Transfer of Tokyo
Tokyo is huge - a combination of cities within a city with no real centre.
Three types of train run in and out of Tokyo: shinkansen ('bullet train') Japan Railways (JR) trains and private trains.The bullet trains are certainly exciting, but private trains are often a better bet for daytrips. If you don't want all the stress of watching out for your stop, try a bus - prices are comparable and they often run direct.
You can hop on a ferry to domestic destinations like Kushiro on Hokkaido, Kochi and Tokushima on Shikoku, and Kokura in northern Kyushu.
Narita International Airport (New Tokyo International)
The airport is located 40 miles (66km) north-east of Tokyo.
Transfer to the city: There are two terminals (a free shuttle bus connects the two terminals) and each airport terminal has a separate railway station. Different train services on the JR or Keisei lines serve Tokyo and surrounding destinations. The journey to Tokyo takes one hour; if possible book a seat in advance. Buses connect to the domestic airport and hotels in the city centre; the journey takes between one and two hours. Taxis are not advised as, due to the distance, the fares are very high. Fixed fare taxis are available, however. The tourist information desk in the arrivals hall can help travelers with their transport needs.
Public Transport System in Tokyo
Tokyo's public transport system is one of the most efficient in the world and is clean and safe, combining an extensive train network, 13 underground subway lines and a bus system. Visitors usually find the trains (JR) and subways the best way to get around although the complexity of the underground network can be intimidating; rush hour from 7.30am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm should be avoided. Most stations have English signs. Because lines are owned by different companies, transfers between trains or subways usually require a transfer between different train systems, with different ticketing systems that can be confusing. The Tokyo Combination Ticket (Tokyo Free Kippu) is a day travel pass that allows unlimited use of the trains, subway and bus lines within the city.
Japan Rail Pass is a great choice to save your money if you plan to visit other regions in Japan besides Tokyo. It is a special discount train pass sold only to tourists from outside Japan and is good for Shinkansen (bullet trains) and other JR express and local trains. Subway tickets are bought at vending machines; buy the cheapest ticket if unsure how much to pay and the difference, if any, can be paid at the end of the journey.
Bus service is available in all cities, but can sometimes be a bit difficult for non-Japanese speaking visitors to use. JR operates long-distance buses between Tokyo and other major cities (JR Bus Network). Though travel takes longer, sometimes due to heavy traffic, fares are cheaper than Shinkansen train fares. Other bus companies provide bus travel between major cities as well. Benefits of Night Buses include money saving on a night's accommodation, good riding comfort and economical travel even in daytime on routes good for sightseeing.
Taxis are convenient but never cheap, particularly in rush hour. Taxis can be hailed on the street, except in some central areas, where they only pick up from taxi ranks. Drivers speak little English so it is a good idea to have the destination written out in Japanese. Driving a car in the city is not advised.
