I arrived in Tokyo not knowing where to stay. In my lonely planet guidebook they suggested I go to the travel and tourism board just 9 stories above Kyoto station 京都駅 by elevator (at the entrance to Isetan 伊勢丹 department store. The very nice and patient folks at the offices helped me set up accomodations at J-Hoppers just a few blocks south of the station itself. J-Hoppers has an excellent crew as well and the place offers bike rentals ($5US/day at the time--6/2006), which I took ... (more)