Sakura Hotel Jimbocho

Of all the budget hotels and ryokan in Tokyo, this is the most central, located in the Jimbocho district just a mile or so north of the Imperial Palace. Rooms are tiny but scrupulously clean, and all are non-smoking, with singles starting at ¥5,200 and dorm beds for ¥3,300 (there's also a group room that sleeps up to five). Staff are on duty 24 hours a day and speak good English, and guests can hang out at the on-site Sakura Cafe, also open 24 hours.