[Bullet Train Pointers]
1) The Bullet Train leaves on the Dot, so do arrive at the platform about 15 mins before departure!
2) Seat Reservations can be made for the Shinkansen (non-smoking/smoking cabins) at the JR counter at the various stations. If you happen to miss your train or you want to board an earlier train, but have no time to reserve the seat. You can hop onto an earlier/later train, but you are only allowed to seat in the un-reserve carriages. If the train is too packed(which happens often during rush hour), getting a seat maybe difficult and you have to stand all the way. So do try and reserve your train seats in advance.
3) Do not ever lose your JR Pass!
4) Food & Drinks can be consumed on board. Similar to a flight, the train stewardess will come round with her push cart filled with light snacks and drinks for sale! Bento Boxes and Drinks can be purchased from the station itself.
5) Maximising your JR Pass: 1) Use it on the stretch between the Airport to the city (Eg: Narita to Tokyo station and if possible from Tokyo Station to Narita) 2) It can be used for the Loop Line in Osaka and Tokyo, however it is only limited to JR trains and JR stops. I feel that the JR Pass is more useful for the loop line in Tokyo than in Osaka.
6) The difference between the travelling time of a Nozomi and a Hikari is just 20-30mins. The JR Pass does not allow you to travel on a Nozomi.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Japan - Tokyo Part 1
A quick search of the word "Attractions in Tokyo" on google provided a wealth of information. I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information which I had to digest. Planning a F&E trip to Tokyo includes research on not only the attractions, but also the transport system, food, lodging, climate etc. Therefore I have done a skeletal framework of categories from my experiences. Hopefully it will make your travel planning to the city much easier.
Airport Transfers
1) Narita Express - If you have bought the
* When you exit the arrival hall, please proceed down the escalator to the Japan Railway Ticket Office at the basement. That is where you can activate your JRP and book your tickets on the narita express to the city. Please remember to fill in the "activation form" which can be found along the side of the room.
2) Airport Limousine Bus - This is an alternative transfer which will drop you off directly at your hotel or at an area close to your hotel. The Limousine Bus is NOT covered under the JRP and the tickets can be bought from the counter outside the arrival hall. It takes about an hour to get into the city. It is a convenient mode of transport if you are travelling with huge baggages and your hotel is covered under the list of hotels.
3) Taxi - A highly expensive alternative
Cost Saving Tips - CONVENIENT VALUE ADDED TICKETS
1) Limousine & Metro Pass- A set of a one-way Airport Limousine bus ticket between Narita Airport and downtown Tokyo, and a Tokyo Metro 1-Day Open Ticket for one day of unlimited travel on all Tokyo Metro lines.
Point of purchase - Limousine Bus ticket counters of Narita Airport, Shinjuku Station West Exit and TCAT (Tokyo City Air Terminal) and Tokyo Metro Pass Offices (except Nakano, Nishi-funabashi and Shibuya (Fukutoshin Line) stations)
2) If you are planning to buy the metro pass, do purchase the 2 days or 1 day Metro Tickets at Narita Airport T1 or T2 instead of in the city.
Special 2-Day Open Ticket
Good for two consecutive days of unlimited travel on all Tokyo Metro lines.
Adult: ¥980, Child: ¥490
Special 1-Day Open Ticket
Good for one day of unlimited travel on all Tokyo Metro lines
Adult: ¥600, Child: ¥300
Subway
1) With the JR Pass you can travel along the JR Metro Loop(JR Line and JR Yamanote Line) for free. Therefore to save cost you might want to book a hotel along the loop line.
2) A cost efficient way to travel around the city is to purchase the Metro Pass. The pass can be purchased from the subway stations or the airport. With the pass, travellers can board any of trains on the 9 Metro Lines FOC. The Metro pass covers many of the tourist destinations, therefore for a first time visitor to Tokyo, this pass maybe ideal.
3) An alternative pass is the Toei Pass, travellers can ride on the 4 railway lines under it FOC.
Accommodation
1) If you are only in Tokyo for a few days, you might like to check out this post for possible accommodations.
2) Perhaps if you are in Tokyo for a week, month or more. You might want to consider renting an apartment instead. We have heard horror stories of bogus apartment providers, who have swindled unexpecting parties of the down payment. I have used these two providers before and if you are looking for lodging in Tokyo, you might consider using them.
