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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My 15 FANTASTIC minutes with #theKindnessCab & Leon Logothetis

Oct 31, 2011 by Sami

Sunday night was spent watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s since “people don’t belong to people” kept popping in my thoughts. As I’m watching it and checking my twitter feed (because we can’t do one thing only, anymore) something came up. I saw a tweet that said “this is so cool #thekindnesscab & Leon Logothetis will be in Chicago tomorrow.” I’m paraphrasing here and I wish I remembered who tweeted it (UPDATE: It was @CristerDelacruz that tweeted it! Oh Twitter, how do I love thee!).  Did some digging and found http://www.kindnesscab.com/. It might have taken me about 40 seconds to decide to call Leon and leave a message with my number in it. I didn’t know why or what I would get out of this experience but I knew I wanted to try it. Leon called me 15 minutes later and we confirmed the pick up time and location. I went to bed excited but still unsure of how things will go the next day.

18 hours since I spoke to Leon pass. Almost six pm and I do some Google action and find out that Leon wrote a book called Amazing Adventures of a Nobody and I make a mental note to check it out later because he just sent me a text that he’s downstairs. 

On my way to The Kindness Cab an epiphany of sorts struck me. This is exactly like that movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. If my memory serves me right, the action of that girl not picking up the phone (or was it the alarm?) triggered a sequence of events that lead to a disaster. Only this is the opposite. Leon picking me up out of the kindness of his heart triggered my happiness which will trigger a series of events, starting by me making another person happy. Like dominoes helping each other up instead of pushing down. Wow, is this how we can achieve world peace?

So I get in enthusiastically after taking a picture of The Kindness Cab and saying hi to Leon. He greets me back and says “pick up one of those books in backs, it’s for you”. I cannot believe it! It’s a copy of Amazing Adventures of a Nobody. My eyes immediately start to sparkle like those cartoon characters.

After 15 minutes of what words might have trouble describing, I walked away after meeting an amazing man, another kind man one from the Kind Village, a Halloween lollipop, a copy of the Amazing Adventures of a Nobody (that I’m so excited to start reading), a receipt that showed $45 dollar being donated to charity from Leon and inspiring conversations about traveling. I left my company wishing it was longer but even more, wishing Leon and #theKindnessCab all the best in the future. I left them with so much admiration with what Leon is trying to accomplish. I left them with so much inspiration.

Then I arrived home. I arrived home and found a package from a friend. It was a Daruma Doll from Japan. A hollow, round doll. These dolls are more than toys, Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, making them a popular gift of encouragement. And happiness overcomes me on top of the inspiration and the admiration.

Not a bad Monday. In fact, one of the best I’ve ever had.

Just like anything else, kindness starts with you.

 

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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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Guide to Japanese trend in Chicago: Sake

May 25, 2011 by Sami

Chicago has always been a foodie town with so many amazing restaurants to chose from. Sometimes it’s hard to go back to one because you know you have so many others you’d like to try. Recently, Chicago has seen the opening of more than few Izakayas. What is an Izakaya you ask? Izakaya is originally a sake “pub” that allows patrons to sit down and enjoy great sake along with small plates to share. Think Japanese version of tapas with lots of sake and beer. There have been different interpretations of the establishment and they mostly have been delicious ones! While I’m still in the hunt for the best Izakaya in Chicago I do know few things about their best drink companion: sake! There are few true experts of sake in the world but you don’t have to be a sake guru to enjoy it. Below you will find information that are both easy to digest (no pun intended) and helpful in aiding you to maximize your sake drinking enjoyment! This is my version of what you need to know about sake. Of course, you can research more since this is only the tip of the iceberg!

Sake is rice wine. How is it made? It’s a process that will take me time to explain. Time that I could be telling you more about how to enjoy it so I shall go on about that instead.

If you only have time to read the next sentence then always follow these words: drink it chilled, young and if it contains the word “ginjo” then you’re good to go! Also for the love of humanity, it’s not pronounced sa-ki. It’s pronounced sa-kei! Say it with me. SA-KEI.

A good bottle of sake would cost you about $60-$100. Of course, you can go cheaper or more expensive and that range doesn’t factor Chicago restaurants or bars prices. I personally try to spend around the $40 for non-special occasions. My advice is to trust your taste and not the price tag. Just because it’s $200, doesn’t mean that it’ll be better than the $40 bottle you tried last week.

The variations of the types of sake generally refers to the  degree to which the rice has been polished. Doesn’t mean that it’s better or worse in terms of quality. Again, it’s all about what YOU like!

The main types are below:

Special Designation		Rice Polishing Ratio
Ginjō-shu (吟醸酒, Special brew)		Below 60%
Daiginjō-shu (大吟醸酒, Very Special brew)		Below 50%
Junmai-shu (純米酒, Pure rice)		―
Junmai Ginjō-shu (純米吟醸酒, Pure rice, Special brew)		Below 60%
Junmai Daiginjō-shu (純米大吟醸酒, Pure rice, Very Special brew)		Below 50%
Tokubetsu Junmai-shu (特別純米酒, Special Pure rice)		Below 60% or produced by special brewing method
Honjōzō-shu (本醸造酒, Genuine brew)		Below 70%
Tokubetsu Honjōzō-shu (特別本醸造酒, Special Genuine brew)		Below 60% or produced by special brewing method

 

As I mentioned before, if you get anything with the word “ginjo” you will be in the safe zone. Because I like fragrant (usually peach and fig) and light sake, I tend to prefer Junmai Ginjo and Junmai DaiGinjo. Follow this link for more details about each variety and experiment till you find your own type.  I think my favorite right now is a Junmai Daiginjo called Takasago or Divine Droplets. It’s brewed in northern Japan and has an average acidity. What I love most about it is its fragrant nature and it’s deep taste that lingers after you’ve finished drinking it. Look for it the next time you’re at a spirits store. Delicious! I mostly enjoy sake without food pairings but it’s also very good with fish and grilled vegetables!

Earlier on, I recommended drinking sake slightly chilled (think white wine) because the aroma is at its best at that temperature. There are definitely instances when you can have it warm, especially during the winter! Use a wine glass to drink it and you’re good to go! Do you know why the Japanese use those small cups? Because drinking is a social experience and smaller cups means that you’ll refill your friend’s cup more often!

There you have it! You now posses basic, personal and fun tips on how to enjoy sake. Next time you visit a restaurant with an extensive list or a store with a wide varriety, you don’t have to be intimidated. Try different kinds until you find your favorite! Buy, chill, drink and repeat!

If you’re a fan of sake I please share in the comments what’s your favorite!

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Saving the World, One Language at a Time.

Apr 4, 2011 by Sami

I wish I would stop worrying about the day that I’ll forget and leave the house without hair product. I wish that I could be in Tokyo watching cherry blossoms and sipping green tea. But I won’t and I’m not. Because life happens and instead of enjoying Hanami, I’m in Japanese class figuring out how to conjugate verbs. Not as much fun as speaking Japanese to Japanese people but for now I’m fine with that.

My mastery of Japanese language consists of asking the time, asking if someone would like to enjoy my company at their residence and things in between these two phrases. I have been obsessed with learning languages for a while now. Having a multicultural background gives me the advantage of, sometimes, being able to look from the outside in. I’ve always thought and will always believe that communication is everything. I want to learn how people communicate because I have a healthy obsession with the way people understand each other. If I am able to communicate with someone in their language then maybe I can understand people better. Maybe I will be able to help avoid disasters. Maybe, just maybe, I will help prevent fighting. I will help celebrate other people’s traditions. I will help unite the world.

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