Marq, the direction going to Roppongi is NOT the direction that initiates at Tochomae, it starts out in the hinterlands. That doesn't mean I don't ride the line, it's by far the best way to get to Roppongi or Azabu Juban from the Park Hyatt, my regular hotel.

mjm, I did the computation and the Roppongi station isn't just 10 floors underground, it's actually more like 13-15 floors underground in the direction coming from Shinjuku! Bring your copy of Jules Vernes' "Journey to the Center of the Earth." The other direction is above at Roppongi, so it's a little better.

You are right; it was my trips to Wakamatsu-Kawada during morning rush where I was able to get on empty trains. Still, I have not had any problems getting to Roppongi from Tochomae and having a seat but I have not done that trip during morning rush.

Marc

I finally stayed at this property and followed the directions above. I beat the times given at the search site and in general it was a straightforward trip. Actually the more I travel on the subway here the more I like it! (Headed to the "Big Egg" yesterday to buy some souvenirs. Thanks mjm! Unfortunately they didn't have much in the way of Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles kit)Thanks Marc and everyone for the great railway advice!