TOKYO MAR 17 23 2015

17Cloudy with occasional rain15Lo9Hist. Avg.12Lo618A couple of morning showers16Lo8Hist. Avg.13Lo619Rather cloudy and colder11Lo7Hist. Avg.13Lo620Cloudy13Lo9Hist. Avg.13Lo621Periods of rain16Lo5Hist. Avg.13Lo6

22Cloudy with occasional rain10Lo5Hist. Avg.13Lo723Overcast with showers11Lo4Hist. Avg.13Lo7

Tickets on sale atStations where the Skyliner stops ( Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station, Nippori, Ueno )Keisei Ueno Information Center ( Ueno Station )Hours of operation:Liner Ticket Counter: 7:00am to 10:30pmTicket counter in the arrivals lobby: 7:00am to 9:00pmKeisei Ueno Information Center: 9:30am to 6:30pm

On-sale dateTickets go on sale one month prior to the departure date.

FaresRouteStations where the train will stopTravel timeFareSkyliner Fare

Narita SKY ACCESS LineSkyliner(Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station Nippori - Ueno)41min.*1,240**1,230**

*Shortest time required between Ueno Station and Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station (Terminal 2)**The Skyliner fare will be 2,465 yen (ticket 1,235 yen + Skyliner ticket 1,230 yen) when using an approved IC card (PASMO or Suica, etc.) at the ticket gate

*Major credit cards can be used to purchase either the Skyliner ticket alone or a combined base fare and Skyliner ticket.*Please use the machines located outside the ticket gate when using the Skyliner Ticket Machine to purchase tickets.*Some ticket windows may not sell certain Skyliner tickets.

March 17 2015 TuesCheck in. 1) Recki Odakyu Mall for Hakone pass n JR pass. 2) Chk Ueno Stn to Narita Airport JR ticket. 3).Impt: Check luggage for Ueno Htl n Luggage @ Uneno Station (Keisei Ueno Station has 75 large lockers.)Lockers list of near Ueno Station 1 Keisei Skyliner line stand ticket outside the ticket gate next to parking, taxi stand Directions surface passage316 355 575 (mm) 300164 pieces

550 355 575 (mm) (carry bag available) 400Seventeen

843 355 575 (mm) (Allowed suitcase) 600Seventy

1153 355 575 (mm) (Allowed suitcase) 600Five

Pasmo cash From the first train to the last train A 2 subway Ginza Line Ueno Park district ticket wicket outside the ticket office next to Ueno Marui mouth 5b exit immediately316 355 575 (mm) 300Ten

404 355 575 (mm) 300Twelve

550 355 575 (mm) (carry bag available) 400Nine

843 355 575 (mm) (Allowed suitcase) 500Three

Pasmo cash From the first train to the last train

Recki Shinjuku.March 18 2015 Wed1) 9am Tsukiji Mkt.2) Shibuya - Harajuku

Suica is the prepaid IC card by JR East for JR trains in the Greater Tokyo, Niigata and Sendai regions.

- Pasmo is the prepaid IC card of Tokyo's railway, subway and bus operators other than JR.HOTEL WASHINGTON MAR 17 19From Tokyo StationThe frequently departing, orange trains on theJR Chuo Line(Rapid Service) take less than 15 minutes and cost 200 yen fromTokyo Stationto Shinjuku Station.From Ueno StationByJR Yamanote Lineit takes 25 minutes and costs 200 yen to get from Ueno to Shinjuku. A slightly faster alternative is to take the JR Yamanote orJR Keihin-TohokuLine from Ueno to Kanda Station, and then theJR Chuo Linefrom Kanda to Shinjuku.

SHINJUKUWest of the station is Shinjuku'sskyscraper district, home to many ofTokyo's tallest buildings, including several premier hotels and the twin towers of theMetropolitan Government Office, whose observation decks are open to the public for free.Northeast of the station liesKabukicho, Japan's largest and wildest red light district, while department stores, subterranean malls and electronic shops surround Shinjuku Station on all four sides, including the recently redeveloped Southern Terrace.

Shinjuku Skyscraper DistrictRestaurants: Hours vary but are typically from 11:00 to 23:00. Some restaurants close for a few hours between lunch and dinner.The area west of Shinjuku Station is home to a large number of skyscrapers including theTokyo Metropolitan Government Buildingand leading hotels such as the Keio Plaza, Hilton, Hyatt Regency and Park Hyatt (featured inLost in Translation). Several of the skyscrapers have shops and restaurants on their ground floors and additional restaurants with great views of the city on their top floors.

Omoide Yokocho

Restaurants: Typically from 17:00 to 24:00 (some are open for lunch)Closed: Irregular closing days

Omoide Yokocho (lit. memory lane), also known under its more colorful nickname Piss Alley, is a small network of alleyways along the tracks northwest of Shinjuku Station. The narrow lanes are filled with dozens of tiny eateries servingramen,soba,sushi,yakitoriand kushiyaki. Many restaurants consist of just one counter with some chairs, while others have a couple of tables.Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office(more details)Hours: 9:30 to 23:00 (South Observatory until 17:30)Closed: Dec 29 to Jan 3 (except Jan 1) and occasional inspection days, the 2nd and 4th Mondays (North Observatory) and the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays (South Observatory) of each month except onholidaysAdmission: FreeThe 243 meter talltwin towersand surrounding buildings contain the offices and the assembly hall of the metropolitan government ofTokyo, as well as observatories on the 45th floor of each tower. The view from the southern tower is considered slightly more interesting.Shinjuku Gyoen(more details)

Hours: 9:00 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00)Closed: Mondays (or the next day if Monday is aholiday), and December 29 to January 3. There are no closure days from late March to late April (cherry blossoms) and in the first half of November (chrysanthemums).Admission: 200 yen

Shinjuku Gyoenis one of Tokyo's largest and most pleasantparksand one of the city's bestcherry blossomviewing spotsSHIBUYATake the JR Yamanote line to Shibuya station, Hachiko exit. 1. Starbucks at Shibuya Crossing21-6 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya,Tokyo,Japan;81-(0)3-3770-2301 2. Tokyu Food ShowTokyu Department Store, B1 Flo,2-24-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku (Shibuya Station),TokyoJapan;81-(0)3-3477-3111 3. Shibuya 1092-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku,Tokyo,Japan;81-(0)3-3477-5111 Shibuya Crossing - take a walk across the famous intersection outside Shibuya Station. When the lights turn red at this busy junction, they all turn red at the same time in every direction. Traffic stops completely and pedestrians surge into the intersection from all sides, from the second-story window of the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building on the crossing's north side. follow the trendy teens into Shibuya 109, a big shiny mall with more than 100 boutiques. into Shibuya Station and down to the bustling Tokyu Food Show for an elegant array of gourmet eats and an education in local tastes: grilled eel, fried pork, tiny fish salad, octopus on a stick, seafood-and-rice seaweed Omotesando Hills and Kiddyland, a 5-floor toy store.

Omotesando is located beenGaienmaeandShibuyaonAoyama Dori. It's also close toHarajuku. The contrast been Omotesando and Harajuku is striking. Harajuku is filled with cheap shops and eateries that target young teenagers. Omotesando targets big spenders and is the second most prominent fashion neighborhood in Tokyo afterGinza.Yoyogi Park is the fourth biggest park in Tokyo (134 acres). It's besideMeiji Shrine Tokyo's best known shrine (175 acres). . It attracts musicians, artists, sports enthusiasts, cosplayers, fashion cliques and party goers. It's a lively spot (especially on Sundays in good weather) The best way to get to Yoyogi park is to take the JR Yamanote line train to Harajuku station. At the station exit take a right and walk about 200 meters you will see the entrance to the park on your right.Summer Hours: 5:00 to 20:00 (May to September)Winter Hours: 5:00 to 17:00 (October to April)There are no admission fees or closed days.1. Takeshita Street is a pedestrian-only street lined with fashion boutiques, cafes and restaurants in Harajuku Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan2. 3. Daiso-100-yen-store-takeshita-dori-harajuku-tokyo/Everything for 100 Yen (+5% tax),

