Tokyo Travel Guide GENERAL INFORMATION The city of Tokyo (formerly known as Edo) has been the administrative center of Japan since the 17th century, when the country was united under Tokugawa Ieyasu. Tokyo became the capital of Japan only in 1868, when Emperor Meiji moved to the city when it was renamed. Since then, Tokyo has grown and today has one of the largest urban populations in the world. Tokyo is very much a modern city. It has suffered from the effects of earthquakes, fires and extensive bombing during World War II. You will soon realize you have come to a city of lights and action where you will find busy people moving about a world-class commercial and financial center. Shopping and entertainment are specialties within this city. Tokyo is filled with a great many museums and cultural offerings. If you have a love for the arts, you will enjoy the many art galleries throughout the city. While in town, you will not want to miss taking in a theater performance such as a traditional Kabuki or Noh play. Shopping is truly a delight in Tokyo. Wonderful boutiques, huge department stores and numerous specialty shops will draw anyone's attention whether simply as a browser or as a serious buyer. Tokyo is a high-energy city, which will delight you with all it has to offer. LOCAL CUSTOMS General: It is customary in Japan upon entering a home to remove your shoes at the door (they can be left on in a Western-style building). Most places will accommodate you with a pair of house slippers. You also remove your slippers before entering a bathroom. You will be provided with a pair of special slippers only for use in the bathroom; when you leave the bathroom, don't forget to retrieve your house slippers at the bathroom door. The traditional way to bathe in Japan is not in a bathtub. Instead, you first sit on a low stool facing a pair of hot- and cold-water faucets or a bathpan. While sitting on your stool, you then proceed to pour the bathpan water over yourself, soaking your entire body. After you have completed rinsing yourself off and are soap-free, you go into a deep, hot tub to soak. When greeting people, always bow before the person, and they will bow to you as well. The other person's age, status and social connections determine how deeply he or she will bow and for how long. This is the customary meeting procedure and usually is used in place of the (Western) handshake. The handshake is used sometimes. If you do shake hands, do not do so forcefully - the Japanese do not share the notion that strength of grip is a reflection of one's character. When invited to a Japanese home, take a gift such as candy for the hostess. Do not take flowers; they are not considered an appropriate gift. Business: Allow plenty of extra travel time when you have an appointment. The Japanese expect punctuality. When addressing Japanese colleagues, it is best to use their family names with the honorary suffix "san." The Japanese do not like an aggressive approach to negotiations, and losing your temper or showing impatience when things are not moving along will invariably ruin your business deal. Business cards are essential in Japan. It is helpful to have your cards printed in both English and Japanese. The Japanese like to be aware of exactly who they are dealing with. Japanese make a point of reading business cards; in fact, it would be considered impolite simply to put someone's card inside your jacket pocket. Gifts play a major role in Japanese business. It is customary to exchange gifts. It is considered good luck to give gifts in pairs, such as a double pen set. Do not give gifts in groups of four, as the Japanese word for four means death. Wrap the gift in pastel colors, but not white, as this color is associated with death. CURRENCY The Japanese unit of currency is the yen. There are banknotes for 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 yen and coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500. THINGS TO KNOW Population of Tokyo: 27,700,000 Primary Industries: Metallurgy, engineering, electrical and electronic, textiles, chemicals, automobiles, fishing, telecommunications, machine tools and construction equipment City Code: 03 Shop Hours: Shops are usually open 10am to 6 or 7pm, including weekends and national holidays. Stores are generally closed one day during midweek. This day varies