Tokyo Travel Tip-Subway and Train map for SUICA

Just for kicks, here is a link to a pdf file that displays all of the subway and train lines that the SUICA can access. These include JR lines, private railway lines, and Tokyo Metro subway lines. The map may seem daunting and confusing but the infrastructure is extensive. However, I think that it illustrates how much Tokyoites rely on public transportation and a testament to how it can get you anywhere you want to go. I personally can vouch for the timeliness and efficiency of the system. Take to heart that not all stops are noted in the map

http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/pdf/RouteMap_majorrailsub.pdf

Tokyo Travel Tip-Yamanote Line

There are many ways to get around Tokyo. Hopefully, you will be staying at a place near a station on the Yamanote Line. This is a circular line that runs around the heart of Tokyo. It stops off at many of the tourist sites and hot spots in town. If its not along the Yamanote, then its a short ride from one of the many stations situated on its route. As a newcomer, you cant get lost on this green-colored line. If you happen to take the train in the wrong direction, sit back and enjoy the view as you will eventually get to where you want to go

Here is a link to a pdf file that shows all the JR lines in Tokyo. Mind you, this just shows the train lines and not the subway

http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/info/map_a4ol.pdf

Tokyo Travel Tip-Narita Express(N'ex) and SUICA

I previously mentioned about the benefits of the SUICA card. Japan Rail has a great deal for visitors to Japan in conjunction with SUICA. There are many ways to get in to Tokyo from Narita airport. I have taken the limosine shuttles(bus) on a few occassions. Its convenient and stops at many hotels. However, it may take well over an hour if you exprience traffic on the highways leading into town. There are other rail lines that can ferry you as well. They can take anywhere from an hour or more. My favored option is the Narita Express. Its a one hour ride to Tokyo station. A little longer if you need to go to other stations such as Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Yokohama or other stops that the N'ex services. I stay in Shinagawa and it was a great comfort when they began service to this area. There is a snack cart that travels the length of the train if you need a drink or snack along the way. The fare is 3000 yen to Tokyo Stn.

Japan Rail has bundled a package with these two travel options. For 3500 yen, you get a ticket good for N'ex and a SUICA loaded with 2000 yen.

For info on the package
http://http//www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/

For info on N'ex
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/nex.html

Tokyo Travel Tip-SUICA

The SUICA card is an IC card that can be used throughout Tokyo and other parts of Japan. Its primary function is for transportation but can also be used to make purchases. The card can be used to ride JR lines and have been expanded to cover alot of the subway lines in Tokyo as well. All you do is touch the card to the designated area on the faregate to gain entry to the station. The minimum fare is deducted from the value of the card. As you reach your destination and exit the station, you do the same as you exit. The display will deduct the remaining fare and display the value left on the card. This eliminates the hassle of trying to figure out how much you need to pay for a ticket. They have been working with other companies to make the SUICA operate in other areas that use different IC cards like Pasmo

These cards can be purchased at any station displaying the SUICA symbol. There is a refundable deposit and any remaining amount can be reimbursed minus a small fee. The refunds cannot be made at the machine. The cards can also be recharged at these same machines. At many convenience stores that display the SUICA logo, you can make purchases with the card

Heres the link to the JR East page about SUICA

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

Tokyo Travel Tip

As I have travelled to Tokyo on many occassion, I would like to share some of my insights on what I have learned during these travels. I am no expert on the topic but I would like to think that these would be helpful, especially to those who are endeavoring for the first time. I have shared some of my pictures on the blogue before. Many of these perspectives are from the viewpoint of an american but can, at most times, apply to almost anyone.

Made it to another Friday

In the office, the weather is wet and cold and Im drinking a can of Mountain Dew. I have mere minutes before I have to leave the office. Im glad that its Friday. A few more hours and I can head on home. The rain has put a damper on things. So, I will be heading home to play Modern Warfare 2. I have not jumped online with this hardly at all. I had already completed the campaign and found it to be very short. I had played a little of it online but I have found the Spec Ops portion of the game more interesting. Basically, these are short objectives that not part of any storyline. As you finish missions, you get stars. The amount of stars depends on the skill level that you play it at. There are several levels and each level is unlocked by a certain number of stars. Off hand I dont remember where Im at but I have yet to unlock the last level of missions, Echo level. Ive unlocked Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta. Though, not all the missions in Delta are completed yet. Looking to a couple more hours in front of the screen! Which Im sure will roll into the weekend.

Air Travel

Air travel is the quickest way to traverse long distances. I have gone back and forth from Japan many times and I have to admit, I dont take to the air travel as well as I would wish. The biggest thing for me is not being able to sleep on the flight. The best I can do are short naps here and there. This helps very little as it keeps me in a very groggy state. One that lingers once I have landed. To compund the matter, the flights that I take usually depart around 11am. This means that I have just woken up from a nights sleep and not ready to sleep again. By the time I land 10-11 hours later, this would be the normal time that gets close to when I hit the sack. My airline, because I am enrolled in their frequent flier program, does not have any flights that leave later in the day like 6pm-midnight.

Why cant I sleep? For one, the low, slow drone of the engine noise will keep me up for the first few hours but I can deal with that. Second, it usually much too warm for me in the airplane. Even with just a tshirt on, it would be nice if they could turn it down a notch. Lastly, I get a slight twinge of motion sickness. It has gotten better and better but its still there. Its like that feeling when you know someone has their fingering hovering around you but they are not touching you.

I have planned a trip to Seoul in a few months and am not looking forward to a possible 13 hour flight. If you have any suggestions, I am willing to hear you out

On The Job-Cable Cars cont

Speaking of Cable cars, heres the other line that was mentioned, the California/Van Ness line. It streteches from Market St as shown here to Van Ness Ave. This line does not have the high-tech turntable at either terminus to rotate the cars and put them back on the line. It just has a junction where the cars get moved over to the opposite track

As mentioned before, this line has bench seating in front and back so the riders can take in the wintery breeze with chilled noses to remember the ride

California cuts through the financial district in this part of the city. Other sites of interest on the route include Chinatown, the St Francis/Mark Hopkins hotels, Grace Cathedral, and the Masonic Auditorium

The cars line up and wait there turn to go back where they came from. This is looking back down California St towards Van Ness.

Thunder & Lightning, very very frightening

The first major storm of the year has hit the city. Predictions were that it was to strike yesterday. But, it just came in with a whimper then scurried along on it way. Today, however is a different story. Multiple reports of lightning strikes throughout the bay area. Stikes growing ever closer. Around 5am, a flash filled the room and a tremendous rumble filled the air. Car alarms were awakened by the power of the deep bass of nature. Strong winds paired up with the dynamic duo of T&L to hit the city with a one two punch of earth's power. The copious amounts of rain causing flooding inland and fears of massive erosion along the coast threatening to damage roadways and further endanger homes along a cliff in a city south of The City.

Forecasts are that this will continue for the rest of the week. Im keeping my fingers crossed that it dies down soon!

On The Job-Cable Cars

There are 3 cable car lines in the city: California, Powell&Mason, Powell&Hyde. Its been a while but I believe the 2 Powell lines terminate here at Powell and Market streets This turntable is pushed manually the operaters so they can each car on its way to climb halfway to the stars. The cars use a system of cables that run under the tracks. By using a combination of brakes and attaching/releasing from said cable, the cars are able to traverse the hills of their routes.

The California line is a straight shot from beginning to end, Van Ness to Market street. Its no less hilly and will interesect with the other 2 lines at Powell and California? Not sure, but I believe thats right. The California route's cars are longer as well providing twice as much outdoor seating. Their is no seating at the very back of the cars on the Powell lines

Tokyo-Meiji Jingu

I had previously posted some pictures of the shrine in a previous post. Here are a few more pictures from Meiji Jingu. At the gateway to the heart of the grounds, these lanterns straddle either side of the doors one must pass through
A similar pattern is replicated on the doors of the gate

As mention in the previous post, I happen to catch the Spring Festival while I was there. There was a number of performances on the stage in the open area in the main grounds. Yes, that is a man in costume

Tokyo-Imperial Palace

The residence if the Japanese Imperial family is within easy access to most. A short walk from Tokyo station, the grounds encompass a garden that is open to all. Below is part of the substantial wall that surrounds the compound. A moat rings the wall as well

You cannot get very close to the palace and their are no tours. This is one of the better angles you can get on the building. There is a guarded gate that keeps you ne'er do wells at bay. I used part of the pic below as the header to my blogue

