jib71

I thought I'd start a thread for people to post their favourite cool new stuff - or "new-ish" stuff.

And to kick things off - The FASTECH360 shinkansen with cat's ears (to function as air brakes)
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=1216

OK - So JR announced it a while ago - but I can't help smiling when I see it.

LapLap

I can't remember who said they wanted a kotatsu with an inbuilt toilet (and fridge, and cooker, and bath).
It may have been outside of FT.

Anyway, check out photo number 3 here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_pictures/6153764.stm

Anyone who has been in Japan long enough will see the potential in this.

(Perhaps this could have gone in the 'feeling of being in Japan' thread...)

railroadtycoon

Trains and train related:

There are a myramid of new trains being put into service coming up, just a few are:

New E233s being put on the Chuo Line Rapid (and Keihin Tohoku Line), plus new trains for the Keiyo Line:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=575048

New Tokyo Metro trains:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=566840

Line 13 Delayed.

Integration of most Tokyo area rail and bus operators with the Suica system: Pasmo Card:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=559929

GregWTravels

Robot bartenders!

Asahi bartender

Not quiet as fancy as the above, but I liked the Automatic beer pouring machine in the ANA lounge in Narita.

railroadtycoon

New NEX and Suica comboination ticket/card coming in March for foreigners (regardless of how long you stay or status in Japan, unlike the JR pass.)

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

Pretty much, you pay 3500yen, you get a discounted nex ticket (1500yen) and a Suica card with 1500yen on it (500yen deposit)

Pickles

The new megacool National Arts Center, opened on Saturday: http://www.nact.jp/

hamburgler

Wow, that is a great deal. Will pretty much be worth picking up one of these upon every arrival to Narita going forward... use the money off the Suica and then get the deposit back. Changes the economics of the train versus the bus completely. Thanks for the heads-up.

hamburgler

laser

I completely agree. As someone who travels to Tokyo 5 or 6 times per year and routinely takes NEX, I think this is a wonderful bargain. I already have a Suica card. But even if I get a new Suica card everytime with this new deal and don't bother to get the 500 yen deposit back, it still is a much better deal than just buying the NEX ticket and recharging my current Suica card seperately.

The announcement says "cards are limited to one per person." I hope this does not mean that it is a one-time deal for everyone and they keep track of everyone who has already received this special offer in the past. I would hope to take advantage of this deal everytime I travel to Tokyo.

And I agree that it really tilts the scales in favor of taking the NEX versus the bus from the airport to the hotels if you have a choice.

LapLap

Oh pants!

Wish they could have extended the offer to Japanese nationals who aren't residents of Japan.

At least MrLapLap and I will finally be able to travel together using the JR pass on our next trip there.

I've yet to take the NEX - does it still work out at a discount for TWO of us if one of us can get this card but the other can't? (as opposed to us both using the Keisei ltd express to Nippori - our usual route)

laser

Yes, that would be nice for when my family travels as well. But, unfortunately, it looks like it is not offered that way at this time.

I don't think it would be a good deal for you whether it is one or two people who get the deal. Keisei Skyline from Narita to Nippori only costs Y1000. This NEX/Suica deal costs Y1500 on NEX and I am not sure if that would get you all the way to Nippori, or if you would still have to pay a little extra from Tokyo station.

railroadtycoon

The Skyliner costs 1920yen, the Limited Express is only 1000yen.

You buy the whole package for 3500, 1500 of which is the NEX portion.
You can use the NEX ticket and get off at any JR station in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, ie, you ride to Tokyo/Shinagawa and transfer to the Yamanote Line to Shimbashi or whatever a non NEX station.

What I think LapLap meant was they usually take the Keisei Limited Express to Nippori and transfer to JR (which is what I do as well, the price usually comes out to 1160 or so if the final destination is in Central Tokyo), still a bit more economical. Of course the NEX discount is only valid one way, so if you are returning, you either buy a full price NEX ticket or take alternate options, such as Keisei if you wanted to save money.

I'm still a Keisei person, looking forward to 36minute travel time in a few years.

Q Shoe Guy

Please do elaborate........are they going high speed/dual track both/neither?

railroadtycoon

Narita Rapid Railway, making the run from Narita Airport to Tokyo (Nippori/Keisei Ueno) in 36 minutes:

http://www.nra36.co.jp/index.cgi
Japanese Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narita_Rapid_Railway

laser

You are correct. I forgot that the Skyliner adds 920 to the cost of the base fare.

LapLap

Woohoo! Now THAT would be cool! (I'm sure its been mentioned before, but it's all seeming so much closer now)

Thanks to you and to laser for the response. ^