Tokyo Transportation Tips by Xtian

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bicycle
Getting TO/AROUND: The Airport Skyliner or the Keisei limited express are your cheapest options from the airport to the City. Transfer at Ueno to the Yamanote line to your local destination in Tokyo.

Do not (repeat do not) take a taxi unless you're prepared to depart with some serious Yen.

Chances are your Japanese is not fantastic, so try and bring with you a copy of your hotel name and destination written in Japanese.

When you're in Tokyo, don't do any of the day or night tours from JTB or any other of the tourist companies. Buy a 1 day open ticket on the subway and enjoy the freedom of getting off the beaten path. Sometimes getting lost on some of the backstreets is half the fun... and I don't say this to be facetious.

Tokyo is so densely populated that there are subway stations and railway stations and bus stops almost every few blocks! And maps of the area are provided in both Japanese and English.

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'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: Tokyo's 'chikatetsu' (lit: underground iron) may look like a mess of spaghetti at first, but it is the best way to get around Tokyo. There is also the 'above ground' JR line.

The bus services are good but you will need to have a reasonably competent level of Japanese. The bus driver does not talk to passengers - he's hidden away behind a huge perspex barrier. When you board the bus you need to be able to read the signboard, pick out your destination, and feed the appropriate coins / notes into the machine near the obscured bus driver.

If you're intending on staying in Tokyo for an extended period of time, I would suggest you buy a bicycle. I bought this Sushi deliverers bicycle for around A$60. Just ensure you get the registration papers as bike theft is a common problem in Tokyo.

The local police tend to also get around on bicycles and they WILL check your bicycle registration papers, so make sure you get them when you buy the bike and keep it with you at all times.

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