The Tokyo Traveler

While Japan is known as a very proper country when it comes to etiquette, and most times people will go out of their way to be polite, it seems that the some of the busy residents of Tokyo, and the city’s smokers, may have forgotten some of their manners.  Tokyo Metro and Japan Tobacco have both created campaigns to remind the people of what is, or isn’t, acceptable behavior.
Tokyo Metro’s ad campaign comes in the form of eye catching yellow and white posters that feature an image and a phrase, in English and Japanese, starting with “Please do it…”.
Want to …read more

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The term rickshaw is a western word  derived from the Japanese word jinrikisha which can be literally translated as “human-drawn carriage” in English.  The much romanticized jinrikisha is a simple cart with large, spoked wheels on either side and an axle that rests upon the ground until a runner picks it up to navigate the occupants to their chosen destination.  The jinrikisha is was invented in Japan around 1868 and was one of the main modes of transportation around the city with over 40,000 in operation by 1872.
Today, you can tour the Asakusa and Nihonbashi areas of Tokyo on …read more

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Why not rent a bike and get some exercise while taking in all the great sights that Tokyo has to offer? Next to the train, cycling is the most common way to get around the city and it can be a lot of fun. Folding bicycles with carrying cases can be rented through Coolbike for Y2,000 (around US $20) per day via an online reservation system in English, or in person at their shop.
Coolbike rentals can be taken on trains and busses around the city (when collapsed and in their carrying case) so you can take …read more

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The Toden Arakawa Line operates a fleet of streetcars that are the last of their kind in Tokyo. The line started operations back in 1911 and faced closure in the 1960’s due to the influx of automobiles on the roads after WWII that saw the number of streetcar riders drop off dramatically. Thanks to some of the local residents, who resisted the closure of the lines in their neighborhood, you too can enjoy a nostalgic trip on the Toden Arakawa Line, affectionately know by the locals as the chin-chin densha, or “ding-ding train”, a name derived from the …read more

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Visitors to Tokyo tend to do a lot of walking while touring the city.  The routine goes something like this, walk to the nearest Tokyo Metro Station, navigate your way to your destination, possibly transiting one or more stations on foot in the process, walk to and around your desired destination and finally,when you have had your fill of the sights or your feet are just too tired to walk anymore, do it all again in reverse to get back to your accommodations.  Now that’s a lot of walking! It’s good for you and you see a lot more by …read more

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Take advantage of three free bus routes around in Tokyo – your feet and your wallet will thank you!
The Marunouchi Shuttle operates in the area around the Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace every 15-20 minutes from 8AM – 8PM weekdays and 10AM – 8PM on weekend and holidays. (route map & schedule)
Metrolink Nihonbashi operates on the opposite side of Tokyo Station (Yaesu exit) and circles around the historic Nihonbashi and Kyobashi areas. Busses run daily, every 10 minutes, from 10AM – 8PM . Sights in the area include the Nihonbashi bridge, the Kite Museum and the …read more

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Efforts began in 2004 to renovate and preserve the Tokyo Station for the first time since the end of WWII.  The renovations will be completed by 2013 and will include the reconstruction of the domes atop the station, restoration of the red brick facade and repairs to the third floor of the facility.
Architect Kingo Tatsuno designed the original building which was built in 1914.  The building has three above ground floors and a basement level and is one of the busiest stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area.  Tokyo Station survived the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 but the building …read more

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In addition to the Tokyo Metro subway system, there are traditional train routes that allow you to traverse the city with ease. The Yamanote Line is circular route operated by the JR East Japan Railway Company. The line is 34.5 kilometers (22 miles) around, has 29 stops and provides transportation to approximately 3.5 million riders each day. Trains depart every two to four minutes in each direction from 4:30AM to 1:20AM each day and it takes approximately one hour to complete a ride around the Yamanote Line.

Since the track is above ground, taking a trip around the Yamanote …read more

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Are you flying into Narita International Airport?  Do you want to save some money while riding the subway around Tokyo?  You can now purchase Tokyo Metro Open Tickets for Tourists at ticket counters in Narita International Airport.  One or two-day tickets are available and offer a 15-30% discount of the rates that you would normally pay for a Tokyo Metro One-Day Open Ticket.
Details:

Tokyo Metro Open Tickets for Tourists can only be purchased at the airport.
Tokyo Metro 2-Day Open Ticket (Adult: 980 yen, Child, 6-11: 490 yen)
Tokyo Metro 1-Day Tourist Open Ticket (Adult: 600 yen, Child, 6-11: 300 yen)
The ticket …read more

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Commuting from southwest Saitama prefecture to Ikebukuro and Shibuya will get a lot easier with the opening of the newest subway line in Tokyo. The brand new Fukutoshin line is due to open June 14 and is the 13th urban line in Tokyo. It will also be the last line constructed by Tokyo Metro and will utilize the modern looking 10,000 series train pictured below.
The Fukutoshin line is the deepest line of the 13 at 40 meters (131 feet) underground and it will be the first to offer express service. The express will make the run from …read more

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