Travel: Japan - General
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sparks:
I'll trust the hotel. In fact, my hotel was able to give me a fixed rate. They told me that if i go by meter, it could be cheaper if no jam. But could be more expensive with jam. If I pay a fixed price, it is slightly more than the min meter price, but no surprises. I took the fixed rate which was definitely cheaper than what the other poster quoted through the website they used. Hotels are generally very careful not to mislead their guests. In fact, they showed me option for limo bus and timing, but taxi definitely more convenient and flexible and while more expensive, not out of this world. I'll never suggest taxi for Narita. That will be insane.I checked with my hotel in odaiba & they advised me that the fare from hotel to haneda airport is 5000 jpy for 20 min ride. The one I Googled is at 4300 jpy.
http://www.taxiautofare.com/jp/Default. ... &Time=2000
Can I know if there be any surcharges like in spore for airport or early morning surcharges? Thanks so much to all who shared! -
Dnls_mum:
I'll trust the hotel. In fact, my hotel was able to give me a fixed rate. They told me that if i go by meter, it could be cheaper if no jam. But could be more expensive with jam. If I pay a fixed price, it is slightly more than the min meter price, but no surprises. I took the fixed rate which was definitely cheaper than what the other poster quoted through the website they used. Hotels are generally very careful not to mislead their guests. In fact, they showed me option for limo bus and timing, but taxi definitely more convenient and flexible and while more expensive, not out of this world. I'll never suggest taxi for Narita. That will be insane.
Thanks for your reply. Ok, will seek hotel's help then cos I'm only on a short holiday & every min is precious! But your fare is really cheap! considering Shinjuku is twice the distance(also traffic maybe?) of Odaiba to Haneda. -
dimitri_can:
Sparks, the website i use is quite accurate, cos this website is used by native Japanese ppl.
Thanks dimitri_can, the websites are in Japanese, half understand half don't leh. Think I better get hotel to check for me. But they are useful if I need to have an idea of cab fares to do short transfers with luggage in tow. Bookmarked!
Can I know if there is a Tokyu hands shop in Shinjuku or is there only one in Shibuya? Are there any must see/eat/buy stuff in Tokyo? Read abt Tokyo bannana which looks too cute to eat!
Is it nice??
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sparks:
She went from Tokyo station not Shinjuku.Dnls_mum:
I'll trust the hotel. In fact, my hotel was able to give me a fixed rate. They told me that if i go by meter, it could be cheaper if no jam. But could be more expensive with jam. If I pay a fixed price, it is slightly more than the min meter price, but no surprises. I took the fixed rate which was definitely cheaper than what the other poster quoted through the website they used. Hotels are generally very careful not to mislead their guests. In fact, they showed me option for limo bus and timing, but taxi definitely more convenient and flexible and while more expensive, not out of this world. I'll never suggest taxi for Narita. That will be insane.
Thanks for your reply. Ok, will seek hotel's help then cos I'm only on a short holiday & every min is precious! But your fare is really cheap! considering Shinjuku is twice the distance(also traffic maybe?) of Odaiba to Haneda. -
sparks:
can use Google translate.dimitri_can:
Sparks, the website i use is quite accurate, cos this website is used by native Japanese ppl.
Thanks dimitri_can, the websites are in Japanese, half understand half don't leh. Think I better get hotel to check for me. But they are useful if I need to have an idea of cab fares to do short transfers with luggage in tow. Bookmarked!
Can I know if there is a Tokyu hands shop in Shinjuku or is there only one in Shibuya? Are there any must see/eat/buy stuff in Tokyo? Read abt Tokyo bannana which looks too cute to eat! Is it nice??
Shinjuku Tokyu Hands: http://shinjuku.tokyu-hands.co.jp/en/
Souvenirs:
https://goo.gl/uaECFj -
sparks:
Shinjuku was about 7000 plus, definitely less than 8000. 5000 plus was for Shangrila at Tokyo station. I mixed it up earlier, sorry. But Shinjuku was no where near 9000. I took the taxi from Shinjuku to Haneda in the middle of the day. But as it was fixed price, it did not matter what the traffic condition was. I took from Haneda airport to Shangrila at Tokyo station in the late afternoon.Dnls_mum:
I'll trust the hotel. In fact, my hotel was able to give me a fixed rate. They told me that if i go by meter, it could be cheaper if no jam. But could be more expensive with jam. If I pay a fixed price, it is slightly more than the min meter price, but no surprises. I took the fixed rate which was definitely cheaper than what the other poster quoted through the website they used. Hotels are generally very careful not to mislead their guests. In fact, they showed me option for limo bus and timing, but taxi definitely more convenient and flexible and while more expensive, not out of this world. I'll never suggest taxi for Narita. That will be insane.
Thanks for your reply. Ok, will seek hotel's help then cos I'm only on a short holiday & every min is precious! But your fare is really cheap! considering Shinjuku is twice the distance(also traffic maybe?) of Odaiba to Haneda. -
sparks:
Yes, a really mega Tokyo Hands next to Taka Times Square @ Shinjuku. There's another one at Ginza, and many more in Tokyo and other prefectures. Loft is next door as well.
Can I know if there is a Tokyu hands shop in Shinjuku or is there only one in Shibuya? Are there any must see/eat/buy stuff in Tokyo? Read abt Tokyo bannana which looks too cute to eat! Is it nice??
*ATTRACTIONS*
You can google Must Sees in Tokyo and then consult your family, cos every member has diff interests and belongs to diff age groups
The usual attractions are the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo Metropolitan Govt Building, Tokyo Rail Station (Maronouchi), Tsukiji Fish Market, Edo-Tokyo Museum, Yasukuni Shrine (excellent History Museum but all in Japanese and a bit of Eng in fine print) and Ueno Zoo, Disney if your DC are young...
For Tokyo, you should try to allocate half a day to check out diff districts: Harajuku (if you're into lolitas, anime, manga, etc.); Ginza (for high end retail outlets and restaurants); Shibuya (the famous 101 crossing); Asakusa (old town); Roppongi; Akihabara (for Jap Anime/Okaru goods, maids cafes, manga cafes, animal/pet cafes & Electronics retailers like Yodobashi Camera); Ikebukuro (Bic Camera and Yamada Denki).
*SHOPPING*
What to buy also depends on what hobbies you have! Are your kids into Anime, Manga, Cosplay, etc? Do they like Jap toys, e.g. Gundam, NHK characters, Sanrio, Takara Tomy, Plural, Bandai, etc.?
You can buy Casio watches (G Shock/Baby G) there which I did. Seiko, Citizen too...Or digital cameras from Nikon, Canon to Sony & Panasonic. How about PlayStation games?
I also bought Jap stationery, foldable umbrella, hand towels, handkerchieves, hand fans, hat, sunglasses, socks and sports gear. You can buy bike parts from Tokyo too.
I also like the manicure products from Tokyo Hands. Btw, there are limited ed/designs avail only in Tokyo, so you might want to check out those international brands as well.
Whatever you buy, just remember to bring along your passports, in case you hit the min amt and wanna claim your tax refund at the department store.
[quote]VAT Rate : 8%
Minimum purchase amount (SINGLE DAY/Accumulated Receipts from same store allowed)
10,801 JPY for general products
5,401 JPY for consumable products[/quote]*FOOD*
IMPT PRIORITY: Please allocate a day for Tsukiji Fish Market to savour some fresh sashimi/sushi.
If you're not a diehard foodie, you really don't have to make advance reservations, unless you want to eat at those Michelin-starred restaurants. I did make some online reservations for my recent trip.
Queuing up outside popular Jap F&B chains is very common in Tokyo. Be prepared to join the queue for 15-30min. Smaller eateries/sushi bars with 10 seats or so won't accept walk-ins. Always be punctual after you've made a reservation. They only keep your seats for 10-15 min.
If it's too troublesome to locate those famous restaurants raved by bloggers and TimeOut, just make do with whatever you can find at the district you happen to be visiting that day. The longer the queue, the better it usually is. Do however try out a diff type of Jap food every day like I did:)
1. Yakitori (there's a Yakitori alley)
2. Ramen (there's a Ramen alley)
3. Yakiniku (like Gyu-kaku)
4. Okonomiyaki
5. Teppanyaki
6. Nabe dishes: Sukiyaki or Shabu Shabu
7. Sushi/Sashimi (you should take that at Tsukiji Fish Mkt)
8. Tonkatsu (nothing but deep fried breaded stuffs like our Tonkichi)
9. Tempura
10. Udon (or just buy off the Vending machine)
11. Yoshuko (Jap Western diner that serves hamburger steak, korokke, omu rice, curry rice, pasta, pizza, etc.)
12. Okowa (Jap glutinous rice meals like the one at Taka B1 Yonehachi)
13. Jap fast food (MOS, Freshness Burger)
14. Supermarket Bentos
15. Gyozas
Anyone into alcohol? You could stock up some famous sake, shochu or the coveted Suntory Whisky, especially if you can find The Yamazaki 12 yr-old, Hibiki 17 yr-old, and Nikka in local supermarkets.
I'm big on afternoon teas; not sure about you. There are many world renowned patisseries, bakeries and cafes in Tokyo and I can go on and on...If you cannot sit down to drink tea and eat cakes, at least go to Harajuku for the famous Marion Crepe.
Btw, Haneda airport (departure gate) has a priority queue. If you're flying by SQ and have the Star Alliance card, do show to the officer to let you clear CIQ quickly. Even w/o the SA card, you should flash your boarding pass and tell them it's urgent. That was what I did last week as I only arrived 1 hr before departure at Haneda Int'l.
