March 18, 2007 -- Moving from Sticky to Wiki -
http://flyertalk.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
It's hard to keep this sticky up-to-date since there is so much rapidly evolving information. So, I decided that we should give the Wiki a try. Find the Wiki pages by clicking the link below - I copied some information from this master thread to the Wiki. Please add to it and improve it:
http://flyertalk.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
=============
Sticky Style guide -
Comments and requests from me -
SECTION TITLE
Sub-section title
Minor title
link
Regular text
jib71
Feb 24, 06, 3:39 am
NARITA AIRPORT - ARRIVALS / TRANSITS / LAYOVERS
a.k.a "Best way from NRT to my hotel?" and "Can I see Tokyo during my NRT layover?"
Background:
Narita International Airport (Japanese: 成田国際空港 Narita Kokusai Kūkō ) (IATA: NRT, ICAO: RJAA) is an international airport located in Narita, Chiba, Japan, in the eastern portion of the Greater Tokyo Area.
While Tokyo is the source of much of Narita Airport's traffic, the airport is located far from central Tokyo (say, 1 hour by express train - or 90 minutes by bus) and in a different prefecture.
A little planning can make your arrival / transit / layover more comfortable...
Narita Airport Official Website:
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/
Travel related information for Narita Airport (From Wikitravel):
http://wikitravel.org/en/Narita_Airport
Travel between NRT and downtown Tokyo:
The first piece oft repeated advice is "Don't take a taxi"
Beyond that there are several choices - What works for you will depend on where you want to go in Tokyo.
(and how much money, what arrival time, how important punctuality and comfort, how much luggage, etc.)
Informative discussions on Flyertalk:
NRT - Shinjuku Area (Roughly 9pm on the circle of central Tokyo)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=476109&highlight=NRT+hotel
Mike Newman's guide:
The inside scoop on spending hours, days and perhaps night in Narita. Geared toward folks who intend to stay in the vicinity of the airport, including nearby Narita City. Also links to information on traveling into Tokyo and elsewhere. http://www.mgnewman.com/narita/
[Note: Mike is maintaining this page, but he doesn't travel through Narita these days - so he asks regular visitors to keep him updated at info@mgnewman.com]
Informative discussions on Flyertalk:
NRT day hotel:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=502660&highlight=NRT+hotel
Capsule hotel near NRT:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=520641&highlight=NRT+hotel
17 Hour Layover + Young passenger
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=427614&highlight=NRT+hotel
Wikipedia's General Information:
Includes: 1 History / 2 Terminals and airlines / 3 Ground transportation / 4 Miscellaneous / 5 External links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narita_International_Airport
Phone Rental at NRT:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521521&highlight=NRT+hotel
Car Service/ Baggage Storage:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=378515&highlight=NRT+hotel
jib71
Feb 24, 06, 3:40 am
GETTING AROUND TOKYO
Tokyo has a very advanced public transportation infrastructure - with JR trains (mostly above ground), subways and buses. Excellent information available on Wikipedia about this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Subway
Most foreign visitors to Tokyo become very adept at using the subways and JR lines.
You may find it easier to travel around by purchasing a pre-paid card.
JR Trains, Subways and Buses now all accept the same non-contact cards for payment. The cards carry a 500yen deposit - and they can be charged up with 1000, 2000, 3000, 5000 or 10,000yen of credit.
The deposit is returnable - but JR charges about 210yen in admin fees if you have some money remaining on the card. So it is best to completely use up any credit that you have on the card. (And then you will get the full 500 yen returned).
So if you purchase a "SUICA" card at a JR station - it will also work on the subway. And vice versa if you purchase a "PASSMO" card at a subway station. (However, supply of PASSMO cards is currently limited so you may find it easier to buy a SUICA card).
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=646228
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suica
If you plan to take the JR Narita Express from Narita Airport into Tokyo, then you can save money by purchasing a combined N'EX ticket and SUICA card.
Bus routes are not so easy to understand for the casual visitor to Tokyo
Taxis are readily available in Tokyo - but it may be worth noting this advice:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=469063
Japan has every kind of food - I know because people keep telling me.
Great Deal Gourmet Lunches
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=468207
jib71
Feb 24, 06, 3:41 am
MONEY / CASH / CARDS / ATMs
How much money should you carry? How much to change into YEN before you get here? How easy is it to find an ATM which will accept your foreign-issued card?