from store to store. Bank Hours: Banks are open weekdays 9am to 3pm and are closed on national holidays. Time Zone: Japan is 14 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, 11 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time and 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Tipping: Not recommended unless for a special service. Restaurants: No tipping is recommended. Hotel maids: At the best hotels, a 10 to 15 percent service charge is added to the bill in lieu of tipping. Taxis: Tipping is not practiced. Pay only the metered fare. WEATHER CONDITIONS Tokyo tends to have mild temperatures. The winter, though cold, is sunny, with rare instances of snowfall. Average winter daily temperatures are about 40ºF (4.7ºC). Spring brings milder weather, with some showers in March through May. Temperatures at this time reach an average of 57ºF (14ºC). The summer lasts from June to August and is hot and can be very humid. There is a rainy season from mid-June to mid-July. Autumn, September-November, is the most comfortable season, and temperatures are around 63ºF (16ºC). Please click on the weather icon on your right screen for the current weather condition on Tokyo. CITY ORIENTATION Getting around Tokyo can be very confusing to people unfamiliar with big cities. Tokyo is divided into regions or major districts. These districts circle out from the Maranouchi district, where you will find the Imperial Palace (the heart of Tokyo). Addresses do not exist in Japan as we know them. The best way to get from point A to point B is to obtain of a good city map from the tourist center and inquire about the best way to get to your destination. LOCATION From Tokyo to: Beijing - 1,307 miles (2,104km) Berlin - 5,540 miles (8,920km) Hong Kong - 1,796 miles (2,892km) London - 5,940 miles (9,560km) Los Angeles - 5,470 miles (8,810km) Kyoto - 319 miles (513km) Manila - 1,863 miles (2,999km) Melbourne - 5,090 miles (8,190km) Montreal - 6,450 miles (10,390km) Nagoya - 227 miles (366km) New York - 6,740 miles (10,840km) Rome - 6,130 miles (9,860km) Shanghai - 1,100 miles (1,760km) SIGHTS Imperial Palace Formerly Edo Castle, it is surrounded by an inner moat. Nijubashi Bridge is located here as well. Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo TIC: . (03)35021461 Permission is required to visit the palace. It is recommended that you apply as far in advance as possible and pick up your permit at least one day before your visit. For permission and permits, contact the Imperial Household Agency: . (03)32131111 Meiji Shrine This shrine was dedicated to the Emperor Meiji (1853-1912), who is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Japan." Shibuya-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Nakamise Street This lively street, leading to Sensoji Temple, offers shops for the entire family that sell wondrous goods and foods. It will give you a good idea of old Tokyo. Nakamise dori Asakusa, Tokyo TIC: . (03)35021461 National Space Tokyo Ginza Axess This showroom offers a look at the latest in appliances and fixtures for the home. There is also a section for the latest in audiovisual equipment. Ginza TIC: . (03)35021461 Sengakuji Temple This small honorable temple, highly representative of its era, was dedicated to the wronged Lord Asano and his 47 Samurai who committed ritual suicide in 1702. You will find on display the armor and possessions of the Samurai. Incense is still burned in their memory. Located near Sangakuji Subway Station Minato-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Tokyo Disneyland This theme park offers the same type of setting as the U.S. original, including theme "lands" as well as a number of rides. Buses run directly from Tokyo and Ueno stations as well as Narita Airport. Chiba TIC: . (03)35021461 Tokyo Tower This tower stands 333 meters (1,092ft) tall and is a slightly enlarged copy of the Eiffel Tower. There is an observation lounge at the top, as well as a wax museum and restaurants. Menato-ku Tokyo TIC: . (03)35021461 Toshogu Shrine This is a memorial shrine to the first Tokugawa Shogun 2, Ieyasu. The shrine dates back to 1627. Ueno Park Taito-ku, Tokyo TIC: . (03)35021461 Ueno Zoo This zoo is popular for its giant panda bears. Ueno Park, Taito-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Yasukuni Shrine This shrine is a perfect representation