Resources: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4006.html


So how do I get to Osaka City?
From Kansai International Airport

1)Nankai Raiway
The most popular way would be taking the Nankai Railway to Nankai's Nanba Station. The Limited Express trains cost 1390yen and takes 30mins. The Express trains costs 890yen and takes 45mins.
If your accommodation is not in Nanba, you can walk easily to the Nanba Subway station that's located nearby and take the subway to your destination.

2)Airport Limousine bus
If you have lots of luggage, a good way would be to take the airport limousine bus. It stops and picks up passengers from various Hotels in Osaka, as well as JR Osaka Station, JR Nanba Station and Itami airport.
Charges varies according to stop-off location.
Information about pickup/drop-off locations and charges can be found here.

3) JR lines
For JR pass holders, The Haruka Ltd Express trains stops at JR Tennoji station and JR Shin-Osaka Station. To Tennoji Station it costs 1760yen for an unreserved seat or 2100yen for reserved seat and takes 30mins, to Shin-osaka station it costs 2470yen for an unreserved seat or 2800yen for a reserved seat and takes 50mins.
Not exactly the most cost effective way, but its good if you have the JR pass you can take this to save time..

Another route called the JR Airport Rapid service stops at JR Tennoji Station and JR Osaka station. To Tennoji costs 1030yen and takes 50mins and to Osaka station it takes 70mins and cost 1160yen. From both stations you can take the subway. This route would be the cheapest to both Nanba and Umeda area.


Itami Domestic Airport
Though closer to Osaka city, there isn't exactly a direct train line though the train method is more economical.

via train, From Itami, take the Osaka Monorail to Hotarugaike Station. From here transfer to the Hankyu Railway Takarazuka line to Umeda station. From Umeda you can take the subway to other locations in Osaka. For the first leg it costs 200yen and takes about 2mins (as it's only 1 stop away), the subsequent leg to Umeda costs 220yen and takes 18mins.

Itami has airport bus service as well. Pick ups are available from Osaka Station, Nanba OCAT building, etc. Check out this link for pricing and locations.

Tokyo

1)Shinkansen
This is the most popular option, especially if you have a JR pass. You can board at either JR Tokyo Station or JR Shinagawa station for the Tokaido Shinkansen line.
>> Via nozomi, it takes 155mins and costs 13800yen for a reserved seat and 13500yen for non-reserved seat (Note, not valid for JR pass).
>> Via Hikari, it takes 180mins and costs 13500yen for a reserved seat and 13240yen for non-reserved seat.

2)Highway bus
This is my favourite option.
It's cheap. From 123bus company, it costs 4100yen to 8500yen depending on the type of bus chosen and date of departure.

For JR bus company, tickets can be bought just before departure from JR Tokyo Station (near Minami Yaesu Exit).

Pickup locations are usually at JR Tokyo station, Shinjuku bus station, Disneyland Resort, Ikebukuro or Shinagawa.
Dropoff locations are usually JR Osaka station, JR Nanba station, JR Tennoji station or Universal Studios.

Generally night sleeper buses take about 9-10hrs.

3)Domestic Flights
Will do a writeup on Domestic flights seperately. look out for it.

Narita airport
Read here for method of travel to Tokyo City, and from there you can pick from the 3 methods above for travel from Tokyo to Osaka.

Kyoto
1)JR
JR Kyoto Line connects JR Osaka station to JR Kyoto station and vice versa. Costs 540yen and takes 30mins. Valid on JR pass.

2)Shinkansen
Only if you are on the JR pass, if not it's not worth it.
It takes 15mins and costs 1380yen via Shin-Osaka station using the Kodama or Hikari trains.

3)Hankyu railway
The Hankyu Kyoto line from Karasuma or Kawaramachi Station to Hankyu Umeda stationtakes 40mins and costs about 400yen. Good way if your accommodation in Kyoto is located in that area, and you stay in Umeda area.

4)Keihan raiway
Keihan Main line Ltd Exp from Sanjo Station to Yodoyabashi (somewhere in between Nanba and Umeda on the Midosuji line) takes 50mins and costs 400yen. Good way if your accommodation in Kyoto is in Central Kyoto and you stay in Nanba.

