Hi
My husband, 5 year old daughter and myself have a day and a bit stop over in Tokyo. Can anyone suggest a hotel that isn't going to break the bank and is near everything (whatever that may be). Also, any good sites on Tokyo to get ourselves oriented before our visit, such as where the airport is etc...
Thanks!
Robyn.

Hi Robyn,

Check out Owen's Notes on Tokyo on Slow Travelers web site. It has a lot of helpful information on visiting Tokyo. His tips are very good. He has information about the airport and getting around. I also used the Airport Shuttle to get to my hotel. They have a stand right outside of customs. I returned to the airport via the train and was with a coworker who helped me. That would have potentially been a little hard for me to figure out on my own. If I had not been with the coworker, I would have probably taken the same bus back to the airport.

I visited Toyko on a quick business trip a couple of years ago. I also had a short time to visit. I stayed in ANA Hotel which is located in Akasaka area. There were many multi-national companies offices in the Akasaka area. The hotel is in the mid-high price range.

I was working during the day so I spent the evening sightseeing. It was about a mile from the hotel to Roppongi area which was lively at night. I was able to walk to the area from the hotel although part of the walk was kinda boring along the offices and under one freeway.

The next night, I took a bus from the hotel to Shibuya. This area is a lot of fun. Very bright, noisy and lively at night. A great place to people watching. I loved checking out the young people and their style of cool outfits. There is a large department store and a pedestrian area lined with small shops, restaurants and pachinko places. If you get a chance, you should try to visit this area. It is also a major transportation center so there is great access for subway, bus, train and taxi. I took a taxi back to the hotel. I recommend always carrying the name and address of your hotel in Japanese in case the taxi driver does not understand the English name of your hotel.

I also recommend taking a 1/2 day bus trip of Tokyo. I booked the tour at my hotel for an English guided trip. We went to the Imperial Palace, a Shinto temple, and the Buddhist temple at Asakusa. The trip was around $40US.

You may also want to pick up a small city travel guide. I found the mini Rough Guide for Tokyo very useful.

Thank you Marta,
I have had a look at Owen's notes and they will gradually mean more to me as I get deeper into my research. It is pinning down an area that would be good to stay that is hard in a country that is so unknown. The Shibuya area sounds great, shops and restaurants and transport. I have to ask, what is a pachinko place? Do you know anything about Kibuki theatre? (possibly spelt wrong) Suitable for a young person?
We arrive at 9 am Tuesday morning from London and fly out at 9:30 pm Wednesday night to Australia. We are planning on visiting the zoo if the waether permits and a little shopping never hurt either
I have been trying to make sense of the subway system, but as yet it means not much. Did the airport shuttle take forever? I've read it can take 2 hours?? Our flight in is actually from Rome via London, so we will be very tired as well as disoriented.

Thanks for your reply.
Cheers
Robyn.

I arrived mid-afternoon and the traffic wasn't that bad. I think it took about 1 hour. I have heard that it can take longer during rush hour but I suspect you might be fine arriving at 9am. It was nice for me because it took me directly to my hotel.

I didn't get a chance to try the subway. I was also pretty jetlagged and it was very hot (August). I wasn't thinking clear headed enough to try it.

I didn't go to a Kabuki play. I think it might be a little difficult for a 5 year old. Pachinko is a cross between pinball and slot machines. There is gambling involved. The palaces are noisy and smoky. I didn't go into one but you could hear them from the street.

While looking for a good description of Pachinko, I found Japan Guide web site. It has some pretty good sections. I was looking for a section on things to do with children and didn't find one. But they did mention Tokyo Disneyland is only 15 minutes by train.

great! I am going to Tokyo next month (for work) so I will check up on all this info before I go ---- wherever I go for work I am always expected to know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING (which of course I don't but Im pretty good at faking it!)

Check out http://www.toyoko-inn.com/eng/
Hotels from this chain are very close to subway stations and the Yamanote line.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2370.html
Room price for 2 are under 10,000 yen. Rooms are very clear.

I found it more reliable to take either the Narita Express train or the Keisei line to/from the airport.

If you only stop in Tokyo for a day, consider storing your big luggage at the airport or Tokyo train station (you can use either coin lockers or baggage check-in) Bring only the carry-on bag with you for a one day hotel stay. There are coin lockers in every subway station.
Big coin lockers(600Yen) big enough for 32inch luggage are found mainly in major stations like Tokyo, Ueno, Shinjuku..etc but small lockers are everywhere.

Go to the information desk at Tokyo station. The officer there speaks very good English.

This Sunday's New York Time has an article on visiting Tokyo. It includes some recommendations on places to stay. It also has a couple of items to do including a Japanese Sword Museum.

A person from another site told me to check out www.economist.com - it has city guides for all over the world - it is wonderful!