of Shinto architecture. It has been dedicated to the war dead of the nation. Chiyoda-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Zojoji Temple This temple offers many important artifacts, but most outstanding is the rare black Buddha that was once owned by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Located in Shiba Park, Menato-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 PARKS Hama Rikyu Garden This park is known for its tidal pond spanned by wisteria-covered trellised bridges. Chuo-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Hibiya Park This park, located across from the Imperial Hotel, offers a combination of Western and Japanese styles. Chiyoda-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Imperial Palace East Garden Its history goes back 300 years, and it garden receives many visitors every year. The garden is only a small section of the Imperial Palace compound. Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Koishikawa Botanical Gardens This park features a half-moon-shaped bridge, designed to take on the shape of the full moon when spectators looked at its reflection in the pond. Bunkyo-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Rikugien A restful garden with landscaped art enclosed by a high brick wall. Bunkyo-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden This garden, donated to the city by the Imperial family, is famous for quiet walks in which you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Shinjuku-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Ueno Park Museums, theaters, restaurants, a zoo, the Toshogu Shrine and gardens are all contained in its 210 acres. Ueno Taito-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 Yoyogi Park Once the site of the Olympic Village, this park attracts active visitors, particularly the younger crowd. Shibuya-ku TIC: . (03)35021461 MUSEUMS Bridgestone Museum of Art This private museum concentrates mainly on French art and Japanese painting in the Western manner. 2nd Floor, Bridgestone Building 1-10-1, Kyobashi Chuo-ku . (03)35630241 Gallery of Horyuji Treasures This museum contains a rare collection from the ancient Asuka and Nara periods. Located next to the National Museum In Ueno Park Ueno TIC: . (03)35021461 The Japanese Sword Museum This museum displays a collection of more than 6,000 sword blades, 30 of which are National Treasures. 4-25-10 Yoyogi Shibuya-ku . (03)33791386 The National Museum of Modern Art This museum houses Japanese art since the Meiji period. 3 Kitanomaru-koen (In Kitanomaru Park) Chiyoda-ku . (03)32142561 The National Museum of Western Art This museum offers an impressive collection of Western art from the Renaissance to the present. 7-7, Ueno-koen (In Ueno Park) Taito-ku . (03)38285131 National Science Museum This museum explores both international and Japanese achievements in archeology, botany, oceanography and zoology. 7-20, Ueno-koen (In Ueno Park) Taito-ku Tokyo . (03)38220111 Nezu Institute of Fine Arts This museum features a superb collection of well-known Japanese art, plus some Chinese art. 6-5-1 Minami-Aoyama Minato-ku . (03)34002536 Riccar Art Museum This museum offers an excellent woodblock print collection, one of the best in Japan. 7th Floor, Riccar Building 6-2-3 Ginza Chuo-ku . (03)35713254 Sumo Museum You will find records and documents related to the history of Sumo since the 18th century. 1-3-28 Yokoami Sumida-ku . (06)36220366 The Tokyo National Museum This is the largest museum in Japan, with the most spectacular collection of Japanese art in the world. 13-9 Ueno-koen (In Ueno Park) Taito-ku . (03)38221111 TOURS & CHARTERS There are quite a number of tours available, with many agents specializing in ground travel. The concierge at your hotel should have details, or contact the TIC for more information. Licensed interpreter tour guides are available. Contact the Japan Guide Association: . (03)32132706 JTB (Japan Travel Bureau) has a variety of high-tech tours within Tokyo. Some high-tech manufacturers open their showrooms to visitors, for a look into the latest computer, video audio equipment and home appliances. Automobile manufacturers such as Toyota and Nissan offer tours of their plants. Both JTB and the Gray Line have night tours. Take in a traditional dinner, Kabuki theater or perhaps enjoy being entertained