To the right of the bridge, I believe, is the entryway onto the grounds that lead up to the palace

With a limited 4X magnification on my camera, I could not peer into any of the windows to see whats going on inside

Above ground/under ground

When travelling abroad I am at the mercy of public transportation. Fortunately, that hasnt been much of an issue in places like Tokyo. In many places, the most efficient way to get around is via the subway. Subways dont have to deal with the road traffic and delays that can occur throughout the day. They are great but as a traveller, they do have some shortcomings. Primarily, you dont really get to see the place that you are visiting and theres a certain sense of disconnection with the places that you go to. Given that you are underground, you are unaware of what it is that is going by above you. Sure, you might some idea from a transit map. Above ground transportation is a cheap form of a guided tour. You get to take in more of where you are visiting by seeing all the places in between the sites you plan to visit. A benefit of that is you may come across something unexpected that catches your eye.

Secondly, when I arrive at my destination, I sometimes have to ask myself, "Where am I?" Of course I know where I am, but I ask this question in respect to how far have I travelled, which direction did I come from, or even where is my next destinaion. Using the subway, the city is a fragmented memory of locations with no sense of cohesion, no sense of the city as a whole. As I plan my trip for Seoul, I feel that is how things are going to be. Ive read the bus system can be confusing and does not print the stops in english. I havent travelled on the buses in Tokyo but the JR train lines are above ground and it affords me the opportunity to take in the city as I go.

On The Job-Chinatown

Home to one of the largest Chinese communities in the US, Chinatown is located squarely in the middle of the city. Founded back during the boomtown days of the Babary Coast, this was a refuge for all those that came in search of work. Stockton Street cuts right through all the shops and restaurants and is the main throughfare with public transporation providing access

Running parallel to its bigger brother, Grant Avenue is narrower and shorter than Stockton but no less lined with gift shops, restaurants, and retail.

Broadway is another major artery running east-west. Looking east from the intersection at Columbus, many bars and strip joint are still present in this area

Lastly, looking toward the west we find the Broadway tunnel that provides access to eventually the Pacific Ocean

Narita Express

There are several ways to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo. My preferred method is the Narita Express which whips you from the airport in an hour. The bus has to deal with traffic and all the toll gates on its route.

On the ride you get to view some of the countryside before hitting some of the more urban areas. If you didnt get a chance to pick up some snacks at the airport, a worker walks through each car selling snacks and drinks to sate your needs

There are specific stations that it stops at Tokyo, Shinagawa, Ueno, and Shinjuku. From there you can catch a local train to anywhere. They currently have a combo deal where you get a discounted rate for the ride in as well as a Suica card with 2000yen on it. The Suica is an IC card that can be used on almost any train or subway line. It can also be used at combinis. Rechargable at any JR station

Japan 2011

My friends have gotten the ball rolling on plans for visiting Japan next year. We had talked about it casually for several months now. I have actually been culling data and drawing up prospective schedules since we first began to talk about it. Its funny how this trip has snowballed into something fairly major.

It started when our friend from SoCal wanted to go back to Japan. Due to work and studies, she had not been able to find the time. Along with Tokyo, she suggested that we hit the Snow Festival in Sapporro. Coincidentally, this just happens to fall on my once every 5 year trip to the festival, previously 2001 and 2006. Every trip that we have taken to Japan has been communicated to friends and family. Envious, many have joined us on subsequent trips. Alot of those same people have expressed interest in this trip as well as a few new people who were picqued by our travelogues. From a group of 4, it has grown to possibly 15-20 persons.

Japanese Hotels

Many of you probably want to visit Japan but have not yet. You will no doubtedly need a place to stay if you dont have friends or relatives that can put you up. Sure, you've heard of the capsule hotels where you get a room the size of a coffin. A coffin with all the amenities like tv, radio, etc. There are communal areas like lounge and bathrooms. There are western hotels in Japan and the rooms are spacious as you would find in the states. However, if you decide to stay at a Japanese hotel, you will have to brace yourself for the small footprint that it covers. Much more spacious than a capsule room, theres just enough room for a bed and a desk and space to walk around them. You get your own bathroom as well. Seeing as how I just need the room to sleep and keep my stuff in, I got used to it pretty quickly. I am hesitant to say where I stay when Im in Tokyo. The rooms tend to fill up very quickly and I dont need all you people taking up what is left. I will say that its a convenient location for me. Close to the train station with plenty of combini(convenience store), restaurants and some small grocery stores. There is also a collection of ramen shops across the street. This is a business hotel chain so there arent alot of luxuries but the chain does have a coin laundry and some locations serve a japanese breakfast that includes onigiri, miso soup, tea, coffee, and pickles. Gee, I hope I havent given it away!

