Here's the top tips for getting in and around Tokyo.
Public Transport
Hyper efficient, sparkling clean and virtually crime-free, Tokyo's public transport system is the envy of the world. The most popular method being the train and subway system. These are set up for tourists and include easy to navigate signage in English. Make sure to get a Suica or Pasmo card which makes transferring between the two a breeze. The only downside is that the whole system shuts down between midnight and 5am, when the city's fleet of taxis pick up the slack. Taxis are clean and safe in Tokyo and whilst drivers' English is limited most will understand basic instructions. Click here to read and article about how to navigate Toyko’s train system.
The convention centre, Tokyo International Forum is in the heart of the city close to the Imperial Palace. The address for the forum is: Tokyo International Forum 3-5-1 Marunouchi Chiyoda Tokyo 100-0005 Japan. Although we recommend that you travel to your hotel first, you can reach the convention centre via a number of options:
Haneda airport-Tokyo International Forum: Take the monorail from Haneda airport to Hamamatsucho Station (23 minutes) and then transfer to JR Hamamatsucho Station to Yurakucho Station (4 minutes) Yurakucho station is then only 1 minute walk away from the convention centre. Alternatively a taxi from Haneda is not too expensive.
Narita airport-Tokyo International Forum: There are two train lines to Tokyo downtown, JR Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner. JR Narita Express takes 53 minutes to Tokyo station and then the convention centre is a 5 minute walk (connected by B1 concourse with Keiyo Line at Tokyo Station). Keisei Skyliner takes 40 minutes to Nippori station, where you can transfer to Yamanote line to Yurakucho station (10 minutes), just 1 minute from the venue.
There are more details of how to get to the convention centre on our handy tips print out.
Around the country:
Frequent, high-speed bullet trains serve most of Japan’s major cities. The Japan Rail Pass (japanrailpass.net) gives you one week of unlimited rides on all bullet trains for Y29,110. This is a big saving compared to individual tickets. There are also an increasing number of regional rail passes that offer better deals for travellers who are moving around in one area. Another option is the bus. The Willer Express Bus (willerexpress.com) offers reclining “cocoon” seats with privacy partitions. A night fare from Tokyo to Kyoto (saving you a nights hotel fee) is Y10,700 (£80) Internal flights are also available, and if you are flying with JAL, ANA or one of their partner airlines you can purchase discounted domestic flights for as low as Y10,800. Click here to read more about travelling by bullet train.
The ICS team looks forward to seeing you at ICS 2016 and welcoming you to Tokyo!
Additional Information
ICS 2016
Tokyo - must know information PDF
Tokyo's Culinary Delights!
Traveller’s Guide to ICS 2016
Japan Etiquette guide