by the Geisha. SHOPPING To shop in Tokyo is to discover everything from the traditional arts and crafts to the latest in high-tech consumer products. The best shopping areas are in the Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya districts; the electronics district is Akihabara. As well as smaller shops, Tokyo, of course, has a large number of department stores. Popular purchases include pearls, electronic goods, cameras and traditional craft items such as fans, lanterns, silk items, lacquerware and woodblock prints. One of the most unusual souvenirs you may pick up is a plastic replica of food (the type you see in restaurant windows). As you will see, there are many of these replicas around Japan. Their manufacture has become somewhat of an "art form." If you want to buy a kimono, look for a secondhand wedding kimono. These items will be lasting, beautiful mementos of your trip. SPORTS The most popular spectator sport in Tokyo is Sumo wrestling, with tournaments in January, May and September. Sumo wrestlers, as you probably are aware, are huge men. The battle is fought in a dirt ring, and the loser is the wrestler first forced outside the ring or to the ground. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as Sumo is popular. For tickets to sports stadiums (as well as concerts and the theater), contact: Play Guide Honten 2-6-4 Ginza, Chuo-ku Tokyo . (03)35618821 or Kyukyodo Ticket Service 5-7-4 Ginza Tokyo . (03)35710401 There are a number of other ticket agencies in Tokyo. Baseball is next in line in terms of popularity, and when in Tokyo visit the Korakuen "Big-dome" stadium to watch a game. Other sports that are widely enjoyed are the martial arts such as Judo, Kendo, Karate, Kyudo and Aikido. Golfing enjoys a healthy following in Japan, particularly among business executives. Companies often purchase memberships for their top staff, as business associates often get to know each other on the green. Because of the shortage of space for golf memberships, they are very expensive. RESTAURANTS $$$ Balalaika Russian Cuisine 5-9-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku . (03)5728387 $$$ Bengawan Solo Indonesian Cuisine 7-18-13 Roppongi, Minato-ku . (03)4085969 $$$ Borsalino Italian Cuisine 6-8-21 Roppongi, M inato-ku . (03)4017751 $$$ Budo-tei French Cuisine 2-14-3 Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku . (03)5930123 $$$ Castle Praha Czech Cuisine 6-2-31 Roppongi, Minato-ku . (03)4052831 $$$ Chez Matsuo French Cuisine 1-23-15 Shoto, Shibuya-ku . (03)4650610 $$$ Edo-Gin Japanese Cuisine 4-5-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku . (03)5434405 $$$ Fukudaya Japanese Cuisine 6 Kioi-cho, Chiyodu-ku . (03)2618577 $$$ Heichinrou Western Cuisine 2-2-2 Uchisaiwai-cho, Chiyoda-ku . (03)5080555 $$$ Inakaya Japanese Cuisine 5-3-4 Roppongi, Minato-ku . (03)4085040 $$$ Ketel's German Cuisine 5-5-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku . (03)5715056 $$$ L'Orangerie French Cuisine 3-6-1 Kita-Aoyana . (03)4077461 $$$ La Belle Epoque French Cuisine 2-10-4 Toanomon, Minato-ku . (03)5056073 $$$ La Patata Italian Cuisine 2-9-11 Jigumae, Shibuya-ku . (03)4039664 $$$ La Tour d'Argent French Cuisine 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku . (03)2393111 $$$ Sabatini di Firenze Italian Cuisine 5-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku . (03)5730013 $$$ Sasashu ese Cuisine 2-2 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku . (03)9716796 Japan $$$ Spago Western Cuisine 5-7-8 Roppongi, Minato-ku . (03)4234025 $$$ Stockholm Swedish Cuisine 6-11-9 Roppongi, Minato-ku . (03)4039046 $$$ Tenmatsu ese Cuisine 1-6-1 Dogenzaka, JapanShibuya-ku . (03)4622815 $$$ Toh-Ka-Lin Chinese Cuisine 2-10-4 Toranomon . (03)5056068 $$$ Tokyo Joe's Western Cuisine Nafato-chu 2-13-5, Chiyoda-ku . (03)5080325 $$ Ashoka Indian Cuisine 7-9-18 Ginza, Chuo-ku . (03)5722377 $$ Ganchan Japanese Cuisine 6-8-23 Roppongi, Minato-ku . (03)4780092 $$ Go-nin Hyakusho (Five Farmers) Japanese Cuisine 3-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku . (03)4701675 $$ South China Chinese Cuisine 6-35 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku . (03)4000031 NIGHTLIFE Bars The Hard Rock Cafe Many of us are familiar with this place; it's the same, but in Tokyo. 