Resources: http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.jp/foreign/english/index.html
http://www.westjr.co.jp/english/global.html

Whats the local transport like?

It mainly consists of the Municipal subway lines (9 lines) that criss-crosses the centre of Osaka city.
The JR line circles the perimeter of the city, thus called the JR Osaka Loop line.
And a couple of other railway companies travel from the major stations like Umeda and Nanba to the outskirts of Osaka City.

The Midosuji line is Osaka's equivalent to the JR Yamanote line in Tokyo. It connects Umeda area to Nanba area, which are the 2 major sightseeing and shopping locations in Osaka.

What's the best payment method?

As with the Suica in Tokyo, Osaka has the Icoca.

While the Suica can work on only the JR lines in Osaka, the Icoca works on all the subway lines, all JR lines and some other railway lines in Osaka.

The Icoca is issued by JR west, and can be bought at ticketing vending machines or the Green window office in JR stations.

Another prepaid card would be the Rainbow card, somewhat the Osaka Municipal Transport Bureau's version of the Icoca.

The difference is that the Rainbow card is not re-chargeable, and you have to feed it in the ticket slot instead of tapping.

Valid on the "Surutto Kansai network", in other words all subway lines, all JR lines, some other railway lines, tram system and local buses.

Purchasable at Rainbow card sale offices in major subway stations.

In both cards there are no discounts for travel.

And there is the Multiple ride card, purchasable from the subway ticketing offices.
For 3000yen, you can get 3300yen worth of travel value.
In other words, an extra free 300yen value.
Only problem is that most of these ticketing offices do not have english speaking staff, and only valid on subway, tram system and local buses.

What other options are there?
Depending on the extend of travel, there is the One-day Pass that costs 850yen, but only valid on the subway, tram system and local buses. But unlimited number of trips in 1 calendar day.

There is also the No-My-Car-Day Pass which costs 600yen. Similar concept as the One-day pass but only can be bought and used on every friday and 20th of the month (If it falls on a Sunday or Public Holiday, subsequent day will be No-My-Car-Day instead)


To wrap up... Osaka is easier to travel around as compared to Tokyo due to its size, but JR pass holders may have to be creative about the routes they take.
Feel free to email me for advise.
http://www.hyperdia.com works as well, so do use it for your transport planning.

Part 1 here



Harajuku
The Map linked here is a little messy, but it shows all the shops in the area.
This site (in Japanese) has the full listings of shops in whole of Harajuku.

Takeshita dori, located just right smack in front of JR Harajuku stn, offers lots of street food (like crepes) and lots of clothes and accesories.
Here's a detailed map of Takeshita dori, but unfortunately it's in Japanese.
The ones in pink are food places, orange are shopping places, blue is entertainment places and green are services (somehow convenience stores are under services)
I'll try to list out what they are..
anything with (?) means it's what i think it is but may not be right.

