How To Get Around.. ::snickers:: .. JAPAN!

My last post I spoke about booking and putting down the deposit for my lodging – and it is complete. ::cheers:: Now how to get there? Did some research.. I’m not going to point out specifics on where I’m staying (for obvious reasons) but I am going to leave you with some info, some very HELPFUL info I found regarding transportation from the airport and around Tokyo. Aren’t I an angel? ::cackles::

From Narita Airport, there is a variety of options. The following have hubs/counters located in the airport so you can go there and arrange your travel.

(JR East homepage screencap)

Keisei Line:

• Skyliner (1-2 per hr): approx 70 mins and 2,600 yen to get to Shinjuku station
• Tokkyu (3-4 per hr): approx 103 mins and 1,190 yen to Shinjuku station

JR line:

• Narita Express: number of departures per hour depend on destination.. to Shinjuku, it is approx 1 per hr, takes about 85 mins and costs 3,100 yen
• Suica & Nex IC card is a good deal for foreigners – more on this further in the post. BUT they are available for purchase in terminals 1 & 2 AT Narita (no reservations) and can only be purchased with a non-Japanese passport

Other:

• Limousine Bus (3-6 per hr): takes 80-120 mins dependent on traffic and costs 3,000 yen

(NEX screencap)

I decided on going with the Narita Express and furthermore, on getting the Suica & Nex card deal. Here is why: they offer you a damn good deal (prices talked about are for the ordinary car, not first class). Typically, a NEX ticket is going to cost you about 3,100 yen.  For 3,500 yen, you get a one way NEX ticket AND a Suica card (card used for subways and trains around Japan) that is preloaded with 1,500 yen. So you get something worth 4,600 yen for the price of 3,500 yen. If you get round trip, your savings increase but since I am staying for more than two weeks (the roundtrip NEX ticket expires by then) I will just be purchasing one NEX and Suica package. All I have to do later is just swipe that Suica card whenever I go on the subway and can add in money into the card, so I don’t have to fumble for money all the time. Makes it easy. Just don’t lose it!!! Not only that, it can be used for buses and for purchasing goods in convenience stores and the like. Once you are done and ready to leave Japan, you can return and get a refund on the remaining balance on the card.

(NEX & Suica package deal screencap)

Basically… that is it.. NEX and Suica it is for me! I will be able to use the Suica card when I go around via subway and buses to and fro.. and also for when I go to Mt Fuji! The card is available for use on JR East lines..

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