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Flights descending past Mount Fuji’s snow-capped peak, illuminated by an oversized crimson sunset, offer just enough Japanese iconography to make the first-time visitor to Tokyo irrepressibly giddy, but the jolt of landing can be utterly destabilising.
There’s much to be said for preparation before a trip to a city so densely packed with new experiences, sights and sounds. Gaining a little local knowledge before being swept up in the perpetual motion of this intense megalopolis will make everything so much easier.
Tokyo and shopping are made for each other.
EVERY WHICH WAY
Locating the downtown area of a city encompassing 23 independently run mini-cities is the definition of confusion. To get your bearings, put a ring around Tokyo Station, marking it central for travel purposes, it is after-all the junction for a host of local lines and the main terminal for the Shinkansen (bullet train). Tokyo’s two international airports directly access the station, via several modes of public. Narita’s NEX (express train) also stops at Shinagawa (the alternative Shinkansen station), slightly south/east of centre.
Limousine buses from both airports deliver you to most city hotels. Haneda airport, much closer to town than Narita, offers a flat rate taxi service (about 6000 yen to Tokyo station and a 30-minute ride). Avoid taxis from Narita unless your backyard is a money-tree farm.
If travelling extensively outwards from Tokyo order a JR (Japan Railways) railpass before leaving home, reserving important shinkansen or Limited express trips online via the JRsite. If you are freely wandering ‘Tokes’ then a Pasmo top-up-and-go travel card, readily available from larger stations, are perfect travel companions — they’re handy in taxis, convenience stores and vending machines too.
A recent increase in direct flights from down under makes Tokyo more accessible than ever and with a flight duration of around 9.5 hours and an almost identical time zone there’s no hint of jet lag — woo hoo! Qantas, JAL (Japan airlines) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) offer direct flights from Sydney.
The popular Asakusa district. Picture: Istock
LOW COMMOTION
Tokyo’s rail network, one of the world’s most comprehensive, is startlingly clean and quiet (chatting on your mobile is a no-no and all devices should be muted). Many points of interest are accessible within a couple of short train legs but do a map-check before setting out each day as sometimes it’s quicker to walk as the crow flies than tackle complex rail connections.
The ultra-convenient lime green striped JR Yamanote line works a two-way circuit around the inner-city so lodgings in proximity of its stations are no-brainers for apprehensive travellers with poor direction sense. Journey times rarely beat across town lines but it’s a doddle to use. Hyperdia is your best mate when it comes to route navigation.
Larger stations, such as Shinjuku, Tokyo or Shibuya, are bestowed with a daunting selection of multi-directional exits (Shinjuku wins with 200), some leading a considerable distance away, so it’s smart practice to note the nearest to your destination by literally paying attention to the small print. Zoom in close on google maps to find all exits — often marked alphanumerically eg A1. Businesses such as restaurants regularly provide this location detail to prevent customers becoming lost.
Two-footed travel is your best bet for discovering hidden pockets off tourist maps. It’s safe to roam, absorbing endless exquisite details, but like most cities, females travelling solo in the evening should stay alert.
ALL ABOUT THE BASE
Anchoring yourself ‘central’ in Tokyo city means pretty much anywhere within walking distance of a train station but gleaning a little information about an accommodation’s immediate surrounds can assure you don’t end up with a ‘yeah … nah’ stay situation.
FOUR IN ONE
If, like most Tokyo visitors, you’re seeking to immerse yourself in culture, art, shopping and fantastic food then nabbing a room near Tokyo Station, Ginza or Roppongi are great options with hotels in plentiful supply, many at the luxury end of the spectrum.
STAY
Tokyo Station Hotel offers convenience, old world glamour and impeccable service. The Andaz is a dream for the design set. The Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills is stylish, comfortable, efficient and surrounded by shopping, galleries and museums. Ginza’s Hotel Gracery holds a cracking position for a mid-range price.
DON’T MISS
The Kitte building for shopping and dining. Ginza’s weekend-only pedestrian zone on Chuo dori (street) for glamorous people and shop gazing. Roppongi’s National Art Centre, Mori art museum or design-centric shopping at Tokyo Midtown.
The Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Picture: Hyatt
LATE NIGHT COOL
If your Tokyo agenda also involves partying you’ll want to stay close to loud and proud entertainment areas situated within Shinjuku, Shibuya (and Roppongi) where there are ample options at varying pricepoints.
STAY
Shinjuku’s Park Hyatt is spacious and mega-luxe. Keio Plaza Hotel is a refurbished oldie but all-round goodie. Shibuya Excel Hotel is right in the thick of the action. In both areas the Granbell properties are neat and reasonably priced. Nearby Ikebukuro station-linked Hotel Metropolitan is a convenient set-up whether travelling solo, in a large group or with kids.