1) Is my favourite coffee chain in Japan, Doutor coffee.
2) To The Herbs. It's a Pizza and pasta restaurant.
3) Something called Komusa Store. It's orange and the store description says Fashion, but... searches done seem to bring up a dessert store -_-"
4) Snoopy Town shop
5) and 6) Sports Store
7) Torisutei, I think is a restaurant specialising in chicken. They seem to have Chicken sashimi as well
8) You won't believe it.. it's a swimming school......
9) Family Mart convenience store
10) Fancl
11) Lotteria
12) Mac Donald
13) Sweet Box Crepes
14) It's a Neoprint shop
15) Noa Cafe
16) Mighty Soxer, a socks shop
17) Harada's, fashion store
18) The Silhouette, fashion store
19) This is like a shop that sells hobby stuff or collectables related to sports.
20) Goody House, fashion store
21) Hatch, optician
22) Kusuri no Seijo, drugstore
23) Elleme, fashion store
24) Ootoya, japanese restaurant
25) Cafe Solare
26) Zona Liberata, fashion store
27) SOS Market(?), fashion store
28) and 29) Real Estate
30) Jeans Mate
31) Idol On (?), Idol collectables store
32) Popland (?), Idol collectables store
33) Hanamaru Udon
34) Matsumoto Kiyoshi, drugstore (a must go if you are buying drugstore cosmetics)
35) Spaghetti-ya, Italian food
36) and 37) Travel agents
38) Homeostyle, hairsalon
39) This is a building. 1st floor is Glitzy Chest, a used clothes store, and Stefany, a fashion store.
2nd floor is aJyu, a hair salon. The 3rd floor is somesort of rental space for meetings.
40) Lip Hip, Fashion store
41) Marion Crepes
42) Garage Fine, shoe shop
43) Gal Fit, Fashion store
44) Cafe Crepes
45) SaFaRi, accessories shop
46) Murasaki sports shop
47) Tarim fortune telling
48) Ragtag, fashion store
49) Unison Japan, accessories shop
50) Natural Terra, somesort of natural remedy and herb food shop i think
51) 7-11
52) Labo Labo, Skincare
54) Pants Shop LAA, fashion store
55) Real Market (?), fashion store
56) Aimerfeel, lingerie (webbie is meant for phones)
57) Bell Bell, handphone accessories shop
58) The Body shop
59) Claires (Must go for accessories!)
60) Crossover (?), fashion store
61) Sex pot revenge, fashion store
62) Harajuku shoes
63) 390yen clothes shop
64) Tami(?), fashion store
65) Kuze bag shop
67) Lotteria
68) Tabasa italian restaurant
69) White Essence, spa
70)Tamagami, kids clothes
71) Starbucks
72) Diana shoe shop
73) Book Off, equivalent to Popular book store here.
74) Karaoke 747
75) Chez Lion, hair salon
76) Real estate
77) Umaya no Shokutaku, serves western and japanese food.
78) Fancy Pocket, accessories store
79) Daiso
80) Art gallery
81) Marche, accessories store
82) Continue (?), don't know what store this is
83) Real estate
84) Zen Mall, fashion store
85) Lucia, japanese restaurant
86) Poesie Elf by Amos style, lingerie store
87) Northerly, lingerie store
88) Happy Hearts entertainment centre
89) Wooden dolls, mens clothes
90) Ongle, nail salon
91) La foret
92) Cola-collection, collectables store
93) Kakureya, japanese restaurant

*phew...

The real gems are hidden in the back street and alleys to the east of Takeshita dori.
Cheap ramen and other types of food can be found there.

Further up east is Omotesando, more of a High end brand mall. It's nice to go in and see the interior.. but I'm too poor to afford anything in there!

It's possible to walk to Shibuya from here, but If your sense of direction is bad... just take the train. It's like 2mins by train.

Ikebukuro
This is my favourite place. It has a whole different character to the other 3 places already mentioned.
Here there's the 2 largest department malls in the whole of Japan, Seibu and Tobu. Both of which have also the biggest food department *eyes twinkle*.
Tobu lies to the west and Seibu to the east.

On the east side there are mainly small shops and drugstores, plenty of food in the alleys and Metropolitan Plaza, Marui department mall.
On the west side there is Mitsukoshi, Tokyu hands, Alpa, Sunshine City and Animate, along with the vast number of small shops around the area.
There are plenty of drugstores here, Matsumoto Kiyoshi can be found on both sides of Ikebukuro, Tomods is in Metropolitan Plaza, and there's a Loft in Seibu and Sunshine City.
There's a Uniqlo standalone store on the east side.

Besides booking directly via the accomodation's own website, there are websites available for Accomodation Reservations.

