Tokyo Travel Talk: Transportation

May 27, 2012 by Sami

I’m not one to often brag but one thing I’ll happily brag about is my knowledge of Tokyo. Through the past 3 years I’ve developed an extensive bank of memories of Japan and specifically Tokyo. These days when someone wants advice on traveling there, they find me, if not by knowing me directly then by being referred to me by someone who does know me. Each person does have different reasons and ways to experience Tokyo but when it comes down to it, there are always common things that we want to experience going there. Any one is always welcome to send me an email about what to do. Many people have but I thought I should blog about it too to cover certain things so people have a point of reference. Of course, if there’s something not covered or if you have any questions, always feel free reach out!

It started 3 years ago during my first trip. I published some posts back then but they weren’t lengthy. After all, I was on vacation and blogging was the last thing on my mind. I plan to publish 5 or so posts for the next few months to hopefully help guide traveling souls planning on going to Japan and specifically Tokyo. I only hope that it’ll help open your eyes and show you the reason I’m in love with the greatest city in the world.

I’ll come back to this original post and add links of the newer posts so that this one can act as an outline for things that are covered in other posts.

Airfare:

Flying to Japan is not cheap, I’ll be the first to admit. The first time I went there I spent countless hours watching deal sites like Kayak and Orbitz to see how the price fluctuates from day to day to week to month. I also visited airlines’ sites directly after I noticed that Korean Air offered an incredibly cheap price that wasn’t in the search results for Orbitz. After about 5 weeks I realized that the price wasn’t changing much. This was about 3 months before my flight. I got very very lucky because Korean Air was having a sale and scored an unheard of price on one of the nicest airlines out there so always check out more than one outlet for a good price. Sometimes travel agencies like IACE will have last minute extremely cheap deals so keep an eye for those in case you’re not the type to plan months ahead.  $1,200 seems to be the average for a round-trip ticket from USA, being cheaper if you travel from west coast. If you score a ticket for less than $900 then you’ve got yourself a good deal.

I assume you would be buying economy. After taking more than few international flights I realize that all airlines are not created equal. Delta being my least favorite and Korean Air my most favorite that I’ve taken.

 

Language Barrier:

Of course it’ll help if you know Japanese or have a pocket phrase book but it’s not very necessary to have a great time in Tokyo.  Most people (especially the younger crowd) in Tokyo will speak English but theyʼre always shy about it. They always think their accent doesnʼt sound good even though itʼs just fine. So never feel that no one would understand you. Just try to speak slower . Not like youʼre talking to a dumb person, but like youʼre talking to someone who canʼt understand fast English well.

All of the main signs will be in English. Even the announcements on most trains will be in English. If you stick to the main neighborhood, you’ll even be able to score an English menu by asking for it. That said, a pocket phrase book will go a long way in helping you enjoy your Japan trip.

Side not: I really recommend you see Lost in Translation if you have the chance. It’s a wonderful film and, in my opinion, gives a very good impression of what Tokyo might hold for a stranger.

 

Transportation – from Airport:

 

At this point I’m sure you’ve come across JR-Pass. Here’s what I think of JR-Pass: If you’ll only stay in one city then it’s not worth the money you’ll be spending. If you’ll be visiting cities far from Tokyo, Kyoto for example, then I urge you get that JR-Pass because then you’ll be able to take the Shinkansen (bullet train) at a reduced price than what you would pay if you paid separately for it and your other transportation costs. Keep in mind, JR is one of many transportation companies. The JR trains will take you pretty much any where in the city but you might have to take other rail companies like Metro, for example. In that case then the JR pass won’t get you a free ride and you would have to pay for your ride.

The reason I just explained above is because JR-Passes need to be purchased outside of Japan, before going on your trip. Allow plenty of time to account for mailing, etc. Once you get to the airport then you can exchange a document you’re mailed with the actual JR-Pass. After that you’ll be able to purchase trains to go from the airport (Narita is main one in Tokyo) to the city.

The fastest way to get to Tokyo from Narita is to talk the NEX train. It’s an express train that goes from Narita to Tokyo Station and few stops after that in case your hotel is close to other main stations like Shinjuki or Shibuya. If you have the JR Pass then it will cover NEX cost. If not then you’ll have to purchase it separately at the station.

You have 2 options when you purchase NEX. You can buy it alone or you can buy what’s called a NEX/Suica combo. Suica is a Public Transit Card. In Japan, the fare depends in how long you go and it can get complicated to calculate your fare but if you have a Suica card itʼll take care of that for you and all you have to do is scan the card when you enter and when you leave a train station. When you get the combo you get a special deal and save about $15.

Another transportation option available from Nartio to Tokyo is the Airport Limousine. They stop in most hotels and can be a great option especially if you’re traveling with heavy luggage and want to avoid the intimidating public transportation system, especially if you’ve never experienced it before. Check their website for more details.

 

Transportation – around town:

Regardless of where you’re located, it’s hard to get around without taking the train and that’s why getting a Suica card is most likely your best option. I have never had the need to take the bus and doubt that you will too. Trains are very efficient so if you missed another train then don’t worry because another one must be coming soon. If you can, try to avoid taking it during the morning rush. For a lack of a better phrase, it’s a nightmare!

A friend told me about this website before my first trip and it life so much easier. With this free service you can enter your starting station and your end station and it will show you how to get there and if you need to make any transfers.

Another thing to keep in mind is finding out what exit you are coming off once you arrive at your station. For example, the Shinjuku JR station has more exists than I can remember and each one can be as far as a mile from another exit.

Trains do stop running around 11:30pm 12:00am so make sure you know the time of the last train where you need to get back to your hotel or where you’re staying.

