Thrilling Tokyo

Tokyo. One of the 47 prefectures of Japan, though it is called a metropolis rather than a prefecture, is located on the eastern side of Honshu, on the Kanto plain facing the Tokyo bay. It is the largest city and the country’s capital. It is the most populated urban area in the world with over 12 million people living there, not including adjacent areas. It is the seat of the Japanese Government and the Imperial Palace, the home of the Japanese Imperial family. The city is considered an Alpha + world city and ranked 3rd among global cities along with London and New York. The city was earlier called Edo meaning estuary, and was a small fishing village. In 1868, the name was changed to Tokyo, meaning east capital. Tokyo is laced with soaring sky scrappers, cosmopolitan industries, shopping arcades, extravagant bars and lounges and amid its modern flourish, the city also espouses its time honoured tradition in the form of shrines, ryokans ( guesthouses ) and museums. Tokyo has suffered a number of tragedies, including major devastation during World War II. After the war, Tokyo was completely re built. It has also suffered many earthquakes because of its location being near the boundary of 3 plates. But they are relatively quiet since 1923. Popular Hollywood movies like The Fast and the Furious, Kill Bill, Lost in Translation have been filmed in Tokyo. The energy of Tokyo borders on mania and obsession with newness that seems to make all ideas obsolete quickly. But though they are tech savvy with electronics, upgrade their mobiles with each advancement, fashions change with the blink of an eye, they are also traditional which may not be evident initially. Deep at their core, culture, religion, beliefs and respect are important to them. As the modern moves ahead, the city remains true to its origins.

 

S

ome General Information

Country : Japan

Official Language : Japanese and English

Religion : Shinto and Buddhism

Currency : Japanese Yen ( JPY)

Time Zone : + 9 hours GMT

Temperature : Tokyo lies in the humid subtropical climate zone with hot humid summers and generally mild winters with cool spells.Tokyo has an average temperature of about 16.5° C, an average minimum temperature of about 13° Celsius, and an average maximum temperature of about 20°  Celsius. Average humidity is about 60%. January is the coldest month in Tokyo with an average of 5° Celsius. July is the hottest month in Tokyo with an average of about 26° Celsius.

Sightseeing : Some of the sight s to be seen while you visit Tokyo are Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa, Odaiba, Shibuya, Meiji Jingu shrine, Ueno Park, Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Tower, National Museum and a lot more. Many shrines, temples, parks, museums, and sights to be seen in Tokyo.

 

Getting There

Most of the international flights land in Tokyo and it is the hub of air travel even within Japan. Travel within Japan is extensive, reliable and safe. Flying is faster and not significantly more expensive than riding the Bullet train, called the Shinkansen. Tokyo has 2 airports, Narita which handles most international flights and Haneda used primarily for domestic traffic.

Narita International Airport ( NRT)

Narita is 66 kms east of Tokyo and apart from its inconvenient location ( getting into town takes anywhere between 50 minutes to 2 hours ), it is an excellent airport with a plethora of services. It has 2 terminals connected by a free shuttle bus service. Both terminals have post offices, currency exchange counters, lots of restaurants, duty free shops, left luggage services and baggage courier services, showers, day rooms for napping, children’s play rooms which include computer games and many information counters. All sign posts at Narita are marked in Japanese and English and all staff at the airport can converse in English. Customs and immigration services are efficient but time consuming especially for foreigners. Non Japanese are photographed and fingerprinted upon arrival and subjected to intense questioning. Appearance is very essential. On departure, you need to arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.

Address : Tokyo Narita Airport, Narita-shi, Chiba 282-8601, Japan. Telephone : 0476 322 802 or 348 000
Fax : 0476 301 571

http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/

 

Haneda Airport ( HND)

Haneda Airport is the airport seasoned Tokyo expats wish was still Tokyo’s main air hub. Unfortunately, all international traffic now goes via Narita airport, and only domestic flyers and charter flights can make use of this conveniently located airport. Haneda doesn’t have Narita’s services infrastructure, but there are post offices, banks, left-luggage services and baggage-shipping companies. Nor does Haneda have a dedicated English-language information counter, although there is usually someone who can answer your questions in English. There are several information counters in both terminals, and the staff speak English, the main counter for foreign visitors is the Terminal 2  Information counter (0476-34-6251; 9am-8pm), on the 1st floor.

Airport Telephone : 5757-8111

 

Shinkansen

The Bullet Train or Shinkansen, which literally means the new main line, is a network of high speed railway lines in Japan. The network links most major cities on the islands of Honshu and Kyushu at speeds upto 300 kmph. Many countries including USA still have no trains running at this speed. Between Tokyo and Osaka, the 2 largest metropolises of Japan, up to 10 trains per hour with 16 cars each, run in each direction with a minimum headway of 3 minutes between trains. Japan’s train networks is one of the best, quiet and fastest in the world. Services started in 1964, when it being one of the 1st countries in the world to realize the problems of the car.

 

Tourist Information

The airport Tourist Information Center (TIC 0476-34-6251,  9am-8pm) is a key stop if you haven’t yet booked any accommodation. While you’re there, pick up a subway map and the Tourist Map of Tokyo. There’s a TIC on the 1st floor in each terminal. Narita airport also has a JR office where you can make bookings and exchange your Japan Rail Pass voucher for a pass, if you’re planning to start travelling straight away.

Tokyo Tourist Information centre

1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government, 1st floor, Building no.1. Open year round except New Year. 930 to 1830  Tel : 03 5321 3077

2. Haneda Airport, New Haneda Airport International Terminal 2F. Open year round. 9 to 2300 hours. Tel : 03 6428 0653

3. Keisei Ueno Office  Tel : 03 3836 3471

Major Services

1. Information service on Tokyo sightseeing

2. Information service on tourist destinations and routes

3. Information service on transportation

4. Information service on accommodation facilities in Tokyo

5. Sales of related goods and tickets (available only at Main Office)

6. Introduction to Tokyo Tourism Volunteers

*Please note that the center does not offer a reservation service for hotels, restaurants, tickets and such.

 

Travel Tips

1. Whenever you decide to visit Japan, do not leave your good behaviour at home. The Japanese honour and respect those who are well mannered. Their system of etiquette is one of the most complex in the world.

2. Bring a good camera with you when you visit Tokyo. It is wonderful place to take pictures.

3. The Japanese do not give or expect tips. to them, it is a Western tradition that is considered a little vulgar.

4. Be vigilant about your safety and belongings though it is a safe country. Be careful and aware of the weather too. Umbrellas, jackets, whatever is needed as per the time of the year you are visiting. Typhoons and earthquakes are common.

5. Keep hydrated. There are very few sodas available. The japanese are fit people and do not need them. Always carry plain bottled water or the Japanese water which is often flavoured or have sweeteners in them.