1. http://www.japanhotel.net/
   
   • I personally used this a few times, good rates and good service.
2. http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/
   
   • This website specialise in Ryokans and minshuku bookings
3. http://travel.rakuten.co.jp/en/
   • Used once before, rates are pretty good.
4. http://www.itcj.jp/
5. http://www.itravel.jp/
6. http://www.jcha.or.jp/english
7. http://japanican.com/
8. http://www.ryokan.or.jp/index_en.html
   • This is a website where you can book ryokans part of the Japan Ryokan Association
9. http://www.jyh.or.jp/english/
   • This website specialise in Youth Hostels that are part of the Japan Youth Hostel group
10. http://www.hostel.com/
    • You can book minshukus, guest houses and hostels here

If you can read Japanese Jalan.net is a really good option.
In some instances it's cheaper (or equal to) than any hotel booking site in English and has a wider range of accomodations.

Resources: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/

Where should I stay?
I always recommend a hotel which is a short walking distance from any station on the JR Yamanote Line. This includes Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Ueno, Akihabara, etc
Why?
Shinjuku, Shibuya and Harajuku, which are the most popular shopping destinations in Tokyo, are conveniently located on the JR Yamanote line.Plus it's easy access to Odaiba bay and Ueno Park.
It's a little tricky to get to Asakusa and Tsukiji area, but it's still very do-able.

Budget accomodations can be found in Asakusa area, Ueno, Ikebukuro and areas slightly off from JR Tokyo station.Shinjuku and Shibuya areas though popular, are relatively more expensive on normal basis.

My personal favourite is Ikebukuro, I'm in love with that place :)

What are my lodging options?
*note that my examples are not recommendations, and are not the full listings.

Business Hotel
The most popular and the most common type.
You can say it's a low-end hotel, but it's still clean and pleasant to stay in.
They do offer breakfast options as well.
A small number of business hotels do not offer private toilet and bath facilities, instead there is a common toilet and bath which all the guests share.
As they actually cater for Japanese Businessmen, they tend to be very close to a train station.

Prices range from 5000 - 18000yen

Examples:

1. Renaissance Hotel Chain
2. Hotel Strix　(my personal Tokyo favourite)
3. Shibuya City
4. Sunroute Hotel Chain

Hotel
These tend to be on the high end in price.
The rooms are definately bigger than the Business Hotels.

Prices range from 15000yen - 50000yen

Examples

1. Prince Hotel Chain
2. Ritz Carlton

Minshuku
These are family-run establishments. Something like the bed and breakfast concept in the west.
They are cheap and good, but most of them do not have private toilet and bath facilities, instead there is a common toilet and bath which all the guests share.
Prices for rooms are usually charged per person per night, which is also why most places do not offer rooms for just 1 person.
But it's a good option for large groups who want to save money and share a single room.
Rooms are usually done up japanese style.
As the prices get cheaper, they tend to be a little out of the way.

Prices range from 2500yen - 15000yen

Example

1. House Ikebukuro
2. New Izu Hotel
3. Aizuya Inn
4. Homeikan

Guest Houses and Hostels
These came up as part of the Minshuku concept, but are managed like a Hotel.
As with the Minshukus, they are cheap and good, but most of them do not have private toilet and bath facilities, instead there is a common toilet and bath which all the guests share.
For Hostels, you may not get a private room facility, instead it's a common room with common facilities.
As the prices get cheaper, they tend to be a little out of the way.

Prices range from 1000 - 15000yen

Example

1. Oakhouse
2. Khaosan
3. Sakura Hostel

Ryokans
To be honest, Ryokans in Tokyo are few and far between. And are very unlike the ones you watch on Japan Hour.
These are the high end versions of the Minshuku. The rooms are ALWAYS in japanese style and usually offer breakfast as part of the room stay, and sometimes offer dinner (which is different from the usual Ryokans that offer dinner on a usual basis).
Ryokans that offer western rooms or mixed style rooms are usually called Ryokan Hotels.
They are cheaper than the Ryokans you would find in onsen towns and they also would most probably not provide onsens. At the most you'll get a sento.

Price range from 12000 - 40000yen

Examples

1. Ryumeikan chain
2. Sumisho (has sento)
3. Asakusa Shigetsu (has sento)
4. Sadachiyo SukerokunoYado

Weekly Mansions
These are apartments where you can rent for at least 7days.
The lodgings have a kitchen and living area provided. Housekeeping services are also included, and you will have to pay for electric and heating.
But you won't have any meals, and most of the sites to book from are in Japanese.

Price range is about 3000-12000yen per night for a 7 day stay

Examples

1. Weekly Center
2. Weekly Monthly

Please check out my post on Accomodation Booking

Resources: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/
Tokyo is one of the best places to shop in Japan (but not the best in my opinion).

Shopping areas
*Area names are linked to maps

Shinjuku
Tokyo = Shinjuku
Everytime you hear about Tokyo, you'll think Shinjuku.

If you have a shopping list, it's probably here where you can fufil every single item.

Just on the top (and the same level) of Shinjuku Stn, there are 6 malls.
Odakyu, Keio, Lumine, Mylord, Lumine 2 and Est.
IMO, its enough to make you stay for at least 4hrs.
For Odakyu, there's a small budget cosmetics section on the 2nd floor where you can get your drugstore cosmetic fix.
Lumine, Lumine2, Mylord and Est have nice fashion items and equally appealing stores.

On the outside areas to the east, there is Alta, Isetan, Muji standalone store and Marui City.

Alta is similar to Lumine, catering to young females. Oh and there's a Mister Donut here.
The Muji is just next to Isetan and has about 4 or 5floors. Worth a peek.
The Isetan caters more to branded items, did not feel like there was much to see.
Marui City has Orbis in case you are interested.

To the south of the station, there's Takashimaya, Tokyu hands and Kinokuniya.
The Takashimaya here is pretty big and carries quite a few counter-brand cosmetics.
Tokyu hands is more for the creative arts and craft person.
Kinokuniya is pretty huge here, good for buying Japanese language textbooks :)

For your counter brand cosmetics fix, you can probably get everything at Odakyu or Takashimaya.

Kabuki-cho is actually an interesting place to walk plus there's quite abit of resonably priced eats in the alleys there. Yes it is a Yakuza area by the way, but don't let that discourage you. It's a very colourful neighbourhood.

Somewhere to the north of Odakyu there's an alley with lots of cheap yakitori joints called Shonben yokocho. Might want to visit if you are there in the evenings.

There is also a Bic camera and Yodobashi camera here.
Their respective websites actually publishes prices of items they carry.

Shibuya
I prefer this place way more than Shinjuku or Harajuku.

And I feel it's a must to have a drink at the Starbucks at Q-Front (a CD store like HMV) and watch as people cross the massively huge pedestrian crossing down below.

There are plenty of small independent shops here as well as trendy malls.
My favourites would be Parco 2 （There's Parco 1 and 3 too) and Loft.

Oh.. how I love Loft!
It has a massive drugstore skincare and cosmetic section, as well as all the stuff and gadgets you see in sprees.
And not forgetting the stationary section!
It's hard not to fall in love with Loft.

There is also the famous Shibuya 109 and 109-2. Somewhat like our Far east plaza?

There's also a standalone Uniqlo store somewhere near Parco 3.

Part 2 here

Resource: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/suica.html

What is Suica?

It's specifically Tokyo's (yes Tokyo.. not Japan) version of our ezlink card.



Only thing is that you do not get any discounts on transport, which I do not find it much of a problem.



It SOooooo convenient.

Just tap and go. Tap to go out.



It's easy to top up at the ticketing machines (there's english :) ) and you buy it via the ticketing machine! So no queueing.

What can I use it for?
Basically, in Tokyo itself, you can use it for..

1. Any JR local lines, Ltd Express lines and Express Lines
2. Tokyo Metro Subway lines
3. Toei Subway Lines
4. Tokyo Monorail
5. Private owned railway lines (Not all though)

A train map of all lines that you can use the Suica on is found in the Suica User Guide page 22

On top of that you can use it for JR lines in:

1. Chiba Prefecture
2. Sendai
3. Niigata
4. Toica areas, which means Nagoya and Shizuoka area
5. Icoca, which means Kyoto and Osaka area.
6. Area spanning Okayama and Hiroshima

For points 2 to 6, the Suica is not usable for trains spanning Tokyo to these areas and in between them.

