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!