We booked a package including 5 nights at the Hilton Tokyo. Has anyone stayed there? Or does anyone have familiarity with the area? We're concerned about the location of the closest train/subway station, and have heard that the Hilton provides a shuttle to and from the station. But we're not sure. Also, in studying the subway map, seeing that the Hilton is in Shinjuku, we see a couple of stops in that area. Does anyone know the stop closest to the Hilton? We're trying to plan some day excursions ahead of time. We'd like to plot out our subway/train routes. On the topic of excursions, does anyone think that using tours, like Viator, might be a better way of seeing more in a shorter time? Thanks for any helpful tips in from fellow travelers to enable us to make good use of our time in Tokyo.

Nishi Shinjuku station on the Marunouchi line is the closest stop to the Hilton. Plan to use that station as your entry to the underground Tokyo Metro. As I mentioned on your other similar question I have not stayed at the Hilton but at the Hyatt across the street. The shuttle bus from the Hilton will take you directly to Shinjuku station which is the busiest train station in the world so be ready if you go there. The shuttle runs every twenty minutes. It would take you about 10 to 12 minutes to walk to Shinjuku station from the Hilton. It would take you maybe five minutes to walk to the Nishi Shinjuku subway line entrance from the Hilton.

A business like Viator would make your initial entry into Japanese culture and the subway train systems easier as they will teach you on the ground as to what to do......but it comes at a price. If I could do it you surely should be able to,lol.

Take a look at this site carefully to have an idea of what is in front of you before you take that first train in Tokyo. It will help ease you into the system without having to pay the high guide fees.

http://www.tokyometro.jp/global/en/service/using.html

click on numbers 1 through 8 and read the information given.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2016.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2017.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2375.html

hope this helps.

Aloha!

Thanks, Hawaiian Traveler, and other Fodorites for giving us such helpful info regarding our upcoming trip to Tokyo and Kyoto. Your feedback on several key issues has given us more confidence and excitement as we plan and get closer to our March 18 trip. We've been checking out all the helpful links you provided, and really appreciate everything.

Dou itashimashite(your welcome) As I looked back at your dates in Japan I see that you are going to be there just about in prime time cherry blossom viewing days for your times in Tokyo and Kyoto. Have you planned for any viewings or hanami while you are in these cities?

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2011.html

Aloha!

Arigato, Hawaiian Traveler, for alerting us to the exciting info that we might luck out on cherry blossom time. That would be a real BONUS!!! As we continue our prep, we'll certainly check out the link you provided. If our timing is right, we can probably get some direction from the concierge at the Hilton as to spots most easily reached by subway. And your info about using the somewhat smaller and closer Nishi Shinjuku station on the Marunouchi Line is appreciated.

Re weather: Have you ever been in Tokyo in mid-late March? From what we can learn, the temps are not exactly what we in the midwest think of as "springtime". We're thinking that it tends to be rather chilly, so it's better to take more warm layers. Any thoughts?

Again, arigato gozaimasu!

I lived in Tokyo for 8 years, and March is usually warmer than the Midwest (at least everywhere I've lived in the Midwest--NC Iowa, NE Ohio, and now 100 miles south of Chicago). It can also be beautiful and warm--like low 70s. My "Tokyo winter coat" is only good above freezing, so it's really more like a lightweight wool unlined trench coat. (It doesn't get worn much here outside of fall and spring.) Layers are best, but you shouldn't need a heavy winter coat. I'd take a trench coat or something similar, a sweater, and some long sleeve t-shirts, then layer if it's cold. A scarf and lightweight gloves would be good too, but most likely would end up being left in the suitcase. In Tokyo, the few times it did snow (Jan and Feb), I just wrapped a shawl around my shoulders, bought a can of hot tea, and I was good to go. Can't say enough about the hot cans of tea from vending machines! (They have coffee, too.) If it's raining or a little chilly, the plan would be to take the train/subway whenever possible.

There are lots of places to eat, convenience stores, etc., etc. around the Hilton. The last time I was in Tokyo I stayed at a business hotel near the Hilton for a couple of nights, and I was surprised at the growth in the immediate area. And if you walk just a few blocks to Shinjuku station...there's nothing you can't find there (except maybe a good bagel!).

Yes I have been there in late March and the weather can be chilly especially if its windy. As stated above layering is the way to go with a scarf. It also rains a bit in the spring time so be ready for that also. Umbrellas pop up in convenience shops and all over town when it starts to rain in Japan. Buy the little bigger 600 yen umbrella other than the smaller 400 yen models you will see around and you wiol be much happier I assure you. Let us know if you have anymore questions.

Oh yea, before I forget, there is a nice little park right across the street from the Hilton and the Hyatt called Shinjuku Chuo Park(IIRC) which has a bunch of cherry trees lining the park and you will likely see food stands and lots of people doing their viewing if the cherry blossoms are in bloom. It is a great little park to do your hanami in.

Aloha!

Again, "arigato" to Fodorites who gave such helpful responses. Hawaiian Traveler, your extra info about using the Nishi Shinjuku Station/Marunouchi Line is extremely helpful. We've been tracing that line, and it seems that it goes directly into the Ginza area with no transfers. One wonderment we have is an approximation of how long that subway ride would take from Ginza to the Nishi Shinjuku station, presupposing we avoid rush hour. Our first day, we want to be back to our Hilton to join a 5:30PM night tour of Tokyo. Any ideas on this? Really appreciate.

It's 18 minutes from Ginza to Nishi Shinjuku on Marunouchi line.

Wow! Alec! We are impressed by your knowledgeable and prompt replies to our concerns. Very helpful! Doumo, arigatou!

Someone told us about a more residential (for Tokyo) area which has lots of sidewalk cafes, elegant shops, etc. suggesting that it was a subway ride north of Shinjuku. Are you familiar with such? If so, do you know if it would be on the Marunouchi line?