Local public buses in Greater Tokyo also accepts the Suica

Oh and besides transport.. you can use it to purchase things in stores that accepts the Suica as payment method (includes Muji, convenience stores)
And there are some vending machines which you can use the Suica as well.

How to buy?
Just purchase it at any Ticketing machine with the Suica sign at any JR station in Tokyo.
OR... purchasing it as part of the Suica-N'ex package.

Refunding wise only green window offices in JR stations in Tokyo.

What is the Suica-N'ex Package?
For 3500yen, you get a one way ticket (use on day of purchase only) on the N'Ex train to Tokyo or Yokohama and a Suica with travelling value of 1500yen.

It's a great deal!
The typical N'Ex cost from Narita Airport to Shinjuku is 3110yen!

The Suica has a stored 500yen deposit which you can get back when you refund the card (do note about the tax thing.. read on)

I highly recommend this, you'll save alot of money!
to read more click here http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/index.html

What about refund of Suica?
Well.. you can technically fully refund your Suica... BUT!
You will be taxed 210yen. But you will get your deposit back in full.
Confused?

Examples...

1) Your Suica has 1000yen value left, and a 500yen deposit value.
In total you will receive 790yen plus the 500yen deposit value. A total of 1290yen.

2) Your Suica has 10yen value left, and a 500yen deposit value.
You will not receive the 10yen, but you will get back the 500yen deposit value. A Total of 500yen.

3) Your Suica has no value left, and a 500yen deposit value.
So you will get back the 500yen without being taxed.

Resources: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/

Tokyo is generally a good introduction to Japan, but it is not all that Japan can offer :) It's mainly a metropolitan city good for shopping, dining and a little culture on the side.

So how do I get to Tokyo?
from Narita Airport
There are many good and cheap options you can take to Tokyo City from Narita Airport.
Do remember that Narita Airport is in another prefecture! It's not like Changi Airport in Singapore.

I'll explain the individual package deals in another post.

1) Narita Express (aka N'ex)
This is a very good line run by JR. It's fast, comfy and stops at major locations like Shinjuku Stn, Ikebukuro Stn and Tokyo Stn. Plus with the Suica-N'ex package, it's a great deal.
It's not as frequent as the Keisei Ltd Express. Plus price wise, without the package I personally feel it's expensive.

I highly recommend this to anyone, if they are also interested in the Suica.

Do note that not all trains stop at Ikebukuro.

Timetable here: http://jreast-shinkansen-reservation.eki-net.com/pc/english/common/timetable/index.html

2) Keisei Train Lines
There's the Keisei Skyliner, Keisei's answer to the N'Ex, and the Keisei Ltd Express.

The Keisei Ltd Express is actually just a normal local train line. Its cheap and very frequent, but being a normal local train you don't get comfy seats like the Skyliner and the N'Ex. It takes about 30mins longer than the N'Ex to reach JR Tokyo Stn, plus you need to change trains at either Nippori Stn or Ueno Stn.

The Skyliner is quicker and more comfortable than the Ltd Express, but you will also need to change trains at either Nippori Stn or Ueno Stn. It is also cheaper than the Narita Express.

The Keisei lines, in order to compete with the N'Ex lines, come with a package that includes a 1-day Tokyo Metro pass.

Timetables can be accessed here: http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/keisei_us/top.html

3) Airport Limousine Bus
This is the most convenient public transport route.
It drops off at various hotels and stops near hotels, so you won't have to bother with trains and luggages at the same time.

Problem is... it's expensive and rides back to Narita airport needs to be reserved in advance.

It takes longer than the trains to reach Tokyo City and it's also subjected to traffic conditions. But i have to emphasise that it is very convenient, especially if you have huge luggages.

It also has a tie-in with Tokyo Metro, so you can get a 1-day Tokyo Metro pass if you get the package.

4) Taxi
Unless you are bleeding money, this is not an option.. EVER.
It's freaking far from Tokyo costing about 25000yen one way.

