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TRANSPORT Tokyo’s world-class, public-transport system will get you anywhere you need to go. Most places worth visiting are conveniently close to a subway or Japan Railways (JR) station. Where the rail network lets you down (though it really shouldn’t), there are usually bus services – although using these can be challenging if you can’t read kanji. Most residents and visitors use the railway system far more than any other means of transport. It is reasonably priced and fre- quent (generally five minutes at most between trains on major lines in central Tokyo), and stations have conveniences such as left- luggage lockers for baggage storage. The only drawback is that the system shuts down at midnight or 1am and doesn’t start up again until 5am or 6am. Subway trains have a tendency to stop halfway along their route when closing time arrives. People who are stranded face an expensive taxi ride home or have to wait for the first morning train. Check schedules posted on platforms for the last train on the line if you plan to be out late. Avoiding Tokyo’s rush hour is a good idea, but might be impossible if you’re on a tight schedule. Commuter congestion tends to ease between 10am and 4pm, when trav- elling around Tokyo – especially on the JR Yamanote Line – can actually be quite pleas- ant. Before 9.30am and from about 4.30pm onward there’ll be cheek-to-jowl crowds on all major train and bus lines. Flights, tours and rail tickets can be booked online at www.lonelyplanet.com/ travel_services. AIR International flights from all over the world land in Japan, most of them arriving in Tokyo. Tokyo is also the hub of air travel within Japan, which is extensive, reliable and safe. In many cases, flying can be faster – and not significantly more expensive – than riding the shinkansen (bullet train). Flying can also help you get from Japan’s main hubs, such as Tokyo and Osaka, to some of the country’s most far-flung destinations, such as Okinawa and Hokkaido. Customs and immigration procedures are usually straightforward, although they’re more time-consuming for gaijin (foreigners) than for Japanese. Note that as of 20 November 2007, non-Japanese have been fingerprinted and photographed on arrival, and are subject to intense questioning. A neat a ppearance will speed your passage through passport control and customs, though you can expect delays if you’ve entered Japan multiple times as a tourist. Everyth ing at Narita Airport is clearly sign- posted in English and you can change money in the customs halls of either terminal or in the arrival halls. The rates will be the same as those offered in town. Airports Tokyo has two airports: Narita, which handles most international traffic, and Haneda, which is used primarily for domestic flights. Narita Airport (%flight information 0476-34-5000, general information 0476-32-2802) is 66km east of T R A N S P O R T A I R WARNING – THINGS CHANGE The information contained in this chapter is particularly vulnerable to change: prices for international travel are volatile, routes are introduced and cancelled, schedules change, special deals come and go, and rules and visa requirements are amended. Airlines and governments seem to take pleasure in making price structures and regula- tions as complicated as possible. You should check directl y with the airline or your travel agency to make sure you understand how the ticket you buy works. In addition, the travel industry is highly competitive, and there are many lurks and perks. The upshot of this is that you should get opinions, quotes and advice from as many airlines and travel agencies as possible before parting with your hard-earned cash. The details given in this chapter should be regarded as pointers and are not a substitute for your own careful, up-to-date research. For the most up-to-date travel information, check out the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Forum at www.thorntree .lonelyplanet.com. © Lonely Planet Publications 237

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