Never been to Tokyo, never will, but if you're looking for a cheap place to say even IN Tokyo....this guy is dead-on.

Sakura house is fine for short term stays. I'd reccomend the one in Juuban, myself. However, more than a few months is a total rip off. The OP will need a genuine apartment.

$500 dollars for an entire month in an apartment versus the same amount in a normal hotel for about 5 days?

Why do you think it's such a rip off? I really am curious...bad experiences or something?

Also, how could you rent a normal apartment in Tokyo while on vacation?

Pardon the double post, merged the two together.

Japanga has lived n Japan for two years. He is loooking for a longterm solution. Sakura House is not a longterm solution in terms of amenities/standard of living vs. Cost.

OHHHH I didn't notice he was already in Japan, my apologies for blindness
>.<

If a long-term place is required, I'd reccomend finding an estate agent. Meanwhile, Sakura House may be an option for somewhere temporary while looking for a longer-term location.

I voted Shibuya since that's what my partner recommended although it looks like MMM's choice is more like me.
:D

I voted for Futako Tamagawa. I've always liked this area because of the big river that seperates Kanagawa prefecture from Tokyo (you could regularly go jogging/cycling along the banks). It's a convenient location too, having the Denentoshi and Ooimachi lines, also being a stop for express trains.

Personally, I would like to live in Machida. It feels like a more organised and less busy version of Shibuya. Instead of having everything scattered about the place like in Shibuya, your Tokyu Hands, Tower Records, Yodobashi Camera, Book Off etc will all be virtually in the same spot (I think I remember seeing a 109 shop there as well). You can go directly to Shinjuku via Odakyu line.

I voted for Ueno because i like the Area. I than saw that you put kichijoji up on your list and that would definetly be my top spot for living in Tokyo. I have lived close to kichijoji (Inokashirakoen) for 2 month and it is a really nice area. It is quiet, very safe, not to many tourists (at least foreigners), has any shop you need and the Inokashirapark is very nice.
The Park has a small lake, is nice for running in the evening and has a craft market every weekend.
And if you live just a little bit away from the main station the prices drop. I stayed at Oak-house (Guesthouse style) wich was quite nice but id recommend a appartment if you are staying longterm (lets say more than 3 month).

I found this site along my searches Tokyo Apartments -Reasonable Apartment Accommodation Guesthouse however dont have any experience with it!