Tsukiji mkt (5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan)Take the Oedo line to Tsukiji-Shijo station, exit A1. You can also take the Hibiya line of the Tokyo Metro to Tsukiji station.Tsukiji Market is just above Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo Subway Line. Alternatively, it can be reached in a five minute walk from Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Subway Line. The closestJRstation is Shimbashi, from where you can walk to the market in about 15 minutes.From Tokyo StationTake the Marunouchi Subway Line fromTokyotoGinza(3 minutes) and transfer to the Hibiya Subway Line to get to Tsukiji Station (3 minutes). The fare is 170 yen.From Shinjuku StationTake the Oedo Subway Line directly fromShinjukuStation to Tsukiji Shijo Station. The one way trip takes 20 minutes and costs 260 yen.A basic map of Tsukiji Market:

There are plenty of sushi counters here, but to find best ones, you need to wend your way to the restaurant area near the wholesale fruit and vegetable market, just inside the main gate off Shin-ohashi Street. To get there, walk in from the gate, with the fruit and vegetable market on your right, pass the off-limits loading zone (with its stacks of polystyrene boxes) and turn left at the main road. Walk three short blocks, then turn left again down a small side street. Sushi Dai is the second shop on your right. Look for the faded green doorway curtains and very long line out front. Daiwa-Zushi, a bit farther down on the same side of the street (curtains are red), is just as good. Expect to pay between 300 and 800 yen per generously cut, amazingly fresh piece. Order thechu toro(fatty tuna). To help get your bearings, click onTsukiji's outer market, a warren of narrow streets packed with stalls selling fresh seafood and other specialty items, such as real wasabi.Outer Market: varies by shop, typically 5:00 to 14:00Wholesale Area: open to visitors after 9:00amClose some Wednesdays (see "English Links"

21,22 closed 17, 18 open

Gotemba Premium OutletsYou can visit this venue if you have bought the Hakone two day pass . If shopping is your thing you will find most of the large global big name brands here . A example for price comparison a Ralph Lauren polo shirt on the day we where there was exactly same price as in the USA premium outlets but it was on a special . I think overall the USA is cheaper than here . Also if you are looking for bigger sizes forget it as they don't have bigger sizes at all . There are some great views of Mount Fuji from the outlet and various places you can eat . The bus trip back to Tokyo takes around 2 and half hours .The best in Japan and probably within the top 10 worldwide. Outstanding in terms of luxury and popular brand coverage from Japan, European and US. The good buys are the Japanese brand/made which usually are close to half the price of equivalent European brands. Organised layout of stores that make roaming easy for this massive 200+ stores outlet. One of the most pleasant outlet mall I had visited with view of Mount Fuji on a clear day. Good supporting services like English/Chinese speaking information center, locker services, cafeteria, handicap friendly, direction signage etc. Is about 1.5 hours from Tokyo and do check their website for transportation guidance as they provide direct bus services from many major locations in Tokyo, Hakone, Yokohama etc. It also provide free shuttle services from the Gotemba train station.Visited December 2014We took the "T" line bus from Hakoneyumoto bus station which is just outside the train station. Scenic route all the way. Journey about an hour but only 2 departure time per day so can't be late.

The Outlet itself provides nice scenery with Mt.Fuji as the backdrop. Nice walk in the big area during end-winter and the blue sky with bright sunshine makes for a lovely day trip.

