Transportation
The mass transit system in Tokyo is one of the most extensive and convenient in world. It is also one of the most expensive. Compared to other options, such as taxis, it is still quite a bargain for the ground it covers. Some helpful hints:
-While most stations are labeled in English, the fare guides tend not to be. If you're ever unsure of the fare, purchase a ticket for the minimum fare and insert it into the "fare adjustment" machine at your destination.
The machine will give you the balance you owe, with no effort on your part.
-The following website is a trip planner, where you can enter any two stations and it will give you the fastest, cheapest, and most direct routes: http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/norikae/
-Taking trains in the Tokyo area is certainly the cheapest, fastest, and easiest way to get around. The Keio Line is the train that services Seiseki, and you will become familiar with it during your time in Japan.
To get started, here are a few tips and important fares to remember:
-Purchase your ticket at the machine outside the gate, put the ticket into the gate, and make sure to take it back on the way through.
-If you're going downtown, go to the platform labeled Shinjuku, but only take a Special Express or Semi-Special Express train, as anything else will take considerably longer. The fare to either Shinjuku or Shibuya will be 310 Yen, but if you're going to Shibuya, you will need to get off the train at Meidamae,
and transfer onto the Inokashira Line.
*The Special Express and Semi-Special Express trains will arrive at Shinjuku Station in approximately 25-30 minutes.
-If you're going to Kitano, take the opposite platform, and the fare will be 170 Yen. When you come out of the station, turn left in front of the bus stop, and cross the street at the crosswalk.
Once across the street, turn left and walk down the street until you pass the electronics store.
Turn right and climb the stairwell to the third floor. Mike's English School is the last door on the right.
-Because trains don't run all night long, you will want to become familiar with the first and last trains back into Seiseki. The last train back from Shinjuku Station is at 12:08AM, but it is a Local train, so it will stop at every station along the way. Get there a little earlier to catch the Special or Semi-Special Express.
*These trains will be very crowded, and often uncomfortable, but it's still your best option, as taking a taxi home from downtown will be outrageously expensive. In the case that you miss the last train, or plan on staying out
all night, the first train back into Seiseki from Shinjuku is at approximately 6:00AM.