* Japan Stay Club
Before I decided to use that agent, I searched the net for reviews about that company. However I hardly found any! Many of us often worry about the Reliability of the agent. This is heightened by the highly publicised online credit card scams. We are often wary when a full pre-payment is necessary to secure the apartment!
In order to secure an apartment by JSC, full payment by credit card is needed prior to arrival. Above the rental fees advertised on the website, there are additional fees(cleaning,insurance and misc). After Booking three apartments from JSC, I have confidence in their reliability. The apartments I rented were clean and spacious (it beats staying in a squeezy hotel room). Their locations are convenient. Interior was exactly like the photos featured on their website. Maybe we were just lucky, leave a tag if you disagree!
*Akasaka Weekly Mansion
Airport Transfers
1) Narita Express - If you have bought the
Japan Rail Pass,you can travel on the narita express for free but PLEASE remember to book your ticket for the train at the ticket office. None of the carriages are un-reserved and you cannot get on the train without a ticket.
* When you exit the arrival hall, please proceed down the escalator to the Japan Railway Ticket Office at the basement. That is where you can activate your JRP and book your tickets on the narita express to the city. Please remember to fill in the "activation form" which can be found along the side of the room.
2) Airport Limousine Bus - This is an alternative transfer which will drop you off directly at your hotel or at an area close to your hotel. The Limousine Bus is NOT covered under the JRP and the tickets can be bought from the counter outside the arrival hall. It takes about an hour to get into the city. It is a convenient mode of transport if you are travelling with huge baggages and your hotel is covered under the list of hotels.
3) Taxi - A highly expensive alternative
Cost Saving Tips - CONVENIENT VALUE ADDED TICKETS
1) Limousine & Metro Pass- A set of a one-way Airport Limousine bus ticket between Narita Airport and downtown Tokyo, and a Tokyo Metro 1-Day Open Ticket for one day of unlimited travel on all Tokyo Metro lines.
Point of purchase - Limousine Bus ticket counters of Narita Airport, Shinjuku Station West Exit and TCAT (Tokyo City Air Terminal) and Tokyo Metro Pass Offices (except Nakano, Nishi-funabashi and Shibuya (Fukutoshin Line) stations)
2) If you are planning to buy the metro pass, do purchase the 2 days or 1 day Metro Tickets at Narita Airport T1 or T2 instead of in the city.
Special 2-Day Open Ticket
Good for two consecutive days of unlimited travel on all Tokyo Metro lines.
Adult: ¥980, Child: ¥490
Special 1-Day Open Ticket
Good for one day of unlimited travel on all Tokyo Metro lines
Adult: ¥600, Child: ¥300
Subway
1) With the JR Pass you can travel along the JR Metro Loop(JR Line and JR Yamanote Line) for free. Therefore to save cost you might want to book a hotel along the loop line.
2) A cost efficient way to travel around the city is to purchase the Metro Pass. The pass can be purchased from the subway stations or the airport. With the pass, travellers can board any of trains on the 9 Metro Lines FOC. The Metro pass covers many of the tourist destinations, therefore for a first time visitor to Tokyo, this pass maybe ideal.
3) An alternative pass is the Toei Pass, travellers can ride on the 4 railway lines under it FOC.
Accommodation
1) If you are only in Tokyo for a few days, you might like to check out this post for possible accommodations.
2) Perhaps if you are in Tokyo for a week, month or more. You might want to consider renting an apartment instead. We have heard horror stories of bogus apartment providers, who have swindled unexpecting parties of the down payment. I have used these two providers before and if you are looking for lodging in Tokyo, you might consider using them.
* Japan Stay Club
Before I decided to use that agent, I searched the net for reviews about that company. However I hardly found any! Many of us often worry about the Reliability of the agent. This is heightened by the highly publicised online credit card scams. We are often wary when a full pre-payment is necessary to secure the apartment!
In order to secure an apartment by JSC, full payment by credit card is needed prior to arrival. Above the rental fees advertised on the website, there are additional fees(cleaning,insurance and misc). After Booking three apartments from JSC, I have confidence in their reliability. The apartments I rented were clean and spacious (it beats staying in a squeezy hotel room). Their locations are convenient. Interior was exactly like the photos featured on their website. Maybe we were just lucky, leave a tag if you disagree!