Shopping is not much cheaper but lots and lots of brands even the likes of Bottega

HAKONE Mar 19,20 2015 Thurs, FriTo use them, a Hakone Free Pass is recommended:http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_008.htmlWhat's the best way to get to Hakone from Shinjuku?By direct trains of Odakyu Railways. The round trip from Shinjuku can be included in the above mentioned Hakone Free Pass.However, if you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can save some money by getting from Tokyo to Odawara by JR trains and then use a Hakone Free Pass from Odawara.In order to get from Shinjuku to Odawara by JR trains, take either a direct train on the Shinjuku Shonan Line or take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station (take orange Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Tokyo).Uji, which is quicker/better:- direct train on the Shinjuku Shonan Line to Odawara- Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station (take orange Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Tokyo)Hakone-Tozan LineThe fastest and most expensive method of reaching Hakone from Tokyo is to take aTokaido ShinkansenKodama() train from Tokyo toOdawara, then transfer to theHakone-Tozan Linefor the run to Hakone-Yumoto (trains operated by Odakyu Railway). The one-way ride lasts one hour with a good connection, and costs 3430, but if you use theJapan Rail Pass, you need only to pay 300 for the Hakone-Tozan line. There is no longer a discount for JR Pass holders.Be aware that theJR EastRail Passdoes not provide access to the Tokaido Shinkansen and to make use of this pass you will need to ride the regular Tokaido Main Line to Odawara. From Tokyo, a convenient choice that is valid with the JR East Pass is the "Odoriko" limited express train service. These trains have bigger windows and better seating than the regular commuter trains, and seat reservations can be made. As of March 2007, there are at least four daily runs, arriving in Odawara one hour later; there may also be additional runs on certain days. All trains make a pickup stop atYokohama, while a few also stop atShinagawaandKawasakistations.You also have the option of boarding comfortable Green Car seats on regular JR commuter train runs. These seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, and you can purchase light snacks and drinks at your seat. You should purchase a Green Car fare ticket prior to boarding, which is done electronically using a SUICA card: Once you purchase the Green Car fare from a special machine, you wave the SUICA card over the seat that you wish to sit in and the light above you will turn from red to green. The fare for these seats between Tokyo and Odawara is 950 on weekdays and 750 on weekends and holidays; you can also purchase a Green Car seat on the train for an additional 250 surcharge. Holders of theGreen CarJapan Rail Pass and JR East Pass can use these seats at no additional charge, and with no fare tickets required: simply board a train with a Green Car, show your Green Car pass to the attendant and inform him/her of your destination.Without any sort of JR pass, the regular fare from Tokyo to Odawara is 1450 (additional for the Green Car); the trip takes about 70 minutes.The affordable method of reaching Hakone from Tokyo is to take theOdakyu Odawara LinefromShinjukustation. The fastest train on the Odakyu Line is theHakone() Limited Express train (tokky), which runs twice an hour for most of the day. The 85-minute journey makes only two stops enroute and costs 2020. Note that some trains, calledSuper Hakone(), use newer train equipment, while evening rush hour runs from Shinjuku are calledHome Way(). The slower Odakyu express train (kyk) runs twice an hour at a cost of only 1150, reaching Hakone in two hours.Rail connections can be made at Odawara fromNagoya(2 1/2 hrs),Kyoto(3 hrs) and other locations throughout Japan.

Pirate ship on Lake Ashi (SimplyAshinokoin Japanese)Modes of transport in the Hakone region are many and varied. Your options include: The scenicHakone-Tozan Linemountain railway from Odawara to Gora via Hakone-Yumoto. This line can be crowded with limited views. Bus or car might be a better option as it can be over flowing with tour groups. TheHakone-Tozan Cablecarup the mountainside from Gora to Sounzan TheHakone Ropewayfrom Sounzan down to Togendai on Lake Ashinoko via the boiling sulphur pits of Owakudani TheHakone Sightseeing Ships, decked out like Disneyland versions of pirate ships, sailing across the lake from Togendai to Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi And positively dull in comparison, theHakone Tozan Busback to Hakone-Yumoto or OdawaraPortions of the above circuit may close for a short period of time in the winter for maintenance, but shuttle buses replace the closed services, so this won't ruin your trip.Most people opt for theOdakyu Hakone Free Pass[2], which includes a return trip from Shinjuku and allows unlimited use of all of the above forms of transport for several days. In addition, pass holders can receive discounts at many hot springs, museums, restaurants, and other locations by showing their pass.The 2-day Free Pass costs 5140 from Shinjuku and 4000 from Odawara. A 3-day pass can be purchased for an extra 500. Additionally, if you have a Free Pass from Shinjuku you can use theHakoneLimited Express train by paying a surcharge of 890 each way. Holders of the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Rail Pass should travel to Odawara station by JR using the methods described earlier, and pay for the Free Pass from Odawara.

