Happy Aloha Friday!

First-time travelers to Tokyo, maybe even those who have traveled to Tokyo a couple times, might not be sure which area they should set as their base camp. Depending on the type of experience you’re searching for, your travel itinerary, and, of course, your wallet.

Here is a list, in no particular order, of train stations that we recommend to stay near when you visit Tokyo. The list is an image, and there is a lot of info. So, click on the image for high-resolution or you can download the image.

In a nut shell, we recommend the following areas: Shinagawa, Shimbashi, Tokyo (Station), Ginza, Akasaka, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ueno. Each area has its own characteristics which appeal to different people. For example, Shinagawa, Shimbashi, and Tokyo are extremely convenient areas because of their access to different train lines, and all three have an image of being major hubs for business people. If you compare the three, Shimbashi has the strongest image of drinking; Tokyo has the most elegance; Shinagawa might actually be low-key compared to the other two.

Akasaka is not a major hub for business people, but there are a lot of companies, government institutions, etc. in the area, so streets in evening will be full with people looking for a place to drink.

Ginza, like Roppongi, Aoyama, Omotesando, is considered to be a high-class area. But even in these areas, there’s always reasonable and quality places to shop and dine.

Shinjuku and Shibuya are geographically next to each other in Tokyo, but Shibuya has an image suited more towards the younger generation (not saying that Shinjuku is for older people). Both areas have a lot of shopping, eating, drinking options, but a lot of visitors to Tokyo are attracted to Shibuya’s “scramble crossing”.

Ueno is located in Tokyo’s shitamachi (old downtown) area, so the atmosphere is different to other areas of Tokyo mentioned above. Ueno is close to Asakusa, and Asakusa has a nice “nostalgic” feel with its shopping arcades.

For more detailed information, check out the list above!