*Akasaka Weekly Mansion
Mount Fuji
Caught sight of the "Majestic Grand Old Dame" from the train. Is it just my imagination or does it resemble Mt Fuji watching over the city!
Behind & Between Wires
Behind & Between Wires
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Summer Festival in Japan - Osaka's Tenjin Matsuri 24-25 July (Annually)
If you happen to be in Japan in July, why not be a face in the crowd at the Tenjin Matsuri. Blend into the crowd by wearing a yukata.
The highlight of the festival begins at 4pm on 25 July, the land procession will leave the Tenmangu Shrine and head towards the Okawa River. The parade consists of a colourful extravaganza of costume clad participants(both young and old) dancing/walking to the beat of traditional music and the transportation of the shrines to the river!
I was at the bridge which had a crane on the grassy patch beside the river! When the Shrines and the Drums reached the river, they were lifted onto the Barges by the crane! * The Bridge provided a clear view to watch the loading of the Barges, as they were being filled by Human Beings (performers and public) or Sacred Items. However there was a trade-off as I could not catch sight of the fireworks! This is the wrong Bridge to be if you LOVE fireworks!
The highlight of the festival begins at 4pm on 25 July, the land procession will leave the Tenmangu Shrine and head towards the Okawa River. The parade consists of a colourful extravaganza of costume clad participants(both young and old) dancing/walking to the beat of traditional music and the transportation of the shrines to the river!
I was at the bridge which had a crane on the grassy patch beside the river! When the Shrines and the Drums reached the river, they were lifted onto the Barges by the crane! * The Bridge provided a clear view to watch the loading of the Barges, as they were being filled by Human Beings (performers and public) or Sacred Items. However there was a trade-off as I could not catch sight of the fireworks! This is the wrong Bridge to be if you LOVE fireworks!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Japan - Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
If you are in Osaka and have brought your kids to all the attractions there and you are wondering where else to bring them. Here's a suggestion - Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum! It
Nearest Station: Hankyu Ikeda Station
Open: Monday-Sunday from 9am-4pm
If you want to attend "The Chicken Ramen Workshop" reservation is required. It is 90 minutes and it cost 500 Yen for Adults. Reservation Hotline : +81-727510825
No Reservation is required for "My Cup Noodle Factory" It is available from 9.30am-3.45pm. There price is 300 Yen per serving. The kids can customise their own cup noodles at My Cup Noodle Factory!
For 300 yen an empty cup will be released from the vending machine. Next sanitise your hands. Following which you can personalise the exterior of the cup. Once done, spin the wheel so that the noodles can be compressed at the base of the cup. Choose your favourite toppings and soup base! Lastly the cup will be sealed and wrapped in a plastic! A souvenir for the kids to bring home. The weirdest topping on the menu is CHEESE!
Visited a replica of the Father of Nissin Noodle's shed. I tried the cup noodles (Udon,Soba, Ramen) which was available on the JAL flight. I felt that the udon was the best among the three cups. There was no 'wow' factor about the noodle. It was just a thicker and flatter version of maggi mee however the soup base tasted quite similiar to udon stock.
Japan - Uji City (Marukyu Koyamaen)
*TO COMPLETE YOUR JAPANESE EXPERIENCE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU SIGN UP FOR A GREEN TEA FACTORY TOUR WITH MARUKYU KOYAMAEN! *There is NO Hidden Cost, the tour itself is free of charge. If you are language bound, the plant can hire an interpreter for your group for just 1000yen! If you are interested please go to the website to register.
My trip to Japan gave me a chance to encounter the warm hospitality of the Japanese and the tea plant tour was no exception! In fact the tour was superb and exceeded my expectations. A driver from the plant picked us up at Uji Station and drove us to the plant. When we reached the plant, despite his busy schedule, the VP of the plant came out to receive us. After showing us a video(in english) about the tea making processes. He brought us on a tour around the plant, to explain the tea making processes showcased in the video!
A summary on how Matcha is made:
During the growing process, the new shoots from the tea plants are covered with straw to reduce the amount of incoming sunlight. When the plants are old enough, the leaves are harvested. The leaves are seperated from the vein, waste and excess straw. Granite stones cut to exact precision are used to grind the leaves. The grinding process is done in a dark room!