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jetsetter:
*FOOD*
Yes, a really mega Tokyo Hands next to Taka Times Square @ Shinjuku. There's another one at Ginza, and many more in Tokyo and other prefectures. Loft is next door as well.sparks:
Can I know if there is a Tokyu hands shop in Shinjuku or is there only one in Shibuya? Are there any must see/eat/buy stuff in Tokyo? Read abt Tokyo bannana which looks too cute to eat! Is it nice??
*ATTRACTIONS*
You can google Must Sees in Tokyo and then consult your family, cos every member has diff interests and belongs to diff age groups The usual attractions are the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo Metropolitan Govt Building, Tokyo Rail Station (Maronouchi), Tsukiji Fish Market, Edo-Tokyo Museum, Yasukuni Shrine (excellent History Museum but all in Japanese and a bit of Eng in fine print) and Ueno Zoo, Disney if your DC are young...
For Tokyo, you should try to allocate half a day to check out diff districts: Harajuku (if you're into lolitas, anime, manga, etc.); Ginza (for high end retail outlets and restaurants); Shibuya (the famous 101 crossing); Asakusa (old town); Roppongi; Akihabara (for Jap Anime/Okaru goods, maids cafes, manga cafes, animal/pet cafes & Electronics retailers like Yodobashi Camera); Ikebukuro (Bic Camera and Yamada Denki).
*SHOPPING*
What to buy also depends on what hobbies you have! Are your kids into Anime, Manga, Cosplay, etc? Do they like Jap toys, e.g. Gundam, NHK characters, Sanrio, Takara Tomy, Plural, Bandai, etc.?
You can buy Casio watches (G Shock/Baby G) there which I did. Seiko, Citizen too...Or digital cameras from Nikon, Canon to Sony & Panasonic. How about PlayStation games?
I also bought Jap stationery, foldable umbrella, hand towels, handkerchieves, hand fans, hat, sunglasses, socks and sports gear. You can buy bike parts from Tokyo too. I also like the manicure products from Tokyo Hands. Btw, there are limited ed/designs avail only in Tokyo, so you might want to check out those international brands as well.
Whatever you buy, just remember to bring along your passports, in case you hit the min amt and wanna claim your tax refund at the department store.
[quote]VAT Rate : 8%
Minimum purchase amount (SINGLE DAY/Accumulated Receipts from same store allowed)
10,801 JPY for general products
5,401 JPY for consumable products
IMPT PRIORITY: Please allocate a day for Tsukiji Fish Market to savour some fresh sashimi/sushi.
If you're not a diehard foodie, you really don't have to make advance reservations, unless you want to eat at those Michelin-starred restaurants. I did make some online reservations for my recent trip.
Queuing up outside popular Jap F&B chains is very common in Tokyo. Be prepared to join the queue for 15-30min. Smaller eateries/sushi bars with 10 seats or so won't accept walk-ins. Always be punctual after you've made a reservation. They only keep your seats for 10-15 min.
If it's too troublesome to locate those famous restaurants raved by bloggers and TimeOut, just make do with whatever you can find at the district you happen to be visiting that day. The longer the queue, the better it usually is. Do however try out a diff type of Jap food every day like I did:)
1. Yakitori (there's a Yakitori alley)
2. Ramen (there's a Ramen alley)
3. Yakiniku (like Gyu-kaku)
4. Okonomiyaki
5. Teppanyaki
6. Nabe dishes: Sukiyaki or Shabu Shabu
7. Sushi/Sashimi (you should take that at Tsukiji Fish Mkt)
8. Tonkatsu (nothing but deep fried breaded stuffs like our Tonkichi)
9. Tempura
10. Udon (or just buy off the Vending machine)
11. Yoshuko (Jap Western diner that serves hamburger steak, korokke, omu rice, curry rice, pasta, pizza, etc.)
12. Okowa (Jap glutinous rice meals like the one at Taka B1 Yonehachi)
13. Jap fast food (MOS, Freshness Burger)
14. Supermarket Bentos
15. Gyozas
Anyone into alcohol? You could stock up some famous sake, shochu or the coveted Suntory Whisky, especially if you can find The Yamazaki 12 yr-old, Hibiki 17 yr-old, and Nikka in local supermarkets.
I'm big on afternoon teas; not sure about you. There are many world renowned patisseries, bakeries and cafes in Tokyo and I can go on and on...If you cannot sit down to drink tea and eat cakes, at least go to Harajuku for the famous Marion Crepe.
Btw, Haneda airport (departure gate) has a priority queue. If you're flying by SQ and have the Star Alliance card, do show to the officer to let you clear CIQ quickly. Even w/o the SA card, you should flash your boarding pass and tell them it's urgent. That was what I did last week as I only arrived 1 hr before departure at Haneda Int'l.[/quote]Jetsetter, very comprehensive recommendations! :salute: :salute: :goodpost:
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a note: not all shops have tax rebate.
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dimitri_can:
a note: not all shops have tax rebate.
Yes, look out for the signage.
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