Notes about Japan Trip


Tokyo (NRT) Airport
  • ATM just outside Customs and Arrival - very convenient.
  • Tourist Info booth has maps and best way to get to Tokyo - there are several options:
    - Tokyo Limo (bus) Y3100,
    - Skyliner Keisei to Ueno, Japan Rail Y2470,
    - NEX limited express - to Central Tokyo also Yokohama/Ofuna Y3020
    - Subway - Tokyo Metro/Toei 110-310 per trip
  • Get a PASMO (or SUICA) - both work the same way everywhere in Tokyo.  Suica is also accepted on Japan Rail elsewhere.
  • 7-11 ATMs accept US Credit Cards - otherwise Post Office. 
    - Other ATMs may not accept US credit cards.
    - Credit cards worked for payments for hotel and skytree.
  • Places to visit - Meiji Jingu, Sensoji, Skytree Tower, Palace east gardens, Kamakura, Hase
  • Y100 stores or 7-11 are everywhere and have reasonable prices.
  • People very nice and helpful.
    - Full employment - so many people to manage lines at airport or SkyTree.  One at front, one at the end, and one or more roaming in between.
    - For all the security everywhere, there are still thugs.  One got on our train and yelled something at the people sitting at the 3-person bench across from me.  Everyone got up and scurried away.  He then occupied the entire bench for himself, with his sidekick standing guard at the train door.  Several stations later, he came to get the thug and they got off at the next station.
  • Direction to Starbucks - is one of the easiest - like many places in the US.
  • Yokohama, where my cruise began, is second largest city in Japan, It is like Oakland to San Francisco.

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