Getting Around
Tokyo's public transport system is one of the most efficient in the world and is clean and safe, combining an extensive train network, 13 underground subway lines, and a bus system. Visitors usually find the trains (JR) and subways the best way to get around, although the complexity of the underground network can be intimidating; rush hour, from 7.30am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm, should be avoided. Most stations have English signs.
Because lines are owned by different companies, transfers between trains or subways usually require a transfer between different train systems, with different ticketing systems that can be confusing. Subway tickets are bought at vending machines. The bus system is more complicated for visitors as most destinations are written in Japanese only and bus drivers don't speak English.
Taxis are convenient but never cheap, particularly during rush hour. Taxis can be hailed on the street, except in some central areas, where they only pick up from taxi ranks. Drivers speak little English. Driving a car in the city is not advised. Walking around the city is a delight and the best way to go sightseeing, when possible.
Airports
Tokyo Narita International Airport
The airport is located about 45 miles (73km) northeast of Tokyo.
Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT)
Location
The airport is located about 45 miles (73km) northeast of Tokyo.Getting to the city
Terminal 1 has a separate railway station from Terminal 2 and 3. Terminal 1 uses Narita Airport Station and Terminal 2 and 3 use Airport Terminal 2 Station. Different train services on the JR or Keisei lines serve Tokyo and surrounding destinations. The journey to Tokyo takes at least one hour. Buses connect to the domestic airport and hotels in the city centre; the journey takes between one and two hours from the pick up at departure lobbies of Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
Time
GMT +9.Car rental
Car rentals can be organised at the airport.
Airport Taxis
Fixed fare taxis are available from outside the airport's arrival area, and there are assistants available at the designated fixed fare taxi stands in the airport.
Transfer between terminals
A free shuttle bus connects the three terminals.
Facilities
The facilities at Narita Airport are extensive and include shops (including duty-free), banks, ATMs, currency exchange bureaux, massage services, baby-changing areas, a pet hotel, beauty salons and left luggage. A variety of restaurants catering for Japanese, Chinese and Western tastes are available. Both terminals have shower facilities and Day Rooms (bedrooms that can be hired by the hour).
Parking
Terminal 1 parking is in P1 and P5, while Terminal 2 parking is in P2 and P3.
Tokyo Haneda Airport
The airport is located about 12 miles (20km) south of Tokyo.
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
Location
The airport is located about 12 miles (20km) south of Tokyo.Getting to the city
There are both railway and monorail connections for getting into Tokyo from Haneda Airport. Nonstop express routes take roughly 30 minutes to get into downtown Tokyo.
Time
GMT +9.Car rental
There are car rental facilities in the airport, including Orix, Nippon, Nissan, and Toyota.
Airport Taxis
Taxis are available at the airport, with taxi stands outside each terminal. Taxis into town tend to be very expensive, however.
Transfer between terminals
The terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus, the monorail line and an underground passageway.
Facilities
Services and facilities provided at Tokyo Haneda Airport include WiFi, currency exchange, ATMs, disabled facilities, hair salons, banks, a post office, medical clinics, baggae storage, a lost and found, and nearly a dozen information desks.
Parking
Short- and long-term parking is available in four parking lots adjacent to the terminals.