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Trains and
subways Japan has an
extensive network of trains, and in major cities
like Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, subways as well.
Subways in Tokyo are sometimes hard to tell apart
from trains: for part of the journey the train
might be a subway, while for another part the
subway might become a train: things are not always
as they seem in Japan. All trains and subways have
schedules to the minute, and barring accidents and
acts of God and man, they are safe, punctual, and
reliable. There are two
subway associations in Tokyo, the Toei and
Teito
Eidan Subway.
Fares are metered by distance, but discount
tickets as well as day
passes
are available. We will provide
an information pamphlet about Tokyo subways to our
overseas guests after they arrive. There is a .pdf
file which you can download and print here:
JR
Train Lines Japan Rail
East Japan Rail East
is the train company serving the area of Japan from
Tokyo to Matsumoto (and Azumino) and points further
north and east. Symmetrically, JR West serves
points west. If you go to Osaka, Kyoto, and points
west of Tokyo, you will find yourself on JR West.
If you have a Japan Rail Pass which covers all of
Japan, this won't matter. Practically speaking, you
won't really know which company you are on, as all
the lines interconnect seamlessly. JR East maintains
a good site in both English and Japanese, and more
information about trains and schedules can be found
at the two following links: JR
East (English)
and JR
East (Japanese) Midori no
Madoguchi The symbol on the
left can be seen at virtually all JR stations of
average size. It literally means "Green Window
Counter". Bus, train, discount, and reserved seat
tickets can be purchased at the counter. If you are
going to be using Japan
Rail Passes,
you will need to go to the "Midori no Madoguchi"
first to get your passes processed or initialized,
whether at Narita airport or later during your
trip. Getting from
the airport to Tokyo The best way to
get to Tokyo from Narita airport is by train. There
are other ways including buses, taxis, etc. but
they have their disadvantages, especially if you
are just off the boat. JR East operates the
Narita Express which has train stations in
the basement of the Narita airport terminal
buildings. The Narita Express runs from both
terminal buildings to a number of points in the
Tokyo area, including Tokyo Station, and Shinjuku
Station. Tokyo Station is near where I live, and
Shinjuku Station is where the train leaves for
Matsumoto. |
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