Transportation part 1: Getting to Your Hotel

Upon arriving to Tokyo for the first time, you may begin to feel overwhelmed by the new environment, and not knowing where anything is or where to go. Additionally chances are that you arrived at Narita International Airport. Just in case you didn't know this airport is two hours away from the city. There are a couple of different ways to get to your hotel from the Airport.

Taxi Cab: If you think cabs are expensive in America, imagine riding a Japanese cab for two hours. Our hotel estimated roughly $300 dollars worth for a one way ride to the airport. Needless to say this is too pricy considering the other cheaper alternatives available.

Trains: Yes this is the cheapest way, prices may vary depending how far you are, but for the most part it will be relatively cheap. The only reason I will not recommend the cheapest option is because for first time travelers riding the rails will probably be a little overwhelming. After a long flight the last thing you want is to try to figure out the rail system, and then be stuck trying to find out how to get to your hotel from the rail station. We have found riding Japanese public transportation to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the trip, but doing it on from the airport may prove too frustrating for first time travelers.

Airport Limousine Service: This is the best option! Before you say, "you must be nuts" let me explain myself. Contrary to the name the limousine service actually consists of buses which travel on predetermined routes, not stretch limos. The service costs 3000 Yen ($30 dollars) per person meaning this will most likely be your most expensive transportation cost, but trust us it is worth every penny. After crossing the last customs guard gate, turn left (its the only way to go) and begin watching for the airport limousine counter on your right. You will notice that like most American Airports this section of the terminal will have rental booths, taxi booths and others of the type. The airport limousine counter will be conspicuously orange and have "airport limousine" written in English. Step up to the counter, greet the employee, and politely name your hotel. The attendants know enough English to know that you want a ticket to your hotel. After paying for your trip you will be directed to the proper exit where you can wait for your bus. The attendant will tell you what number station to wait by, and if confused you can show your ticket to one of the employees announcing each station's departures, and they will show you where to go. A new bus will arrive at each station every 10 to 20 minutes with a different route. Seeing 25 to 30 buses arrive within an hour all on time, will be your first experience of Japanese efficiency.
Once on the bus take a seat, and relax. This will be a long ride. You can take this opportunity to take a nap, read a book, or whatever you do on a long ride. Our recommendation is to enjoy the scenery. This may be the first time you get to see cars driving on the other side of the road. We took time to compare subtle little things like street signs, and different car designs not available in the states. The highway route will cross through various rural towns, which will give you a general idea of how they do country living. Additionally you might notice a few love hotels on the outskirts of town. (Love hotels are not as bad as it sounds, well kinda) You'll ride through industrial parks, and see some of Tokyo's most notable landmarks. Depending on the time of day, you may be able to take some nice pictures too. Once you arrive at the area where you hotel is located a sounds system will come indicating that you are near your destination. Messages will be both in Japanese and English so don't worry about missing your hotel. Once at your hotel the bellhops can help you from there.

I will once again reiterate, that while not the cheapest option the convenience afforded by this service far outweighs the price.