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=492796
Update -- ATMs at 7-Eleven (7 and i) convenience stores now accept many foreign issued cards. How convenient:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=693884
In a nutshell: Make sure that your cash card has a "CIRRUS" or "PLUS" logo on the back. If it does, then it should work fine at ATMs in Post Offices, 7-Eleven stores, CitiBank branches and Shinsei Bank branches. Unfortunately, foreign cards will not work in most other banks's ATMs.
jib71
Feb 24, 06, 3:42 am
DANGERS AND ANNOYANCES
- Personal safety
Japan has a reputation for being very safe. It is true that there aren't many "no go" areas in major cities and many visitors are pleased to find that they quickly feel comfortable and safe here.
However, Japan's legendary level of safety does not mean that you can forget about danger. Some visitors develop a false sense of security and get into trouble. Drunken brawls can happen, molestations (and worse) can happen, and bicycles do get stolen (reward for anyone who finds mine...).
Exercise the same level of caution as you would if you were "downtown" in a major city in Western Europe or America. If you do that, then you won't go far wrong - and along the way you may be pleasantly surprised by the helpful courtesy and friendliness of the Japanese people.
- Culture Shock (Lost In Translation - with the blues)
Your visit to Japan may not turn out to be everything you expected.... You may feel strangely alone in the middle of the millions of strangers... You might chance upon some un-couth people who seek to disabuse you of the illusion that this is a polite and cultured country... You might find that the strangeness and ugliness of everything just gets you down.
The following is perhaps the classic story of "culture shock" and disillusion:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=341899
The following thread offers some tips from folks who've been through it too:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=344755
jib71
Feb 24, 06, 3:42 am
ACCOMMODATION:
Reasonable Cost Hotels in Tokyo:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=831525
Luxury Hotels in Tokyo:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=487255
jib71
Feb 24, 06, 3:43 am
- Sleeping 2
jib71
Feb 24, 06, 3:44 am
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS / FESTIVALS etc. -
More complete lists of festivals are here:
http://www.frommers.com/destinations/print-narrative.cfm?destID=229&catID=0229030003
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/TD/
And here are some things that FTers have mentioned:
Jan
New Year's - National Holiday - People pay homage at shrines in their neighbourhoods.... Businesses tend to be shut..:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=300480
Feb
3/4 - Setsubun -People throw dry soy beans to drive out demons and bring good luck
Early Feb - Sapporo Snow Festival
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=519398&highlight=sapporo+snow+festival
- Takayama Matsuri Part 2 - Floats and parade - (Part 1 in April)
29th - Golden Week starts
May
Mid-May - Kanda Matsuri (Tokyo) - Parade in odd-numbered years on the Saturday and Sunday before May 15
Jun
Jul
Through July - Gion Matsuri - Peak of celebration on July 17
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=536831
Aug
Sep
Oct
22/Oct - Kyoto Jidai Matsuri (festival of the ages)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=462291
22/Oct - Kurama Hi Matsuri (Fire festival in Kurama, near Kyoto)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=462291
- Takayama Matsuri Part 2 - Floats and parade - (Part 1 in April)
Nov
Dec
jib71
Feb 24, 06, 3:44 am
HOW DO I FIND THAT PLACE IN TOKYO
Is there a Google map for Tokyo? Sure, but all the labels are in Japanese, which makes it a little difficult for many non-Japanese people...
That's where your Flyertalk friends can help:
(1) Google Map of Tokyo Hotels and Restaurants
rjh created a Google mash up map of Tokyo restaurants, hotels and other landmarks - So now you can measure the distance from Roppongi station to the Okura Hotel and you can add your own favorites:
Hotel Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=104204655440792142432.000447dfddd6b4a59f856&ie=UTF8&z=13
Send rjh your heartfelt thanks on this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=799625
(2) English Language Interface for Google Maps
Diddlefinger allows you to look up Japanese addresses without the need to type in Japanese:
http://www.diddlefinger.com/
Send variable your heartfelt thanks on this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=701802
Instructions on how to use diddlefinger are here:
http://www.diddlefinger.com/m/static
Variable = Nick May, the developer of Diddlefinger. I'm not sure how often he looks at Flyertalk, but he deserves praise for this great service.
(3) Isn't there an English GPS that will work in Tokyo?
The search for a reasonable one continues:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=797935
jib71
Feb 24, 06, 3:45 am
WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER ISLANDS?
"Enough about Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima. We want to know about what to do on Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and Minamitorishima!"
In response to popular demand the FT regional correspondents will start compiling the best of the "other island" threads and I'll put some links here...
jib71
Feb 24, 06, 3:46 am
- More other stuff
jib71
Feb 24, 06, 3:46 am
- You get the picture
gretchendz
Jul 7, 06, 10:17 pm
To stay at a traditional Japanese hotel (Ryokan) or a monastary (such as at Koyasan), there is a great site with a free booking service at:
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/index.htm
The information is accurate, helpful to the Westerner. They will even book for you at places not listed. Their service is great!
You should really try to spend at least one night at a ryokan!
Sanosuke
Jul 11, 06, 11:49 pm
Train timetables and fares:
http://www.hyperdia.com/
Keisei Skyliner website (serves the Narita Airport):
Narita Express website (also serves more stations than Keisei Skyliner and goes deeper into Tokyo):
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/
Sanosuke!
railroadtycoon
Jul 13, 06, 7:55 pm
Access from Narita Airport (NRT) to Haneda Airport (HND):
Best is to take a direct bus from NRT to HND (or vice versa)
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/e/timetable/narita/hanedaapt_tokyu_h.html
Rail is another alternative but somtimes more hassled with few direct connections, see:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=300545
Access to/from HND Haneda Airport
Tokyo Monorail to/from Hamamatsucho Station
http://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/english/
Access to/from Nagoya NGO (Central Japan International Airport/Chubu/Centrair) to Nagoya City:
Rail:
http://www.centrair.jp/en/access/ac-to-train/index.html
Access from KIX Kansai International Airport to Osaka:
Rail:
Japan Railways
Haruka Limited Express
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/english/access/jrwest.htm
The Haruka will take you to Shin-Osaka Station and contiues all the way to Kyoto Station.
Note: that the Haruka does not stop at Osaka Station.
Rapid Train, slower than the Haruka, but also cheaper. This train does stop at Osaka Station.
Nankai Railways
Alternative to JR, final stop is at Namba Station in Osaka.
http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/english/access/nankai.htm
*The Nankai Airport Express service is the cheapest option to Osaka (Namba Station) similar to the Keisei Limited Express service from NRT to Tokyo.
*The JR Rapid train is the cheapest option to Osaka (Osaka Station).
Bus:
Airport Limobuses also take you to Osaka hotels and beyond:
http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/english/english.html
Flyertalk thread:
Please, your suggestions: travel from Osaka Airport to downtown Kyoto and Osaka? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=554940)
Acess to/from Osaka International Airport - ITAMI Airport
Access to/from Itami Airport is best done by bus:
http://www.okkbus.co.jp/eng/
Rail option to Osaka requires taking the Osaka Monorail to Hotarugaike Station and transfering to the Hankyu Line to Umeda station in Osaka.
To Kyoto it requires a few more transfers, I recommend the bus if you are planning on going to/from Kyoto.
Q Shoe Guy
Feb 16, 08, 9:44 pm
Some links about Japan:
News in English that is normally a day old:
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/
Research about the Japanese consumer:
http://whatjapanthinks.com/
Looking out for your rights as a foreigner:
http://www.debito.org/index.php
Political insight from a gaijin who used to be inside:
http://www.observingjapan.com/
Disinformation about the National Insurance Plan(which many love to hate):
http://www.nationalhealthinsurance.jp/
Mostly related to young backpacker types teaching English:
http://www.letsjapan.org/forum/ (our very own "valvebouncer" was once the most prolific contributor here).
valve bouncer
Mar 6, 08, 2:21 am
Don't know if this is the right place for it but anyway....Seems like every second thread here is a variation of "what to see/do in Tokyo/Kyoto" or "here's my schedule- Tokyo, Kyoto and Miyajima" which is fine and there's lots of info about these places. However the info about other places in Japan seems a little sparse so I thought it might be a good idea if we make some specific threads for other places in Japan. For example I could start "The Shikoku Thread", someone else "The Hokkaido Thread" and so on. I even believe there's some bloke in here somewhere who might even be able to start a thread about Kyushu:p;):D
Just a thought so please let me know what you lot reckon.
SanDiego1K
Mar 6, 08, 11:28 am
I love conversational posts, as they are part of creating community. Still, like a grinch, I have just deleted several. This specific thread is meant to be a Master Thread.
Thanks for your help -
SanDiego1K
Senior Mod
weegiewife
Aug 24, 08, 12:07 pm
Hiya - the link to reasonable accommodation in Tokyo appears to be broken.
The below message box comes up:
No Thread specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator
LapLap
Aug 24, 08, 5:08 pm
Hiya - the link to reasonable accommodation in Tokyo appears to be broken.
The below message box comes up:
No Thread specified. If you followed a valid link, please notify the administrator
It could be this one which is located in the Budget Forum
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=831525
jib71
Aug 24, 08, 8:01 pm
Thanks - I've replaced the broken link with the one that LapLap provided.