DON’T MISS
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Charming Kagurazaka slope. Shibuya’s five-way crossing. Groovy neighbouring villages of Daikanyama and Nakameguro.
https://www.escape.com.au/world/asi...n/news-story/32be8e43a91a83c7a6e44c83c636b5de
There’s much to be said for preparation before a trip to a city so densely packed with new experiences, sights and sounds. Gaining a little local knowledge before being swept up in the perpetual motion of this intense megalopolis will make everything so much easier.
Tokyo and shopping are made for each other.
EVERY WHICH WAY
Locating the downtown area of a city encompassing 23 independently run mini-cities is the definition of confusion. To get your bearings, put a ring around Tokyo Station, marking it central for travel purposes, it is after-all the junction for a host of local lines and the main terminal for the Shinkansen (bullet train). Tokyo’s two international airports directly access the station, via several modes of public. Narita’s NEX (express train) also stops at Shinagawa (the alternative Shinkansen station), slightly south/east of centre.
Limousine buses from both airports deliver you to most city hotels. Haneda airport, much closer to town than Narita, offers a flat rate taxi service (about 6000 yen to Tokyo station and a 30-minute ride). Avoid taxis from Narita unless your backyard is a money-tree farm.
If travelling extensively outwards from Tokyo order a JR (Japan Railways) railpass before leaving home, reserving important shinkansen or Limited express trips online via the JRsite. If you are freely wandering ‘Tokes’ then a Pasmo top-up-and-go travel card, readily available from larger stations, are perfect travel companions — they’re handy in taxis, convenience stores and vending machines too.
A recent increase in direct flights from down under makes Tokyo more accessible than ever and with a flight duration of around 9.5 hours and an almost identical time zone there’s no hint of jet lag — woo hoo! Qantas, JAL (Japan airlines) and ANA (All Nippon Airways) offer direct flights from Sydney.
The popular Asakusa district. Picture: Istock
LOW COMMOTION
Tokyo’s rail network, one of the world’s most comprehensive, is startlingly clean and quiet (chatting on your mobile is a no-no and all devices should be muted). Many points of interest are accessible within a couple of short train legs but do a map-check before setting out each day as sometimes it’s quicker to walk as the crow flies than tackle complex rail connections.
The ultra-convenient lime green striped JR Yamanote line works a two-way circuit around the inner-city so lodgings in proximity of its stations are no-brainers for apprehensive travellers with poor direction sense. Journey times rarely beat across town lines but it’s a doddle to use. Hyperdia is your best mate when it comes to route navigation.
Larger stations, such as Shinjuku, Tokyo or Shibuya, are bestowed with a daunting selection of multi-directional exits (Shinjuku wins with 200), some leading a considerable distance away, so it’s smart practice to note the nearest to your destination by literally paying attention to the small print. Zoom in close on google maps to find all exits — often marked alphanumerically eg A1. Businesses such as restaurants regularly provide this location detail to prevent customers becoming lost.
Two-footed travel is your best bet for discovering hidden pockets off tourist maps. It’s safe to roam, absorbing endless exquisite details, but like most cities, females travelling solo in the evening should stay alert.
ALL ABOUT THE BASE
Anchoring yourself ‘central’ in Tokyo city means pretty much anywhere within walking distance of a train station but gleaning a little information about an accommodation’s immediate surrounds can assure you don’t end up with a ‘yeah … nah’ stay situation.
FOUR IN ONE
If, like most Tokyo visitors, you’re seeking to immerse yourself in culture, art, shopping and fantastic food then nabbing a room near Tokyo Station, Ginza or Roppongi are great options with hotels in plentiful supply, many at the luxury end of the spectrum.
STAY
Tokyo Station Hotel offers convenience, old world glamour and impeccable service. The Andaz is a dream for the design set. The Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills is stylish, comfortable, efficient and surrounded by shopping, galleries and museums. Ginza’s Hotel Gracery holds a cracking position for a mid-range price.
DON’T MISS
The Kitte building for shopping and dining. Ginza’s weekend-only pedestrian zone on Chuo dori (street) for glamorous people and shop gazing. Roppongi’s National Art Centre, Mori art museum or design-centric shopping at Tokyo Midtown.
The Grand Hyatt Tokyo. Picture: Hyatt
LATE NIGHT COOL
If your Tokyo agenda also involves partying you’ll want to stay close to loud and proud entertainment areas situated within Shinjuku, Shibuya (and Roppongi) where there are ample options at varying pricepoints.
STAY
Shinjuku’s Park Hyatt is spacious and mega-luxe. Keio Plaza Hotel is a refurbished oldie but all-round goodie. Shibuya Excel Hotel is right in the thick of the action. In both areas the Granbell properties are neat and reasonably priced. Nearby Ikebukuro station-linked Hotel Metropolitan is a convenient set-up whether travelling solo, in a large group or with kids.
DON’T MISS
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Charming Kagurazaka slope. Shibuya’s five-way crossing. Groovy neighbouring villages of Daikanyama and Nakameguro.
https://www.escape.com.au/world/asi...n/news-story/32be8e43a91a83c7a6e44c83c636b5de