Taxis:

Cabs are pricey! So unless youʼre about to cry because you just canʼt take it anymore with the crowds of public transportation then try to avoid them. A 10 minutes cab ride normally would cost $15-20 so itʼs not that bad. Iʼd rather you spend money on shopping or food! That said, taking a cab can be a treat. It’s not usual to drive around Tokyo and it can give you a glimpse of the city you can’t get from walking or being on the train. I remember my favorite views of Tokyo Tower were taken while being inside a cab.

That about covers transportation. I wanted to add general information but this post is already long as it is so there will be another one with general tips.

 

 

 

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A Letter to Tokyo

Dec 2, 2011 by Sami

Dear Tokyo,

I miss you. I want to walk your streets, smell your air & hear your laughs.

Do you remember me? Lost in your streets. I still laugh at that time I got on the wrong train because of a silly misunderstanding between the two of us. I thought you meant the east exit and not the west. At least I never stumbled, fell and made a fool of myself. Then again, to hear your laugh would have been worth it.

The first meal we had together was dinner and we had salmon & sake. I know it sounded like a typical date to many but to us, it was special. It was our first time together.

After dinner you showed me the magic of being lost in a crowd of organized chaos. It was late but everyone was enjoying the late night breeze that swept away the humid hot August day.

Even when I went to bed that night alone, I knew you’d be there the next day. I was nervous about what you might do to my naive soul the next day but I knew that it would be full of happiness. If it wasn’t, I knew it’s because you wanted to teach me something about yourself. After all, no one’s perfect and everyone has a bad day every now and then.

3 weeks passed. We thought it would never end but the eve of my departure came. Went to an Italian restaurant (I know, I know, should have had some sushi instead) and asked for an outside table. The waiter thought it was odd there was an order for an entire bottle of wine but it was my last night with you. I thought about how it all started 3 weeks earlier. The challenge of eating at every macaron shop I could spot was a lot of fun (didn’t complete it but I did well). I won’t forget about getting lost in an underground garage en route to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. How did that happen? I wasn’t even inside a car and ended up inside the parking lot! It’s fine since it was worth it to see the view form the top of the building. Still, my favorite view was the sun setting on you while on top of the Mori Tower. That was quite possibly a sunset that’s made of every pure love on this planet.

I don’t know what pushed me to write this but it may have to do with listening to an album called Cherry Tree. It’s not really related to anything, as far as I can tell. But, have you not been in love before? Every thing you see reminds you of what you love the most.

I won’t say that I hope to see you because I know I’ll see you. I know, you may laugh because it’s cheesy but it’s true. I really will see you in few months. When cherry blossom trees petals cover our faces. I can’t wait Tokyo!

Sent with an infinite amount of love,

 

Sami

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Tokyo in Photos and a mini-contest!

Jun 8, 2011 by Sami

I just got back from another trip to Tokyo and it was even more amazing than the last. I always have such a hard time leaving. I’m in the middle of writing a post about the trip and things that many friends have asked me about. Most importantly, what is it like there now, after the earthquake.  Until then, I thought I would entertain you with a selection of photographs I’ve taken there.  As last time, I brought more sweets and snacks than I need so I decided that I’m sending two surprise packages to two readers of this post. All you have to do is tell me what your favorite photo is and I’ll select, randomly, two people that’ll get some nice (and maybe naughty) Japanese treats.  I’ll cover ground shipping as long as it’s in IL and deadline to participate is Friday, June 10th @ 11:59PM CT. Hope you enjoy them!

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Sami in Japan- Video: A Night in Tokyo

Aug 24, 2010 by Sami

Here’s a video I made of Tokyo. I am in love with this city!

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Sami in Japan- Food Food Food

Aug 13, 2010 by Sami

Ironically I’ve had more non Japanese food since I’ve been here… here are some photos for your enjoyment! I only hope that all the walking I have been doing offsets the food intake! Click on photo for caption!

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Sami in Japan – Photo Recap

Aug 1, 2010 by Sami

I have been walking so much the past few days so I’m totally fine with eating everything I see in sight that looks remotely edible. Not to change the subject but I really can’t deal well with rejection so I stopped taking photos of people because I’ve been turned down way too many times. Friend told me that old creepy men use photos for “sexual purposes”…honestly, do I look like that kind of man?? So, for now, I just try to sneak a photo here or there.

I got to visit the Advertisement Museum in Tokyo the other day. They had a special exhibit called “The Real Men and Women of Madison Ave“. I was in heaven! Mad Men fever exists in Tokyo! I also went up on the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with amazing views from the top floor. I’ll go ahead and post some photos with captions, it seems more fun this way

This is one of the many views from the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building. The big park you see is Yoyogi park. It’s popular to go there on Sunday and watch music performances, people dressed in all sorts of costumes and even Elvis impersonators. I think, due to the hot temperatures, most people chose to stay indoors and therefore, I barely saw anything of note but it was still a lot of fun to be there.

The Sumida River Fireworks are one of the biggest in Tokyo. The show is at 7:30PM but people start waiting by the river in the AM for a good spot!

I was lucky enough that when I visited the Meiji Shrine I witnessed was a wedding there!

In Harajuku! This is where the very fashionable shop and hang out. Check out how many people are there?! Although, this is probably 3 times or more, less than the crowd at the Sumida Fireworks!

I was able to “steal” a photo!

So excited to have tried several Macaron shops in Tokyo!

You have no idea how happy I was to learn that they were showing a film, outdoors, in Yebisu Garden Place! Brought back memories of watching movies in Grant Park in Chicago.

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