Our Time in Tokyo: Living Like Locals in Nakano Fujimicho

Tokyo has a way of overwhelming you in the best possible sense. It’s a city of contrasts neon lights and quiet shrines, relentless energy and unexpected calm and our time there felt like stepping into a world that somehow balances all of it perfectly. What made our experience especially memorable, though, was where we stayed: an incredible Airbnb at Neiju Apartment Hotel, just a short walk from Nakano Fujimicho Station.

From the moment we arrived, we knew we’d chosen well.

Nakano Fujimicho sits slightly outside what most people think of as “central” Tokyo, and honestly, that was part of its charm. The area felt local, lived-in, and refreshingly calm after long days exploring the city. Instead of crowds of tourists, we were surrounded by residents heading to work, families shopping for dinner, and the quiet hum of everyday Tokyo life.

Our Airbnb at Neiju Apartment Hotel was modern, spotless, and thoughtfully designed the kind of place that immediately puts you at ease. After navigating busy stations and bustling streets all day, coming back to such a comfortable space felt like a luxury. The apartment had everything we needed, from a well-equipped kitchenette to cozy sleeping arrangements, and it felt far more personal than a standard hotel stay.

There’s something special about staying somewhere that feels like a temporary home rather than just a place to sleep, and Neiju delivered exactly that.

One of our biggest priorities when choosing accommodation in Tokyo was transport and Nakano Fujimicho exceeded expectations. The station is on the Marunouchi Line, which turned out to be an absolute game-changer.

Within minutes, we could be heading toward Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, or deeper into the city without complicated transfers or long walks. Even after full days of sightseeing, getting back was effortless something you really appreciate when your legs are tired and your phone battery is low.

What we loved most was that despite being so well-connected, the area itself never felt chaotic. We got the best of both worlds: fast, reliable access to Tokyo’s major hubs and a peaceful neighborhood to return to each night.

One of the joys of staying outside the major tourist districts is discovering places you probably wouldn’t otherwise. Around Nakano Fujimicho, we found small ramen shops, bakeries, and convenience stores that quickly became part of our daily routine.

Morning trips to the local konbini for coffee and snacks felt oddly comforting. Evenings were spent wandering quiet streets, grabbing dinner nearby, and soaking up a slower side of Tokyo that’s easy to miss if you’re constantly moving between landmarks.

It gave us a rhythm mornings out in the city, evenings back in the neighborhood that made the trip feel balanced rather than exhausting.

From Nakano Fujimicho, Tokyo felt completely open to us. One day we’d be immersed in the sensory overload of Shibuya Crossing, the next we’d be strolling through more traditional areas, visiting temples, or getting lost in side streets full of tiny shops and hidden cafés.

No matter where we went, the journey back “home” was simple. That consistency knowing exactly how to get back, knowing what awaited us at the end of the day made exploring more enjoyable and far less stressful.

Tokyo can be intense, especially for first-time visitors, but having a calm, reliable base made all the difference.

Looking back, staying at Neiju Apartment Hotel near Nakano Fujimicho was one of the best decisions we made on our trip. It gave us:

• A comfortable, modern place to relax

• Excellent transport links into central Tokyo

• A genuine neighborhood experience

• A sense of routine and familiarity in a huge city

If you’re visiting Tokyo and want to experience more than just the tourist hotspots if you want to feel grounded, well-connected, and at ease this area is absolutely worth considering.

Our time in Tokyo flew by, as it always seems to, but the memories of quiet evenings, easy train rides, and coming back to our Nakano home-base will stick with us just as much as the big-ticket attractions.

Tokyo is extraordinary and sometimes, it’s where you stay that makes it unforgettable.