Metro
Although on the expensive side, the Tokyo public transport system is extremely
well organised and the network is highly developed. Train and underground stations
abound and Tokyo has one of the world’s most efficient train systems.
If you’ll be making multiple journeys the most economical way to travel on
the highly efficient Tokyo subway system is with a One-day
Open Ticket which covers the entire subway network and costs 710 yen.
Tickets can be bought directly from the ticket counter or via one of the many
tourist-friendly automated ticket machines.
Almost all subway signs and maps are in both Japanese and English.
Bus
Unless someone has specifically told you to travel to a certain destination
by bus it’s best to avoid buses in central Tokyo since they tend to be slow
and more expensive than the subway.
Trains
As mentioned earlier you may want to think about getting a Japan
Rail Pass. You must buy the coupon before leaving home as it can’t be
bought in Japan. The coupon is available from most travel agencies and should
be exchanged upon arrival in Japan at a Japan Rail Pass exchange office or a
Travel Service Center located in major JR stations or airports. You need to
be a tourist or a Japanese national who lives permanently abroad to be eligible.
When you get the pass you can tell them the date you wish to start your trip.
Airports
If you’re arriving in Tokyo by air you’ll almost certainly arrive at Narita
Airport:
http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/airport_e/index.html
Narita has two terminals, both of which are connected to the NEX (Narita Express
Japan Rail), Keisei Skyliner, Keisei limited express, and Airport buses (called
limousines). A free shuttle service operates between the two terminals and runs
every ten to fifteen minutes.
Taxis
Taxis can be hailed on the street at any time but can be expensive. Between
11pm and 5am an extra night surcharge is also applied. Make sure you have your
destination written down in Japanese. It is common for Tokyo taxi drivers to
consult their maps in order to find the best route for your desired destination,
so don’t worry if this happens. Note that the rear doors open automatically,
so don’t stand too close when the taxi pulls up to let you get in!
Boats
If the weather is fine you may want to take a cruise on Tokyo Bay or along
the Sumida River. The small cruise boats operating in the Tokyo area are known
as Suijo-bus, and if you take one from Hinode Pier or Odaiba Seaside Park you
will have fine views of Tokyo’s waterfront and the famous Rainbow Bridge. The
journey takes about twenty minutes and costs 400 Yen. The Sumida River Line
goes from Asakusa (either Asakusa or Ginza stations) to Hamarikyu Garden (35
mins/620 yen), or from Hamarikyu to Hinode Pier (5 mins/100 yen).
Car
Don’t forget that like in the UK, the Japanese drive
on the left, so go carefully when driving in Japan for the first time
and gradually get acquainted with the local traffic rules. Note that pedestrians
always have priority over cars.
Parking is a huge problem in central Tokyo, traffic jams are frequent, and
there are heavy tolls on most motorways and bridges, so driving in and around
Tokyo is to be avoided. Should you need a car you can rent one from Nippon Rent-a-Car
(3485 7196) or Nissan Rent-a-Car (3587 4123). You will need to be in possession
of an international driving license. The following website gives useful information
on driving in Japan:
Bicycle
The bicycle is a popular means of transportation in Tokyo and bike theft is
rare (although make sure your bike has a proper lock on it). If you plan to
do some cycling in Tokyo don’t forget that although people frequently ride on
the pavement this is illegal, as is cycling at night without lights.
Bicycles can be hired from Eight Rent (Sumitomo-seimei Bldg 1F, 31-16 Sakuragaoka-cho,
Shibuya-ku, +81334622383, Shibuya station, south exit), don’t forget to bring
your passport. However you will often be able to make the most of Tokyo by exploring
it on foot.
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