5-4-20 Roppongi, Minato-ku . (03)4087018 Highlander Bar Good atmosphere for conducting business. Hotel Okura . (03)58201111 Le Club This bar has a quiet Japanese-modern interior and is a nice place to talk business. Plaza Kay B1, 5-1-1 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku . (03)4025703 Old Imperial Bar Imperial Hotel . (03)5041111 Temps Dai-ni Lene Building 4th floor 5-3-1 Roppongi Minato-ku . (03)4040661 Trader Vic's New Otani Hotel . (03)02651111 Jazz Clubs Body and Soul This is a small club where you'll usually find the musicians sitting in the crowd after their gig is over, listening to the other performers. 7-14-12 Roppongi, Minato-ku . (03)4082094 The Blue Note Where the "big boys" play. 5-13-3 Aoyama, Minato-ku . (03)4075781 Satin Doll A serious jazz club. Haiyuza Building, 3rd floor 4-9-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku . (03)4013080 Dance Clubs Club Z This is one of the biggest clubs in Tokyo as well as one of the best. . 33365841 Rock Mother Students' favorite hangout. . 34601479 Rolling Stone This is a popular hard rock hangout. . 33547347 PERFORMING ARTS Budokan Pop music and rock concerts are staged here. 2-3 Kita-no-maru, Chiyoda-ku . (03)2160781 Casals Hall This hall offers chamber music and a variety of modern theater performances. 1-6 Kanda Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku . (03)2941229 Imperial Theater This theater is known for its musicals. 3-1-1 Marunounchi, Chiyoda-ku . (03)2137221 Kabuki-za This is the best place to see Japan's traditional Kabuki. It was especially built for Kabuki performances in 1925. 4-12-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku . (03)5413131 National Theater of Japan This theater hosts Kabuki companies from outside Tokyo. 4-1 Hayabusa-cho, Chiyoda-ku . (03)2657411 Suntory Hall Western classical music as well as opera can be heard there. 1-13-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku . (03)5051001 Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Western classical music as well as opera can be heard there too. 5-45 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku . (03)8282111 SEASONAL EVENTS January: New Year's Celebrations begin on December 31 and continue for a few days. This is an important time of the year, when families visit the shrines and pray for good fortune. January 15 is "Coming of Age Day." All people who will turn 20 during the year dress in their best clothing (often an embroidered kimono) and celebrate. March: Hina-Matsuri is the Dolls Festival. It is a great celebration for young girls. April: From April 29 through May 3 is the Spring Festival at Meiji Shrine. You will see cultural demonstrations such as martial arts or perhaps a Noh performance. May: Two of Tokyo's "big three" festivals are held this month. The Kanda Festival is held in odd-numbered years on the weekend closest May 15. 70 lacquered and gilded portable shrines are carried through the streets. Sanja Festival, centered around the Asakusa Shrine, is held over three days on the third weekend in May. Portable shrines of gold and lacquer are carried through the streets in the Asakusa district. June: Torigoe Jinja Festival is held at night on the Sunday closest to June 9. A four-ton portable shrine is carried through the streets illuminated by lantern light. The Sanno Festival is the third major festival in Tokyo and is held on June 10-16 (the other two take place in May) . Portable shrines are carried through the streets of Asakusa. July: The Bon Festival is held July 13-15 in honor of all departed ancestors. Many prayers are offered and the celebrants dance. August Hanabi Taikai is a spectacular festival of fireworks along the Sumida River. November: Shichi-go-san is on November 15, when children aged 3, 5 and 7 dress in fine clothes, visit the shrines and pray for good health. December: December 17-19, there is a fair called Hagoita-Ichi at Asakusa Kannon Temple, where decorated battledores (a flat bat or racket used in games) are sold. EMERGENCY NUMBERS Emergency: 110 Police: 110; Police, general information in English: . 