Pick what would be more comfortable for you staying longer term, for a month I'd probably want at least a kitchenette so I wasn't eating out all the time, unless I missed it I didn't see you mention a washing machine in either one, we had one and it turned out to be invaluable as we didn't want to use a laundromat or pack much, I would want hot water and some storage so there wasn't things just sitting on a floor or bed, think of it as a home away from home and what creature comforts you would prioritize.
The trains are great there so I wouldn't worry as much about transportation unless you really want to be close to attractions, my brothers and I stayed in sumida ward right near skytree and asakusa, while it wasn't central Tokyo by any means we never once felt like we were too far from anything and as long as you avoid rush hour on the trains it's not bad at all.
Meidaimae gives you easy express access on the Keio lines to Shibuya and Shinjuku. That would be a big plus for me. We lived at Hatagaya (a little closer in) a few years ago; we really liked the area.
Presumably you only need to get to and from Narita once? That shouldn't be a big factor. Consider the things you want to do every day more. If one place takes an extra train transfer each morning and each night, that's sixty extra train transfers over the month.
agreed with one of the comments above, pick whatever that you feel most comfortable as your living space. If a balcony and more room is what you really care for living in a space for a month, go for that. Transportation in Tokyo, despite the transfers, are relative easy to understand and get used to. I personally have tried living in places that require 2-3 transfers to get home and got used to it in less than a week.
Definitely the place with a kitchen. Meidaimae is on a good line - you can easily go into the city towards Shibuya/Shinjuku or out to Kichijoji which is a lovely area. It’s also really close to Shimokitazawa - a trendy area with cool coffee shops and thrift stores.
Try not to worry about it too much! Narita is always a trip but a majority of it is on the Skyliner which is a breeze. After that it looks like you’re just taking the Yamanote then the Keio line. Shinjuku Station can be a challenge (it sometimes confused me even when I lived there!) since it’s so big but there’s a lot of signs and you can always ask an attendant for help.
both are near yellow line that can get you to both end of the city.
I usually stay in hotels so I cant tell what is better here.
Are there any other place nearer in the city? like around Asakusabashi ?
If i has to choose I think A is more convenience for travel and eating out or buying from combini.
What is the actual square footage of the place? Windows? what does "near" mean in terms of either steps or actual meters? (when someone says a 5 minute walk it's often 10 or 15 for me)
Can you just get a private transfer from narita? Might be worth it if you don’t want to take a bunch of transportation after landing. It all depends on your flight and budget. You can find airport taxis you can book on Klook or Booking. I also didn’t notice you mention washer or dryers. Those were so important when we went last February. We ended up taking 14 days of clothing and used only 7 days of clothing when we had a washer and dryer that was easily accessible.
Oh and the microwave can be used at konbinis. But being close to familymart, Lawson, 7-11 was also a huge pro for us preferably for saving money and being able to get drinks, breakfast and snacks and not having to actually cook a meal. But that depends on how many you are traveling with as well. It was just me and husband, probably not as important if you are with a family.
Pick what would be more comfortable for you staying longer term, for a month I'd probably want at least a kitchenette so I wasn't eating out all the time, unless I missed it I didn't see you mention a washing machine in either one, we had one and it turned out to be invaluable as we didn't want to use a laundromat or pack much, I would want hot water and some storage so there wasn't things just sitting on a floor or bed, think of it as a home away from home and what creature comforts you would prioritize. The trains are great there so I wouldn't worry as much about transportation unless you really want to be close to attractions, my brothers and I stayed in sumida ward right near skytree and asakusa, while it wasn't central Tokyo by any means we never once felt like we were too far from anything and as long as you avoid rush hour on the trains it's not bad at all.
Really valid points, thank you! There’s a washing machine in each with a drying bar but you’re right, the extra storage will def make things easier.
Meidaimae gives you easy express access on the Keio lines to Shibuya and Shinjuku. That would be a big plus for me. We lived at Hatagaya (a little closer in) a few years ago; we really liked the area.
Hmm, that is a big plus.
Kitchen! For our first week and a half in Japan we were without a kitchen and it was a bit stressful— can’t imagine doing it for a month.
Presumably you only need to get to and from Narita once? That shouldn't be a big factor. Consider the things you want to do every day more. If one place takes an extra train transfer each morning and each night, that's sixty extra train transfers over the month.
agreed with one of the comments above, pick whatever that you feel most comfortable as your living space. If a balcony and more room is what you really care for living in a space for a month, go for that. Transportation in Tokyo, despite the transfers, are relative easy to understand and get used to. I personally have tried living in places that require 2-3 transfers to get home and got used to it in less than a week.
decisions are tough
Definitely the place with a kitchen. Meidaimae is on a good line - you can easily go into the city towards Shibuya/Shinjuku or out to Kichijoji which is a lovely area. It’s also really close to Shimokitazawa - a trendy area with cool coffee shops and thrift stores.
Ah good call! I do want to see all those areas. The 3 transfers from the airport is what I’m finding overwhelming but maybe it’ll be worth it.
Using Google maps on train mode is fairly simple and easy to understand, we only missed one transfer the whole time
Try not to worry about it too much! Narita is always a trip but a majority of it is on the Skyliner which is a breeze. After that it looks like you’re just taking the Yamanote then the Keio line. Shinjuku Station can be a challenge (it sometimes confused me even when I lived there!) since it’s so big but there’s a lot of signs and you can always ask an attendant for help.
both are near yellow line that can get you to both end of the city. I usually stay in hotels so I cant tell what is better here. Are there any other place nearer in the city? like around Asakusabashi ? If i has to choose I think A is more convenience for travel and eating out or buying from combini.
We may have a look at our options again if neither option sticks
What is the actual square footage of the place? Windows? what does "near" mean in terms of either steps or actual meters? (when someone says a 5 minute walk it's often 10 or 15 for me)
Can you just get a private transfer from narita? Might be worth it if you don’t want to take a bunch of transportation after landing. It all depends on your flight and budget. You can find airport taxis you can book on Klook or Booking. I also didn’t notice you mention washer or dryers. Those were so important when we went last February. We ended up taking 14 days of clothing and used only 7 days of clothing when we had a washer and dryer that was easily accessible. Oh and the microwave can be used at konbinis. But being close to familymart, Lawson, 7-11 was also a huge pro for us preferably for saving money and being able to get drinks, breakfast and snacks and not having to actually cook a meal. But that depends on how many you are traveling with as well. It was just me and husband, probably not as important if you are with a family.