View Poll Results: Please choose the activities you wish to attend
Tsukiji Fish Market (starts 5am) Will run Friday and Sat
61
61.00%
Airline Event (half-day) Saturday/Sunday
89
89.00%
Bullet Train Tour (overnight) to Kyoto (Saturday)
51
51.00%
Beer Factory Visit (Japanese Microbrew)
45
45.00%
Shopping Tour (Akihabara) Electronics etc
29
29.00%
Welcome Drinks - Thurs Night (Izakaya style) Will require registration
68
68.00%
Main Dinner - Friday Night
82
82.00%
Cultural Day - Walking Tour (Palace, Historic Japanese)
62
62.00%
Wrap up Lunch - Sunday
69
69.00%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 100. You may not vote on this poll
Mar 20, 2013, 3:48 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
• Japan Do Dashboard Wiki
Events schedule
Thu 28 Mar
Fri 29 Mar
Sat 30 Mar
Sun 31 Mar
Logistics
When we're arriving | 
Where we're staying | 
When we're leaving
Narita Express (N'EX) | Suica & N'EX package | Narita and Haneda Limousine Buses | Tokyo Subway Route Map | JR East Network Map | Google map w/ subway overlay | JR Yamanote Line loop
Events schedule
Thu 28 Mar
13:30 Unofficial Imperial Palace Tour 1
Tokyo station is also very convenient (Tokaido, Yokosuka, Keihin-Tohoku, Yamanote, Chuo and Keiyo JR lines plus Marunouchi metro line)
18:00 Welcome Drinks at Heartland, Roppongi
Tokyo station is also very convenient (Tokaido, Yokosuka, Keihin-Tohoku, Yamanote, Chuo and Keiyo JR lines plus Marunouchi metro line)
18:00 Welcome Drinks at Heartland, Roppongi
Fri 29 Mar
05:00 Tsukiji Market Tour, Tsukiji Shijō
10:00 Unofficial Imperial Palace Tour 2
Tokyo station is also very convenient (Tokaido, Yokosuka, Keihin-Tohoku, Yamanote, Chuo and Keiyo JR lines plus Marunouchi metro line)
10:15 Sumida River Water Bus, Hamarikyu Gardens
Shiodome (E19) or Tsukiji Shijo (E18) on Oedo Subway Line are also convenient for Hamarikyu.
19:00 Traditional Japanese Izakaya at Kakoiya, Yurakucho
10:00 Unofficial Imperial Palace Tour 2
Tokyo station is also very convenient (Tokaido, Yokosuka, Keihin-Tohoku, Yamanote, Chuo and Keiyo JR lines plus Marunouchi metro line)
10:15 Sumida River Water Bus, Hamarikyu Gardens
Shiodome (E19) or Tsukiji Shijo (E18) on Oedo Subway Line are also convenient for Hamarikyu.
19:00 Traditional Japanese Izakaya at Kakoiya, Yurakucho
Sat 30 Mar
05:00 Tsukiji Market Tour, Tsukiji Shijō
08:00 Nagano Shinkansen
Outbound: Tokyo station (08:36 Asama 509)
Inbound: Nagano station (14:26 Asama 530)
10:00 Cherry blossom walk 1, Imperial Palace
17:45 Dinner Cruise, Haneda Airport Pier (18:00 departure)
08:00 Nagano Shinkansen
Outbound: Tokyo station (08:36 Asama 509)
Inbound: Nagano station (14:26 Asama 530)
10:00 Cherry blossom walk 1, Imperial Palace
17:45 Dinner Cruise, Haneda Airport Pier (18:00 departure)
Sun 31 Mar
Logistics
When we're arriving | Where we're staying | When we're leavingNarita Express (N'EX) | Suica & N'EX package | Narita and Haneda Limousine Buses | Tokyo Subway Route Map | JR East Network Map | Google map w/ subway overlay | JR Yamanote Line loop
Japan DO - March 29-31, 2013
Feb 14, 2013, 2:06 pm
#466
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London, United Kingdom
Programs: OW/AA, DL, UA; Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,936
There are basically only two SPG properties in Tokyo (there are a couple more way on the outskirts).
Sheraton Miyako is always reasonably priced, has nice breakfast, okay rooms. Even though it's in the middle of everything, it's not actually close to anything - it's about five-eight minute walk to the nearest subway stop, but the hotel runs a shuttle to Meguro Station on Yamanote line which is super convenient (in the morning they also have a shuttle to the Shinagawa station which is otherwise a short cab ride).
