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Advice on where to live - stay in Mitaka, or move into the city?
One option is to stay in my current place. It's peaceful, the trees are huge, but it's about a ten minute walk to the station and about 50 minutes of a commute to the GSAPS building where all my classes are. Grocery options are pretty convenient and are lifesavers when it's late at night and things are super cheap. That said, there's really not a lot to do aside from bouldering or jogging or heading over to Kichijoji.
My other option is to move to a place in Nishiwaseda. 15 minutes walk to my building but it's totally free, and I don't have to wake up as early for class haha. Not as peaceful, though still fairly peaceful, and the accessibility is a really big plus imo. I'm walking distance to Shinjuku, Takadanobaba and my own Waseda campus (20 minutes is walking distance to me.) The room's also significantly larger than the place I found in Mitaka.
Honestly, in most cases I'm leaning towards moving to Nishiwaseda, but I just wanted to know what people in this sub think of both neighborhoods? Which do you like more between Mitaka and Nishiwaseda? Are there other neighborhoods I should be looking at? (I found another place literally next to my building but the area's pretty boring imo and the room isn't as appealing to me.)
About me - I'm a bit of a homebody who's also buried in school research work, but I do like going out and doing things, especially since I'm in a foreign country. I like peace and quiet, but I also like being near friends and activities and etc. Love museums. Sports too, and culture activities. I do cook, but I often buy bento so I can save time for my ten million hobbies between research. I also plan on getting a part time on campus, so that's a big consideration.
Your thoughts and recommendations please! Hope I'm asking this in the right sub!
I get the appeal of Mitaka's big trees and quiet streets, I really do. But as someone who did grad school around Waseda, that 50 minute commute will start to feel brutal once you're deep in research and just want to nap between classes. Nishiwaseda puts you right by that big Book Off in Takadanobaba for cheap reading material, and you can walk to the National Art Center in Shinjuku for your museum fix in under 30 minutes. The noise level difference between the two is smaller than you'd think, especially if you pick a side street away from the main Waseda-dori traffic.
honestly just go with Nishiwaseda. you're a grad student buried in work, having a 15 min walk to class and being close to everything is way more valuable than the peace and quiet of Mitaka. you can always go to Mitaka or Kichijoji on weekends for that vibe
yeah nishiwaseda sounds like the better call for you. you can always hop over to mitaka for those quiet vibes on weekends if you miss it
Where to Stay in Tokyo (2026)
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy acce… 🏙️ Shinjuku: The Heart of Tokyo
Shinjuku is perfect for first-timers who want nonstop energy, neon lights, and endless dining options. Budget travelers can stay near Shinjuku Station for easy access to the Yamanote Line, with hostels like Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki starting around $30 per night. For a splurge, the Park Hyatt Tokyo offers skyline views from $500 per night.
🌸 Shibuya: Trendy and Youthful
Shibuya is ideal for nightlife lovers and fashion-forward visitors, with the iconic Scramble Crossing right outside your door. Mid-range hotels like the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu run $150-250 per night, while capsule hotels like Nine Hours Shibuya offer a budget option at $40. Families might prefer quieter streets just a 10-minute walk from the station.
🏯 Asakusa: Traditional and Budget-Friendly
Asakusa offers a glimpse of old Tokyo with Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street, perfect for culture seekers and families. Budget ryokans like Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu start at $80 per night, including a traditional breakfast. The area is quieter at night, so night owls may want to stay closer to Ueno or Akihabara.
🌳 Ueno: Family-Friendly and Cultural
Ueno is excellent for families thanks to Ueno Park, the zoo, and several museums all within walking distance. Hotels like the Ueno Station Hostel Oriental I offer dorm beds from $25, while the Mitsui Garden Hotel Ueno costs around $120 per night. The area is well-connected by JR and metro lines, making day trips easy.
💻 Shibuya and Shinjuku for Digital Nomads
Digital nomads should look at Shibuya or Shinjuku for coworking spaces and reliable Wi-Fi. The Shibuya Stream building has a free coworking lounge, and nearby cafes like Fuglen Tokyo offer strong coffee and outlets. Monthly apartment rentals via services like Sakura House start around $1,000 in these areas.
🌆 Roppongi: Nightlife and Luxury
Roppongi is the go-to for upscale nightlife, with clubs like V2 Tokyo and high-end bars. Luxury hotels such as the Grand Hyatt Tokyo start at $400 per night, while business hotels like the Roppongi Plaza Hotel offer rooms from $100. The area is also close to art museums like Mori Art Museum.
🚃 Getting Around: Station Proximity Matters
Staying near a Yamanote Line station (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno) saves time and money on transit. A 24-hour metro pass costs 800 yen and covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. Avoid staying too far from a station, as taxis are expensive (starting at 420 yen for the first kilometer).
💰 Price Tiers and Budget Tips
Budget travelers can find capsule hotels or hostels for $20-40 per night in areas like Asakusa or Ueno. Mid-range business hotels (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotels) average $80-120 per night. For luxury, expect $300-600 per night in central districts. Book early for cherry blossom season (late March to early April).
honestly the guide nailed it but i'd throw in nakameguro for anyone visiting in spring. the canal walk during cherry blossom season is insane, way less crowded than ueno or shinjuku gyoen. plus there's a killer onigiri spot called Onigiri Bongo that sells out by noon, and the area has a ton of tiny wine bars and vintage shops. rooms at the Claska hotel start around $120 and it's a quick hop to shibuya on the tokyu line
solid write-up, covers the big ones well. for my money, if you're a food nerd, staying near a good tsukemen or ramen spot is a legit strategy. i booked a hotel in takadanobaba once just cause i wanted to be walking distance from Taishoken, the tsukemen birthplace. that area is also full of student bars and cheap eats since Waseda Uni is there, rooms at the b:CONTE hotel run like $90 a night and it's two stops from Shinjuku on the Yamanote. way less tourist crush than Shibuya for late-night bowls
This is a solid breakdown, really covers the main bases well. One thing I'd add for anyone staying in Shinjuku is that the station itself can be overwhelming even for locals, so picking a hotel on the west side near the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a good hack. The views from the free observation deck there are just as good as the paid ones, and you avoid the chaos of the east exit. For cheap eats in that area, the basement floor of Takashimaya department store has incredible takeout bento boxes under 1,000 yen that beat most convenience store meals.