Tokyo continues to change in exciting ways. Travelers have new possibilities for getting to and around the country. Restaurant openings provide travelers with more options. Here's a brief summary of the latest goings-on.
Arriving at Narita Airport
Narita International Airport's website, www.narita-airport.or.jp/airport_e/index.html has lots of useful information for those arriving at this international gateway outside Tokyo, including flight departure and arrival times, information on onward travel in Japan, ground transportation to and from the airport and even daily currency exchange rates. The website also provides
information on more than a dozen companies located in each terminal offering cellular phone rentals. Narita Airport has also updated its technology for connecting to the web, with wireless LAN service available in the departure and arrival lobbies of both terminals.
Getting to Know Tokyo
A new Tokyo Tourist Information Center has opened on the first floor of the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Building, 3-2-2 Marunouchi (tel. 03/3287-7024; station: Hibiya, Nijubashi-mae, Yurakucho, and Tokyo Station). It's open Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday, Sundays and holidays 10am to 4pm.
Getting Around
The government-affiliated Eidan subway lines, the largest subway company in Tokyo with 168 stations, has been privatized and now goes by the name of Tokyo Metro (www.tokyometro.jp/e/). All stations now display a large "M" in a style vaguely reminiscent of McDonald's famous arches. In addition, all stations are now identified not only by their name but with a letter and a number. Station G-01, for example, refers to the Ginza line and the first station on that line, Shibuya. While the new system takes the guesswork out of how many stations must be passed before arriving at a destination, it is of little use to those unfamiliar with Tokyo's metro system.
Accommodations
The Park Hotel Tokyo (www.parkhoteltokyo.com) has opened at the new Shiodome Media Tower in the revitalized district of Shimbashi. Similar to the Strings Hotel Tokyo, which opened in 2003 in a revitalized area in Shinagawa, it strives to attract corporate travelers with its cocoon-like atmosphere high above the bustle of Tokyo, with 274 rooms on the 26th to 34th floors offering good views and updated technology. Meanwhile, Tokyo's boom in up-scale hotel construction continues with the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, slated to open in 2006 in Nihombashi, and the Peninsula Hotel Tokyo, which will open for business in 2007 near Tokyo Station.
Dining
Aux Bacchanales, long one of Harajuku's favorite people-watching restaurants due to its brasserie-like atmosphere and sidewalk seating, has shuttered its doors and moved to a much quieter location behind the Hotel New Otani at 4-1 Kioicho (tel. 03/5276-3422). While the food is perfectly ok, it's doubtful whether it can attract the same crowds without its prime Harajuku location.
Celebrated Japanese chef Mikuni Kiyomi has expanded operations yet again in the fast-developing Marunouchi district, adding a new Italian café in addition to Central Mikuni in the the basement of Tokyo Station. Called Mikuni's Café Marunouchi, Furukawa Sogo Building, 2-6-1 Marunouchi (tel. 03/5220-3921; station: Nimubashi-mae and Tokyo Station), it is open Monday to Friday from 7am to 10:30pm (last order) and Saturday, Sundays and holidays from 11:30am to 8:30pm. The emphasis is on authentic, healthy Italian cuisine, with an annexed bakery providing fresh bread and seasonally desserts.
What to See and Do in Tokyo
The new "Round Pass" is a ticket that provides discounts or free admission to 44 selected attractions in Tokyo, including museums, art galleries, zoos and aquariums. The Round Pass, which costs ¥2,000 ($17) and is valid for two months from the date of first usage, will be available until Jan. 31, 2005. An updated version might be available in 2005.
Side Trip to Yokohama
A new train line, the Minato Mirai Line, now connects Shibuya Station in Tokyo with Yokohama Station, which has received a long-overdue renovation, and beyond. The Toyoko Line, which used to provide convenient access from Shibuya Station, no longer travels onward to Sakuragicho but instead terminates at Yokohama Station.