, cafes, and night views from the decks.
Tokyo Station / Marunouchi — calm and well-connected
This is the most connected base. You have easy Shinkansen day trips and smooth airport trains. Streets feel tidy and calm at night. Dining options are inside and around the station.
Asakusa — classic streets and temple mornings
Asakusa feels traditional. Mornings at Sensō-ji are lovely. Evenings are quiet. You can hop across the river to TOKYO SKYTREE for views.
Ueno — museums and value
Ueno has museums, Ueno Park, and Ameyoko market. Hotels can be better value than in Shinjuku or Shibuya. Trains from Ueno Station reach many parts of the city.
Getting around: why the loop matters
The JR Yamanote Line makes a circle through the main hubs: Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno, and more. Staying near a Yamanote stop saves time. You make fewer transfers. Use the official JR East map when you choose your hotel.
Airport to hotel: easy routes
USD shown at ≈ 1 USD = ¥150; check live rates.
| Airport → Base | Best starter route | Typical time | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Narita → Tokyo Station / Marunouchi | N’EX direct to Tokyo Station | ~53 min (fastest) | Day trips, early trains, quieter nights |
| Narita → Shinjuku / Shibuya | N’EX direct to both | ~60–75 min | Late dining and shopping |
| Haneda → Tokyo / Marunouchi | Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsuchō → JR | ~20–35 min | Quick link to JR lines |
| Haneda → Shibuya / Shinjuku | Keikyu to Shinagawa → JR Yamanote | ~30–40 min | West-side bases with easy transfers |
Link the first mention of each operator and time to the official page in your article and mark as “checked Nov 1–30, 2025.”
Passes and IC cards
- Tokyo Subway Ticket: 24 hours ¥800, 48 hours ¥1,200, 72 hours ¥1,500. It works on Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway. Use it on days with many subway rides.
- IC cards: Welcome Suica or PASMO are tap-in/tap-out cards. They work on most trains, subways, and many buses. Buy them at major stations or airports.
Accessibility notes
Big stations handle crowds and luggage well. Tokyo Station has clear maps for elevators, wide gates, coin lockers, and barrier-free routes. These are useful on arrival or check-out days. For older areas like Asakusa, check local listings for step-free paths and accessible restrooms before you go.
Sample routes from each base
From Shinjuku (full day): Morning in Shinjuku Gyoen → JR Yamanote to Harajuku for Meiji Shrine → walk Omotesandō → sunset view or dinner in Shibuya. Observation decks often use timed entry. Book in advance on the official site.
From Tokyo Station (full day): Walk the Marunouchi streets → Imperial Palace outer gardens → subway to Ginza → evening river views in Asakusa. Use station maps if you have luggage or a stroller.
From Asakusa (half day): Sensō-ji at opening → Nakamise shopping street → quick ride to TOKYO SKYTREE → lunch by the Sumida River.
From Ueno (half day): Museum morning in Ueno Park → lunch in Ameyoko → JR to Akihabara or Tokyo Station for coffee.
Mistakes to avoid
- Staying far from a loop or subway stop. You will spend more time changing trains. Check the Yamanote or subway map before you book.
- Forgetting about last trains. Many lines wind down around midnight. Pick an area with dining near your station, or budget for a taxi.
- Ignoring station exits. Big stations have many exits. Save the correct exit name in your phone.
- Overloading day trips. If you plan several day trips, a base near Tokyo Station is easier.
FAQs
Which area is best for a first visit?
Choose by your evening style. Shinjuku and Shibuya suit people who want energy and late food. Tokyo Station / Marunouchi suits those who like calm nights and easy trains. Asakusa suits fans of classic streets. Ueno suits museum-goers and value seekers.
Do I need to stay on the Yamanote Line?
Not required. But it helps a lot. Being near the loop cuts transfers and makes your days smoother.
How do I reach my hotel from Narita or Haneda?
From Narita, take N’EX to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, or Shinjuku. From Haneda, take Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsuchō and transfer to JR, or take Keikyu to Shinagawa and change to the Yamanote Line.
Is a subway pass worth it for two days?
The Tokyo Subway Ticket can save money if you ride a lot in 24–72 hours on Metro + Toei lines. Otherwise, use an IC card and pay as you go.
Are big stations manageable with luggage or a stroller?
Yes. Major hubs have elevators, wide gates, and coin lockers. Use official station maps to plan a step-free route.
Key Takeaways
- Pick a base near the Yamanote loop to save time.
- Shinjuku/Shibuya = lively nights. Tokyo Station/Marunouchi = calm and best transport. Asakusa = classic streets. Ueno = museums and value.
- For Nov 1–30, 2025, plan evenings ahead and check official hours and any timed entries.
- Use N’EX from Narita and Monorail/Keikyu from Haneda. Use a Tokyo Subway Ticket on high-ride days, or tap an IC card.
Sources used
- GoTokyo (Tokyo DMO) — Shinjuku: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/western-tokyo/shinjuku/
- GoTokyo (Tokyo DMO) — Shibuya: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/western-tokyo/shibuya/
- GoTokyo (Tokyo DMO) — Tokyo Station/Marunouchi: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/central-tokyo/tokyo-station-and-marunouchi/
- GoTokyo (Tokyo DMO) — Asakusa: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/eastern-tokyo/asakusa/
- GoTokyo (Tokyo DMO) — Ueno: https://www.gotokyo.org/en/destinations/northern-tokyo/ueno/
- JR East — Greater Tokyo rail map (Yamanote loop): https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/info/map_a4ol.pdf
- JR East — Narita Express: https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/nex/
- Tokyo Metro — Tokyo Subway Ticket: https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/travel/index.html
- Tokyo Monorail — Haneda access: https://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/english/
- Haneda Airport — Train & Monorail: https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/access/train/index.html
- Keikyu — Haneda access map: https://www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/ride/train-line-map.html
- Tokyo Station City — Maps and barrier-free info: https://www.tokyostationcity.com/en/information/