35010110 Fire/Ambulance: 119 Medical Referral: Medical Assistance to Travelers (IAMAT) 417 Center Street Lewiston, NY 14092 . (716)7544883 Hospitals: International Catholic Hospital 2-5-1 Naka-Ochiai, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo 161 . (03)39511111 Japan Red Cross Medical Center 4-1-22 Hiroo Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150 . (03)34001311 St. Luke's International Hospital 10 Akashicho 1-chome Chuo-ku Tokyo 104 . (03)35415151 PRACTICAL INFORMATION Using Public Phones: The typical charge for using a public phone is 10´? for a three-minute call. The red and pink phones accept only ´?10 coins; yellow and green phones will accept ´?10 and ´?100. Be sure to carry lots of change. The warning buzzer will only give barely a second before disconnecting your call. Green phones also accept magnetically coded "telephone cards," which you can obtain at any kiosk, convenience store, department store or hotel lobby in denominations of ´?500, ´?1,000, ´?3,000 and ´?5,000. A digital display will let you know how much time you have left on your card. There are new gray telephones appearing throughout Japan. These are equipped with a monitor screen that can supply instructions in either English or Japanese. International Access Code: There are three companies operating within Japan offering international direct dialing: 001(KDD) - 0041 (ITJ) - 0061 (IDC) Country Code: 81 City Code: 03 When calling a Tokyo telephone number from within Tokyo, delete the city code from the number. When calling a number in Tokyo from another city, use the entire area code. When calling a number in Tokyo from another country, omit the first digit (0) from the city code. Postal Information: You will want to look for a red and white T with a bar across the top. The post boxes have two slots: red-lettered for Tokyo mail, and blue-lettered for all other mail. The central post office is located next to Tokyo Station in the Tokyo Station plaza, Chiyoda-ku. The telephone number is . 32849527 American Express Office: The American Express Travel Service Toranomon-Mitsui Building 3-8-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku . (03)35082400 American Express Travel Service Ginza Four Star Building 4-1 Ginza 4-chome Chuo-ku . (03)35644381 BUSINESS SERVICES Audio Visual Rental: Rental Shop ACOM 1-34-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku . (03)3505081 Computer Rental: To get information on where to find computer rentals, contact the Business Service Center at your hotel. Overnight Mail: DHL: . (03)32016591 Federal Express: . (800)0120003200 Messenger Service: Bike Kyubin: . (800)0120378199 Business Kyubin: . (800)0120003200 UPS-Yamato Transport: . (03)3179911 The Sugu: . (03)3060055 Note: Staff generally does not speak or understand English. VISITORS INFORMATION TIC (Tourist Information Center) 6-6, Yurakucho 1-chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100 . (03)35021461 TIC New Tokyo International Airport Airport Terminal Building Narita, Chiba 282 . (0476)328711 In addition to TICs, there are many local tourist information centers throughout Japan, known as "i" Information Centers. Teletourist Service (recorded telephone information service): Tokyo (English): . (03)35032911 Tokyo (French): . (03)35032926 Japanese National Tourist Offices: JNTO 115 Pitt Street Sydney, NSW Australia . (02)2324522 JNTO 165 University Avenue Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3B8 Canada . (416)3667140 JNTO 167 Regent Street London, W1 United Kingdom . (071)7349638 USA: JNTO Rockefeller Plaza 630 Fifth Ave. New York, NY. 10111 . (212)7575640 JNTO 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 770 Chicago, IL 60611 . (312)2220874 JNTO 2121 San Jacinto Street., Suite 980 Dallas, TX 75201 . (214)7541820 JNTO 360 Post Street, Suite 401 San Francisco, CA 94108 . (415)9897140 JNTO 624 S. Grand Ave, Suite 2640 Los Angeles, CA 90017 . (213)6231952 CONVENTION CENTERS Nippon Convention Center 3-16 Chuo 2-chome, Chiba Prefecture . (047)2251700 Sunshine City Convention Center 3-1-1 Higashi Ikebukuo, Toshima-ku . (03)9893486 Tokyo Fair Grounds 5-3-53 Harumi, Chuo-ku . (03)5335311 Tokyo Ryutsu Center 6-1-1 Heiwajima, Ohta-ku . (03)7672162 Tokyo Trade Center Taito Hall 2-6-5 Hanakawado, Taito-ku . (03)8446151 World Trade Center of Japan 2-4-1 Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku . (03)4355650 AIRPORT INFORMATION Airport The two airports that serve Tokyo are Haneda, the domestic airport, and the New Tokyo International Airport (commonly know as Narita), Tokyo's primary international airport. Narita is located 37 miles (60km) from downtown Tokyo. Airlines All Nippon