A FEW TOKYO QUESTIONS
 

Im off to Japan and will have about 6 days in Tokyo. I will be spending the first 4 days at the Conrad and then was thinking about relaxing a couple of days at the Hilton Odawara. Here's my questions:

1) Can someone give me the best way to get to the Conrad assuming I arrive at 4pm in the heat of rush hour? I can take the train but would need "dummy proof" instructions.
2) I was going to do the day tours in Tokyo and then take a day tour to Mt. Fuji. Recommendations are welcome.
3) Any thoughts on Odawara--I think it looks rather relaxing. I love to fish and it states there is fishing 8 miles away. Looks like a great way to wind down before the journey West.
4) Would also appreciate specific instructions to get to Odawara via train.

Any other suggestions and help would be gladly appreciated. Thanks so much.

(1)My take on the best way to get to the Conrad in late afternoon is to take the Narita Express to Tokyo station, then take a taxi to the Conrad. That will cost you about US$50-55, and to my mind is the most comfortable and convenient way of getting there.

You can save about $20 by taking the limobus from Narita. I believe the limobus goes directly to the Conrad, but I'm not certain. I don't much like the limobus, 'coz it tends to get caught in traffic, can make extra stops before it gets to your destination, and isn't as comfortable as the NEx. You could also save money by taking the subway from Tokyo station to the hotel at Shiodome station, but that's not really a practical plan if you have luggage or are just getting familiar with Tokyo and its transit system.

(4)The best way to get to the Hilton Odawara from the Conrad is to take the subway/JR line to Shinagawa station (or a taxi to Tokyo station, though after 4 days you'll be fine with the subway). From Shinagawa, take the Shinkansen Kodama train to Odawara station -- trains run about every 30 mins, and you can check schedules on www.hyperdia.com. At Odawara, change to the JR Tokaido line, and go 2 stops to Nebukawa station. A free shuttle bus goes between Nebukawa and the Hilton twice/hour.

The easiest and least stressful way is to take a limousine bus. If you're not in a hurry, just let the driver worry about the traffic while you rest up - or look at the passing sights if you have the inclination. Beats worrying about trains, finding taxis and man-handling your luggage. Totally "dummy-proof"

3) where West are you going?

4) Subway from Shiodome station (2 min) to JR Shimbashi station and take the Tokaido line (5 min) to Shinagawa and then a Kodama or Hikari shinkansen to Odawara. That would be about 3800 yen and 50 minutes total.

Or, subway from Shiodome to JR Shimbashi and then JR Tokaido line to Odawara. That would be about 1600 yen and 80 minutes.

Instead of using the subway you could walk to Shimbashi station.

Hi

My wife and I went to Japan a couple of years back and we didn't have too much trouble finding our way around Tokyo using the trains and subway. Here is a trip report with some pictures that might give you an idea of what to expect: http://gardkarlsen.com/japan_tokyo.htm . Get in touch if you have any questions :-)

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures