Transportation

Getting around in Japan can be challenging for the first time visitor. The transportation system in Tokyo gives you many options to get from point A to point B, too many options. The rail maps look like a series of tangled strings that lead to no where.

However, once you get acclimated to the transportation system, you will find it to be ultra efficient and convenient. Determining what mode of transportation, train, bus or subway is often determined by cost and convenience. Often the choice of getting from point A to point B is a choice between the JR local service, private rail service or subway. Even more intriguing is that stations are often situated a matter of blocks from each other and are accessed by different carriers. Often a subway station may be situated across the street from each other or here may be two competing rail lines on opposite sides of a block.

The best mode of transportation is often not a straight line.

Refer to the following transportation map and you will see what I mean.
http://www.tcvb.or.jp/en/index_en.htm

Luckily there are transportation web site that help you get from point a to where you need to be.
http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/e-norikeyin.html

Just input in where you are and where you need to be. And you will get the train schedule and fare with transfer points. Pretty handy.

Mind your manner mode.

Travelling around Tokyo on the Yamamote lime, I noticed that everyone seemed ro have a mobile phone. Children,aunties and uncles and the OL and Salaryman all sported phones. This is quite a revelation as I am reminded at evry train station by an announcement to keep my phone in "Manner Mode" when riding the train. This rule seems to be addressing a major faux pas in Japan as it is announced in Japanese and English.

I am guilty of answering the phone on the train. Japanese people will usually not publicly reprimand you for this act. However, I could feel the chill from the many riders giving me the stink eye. In fact, other than my phone and my friend's phone I do not. Recall hearing a phone ring.

Despite the strict adherance to manner mode, the Japanese people still manage to communicatevia their phones. They text message. Yes, this is a cultural difference between the US and Japan. Evryone seems to be typing away on their phones. Phones are often attached to a strap worn around the neck. This is to allow for safe typing while safe typing while standing ie. A crowded train.
No worry of dropping the phone.

Another observation is that the Japanese prefer bigger phones. There are no RAZR's to be seen. Rather large phones with largescreens. In Japan, the phone is the gateway to the internet. Computer are a luxury. Phones also broadcast tv shows. Definitely need the extra juice from a large battery. Besides when was the last time you tried to text message on a RAZR? (It really sucks.)

The Japanese networks are super fast to accomodate web browsing and video. The US networks are turtles in comparison.

I am writing this post on my iPhone. The power went out in my apartment. I thought this to be a good opportunity to attempt to be technologically inclined. Truth is I was just bored. Hope the electricity goes on soon.

Eating in Japan Expensive???

Rumor has it that traveling in Japan can be expensive.

The rumor is true. However, travel in Japan can be costly if you plan it that way.
Like any metropolis, the lives of tourist are very much different from the lives of the residents.

Yes, a can of soda is more expensive in Japan than it is in the U.S.. And a steak may be the same price but is served as half sized portion.

Check out these site for an idea of how much things cost.
http://www.pricechecktokyo.com/


If you consider yourself a meat and potatoes guy or if you just do not trust eating at an establishment without english menus, then your trip is going to be expensive.


Those that are not adventurous or are just plain lazy will be relegated to the expensive dining options of the hotels. However, a quick trip to a side alley a walk in the business district reveals a much different set of dining options. These are places where the working class and residents dine. Gone are the matching set of forks and knives and you will not be able to find a pepper shaker. You will find a cup filled with wooden chopsticks and a bottle of shoyu. These establishments range from the mom and pop teishokuya which serves complete meals including miso soup, rice and a main dish for under 700 yen. You often get very good and filling meals of tonkatsu or broiled fish. Yes, the plate lunch does exist in some form in Japan.

Lunch is the battleground for customers in the business districts. Eateries compete with lunch specials starting at 500 yen which often are donburis or even teishoku. On a weekend it common to find lines out the door for people looking to get the "deal of the day".

The bento option is alive and well. One marvels at the selection of bento at the convenience store (conbini). Follow this link to see the option of bentos and musubis. Conbini serves really great bentos that are accenutated by the just in time inventory system which assures freshness. The Combini has also ventured into the world of heat and eat meals. A lot better than the burger option.

Seven Eleven
http://www.sej.co.jp/shohin/index.html

Lawson
http://www.lawson.co.jp



If you absolutely have to have a burger, then the value meal costs about a $1.00 more but the sodas are kiddie size.....