At the end of the tour we were treated to a bowl of Matcha!
Accommodation in Japan - Tokyo
I have stayed at 4 locations around Tokyo - 3 Hotels Yaesu Terminal Hotel, Hotel Kazusaya and Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro AND a week long stay at Asakusa Weekly Mansion
The Selling Point of the Accomodations is:
1)The nearest station is a JR Station, additional cost was not incurred to get there.
Here's the ranking for the hotels, 1 being one that I will likely stay in when I return to Tokyo.
1) Hotel Kazusaya
2) Yaesu Terminal Hotel
3) Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro(I will never return to this Hotel)
A)Evaluation Criteria - COST (3 Pax)
2) Hotel Kazusaya - Y13200-$16500 *Weekends have higher charge
3) Yaesu Terminal Hotel - above Y16500
1) Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro - Y12000
In terms of cost Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro is definitely the cheapest!
However if you pay Y1200 more, 1) you will get a toilet with a working butt washer(I have stayed in two rooms at Sakura Hotel and both of the butt washers did not work.), clean white walls (Sakura Room Walls reminded me of a school classroom, which had shoe and soccer ball prints on them!) and free newspaper!
Some readers may feel that they won't mind forgoing the perks above just to save Y1200, which they can spend on more useful means! That was why I also came up with another evaluation criteria.
B) Evaluation Criteria - Convenience
1) Hotel Kazusaya - Shin Nihombashi
2) Yaesu Terminal Hotel - Tokyo
3) Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro - Ikebukuro
Time Taken to move baggage from Station to Hotel
1) Hotel Kazusaya - 5 Mins
2) Yaesu Terminal Hotel - 15 Mins
3) Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro - 15 Mins
This factor should be taken into consideration especially for travellers with huge bags.
Do note that Ikebukuro Station is an extremely crowded station. During peak periods, travellers with large luggages might face slight inconvenience trying to get on the trains.
It takes around 20-30mins to get from Tokyo Station to Ikebukuro Station, therefore do factor the travelling time into account when you book the bullet train tickets leaving from Tokyo Station. Shinjuku Station is a Bullet Train Stop for some of the routes. If you are staying at Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro, you might want to consider boarding the train from Shinjuku instead of Tokyo.
If you are planning to stay in Tokyo for a week (7D,6N), you might want to consider renting a weekly mansion instead. The advantage is that you won't feel like a "caged bird"!
The Selling Point of the Accomodations is:
1)The nearest station is a JR Station, additional cost was not incurred to get there.
Here's the ranking for the hotels, 1 being one that I will likely stay in when I return to Tokyo.
1) Hotel Kazusaya
2) Yaesu Terminal Hotel
3) Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro(I will never return to this Hotel)
A)Evaluation Criteria - COST (3 Pax)
2) Hotel Kazusaya - Y13200-$16500 *Weekends have higher charge
3) Yaesu Terminal Hotel - above Y16500
1) Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro - Y12000
In terms of cost Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro is definitely the cheapest!
However if you pay Y1200 more, 1) you will get a toilet with a working butt washer(I have stayed in two rooms at Sakura Hotel and both of the butt washers did not work.), clean white walls (Sakura Room Walls reminded me of a school classroom, which had shoe and soccer ball prints on them!) and free newspaper!
Some readers may feel that they won't mind forgoing the perks above just to save Y1200, which they can spend on more useful means! That was why I also came up with another evaluation criteria.
B) Evaluation Criteria - Convenience
1) Hotel Kazusaya - Shin Nihombashi
2) Yaesu Terminal Hotel - Tokyo
3) Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro - Ikebukuro
Time Taken to move baggage from Station to Hotel
1) Hotel Kazusaya - 5 Mins
2) Yaesu Terminal Hotel - 15 Mins
3) Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro - 15 Mins
This factor should be taken into consideration especially for travellers with huge bags.
Do note that Ikebukuro Station is an extremely crowded station. During peak periods, travellers with large luggages might face slight inconvenience trying to get on the trains.
