Tokyo Weekender - October 2017

[ PROMOTION ]
Whether you’re just visiting Japan or
you’ve been here for a while, here are
a few tips that will help you on your
travels in Tokyo and beyond
GET TO GRIPS WITH THE
NO-NAME STREETS
Trying to figure out a
Japanese address? It starts
with prefecture, then the
city or the ward, and then
the neighborhood. After
this, the subdivisions are
districts, blocks, and building
numbers. Districts and blocks
are usually numbered by how
close they are to the center
of a neighborhood or ward.
Finally the building number
comes next. This number is
assigned either in clockwise
order around a block, or according
to the order in which
the buildings were built.
Confused yet? Don’t worry,
you’re not alone.
CHARGE A CARD
Buy a Suica or Pasmo card as soon as you can. It’ll
save you money, it’s easy to charge, and it’ll get you
through the turnstiles faster. Now, more and more
cities will let you use a Suica or Pasmo card on their
public transportation. You can buy them at any
train station, and all machines offer English service.
APP IT UP
For good information about
locations and directions
in Japan, Google Maps
still beats out Apple Maps
if you’re on an iPhone. If
you really want detailed
information about train
and bus routes while you’re
traveling, apps like and
Hyperdia and Navitime are
your best bet.
DON'T DISMISS THE BUSES
Limousine buses take you to and from
the airports, are cheaper than trains, and
go directly to some hotels. Even if you’re
not staying at one of the larger hotels,
they can get you closer to where you
need to go, without having to lug bags
through crowded train stations. You can
get information about bus lines at the
arrivals terminal at Narita and Haneda.
SHIP IT
If you’re getting loaded down with souvenirs or
have an extra bag you won’t need until you’re back
at the airport, Japanese companies like Yamato
offer a great service: you can just ship your bags or
packages to hotels or to the airport. You’ll need to
plan ahead though, as it can take a day or two for
your package to arrive. You can find out more about
Yamato TA-Q-BIN service at www.kuronekoyamato.
co.jp/en/tourist/.
PICK UP MOBILE WIFI
No matter where your travels take you, you don’t
want to miss out on uploading your pictures and
posts, finding your way around, and staying in
touch with your friends while you’re on the go.
With Pocket WiFi from SoftBank offered through
Global Mobile, you can be online all the time,
with blazing fast LTE. Service is available for as
little as ¥200 a day. For more details, visit
www.gmobile.biz/softbank/inbound.
50 | OCTOBER 2017 | TOKYO WEEKENDER