Something's cooking at OwakudaniThe volcanically activeFuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, centered aroundLake Ashinoko, is a popular tourist attraction well known for its onsen (hot springs) and its views ofMount Fuji. TheGreat Boiling Valley(wakudani) is a volcanic hot spot full of sulphurous springs. Owakudani can be reached by cablecar from Sounzan and the lake. Try theblack eggs(kuro-tamago) at Owakudani. Boiled on site, their shells are a mottled black due to a chemical reaction with the sulphurous water, but the inside is quite tasty. According to Japanese legend, every one you eat will add seven years to your life. 5 eggs (and hence 35 years) will set you back just 500. If you've been in Japan for a while and miss the taste of a warm brownie, try themountain browniesat Sagamiya. The shop is a few steps away from the tourist information center, right in front of the bus stops. You can't miss the smell, as they are made on site!! Hakone Jinja Shrine, nestled on the south shore of the lake, close to Moto-Hakone, is a picturesque Shinto shrine withtoriigates in water. Lake Ashi(Ashinoko) offers beautiful views of Mount Fuji but only on a clear day. As many tourists have found out, a visit to Lake Ashinoko does not guarantee a view of the mountain. The lake is crisscrossed by cartoonishly decorated "pirate ships". Hakone Open Air Museum[3]displays a wide variety of sculptures and artwork within a beautiful parkland setting. Includes a Picasso exhibition (paintings and pottery).

Shinjuku Odawara2006/2/22 21:35

JR Shonan line: direct train 1.34 h Yen 1440, Odakyu line: direct train nearly same but only Yen 850.Shinjuku - JR Chuo 20 minTokyo 10 min transfer - JR shinkansen 30 min Odawara total around 1 h Yen 3700 paid or free with JR Pass.

- direct train on the Shinjuku Shonan Line to OdawaraAs for pure travel time (assuming a good connection at Tokyo station), the shinkansen version is slightly faster (60 vs. 80 minutes). But with a bad connection, it is basically about the same.Then again, there is only about one direct train on the Shonan-Shinjuku Line to Odawara per hour, compared to two shinkansen connections. Furthermore, the Shonan-Shinjuku Line is one of the most unreliable train lines in Japan, frequently being affected by delays due to accidents and technical troubles.If you have the Japan Rail Pass, I recommend to take the shinkansen

Location: Situated on Lake Kawaguchi with stunning views of Mt. Fuji from every room. Access: We took the a train from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko Station and the hotel shuttle bus

Palace Hotel Hakone1245 Sengokuhara Hakonemachi Ashigarashimogun , Gora / Sengokuhara, Hakone, Japan 250-0631 (Show on map)

Palace Hotel Hakone250-0631 Kanagawa, Hakone, Sengokuhara 1245, Japan

[ By Hakone Tozan Bus for Togendai (Route Bus) ] From Yumoto station: about 30 min. From Odawara station: about 50 min. Get off at Palace Hotel Hakone Mae bus stop in front of hotel / [ By Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus ] From Gotemba station: about 40 min. From Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport): about 2 hour 30 min. Get off at Palace Hotel Hakone Mae bus stop in front of hotel. From Shinjuku station: about 2 hours. Bus departs from in front of Odakyu Halc Department Store. Get off at Minami-onsenso Mae bus stop, 5 min walk to hotel / [ By Car ] From Tomei Expressway Gotemba I.C., about 30 min via Route 138 Lv for Tokyo Ueno

Mar 21,22 Sat, Sun UenoUeno Park, shoppingMar 22 SunTsukiji Mkt, Shopping

Mar 23 Mon to Airport

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