It takes around 20-30mins to get from Tokyo Station to Ikebukuro Station, therefore do factor the travelling time into account when you book the bullet train tickets leaving from Tokyo Station. Shinjuku Station is a Bullet Train Stop for some of the routes. If you are staying at Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro, you might want to consider boarding the train from Shinjuku instead of Tokyo.
If you are planning to stay in Tokyo for a week (7D,6N), you might want to consider renting a weekly mansion instead. The advantage is that you won't feel like a "caged bird"!
Accommodation in Japan - Miyajima (Yamaichi Bekkan)
We stayed in YAMAICHI BEKKAN and we totally regretted it!
I booked it because I thought that it will be a traditional ryokan but we were in for a mega disappointment!
The exterior of the building was extremely run down and the interior was even worst!
The only traditional aspect of it was the futon, the soba husk filled pillow and the lack of an elevator!
We had to carry our luggages up 3 flights of stairs! It had a western style bathroom!
Charges are calculated by pax -7500yen + 5% tax not including breakfast or dinner! We ended up paying around around $300 for a room, which could only fit 3 futons and had hardly any room left to open our luggage!
My Suggestion for travellers is to stay in Hiroshima and make a day trip to Miyajima. It is quite troublesome to carry your luggage up and down the ferry for just one night.
I booked it because I thought that it will be a traditional ryokan but we were in for a mega disappointment!
The exterior of the building was extremely run down and the interior was even worst!
The only traditional aspect of it was the futon, the soba husk filled pillow and the lack of an elevator!
We had to carry our luggages up 3 flights of stairs! It had a western style bathroom!
Charges are calculated by pax -7500yen + 5% tax not including breakfast or dinner! We ended up paying around around $300 for a room, which could only fit 3 futons and had hardly any room left to open our luggage!
My Suggestion for travellers is to stay in Hiroshima and make a day trip to Miyajima. It is quite troublesome to carry your luggage up and down the ferry for just one night.
Accommodation in Japan - Hiroshima (World Friendship Centre)
If you are planning to stay in Hiroshima.I highly recommend that you stay at the World Friendship Centre.
"World Friendship Center was founded on August 6th, 1965 (exactly 20years after the Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima), by Barbara Reynolds, to provide a place where people from many nations can meet, share their experiences and reflect on peace." (Taken off the website)
It is highly recommended to reserve in advance to avoid disappointment! The accomodation has only 4-5 rooms! The cost 3900 JPN per guest per night (1/2 price for children 2 to 11 years old; under 2-free)Includes Western-style Breakfast and High Speed Internet.* Note: you have to pay the cost in cash in JPY
The private rooms at the WFC enhances a foreigner's experience in Japan. Picture this in your mind - tatami mat lined room, japanese decoration, and the opportunity to sleep on a futon for a reasonable cost. Simply Awesome for a traveller on a budget! One advantage of staying at the WFC is that the couple who ran the place compiled a list of good and reasonably priced eateries around the centre! The only disappointment I had was that I could not try all the lovely restaurants recommended by the directors of the centre! The breakfast table can accomodate 6 guests, thus giving the guests at the centre a chance to interact with each other.
In the days leading up to 6th August, in memory of the fateful day the A Bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Many activities are held along the river side. We managed to participate in an event and it was memorable! The participants came from different countries, some of us never experienced the horrors of WW2. Yet as our hearts and voices united to sing Amazing Grace, it was a beautiful declaration of the desire to have Peace and Harmony on this Earth!
The moonlight and spotlight casted an eerie glow on the Bomb dome!
When you stay at the WFC, the directors of the centre can schedule a personalised Peace Park Guide Tours for you and with advance notice can arrange for first hand accounts of Hibakusha.
Day trip from Hiroshima
Miyajima - We took a ferry across from the mainland to Miyajima and many sailboats dotted the sea! If you are holding a JR Pass the ride on the ferry is free! The ferry timing is quite frequent and the ride takes around 15 mins! From the ferry you can catch sight of the Floating Tori Gate!
Opinion on Hiroshima VS Nagasaki
If you have limited time in Japan and you are contemplating whether to visit Hiroshima or Nagasaki. Having visted both places, I prefer Hiroshima. I found it easier to navigate round Hiroshima as the main attractions more conveniently located.
You might be interested in my post on Nagasaki
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