To put into perspective, with the bad economy and the resulting horrible exchange rate of 65yen per SGD.. thats S$384.62

If you would like to spend that much money on a cab.. by all means :)

Haneda Airport
This airport is located within Tokyo city itself, which explains the much cheaper price to commute there.
But they handle only domestic flights.

1) Tokyo Monorail
This train services Haneda airport via Tokyo's Hamamatsucho Stn, located on the JR Yamanote line.
It's fast and reasonably priced.

2) Keikyu Line
Connects to Tokyo via Shinagawa Stn, located on the JR Yamanote line.
This is also fast and slightly cheaper than the Tokyo Monorail.

I guess for which to choose, it depends on which station you are staying closer to.

3) Airport Limousine Bus
Same company and concept as the Narita's buses.
It's convenient but very expensive as compared to the other 2 options.

From Other major cities in Japan

Well, you have 3 main options. Domestic flight, Shinkansen or Highway buses.
Local trains are also possible, but take a much longer time and are not always cheaper.

From Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya, you can take the Tokaido shinkansen.
From Fukuoka and Hiroshima you can take the Sanyo Shinkansen and transfer to the Tokaido Shinkansen. Some lines are direct.
From Tohoku you can take the Tohoku Shinkansen.
The list goes on :)

And.. there's the option also of saving some moolah and taking the highway buses.

It's cheap and most of the time direct.
I'll be dedicating a post on Highway buses. So read up there.

There is also the option of taking a domestic flight which may land in Narita airport or Haneda airport.

To round off... for all train changing and train costs and details... Use this website http://www.hyperdia.com/ Will also dedicate a post on that. Look out for it!

Resources: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html
http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/

Tokyo is generally a good introduction to Japan, but it is not all that Japan can offer :)
It's mainly a metropolitan city good for shopping, dining and a little culture on the side.

What's the local transport like?
Generally, you can get anywhere you need to go via the complex but comprehensive train system.
You can divide them accordingly to the following categories:
1) Railway lines owned by Japan Railway (or JR in short)
2) Tokyo Subway Lines
3) Toei Subway Lines
4) Private Railway companies

Tokyo is one of the few cities where JR lines pretty much brings you anywhere and everywhere in the city. It's pretty much catered for tourists, making it easy to travel around mostly on the JR local lines.
I find that the subway lines tend to cater more for locals, stopping at more residential areas.
But subway lines can offer good shortcuts and access to places without any JR stations such as Asakusa and Tsukiji.

The main JR line that any tourist in Tokyo would take is the JR Yamanote line.

You can find the JR route map here http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/info/map_a4ol.pdf
And the subway route map here http://www.tokyometro.jp/global/en/service/pdf/routemap_en.pdf

Private railway lines tend to lead to the outer parts of Tokyo and to other prefectures or cities.

Should I get a pass?
I get this question very very frequently.

In regards to the JR Japan-wide pass:
If you are travelling just to Tokyo and probably doing day trips to close-by areas, No.
If you have an open jaw ticket and planning to take the shinkansen for a long haul trip once, No.
If you are planning to take a long haul trip on the shinkansen at least twice, maybe.
Why maybe? Go read my JR pass section :)

In regards to the passes offered by Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway:
This is a little complicated.
I would say no. why?

Before I start, I tend to keep to 2 major areas in a day in my sightseeing plans. Which is also probably why i don't pay as much as the passes are worth.
So my views are based on what I feel it's the best for me. Your itinerary might be different, especially if you like to travel to many places in a short a time as possible.

Lets take the example of the Tokyo Metro pass.
It's 600yen for 1 day and 980yen for 2 days
I generally feel it's not as easy to get around using only Tokyo Metro subway lines (means NO Toei subway lines as well!), you either use JR or it's a mix.
And it's hard to chalk up enough rides to justify the cost, but then again I'm a slow sightsee-er.
As i always advise, calculate your actual costs before you commit to a pass.
Sometimes it's better to pay as you go. I personally like flexibility in travelling routes.
BUT.... the tie-in offers with the Keisei trains and Airport limousines make it a very attractive offer. I'll explain in detail later.