Airways: . (03)32721212 American: . (03)32482011 British Airways: . (03)35938811 Canadian Airlines: . (03)32817426 Continental: . (03)35921631 Delta: . (03)52757000 Japan Airlines: . (03)54891111 Japan Air System: . (03)34381155 Qantas: . (03)35937000 Singapore Airlines: . (03)32133431 United: . (03)38174411 Airport Transportation To reach your travel destination from Narita airport, you can choose from among a variety of methods. Airport Limousine Buses are recommended for travelers with heavy baggage. These buses are comfortable and convenient and take you to Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT). The buses depart from outside the arrival lobby. Some services go directly to hotels, Haneda Airport or Yokohama. Go to the Meet & Assisi Counter facing Customs. The Airport Shuttle Bus is a nonstop service from Narita to major Tokyo hotels. The booth for the Shuttle is in the arrival lobby. Taxis are the most expensive means of traveling to the downtown area. Luggage space, however, is limited. All licensed taxis have green number plates, so only use these taxis. JR Trains (the national group of six companies) offer a new Narita Express service. This is a well-designed system, the train have been built especially to accommodate passengers with large bags and suitcases. There is a first-class section (Green Car) that has private compartments. All signs and announcements are in Japanese and English. More information is available on the train, in English, via a telephone. The service links Narita with Tokyo, Ikebukuro and Yokohama. Purchase your JR pass from the JR counter in the airport. The station is located under the airport terminal building. Keisei Trains as well have a train service that is almost as fast as the JR Narita Express. The Keisei Narita station is located under the terminal building as well. This service will take you through to Keisei Ueno station. You can then transfer to the JR and subway stations, which are located a short distance from there. CAR RENTAL National Car Rental: . (04)7632-0601 Narita: . (03)7478785 Haneda: . (800)2273876 Nissan Leasing: Narita: . 0476328888 Haneda: . (03)7478782 Toyota Leasing: Narita: . 047632-8218 Haneda: . (03)7426681 TAXI SERVICE Checker Cab: . (03)5635151 Green Cab: . (03)2038181 Hinomaru Cab: . (03)8141111 Kokusai Taxi: . (03)4916001 Tokyo Musen Taxi: . (03)3302111 Very few dispatchers at the taxi companies speak English. LIMOUSINE SERVICE Hinomaru Transportation: . (03)5050707 Hotel Okura Limousine Service: . (03)5832424 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Trains The train service within Tokyo is highly developed and will take you just about everywhere you will want to go. JR (the national group of six companies) services much of Tokyo. The most important JR line in Tokyo is the Yamanote Line, which loops around the central part of the city. In addition to the JR system, you may use the subway. The subway will connect with JR at particular stations (or close to them). Station names have signs in both Japanese and English. Tickets may be purchased from vending machines. Tokyo Station 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku JR East Info Line . (03)4230111 Tokyo Tourist Office 6-6 Yurakucho 1 Chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo . (03)35021461 Buses The bus system in Tokyo, while extensive, is not recommended for the visitor, as the bus stop signs are written in Japanese, and the drivers often will not understand English. Service is also slow because of the traffic congestion in Tokyo. Tokyo Real Estate - Narita Real Estate - Kyoto Real Estate - Shizuoka-ken Real Estate - Fujisawa Real Estate - Toyama Real Estate - Ebina Real Estate - Fukuoka Real Estate - Okayama Real Estate - Itami Real Estate - Kitakyushu Real Estate - Matsuyama Real Estate - Nagoya Real Estate - Osaka Real Estate - Saipan Real Estate - Sendai Real Estate - Shimonoseki Real Estate - Chiba Real Estate - Uozu Real Estate - Ikebukuro Real Estate - Guam Real Estate - Otaru Real Estate - Mito Real Estate - Kobe Real Estate - Yokohama Real Estate - Nagasaki Real Estate - Hokkaido Real Estate - Aichi-ken Real Estate - Kochi Real Estate - Yamanashi Real Estate - Tochigi-Ken Real Estate - Takamatsu Real Estate Contact the Tokyo Tourist Office for complete information on the bus services provided in Tokyo. . (03)5021461