The Westin is south of Shibuya/north of Meguro and that's where we're going to stay *after* the DO (we're likely at the Grand Hyatt over the weekend). I've never stayed at the Westin before but it looks like a quiet location short walk to lots of interesting things. My impression though was that many people are staying in West Shinjuku area (Park Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hilton) and that's not very far from the Westin.
Sheraton Miyako is always reasonably priced, has nice breakfast, okay rooms. Even though it's in the middle of everything, it's not actually close to anything - it's about five-eight minute walk to the nearest subway stop, but the hotel runs a shuttle to Meguro Station on Yamanote line which is super convenient (in the morning they also have a shuttle to the Shinagawa station which is otherwise a short cab ride).
The Westin is south of Shibuya/north of Meguro and that's where we're going to stay *after* the DO (we're likely at the Grand Hyatt over the weekend). I've never stayed at the Westin before but it looks like a quiet location short walk to lots of interesting things. My impression though was that many people are staying in West Shinjuku area (Park Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hilton) and that's not very far from the Westin.
Feb 14, 2013, 2:32 pm
#468
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Sydney
Programs: QF Plat, VA Gold, HH Diam, PC Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,082
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20221843-post446.html
Last edited by kpc; Feb 14, 2013 at 2:50 pm
Feb 14, 2013, 2:37 pm
#469
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LHR
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Posts: 10,187
Thanks!
Imperial Palace
Friday, 29 March 2013, 1000am Attendees:
caspritz78
DENchick
SQ421
Peter Silberman
qbrain
restlessinRNO
rwoman
skye1
SanDiego1k - +1
Zol
Last edited by rwoman; Feb 19, 2013 at 6:31 am Reason: Update list
Feb 15, 2013, 3:36 am
#470
Moderator: Emirates Skywards and Qatar Airways Privilege Club
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: 12R/30L
Programs: EK Gold|EY Gold|Bonvoy Ambassador| IHG Plat|HHonors Diamond
Posts: 2,818
Feb 15, 2013, 5:45 am
#472
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Munich, Germany
Programs: Miles&More Blue, SPG Silver
Posts: 3,379
Feb 16, 2013, 11:00 pm
#475
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Brisbane AU, Planet X
Programs: QC Life, QFF Gold, VA Gold, HH nothing,IHG Gold
Posts: 1,605
I am another that has to withdraw from attending this event.
I think monitor summed it up best.
I think monitor summed it up best.
Feb 17, 2013, 3:03 am
#476
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 29,512
Feb 17, 2013, 8:09 pm
#479
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
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Posts: 29,512
Saturday March 30th (repeated on Sunday March 31st)
Cherry Blossom Walk along the Imperial Palace moat – from Chidorigafuchi to Hibiya Park (1 to 3 miles)
Meet at 10:00am, Kudanshita Metro Station (Hanzomon, Tozai and Toei Shinjuku Lines) Exit #2. Please see below for how to get to Kudanshita (九段下) Metro Station.
This walk will follow the pedestrian path along Chidorigafuchi Moat of the Imperial Palace, one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in central Tokyo. According to the current forecast the estimated best viewing period in Tokyo will be between March 31-April 7 this year.
Image from Wikipedia
I did a recce for the walk two weeks ago (the place didn't look like the Wikepedia photo above but we still have 6 weeks!) and bearing in mind a number of people will be doing the palace tour on Thursday or Friday I have modified the route slightly from the original plan.
We will meet at Kudanshita subway station Exit #2 on the Hanzomon Line, Tozai Line or Toei Shinjuku Line at 10am to try and beat the crowd.
Kudanshita Metro Station
Panoramic view of Kudanshita Metro Station Exit #2 (street level)
From Kudanshita station it's a short walk to the start of the footpath along the moat. We will walk along the footpath passing the entrance to Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery and the British Embassy to Hanzomon Gate. Some more images of cherry blossoms in the area may be found here. Those who do not want a longer walk can leave the group and catch the subway from Hanzomon Station, which is a little over one mile from Kudanshita.
We will then walk passed the National Theatre (Kokuritsu Gekijo), Supreme Court, National Diet Library, and the National Diet (Japan’s legislature) Building to Sakuradamon Gate of the Palace (formerly Edo Castle), the site of the assassination of the Japanese Chief Minister in March 1860. The gate is currently being restored but according to the notice posted the restoration work should be completed in March 2013. Let's see if they are right.
Image from Wikipedia
We will walk through Sakuradamon Gate into the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace to look at two of the most photographed bridges of the palace that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds.