There is also the Tokyo Metro and Toei One-day Economy pass that costs 1000yen.
Unless you are really rushing around and trying to soak up the entire of Tokyo in 1 day. It's a hard to chalk up 1000yen. BUT, if you can actually spend more than 1000yen in 1 day on the subway.. by all means :)

What about the Suica?
I love the Suica.
It's convenient, accepted on JR lines, Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines.
You can always easily top it up at any JR station, and the amount balanced is refundable.
PLUS.... you can use it for purchases!

Only thing about the Suica is that it DOES NOT have any discounts on travel.
*there is the Suica-N'ex package thing... click on link to read further
It comes at a great deal in the Suica-N'ex package, which i highly recommend getting.

do read my Suica post for more info http://nexasjapan.blogspot.com/2008/10/suica-and-suica-nex-package.html


To round off...
for all train changing and train costs and details... Use this website http://www.hyperdia.com/
Will also dedicate a post on that. Look out for it!

Resource: http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en001.html

What is this pass for?
It's more of a pass for people who wish to see as much of Japan in a short time. Which translates to shinkansen rides.
The Shinkansen is the fastest long distance transport in Japan, thus the costs are somewhat related to the number of Shinkansen rides.

It's benefit is that when you take valid lines you don't have to bother with buying tickets.
Another benefit would be that you get to reserve seats without paying an extra surcharge.

It's valid for:

1. All JR company's Train lines and shinkansen lines throughout whole of Japan. EXCEPT Tokaido Line Shinkansen Nozomi train.
   
   • Do note as well it only partially covers night trains
   
   
   • For some limited express lines you may need to pay a surcharge topup


2. JR company's Local bus lines


3. The following highway bus routes
   
   • Sapporo, Hokkaido <-> Otaru, Hokkaido
   
   
   • Morioka, Tohoku <-> Hirosaki, Tohoku
   
   
   • Tokyo, Kanto <-> Nagoya, Chubu
   
   
   • Tokyo, Kanto <-> Kyoto, Kansai
   
   
   • Tokyo, Kanto <-> Osaka, Kansai
   
   
   • Tokyo, Kanto <-> Tsukuba Center in Ibaraki, Kanto
   
   
   • Nagoya, Chubu <-> Kyoto, Kansai
   
   
   • Nagoya, Chubu <-> Osaka, Kansai
   
   
   • Osaka, Kansai <-> Tsuyama, Chugoku
   
   
   • Osaka, Kansai <-> Kasai Flower Center in Kasai, Hyogo


4. JR Miyajima Ferry

How much?
There is Ordinary and Green car passes. As i doubt anyone would really buy the Green car passes, I'll just have the Ordinary passes prices

7 day = 37800yen (Worth slightly less than 3 long shinkansen rides)
14days = 61200yen (Worth slightly more than 4 long shinkansen rides)
21 days = 79600yen (Worth slightly more than 6 long shinkansen rides)

How to buy?
You can only buy it via authorised agents in your own country. You cannot buy inside Japan. Plus only foreign passport holders can use this.
Here's a list of Authorised agents http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en005.html
They will give you an Exchange order where you change for the JR pass in Japan.

Where to change for a JR pass?
http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en009.html

Who should buy?
Definately not for budget travellers.
Basically if you forsee yourself taking enough Shinkansen rides to justify the cost, it's a convenient way to pay for your rides.
As I'm a fan of travelling cheap, Highway buses are still a good and very cheap way to travel long-distance in Japan.

If you are considering a pass, here's my tip...
Calculate the Actual cost of your total train rides in Japan and note which trains you are taking.
If your JR lines and Shinkansen line cost justify the cost of the pass.. by all means.

A reserved seat Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari train to Osaka from Tokyo is 13800yen, a 2 way ride is 27600yen.
It's still 10200yen more than the 7-day JR pass. So unless you are ABLE to spent at least 10201yen on other JR transports... please don't bother.

If you are just travelling within Tokyo or any single City in close quarters to the airport (and not anywhere else), you definately do not need a JR pass.