I have also stayed at a rental apartment and 2 other hotels. The hotels were part of the Prince chain. They have several convenient locations in Tokyo and throughout Japan. One is located just across the street and north of Shinjuku station. Another is across the stree from Shinagawa station. There is one located very close to the base of Tokyo Tower. One is found at the Sunshine City mall complex in Ikebukoro. The other hotel that I stayed at recently was part of the Star hotel chain in Shinjuku. It cost a little more than my usual place but its a great location of you plan to go to Shinjuku alot. I cant say enough about how fast their internet connection is. I could have finished surfing the whole internet if I had stayed a few more days :)

The apartment that we rented was quite spacious compared to the hotel rooms. This one was a short walk from the Showa dori exit in Akihabara. Another great location due to the number of combinis around. There was a 24 hour chain curry restaurant and 24 hour ramen shop. The ramen shop is very tasty. I find myself going back even if Im not staying in the area. And, of course, the close proximity to Akiba and Yodobashi is always a plus. The apartment had 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, kitchen, and living room. There was room for 4 in the 2 bedrooms and oen could sleep on the couch or make room on the heated living room floor. It hade a TV and internet connection. The only downside was you had to take out your own trash. In Tokyo, you have to seperate amongst recyclable, combustable, paper, etc. I forget how many categories there were. Each category had its own pick up day. Fortunately, we didnt have to worry about the latter.

Space Battleship Yamato(Star Blazers)

When I was a youngster, there was an anime program that was being aired in the states. Before Macross(Robotech), there was Space Battleship Yamato(Star Blazers). The story, from what I remember, revolved around humans being attacked by aliens. An invitation to assist them is sent across the far reaches of space but, the humans must travel across the great distance to recieve aid. With their spacecraft in ruins, they recycle one of the greatest battleships ever built by Japan during WWII. The Yamato is fitted with new cutting edge engines that can leap through vast amounts of space in the blink of an eye, upgraded armaments, and a new weapon that makes the whole ship a laser gun.

There have been several variations of the show in the movies and on TV. There is currently a new animated version playing Japan. However, by the end of this year, there will be new live-action version of this anime classic starring Kimura Takuya from the group Smap. The trailer looks interesting.

http://yamato-movie.net/

On The Job-Japan Town cont

It may have been this year that this storefront opened up to the public. Its 3 floors of space dedicated to the younger modern Tokyoite.

On the top floor is an art gallery(pictured). Working our way down to the second floor, there is a retail apparel establishment. It looked like mainly womens' clothes and shoes so I didnt stick around to look too closely

Lastly, the first floor contains anime goods, t-shirts, and what not. I saw figurines, DVDs, and toys

On The Job-Japan Town

Well, back at Jtown again. I have been here numerous and yet I never really noticed this fan underneath the pedestrian crossing that spans Webster St. However, I noticed it this time as I was crossing the street.

There are several supermarkets that serve the needs of the community. All provide the basic needs that any japanese person would need in daily life. The great thing about japanese supermarkets is their nice deli section. You can get anything from rice bowls to bentos to sushi.
This particular supermarket was bought out several years ago by the current owner. There is a chain of these supermarkets along the peninsula and in Silicon Valley. Im not sure if they have locations in Japan. If so, do they go by the same name?

Welcome!

Welcome to the New Year! Some have celebrated the New Year before I. Some have yet to fall upon the New Year. Eventually, we will all move forward, like it or not. One of these years, I would like to spend the first day of the year in my beloved Tokyo. Unless I hit the lottery, its not going to happen next year. Alas, plans are being made to attend the Sapporro Snow Festival, Yuki Matsuri, in 2011. Coincidentally, this will fall into my master plan, muwa ha ha! Ever since the first visit in 2001, I had made flip remark about coming back every 5 years for the festival. Last time was in 2006.