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.

Hi to newcomers!

The purpose of this blog is to help others who would like to travel to Japan without a tour.

Why?
1) I'm a Japanaholic, I love travelling to Japan and I'm in love with the culture

2) I am a strong believer of travelling without a tour group. I feel you can only experience a place truely when you discover it on your own.

3) Japan can be overwhelming for a first-time traveller, and I hope to provide a free resource of information

Do note though....
I'm doing this free and purely out of interest. Information provided is to the best of my knowledge, if you feel someone or another resource can do better.. please go ahead and find something else :)

I'm writing it out of a Singaporean's point of view, and as my own point of view. Thus I may not be able to provide good and precise information as according to what you want.

But I hope in overall the information I provide will be able to help you plan your dream trip.


How to access information or individual topics?
On the side bar, I've (and will be) sorting out information under related tags. Just click the tags for posts pertaining to a specific information.
Or you can click on the tag 'Site Map' to take you to a page with links sorted out in category.
I doubt I will have too many posts to make this hard to find, plus I'm currently building up content

Happy planning!

Introduction

General Transport

• Japan Rail Whole Japan Pass

General Accomodations

• Booking Accomodations in Japan
• Suica and Suica-N'ex package

Tokyo

• Tokyo - Local Transport
• Suica and Suica-N'ex package
• Tokyo - Transport from Away
• Tokyo - Accomodations
• Tokyo - Shopping pt 1
• Tokyo - Shopping pt 2

Any questions or queries?

Drop a comment here and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!