We've been to Tokyo many times, so we know 'location' really is important: firstly, it really should be close to a train station and secondly, and that is more subjective should be an area one enjoys on every level. Steve's beautiful place is in Nishi-Ogikubo, a leisurely 5 minute walk to the station. Perfect! A quick ride with the JR Chuo line brings one to Shinjuku, Shibuya in one way or to Kichijoji and from there to Shimo-kitazawa etc, the other.
Nishi-Ogikubo is a laid back residential area, with great restaurants abundant. A 24 hr supermarket is right at the station and many small stores are around the station - a perfect and cute place to stay and head out from for the more hectic or touristy places like Shibuya etc. We know Nishi-Ogi well enough by now to recommend it whole-heartedly.
AirBnb studios in Japan tend to be small - no difference here, BUT it's not that small, actually a bit larger than others we had before and perfectly sized for a couple: We stayed almost 2 months ;-)
Steve, our host (and owner of the beautiful) building is G R E A T. Any questions, any tips needed - you got it! He knows the area in and out - his family lived in Nishi-Ogi for more than a hundred years!) and he is the most helpful host we ever encountered - just feel safe and taken care of.
To wrap it up: we can't wait to return and this is what we will do! Super highly recommended!
Domo arigato gozaimasu - thank you for everything, Steve!