Image from Wikipedia
It will be about 3 miles from Kudanshita to Nijyubashi according to Google Maps.
http://goo.gl/maps/dwp6l
There are subway stations on the route for anyone who wants to make the tour shorter. We will also be close to Tokyo and Yurakucho stations. Those interested might go for lunch in Hibiya Park or somewhere nearby. This map from Japan-Guide should give you an idea of the area of Tokyo covered by the walk.
How to get to Kudanshita Metro Station (九段下駅)
From Shinjuku : Toei Shinjuku Line (S01) to Kudanshita (S05). Runs every 5-6 minutes and takes 8 minutes.
From Roppongi : Toei Oedo Line (E23) to Aoyama-itchome (E24), change to Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line (Z03) to Kudanshita (Z06). Takes about 15 minutes.
From Shinbashi : Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (G08) to Nihonbashi (G11), change to Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (T10) to Kudanshita (T07). Takes about 12 minutes.
From Shinagawa : JR to Shinbashi then follow the route above. Takes about 21 minutes.
Please let me know if anyone needs to know how to get there from areas not mentioned.
Tokyo Subway Map
Cherry Blossom Walk along the Imperial Palace moat – from Chidorigafuchi to Hibiya Park (1 to 3 miles)
Meet at 10:00am, Kudanshita Metro Station (Hanzomon, Tozai and Toei Shinjuku Lines) Exit #2. Please see below for how to get to Kudanshita (九段下) Metro Station.
This walk will follow the pedestrian path along Chidorigafuchi Moat of the Imperial Palace, one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in central Tokyo. According to the current forecast the estimated best viewing period in Tokyo will be between March 31-April 7 this year.
Image from Wikipedia
I did a recce for the walk two weeks ago (the place didn't look like the Wikepedia photo above but we still have 6 weeks!) and bearing in mind a number of people will be doing the palace tour on Thursday or Friday I have modified the route slightly from the original plan.
We will meet at Kudanshita subway station Exit #2 on the Hanzomon Line, Tozai Line or Toei Shinjuku Line at 10am to try and beat the crowd.
Kudanshita Metro Station
Panoramic view of Kudanshita Metro Station Exit #2 (street level)
From Kudanshita station it's a short walk to the start of the footpath along the moat. We will walk along the footpath passing the entrance to Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery and the British Embassy to Hanzomon Gate. Some more images of cherry blossoms in the area may be found here. Those who do not want a longer walk can leave the group and catch the subway from Hanzomon Station, which is a little over one mile from Kudanshita.
We will then walk passed the National Theatre (Kokuritsu Gekijo), Supreme Court, National Diet Library, and the National Diet (Japan’s legislature) Building to Sakuradamon Gate of the Palace (formerly Edo Castle), the site of the assassination of the Japanese Chief Minister in March 1860. The gate is currently being restored but according to the notice posted the restoration work should be completed in March 2013. Let's see if they are right.
Image from Wikipedia
We will walk through Sakuradamon Gate into the large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace to look at two of the most photographed bridges of the palace that form an entrance to the inner palace grounds.
Image from Wikipedia
It will be about 3 miles from Kudanshita to Nijyubashi according to Google Maps.
http://goo.gl/maps/dwp6l
There are subway stations on the route for anyone who wants to make the tour shorter. We will also be close to Tokyo and Yurakucho stations. Those interested might go for lunch in Hibiya Park or somewhere nearby. This map from Japan-Guide should give you an idea of the area of Tokyo covered by the walk.
How to get to Kudanshita Metro Station (九段下駅)
From Shinjuku : Toei Shinjuku Line (S01) to Kudanshita (S05). Runs every 5-6 minutes and takes 8 minutes.
From Roppongi : Toei Oedo Line (E23) to Aoyama-itchome (E24), change to Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line (Z03) to Kudanshita (Z06). Takes about 15 minutes.
From Shinbashi : Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (G08) to Nihonbashi (G11), change to Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (T10) to Kudanshita (T07). Takes about 12 minutes.
From Shinagawa : JR to Shinbashi then follow the route above. Takes about 21 minutes.
Please let me know if anyone needs to know how to get there from areas not mentioned.
Tokyo Subway Map
Last edited by NewbieRunner; Mar 7, 2013 at 3:58 pm Reason: added how to get to Kudanshita Metro Station
Feb 18, 2013, 1:50 am
#480
Moderator, Finnair
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MMX (CPH)
Programs: Eurobonus Diamond, QR Gold, AY+ Platinum, A3*G, Nordic Choice Lifetime Platinum, SJ Prio Black
Posts: 14,174
Will there be any other way to pay than through paypal? I would like to participate in the friday night dinner but I do not want to use paypal.