Best areas in Japan

Planning my first trip to Japan in the next few months. I've read through a lot of the older threads but wanted to check if the info is still current.

My main questions:
- Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
- Realistic daily budget?
- Any areas to avoid?
- How welcoming are the locals to foreign visitors?

I'm coming from the US and have experience in Southeast Asia but this would be my first time in Japan.

Thanks for any help!

Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.

Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.

Hmm, I had a different experience. Prices were lower when I went. Maybe timing matters.

Just booked my flights! Thanks for the motivation.

Saving this thread for my trip planning. Gold mine of information.

Just booked my flights! Thanks for the motivation.

Interesting take but I think you overpaid. Try going midweek next time.

This is outdated info IMO. Things have changed since the pandemic. Current prices are about the same than what's described here.

Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.

Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.

Thanks for the write-up. Very helpful for my upcoming trip.

Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.

What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.

Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.

Great report, thanks for sharing. I had a similar experience there last month.

Not sure I agree about that area. I found the outskirts to be better value.

I'd rate it similarly. Solid 7/10 destination.

Adding my experience from February.

The scene has stayed the same since pre-COVID. Biggest change: more online activity.

Been going for years. The scene has shifted a bit but still good.