How can I get around tokyo..... advice on subway?

Ill be in Tokyo for a week to attend the Tokyo Auto Salon and go sightseeing. Its going to be my first time visiting japan and im very excited about it. I have done some research about the trip and Im intimidated by the subway lines. I dont want to get lost so any advice or pointers will help.





one more thing, where is a good cheap place to buy souveniers such as swords, kimonos, etc.How can I get around tokyo..... advice on subway?
I live in Tokyo and I am a former SCCA IT w2w racer. I went to Auto Salon 2004, it was fun, but crowded.


Auto Salon will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, which is near, but not Tokyo. The English name for Makuhari Messe is Nippon Convention Center





Basically Tokyo has 3 types of public transportation, Train, Subway and bus. The train system is mostly Japan Rail or more known as JR. There are private rail lines, but you will mostly take JR. The Tokyo Metro Subway system covers only Tokyo, so that means you will not use the subway to get to Makuhari Messe. Depending on where your hotel is, you will most likely have to take the Chuo-Sobu line from Tokyo to get to Makuhari.





The best place to buy tourist goods you mention is at Laox in Akihabara. One note, real kimonos cost about $1000. For toursist, they sell kimono looking robes, which are actually called yukata. Real Samurai Swords or Katana, are not sold to the average person. But you can buy replica katana. Beaware that because of TSA and FAA rules, you will have to ship your sword like souveniers via the post office. I think the tourist trap places can help with that.


To avoid being crushed and herded in the wrong direction, just avoid taking the trains and subways on weekdays between 0800-1000.





You will have a good time, just remember things are different and not the same as you might expect.How can I get around tokyo..... advice on subway?
SUBWAY!! It's so easy! My mom and sister came to visit last Nov and my sister picked it up in minutes! It's inexpensive too especially if you by day passes. If you know where you want to go, those guide books you can buy are very helpful (just get one with a map). Most hotels have very helpful staff and guided tours that are informative. I enjoy those just so I can learn and get a better understanding of what I'm looking at.


Asakusa is a great place to find inexpensive souveniors plus it's a tourist stop:) Be careful, if you love Japanese food (I'm half Japanese) you'll never want to leave. Lots of little side shops to taste at a good price.


If you have time, hit Tsukiji the worlds largest fish market in the a.m. You can watch them buying large tuna:) Or go to Meiji Shrine on the weekend to see the brides in their GORGEOUS kimono! Plus you'll be able to see the young kids dressed in gothic wear (famous).


Kamakura is train ride away that has the second largest Budda in Japan. A very quiet town (different from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo). There's lots to see and do (lots of walking).


Can you tell I love Japan?? Have fun sightseeing!!
Biggest thing to be careful of is the rush hour.


Don't ride the subways between 7:30AM to 9:30 AM unless you know exactly where you're going. (ie: know where you're getting off and which train you're taking etc.)


Especially the Marunouchi Line!!!!


You will surely get lost and end up someplace weird.


But don't worry too much, if you get lost on the subways, just go to where the ticket machines are and look for a guy wearing a uniform that looks similar to that of a police officers.


Ask if they speak english and if not, give them the station name in english. (Write it down) They will help you out.


Or if you're feeling up to it, grab a young 20 something female business woman. I think the chance of finding an english speaker among younger japanese women is alot higher than the guys.
Hi, where do you wanna go sightseeing?


Most sights that i went to can be visited by taking the JR Yamanote Circle Line, like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Ikebukuro, Akihabara, Ueno etc.


So, it wasn't really a big problem for me when I'm travelling.


And don't worry, most subways and JRs have announcements said in English, so it shouldn't be a problem.


Also, at all the stations, signs can also be found in English, and you can always rely on their friendly and helpful station conductors who will guide you if you're unsure of which direction to go.





As for swords and kimonos, those can be expensive, depending on the quality. As for kimonos, they are very expensive, especially those beautiful ones, why don't you substitute it with a yukata instead? It's cheaper in comparison with kimonos.


I got my yukata at Asakusa Temple at only 3000yen.


And i also saw swords at Asakusa Temple shopping street, but I'm not sure of the price though.





Hope it helps.
maybe you sould join in one of those tours in japan. there will be a tourguide to guide you around in japan. he/she also speaks english