PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

  AIRPORTS

Tokyo International Airport (Narita)

Information Office

(0476) 34 6251

General 5259 3777

Airport baggage service (English) 3545 1131

Narita airport is the hub of international flights to and from Japan; domestic flights tend to fly from Haneda (below). Narita is located 66 monotonous kilometres from central Tokyo, 50-90 minutes from the main hotel locations in Akasaka, Shinjuku and Toranomon, depending on your mode of transport. Taxi fares are around ¥26,000, journey time 60-90 minutes.

The limousine bus service runs every 20-25 minutes from just outside the arrival gate to most major points and top hotels in Tokyo. It costs ¥2700 and also takes 60-90 minutes. Tickets are sold inside the building opposite the arrival gate.

Narita is connected to Tokyo by two train lines. The economical choice is the Keisei Skyliner, which takes 57 minutes. although it terminates at Ueno Station, which is inconveniently located on the east side of the city. The Narita Express takes you to Tokyo Station (53 minutes), Ikebkuro or Shibuya for ¥2890 or ¥4100 in the first-class 'Green Cars'. The ticket windows and the platforms for both trains are located directly below the arrival gate.

  Haneda Airport

Information Tel 5489 2111

Haneda is located to the south of Tokyo, connected by monorail with Hamamatsucho station (20 minutes, ¥270), and by bus to Narita (two hours depending on traffic).

  AIRLINES

Aeroflot 3434 9671

All-Nippon

(international) 3272 1212

(domestic) 3552 8800

American 3248 2011

British Airways 3593 8811

Cathay Pacific 3504 1531

Japan Airlines

(international) 5489 1111

(domestic) 3456 2111

KLM 3217 0771

Lufthansa 3580 2111

Quantas 3593 7000

SAS 3503 8101

Singapore Airlines 3213 3431

United 3817 4411

Virgin 5269 2680

  FLYING TIMES

Tokyo-London 12hrs

Tokyo-Milan 12hrs

Tokyo-New York 12.5hrs

Tokyo-LA 10hrs

Tokyo-Sydney 9hrs

  CAR RENTAL

Budget 3263 6321

Nippon (English language desk)

3485 7196

Nissan 3587 4123

Toyota 3264 0100

  TAXIS

Kokusai 3491 6001

Tokyo Musen 3330 2111

Limousine Hire 3747 0305

  PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Tokyo has two major rail systems, the colour-coded subways and Japan Rail trains. Prices are similar, and the two are linked at a number of stations. English language maps and information can be found in all stations. Subway ticket-machines can be confusing: buy the minimum fare and pay any difference at your destination. There is no rail service between approximately 24.00 and 5.00, although some buses run until 2.00am from central areas.

Subway information (English) 3837 7111