💬 Tokyo Forum

Shinjuku is the transit heart of Tokyo. Being on the JR Yamanote line means direct access everywhere. Plus, Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai are unmatched for evening food and drinks! 🔗 https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1542051841857...

If you prefer a calmer, traditional vibe with Senso-ji temple nearby, Asakusa is wonderful and usually 20-30% cheaper for hotel prices compared to Shibuya.

Having lived in Tokyo for 5 years, I'd cross Asakusa off your list right away if late-night food is a main priority. It's a gorgeous, atmospheric neighborhood to visit during the day, but most restaurants and bars there wind down by 9 or 10 PM. Between Shinjuku and Shibuya, Shinjuku gets my vote for a first 7-day trip. The transport links are unbeatable—you can get directly to almost every major district in the city, plus easy day-trip trains to Hakone or Kamakura. For late-night food, you're spoiled for choice with endless 24/7 ramen spots, yakitori alleys like Omoide Yokocho, and izakayas in Shinjuku-sanchome. My top tip for couples: stay on the Nishi-Shinjuku (West) side or near Shinjuku-sanchome. You get all the late-night convenience without the noise of Kabukicho right outside your window. A decent mid-range hotel in those pockets usually runs around ¥18,000–¥26,000 (~$120–$170 USD) per night.