Japan for 14 nights ...accommodation help

[Phar Lap]

Figjammers, I'll be in Japan in June and really need some advice on where to stay, specifically Kyoto and Tokyo. Will have the first 7 nights in Kyoto, the last 4 in Tokyo. On a budget, so hostels for all or most of the trip.
These are the ones I'm interested in - (Note: the accommodation that comes up at the top of the page is the one I am linking too.)

Kyoto:
Hostel 1, 12 bed female dorm $169
Hostel 2, 4 bed mixed dorm $275 (includes breakfast)
Hostel 3, 8 bed female dorm $288
Hostel 4, single room with shared bathroom $318.08. All have free cancellation, hostel 4 was booked on another website.

Tokyo is giving me even more trouble as it's a question of which area. I've been told Shinjuku is best for transport, but Asakusa is better. My JR pass will still be valid, if staying in Shinjuku, I can use the Yamonote line to go around (but not for Asakusa) but Asakusa does seem more genuine? And reading that Shinjuku Station is the largest station in the world with 35 platforms and over 200 exits, I know I'm going to get lost. Just the thought of all those exits terrifies me.

Shinjuku:
Hostel 1, 6 bed female dorm $179
Hotel 1 single room $449
Hotel 2 single room $400

Asakusa:
Hostel 1, 6 bed mixed dorm $127
Hostel 2, 8 bed mixed dorm $181. When I booked this it showed free cancellation.
Hotel 1, single room, small double bed $370. Same size room as a double.
Hotel 2 single room $411

If I stay in Shinjuku, it will most likely be the hostel as the hotels there are over $400. If I stay in Asakusa, I'm leaning towards Hotel 1, let's just say I would like to stay there. I have an early checkout, needing to be at Narita Airport T3 by 9/9:30am - flight is at 12:15pm.

I've sort of worked out what I'd like to see (Tokyo) and am thinking of doing one day trip probably to Nikko which will give me two full days in the capital.

[poppy]

it is all much of a muchness, Tokyo is so large with plenty of people - I would be going for the Hostel that is nearest a train station and has what I want. ie. western bathroom and western breakfast.

If you are leaning towards Hotel 1 in Asakusa and it is within easy reach of the train station that is the one you go for.

Don't worry about getting lost in the station, just be aware of your surroundings and take note of entrance/exit signs ie. exit 2. I will never forget taking the wrong exit in Nagoya and being completely lost, we were diagonally across the road from our usual exit - took me until I crossed the road to get my bearings.

[libbyh]

I suspect this is probably what you are hoping to hear but:

Kyoto - Hostel 4. For me the extra $30 would be worth it to have a single room.

Asakusa - Hotel 1 (again, cost of single room as opposed to 8-bed mixed dorm would be worth it)

[Phar Lap]

Jan 8, 2016 19:24:24 GMT -5 libbyh said:

I suspect this is probably what you are hoping to hear but:

Kyoto - Hostel 4. For me the extra $30 would be worth it to have a single room.

Asakusa - Hotel 1 (again, cost of single room as opposed to 8-bed mixed dorm would be worth it)

Found out that hostel 1 in Kyoto doesn't have a lift so that's out. Have decided on the single room. With the yen stronger, at present it's around $337.
(¥28,000)

Re: Tokyo, it's now between two places - Hostel 1 in Shinjuku and Hotel 1 is Asakusa. Much as I'd like to stay at that hotel, it's an extra $200 so I'll probably choose hostel 1 (6 bed female dorm, they have guaranteed me a lower bunk).
The Hostel is a 15 min walk - 1.2 kms from Shinjuku Station. Hotel 1 in Asakusa is a 7 min walk - 600 metres. (According to google maps)
The hostel is which is ¥15,200, the hotel ¥31,800.