From hostels to the Park Hyatt, these are recommendations from a previous resident and visitor with links to helpful sites.
The Cheapest Way to Sleep in Tokyo
As most travelers to foreign countries know, hostels are the best accommodations for the money. The trick is finding the one that's cleanest, has the best crowds (but isn't too noisy or crowded) and has the best amenities for the money (internet, helpful owners, etc). One of the best sites is Hostel World, where you can pick the country and the city and narrow down from there.
One of the most important things to remember for Tokyo is location. The JR Line is the major train system and being located near a stop is key to getting around. Having to make a few subway stops off the JR line and then also factoring in walking time can suddenly add a lot of wasted time to your trip, especially considering the trains don't run all night, particularly the subways.
Hostels may not always be the most convenient, but especially for those on a tight budget, they can be a lifesaver. Also, for those staying much longer they can be invaluable: they are full of other travelers who have their own treasures of the city they can share. The trick is to peruse the site with the amenities (internet, kitchen use) or features (location, curfew, size) best suited to your travel needs.
Ryokans: The Japanese Inn
Ryokans, or inns, are a great way to see Japan. They are moderately priced and offer a more Eastern style of accommodation than a hostel or hotel, both of which may go out of their way to seem Western. Ryokans often offer both Western and Eastern styled bedrooms, but the latter are very much recommended. The futons are some of the comfiest sleeping to be found. Most typically offer both Eastern and Western meals or can be opted out of altogether (and deducted from the rate). Sometimes an Eastern-style breakfast is a little too much adventure that early.
Ryokans can be harder to come by in Tokyo. They are easiest to find in other cities, particularly Kyoto, as they are very traditional and Tokyo tends to favor the more modern environments. Japanese Guest Houses is a great site to pick out a ryokan: the booking is done with English speaking staff and there is thorough information about each ryokan and its location. They also have a hot springs link (though you won't find these in Tokyo), a very popular get-away sought out by nearly all Japanese.
Ryokans can be a bit off the beaten path, not unlike hostels. Also, not every location will have someone on the staff who speaks English. Communication is always possible, though, and the personalized service is a very high priority to the innkeepers. The comfort and charm they provide are well worth the minor inconveniences.
The Cushiest Way to See Tokyo
It's very simple: stay at a hotel in Shinjuku. Shinjuku is a fantastic center to downtown Tokyo. It's close to all the most popular stops on the JR line, plus it's an exciting stop all on its own. It's home to Kabukicho, the famous red-light district (which is very safe, though the Japanese might say otherwise) and has a ton of department stores, restaurants, an English book store, and endless neon lights.
The Park Hyatt was the hotel featured in Lost In Translation, but just go for (very pricey) drinks. The rooms are a bit exorbitant. A better deal (and closer to the station, no less) is the Hotel Century Southern Towers. It's a little pricey, but for the location, the view and the beauty of the hotel itself, well worth the cost. Especially for shorter stays where time is more crucial, a hotel like this may be a wise expense to consider.
Japanese Lifestyles has a great site that lists several great hotels in Shinjuku (and other neighborhoods) and includes price, maps and comments from past visitors. Clicking on each location also reveals the location's amenities. Hotels like these are going to be the best option for the traveler whose time is their biggest concern--a hotel in Shinjuku is the ultimate convenience. However, for anyone whose priorities are money or for those who merely wish to have a more authentic Japanese stay, a ryokan or hostel may be the best choice. Whatever type of accommodation, Tokyo is an exciting city and while each type may have its benefits, it's hard to go wrong.
