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Difference between revisions of "Design Summit/Mitaka/Travel Tips"

m (Pharmacy)
m (Souvenirs)
 
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<big> For some general Japan travel tips and more summit FAQ, please see https://www.openstack.org/summit/tokyo-2015/faq/#Category-5  </big>
 
<big> For some general Japan travel tips and more summit FAQ, please see https://www.openstack.org/summit/tokyo-2015/faq/#Category-5  </big>
  
===Sim Cards===
+
=== Electronics Retail Stores ===
If you're used to picking up a cheap local sim card when you travel, Japan might be a new experience.
 
 
 
As a non-resident, you're basically not allowed to have a voice service. Data-only sim cards are available, but expect to pay USD30-40. However, the speeds are enjoyably fast :)
 
 
 
http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Japan has all the details you'll ever need.
 
  
Options:
+
Akihabara has so many electronics retail stores, but there are ones on/near major stations.
* The simplest way TF has found is the  "Japan Travel SIM (by Iijmio)". 1GB/30 days or 2GB/90 days validity options. https://t.iijmio.jp/en/index.html . You can purchase this from the Tokyo Tourist Information centre where they also speak English and Chinese and can give helpful travel advice for your stay in Japan. Just take the JR Yamanote line from Shinagawa Station near the venue to Tokyo Station ( http://www.tictokyo.jp/en/03_access/index.html).
 
* http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/index.html is also available and can be sent to you at your hotel or the airport post office if preordered.
 
 
 
=== Taxis ===
 
Taxis in Tokyo are very expensive. Especially do not try and take a taxi from Narita Airport to the city, which will '''cost around USD 200'''.
 
 
 
=== Airport transit ===
 
If you don't plan on taking a train from the airport, https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/ seems to drop off at some of the hotels in the area of the conference centre.
 
 
 
=== Large Electrics Stores ===
 
 
 
Akihabara has so many electrics shops, but there are large stores on/near major stations.
 
  
 
* [http://www.biccamera.co.jp/language/forec/english.html Bic Camera (ビックカメラ)]
 
* [http://www.biccamera.co.jp/language/forec/english.html Bic Camera (ビックカメラ)]
Line 89: Line 71:
 
|}
 
|}
 
"yes * " = Far from station
 
"yes * " = Far from station
 +
 +
===Sim Cards===
 +
If you're used to picking up a cheap local sim card when you travel, Japan might be a new experience.
 +
 +
As a non-resident, you're basically not allowed to have a voice service. Data-only sim cards are available, but expect to pay USD30-40. However, the speeds are enjoyably fast :)
 +
 +
http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Japan has all the details you'll ever need.
 +
 +
Options:
 +
* The simplest way TF has found is the  "Japan Travel SIM (by Iijmio)". 1GB/30 days or 2GB/90 days validity options. https://t.iijmio.jp/en/index.html . You can purchase this from the Tokyo Tourist Information centre where they also speak English and Chinese and can give helpful travel advice for your stay in Japan. Just take the JR Yamanote line from Shinagawa Station near the venue to Tokyo Station ( http://www.tictokyo.jp/en/03_access/index.html).
 +
* http://www.bmobile.ne.jp/english/index.html is also available and can be sent to you at your hotel or the airport post office if preordered.
 +
 +
=== Taxis ===
 +
Taxis in Tokyo are very expensive. Especially do not try and take a taxi from Narita Airport to the city, which will '''cost around USD 200'''.
 +
 +
=== Airport transit ===
 +
 +
The OpenStack Foundation staff has prepared video and pdf based directions for travel from both Tokyo area airports to the conference location.
 +
https://www.openstack.org/summit/tokyo-2015/tokyo-and-travel/#hotels
 +
 +
==== Narita ====
 +
 +
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mlwE_Ha7Ws Video]
 +
[https://openstack.org/assets/tokyo-summit/directions/OSTokyo-Narita-Directions-PROOF-v2.pdf PDF]
 +
 +
==== Haneda ====
 +
 +
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85464R-1Eq8 Video]
 +
[https://openstack.org/assets/tokyo-summit/directions/OSTokyo-Haneda-Directions-PROOF-v2.pdf PDF]
 +
 +
==== Shuttle Bus ====
 +
If you don't plan on taking a train from the airport, https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/ seems to drop off at some of the hotels in the area of the conference centre.
 +
 +
=== Access ===
 +
 +
Using JR Shinagawa station is the most popular access method to visit the venue. But check around there with Google Map. There is [https://www.google.co.jp/maps/place/%E9%AB%98%E8%BC%AA%E5%8F%B0%E9%A7%85/@35.6317613,139.7302734,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x60188aff16c1b69f:0x65fec78c2048d93c?hl=ja Takanawadai (高輪台) Station (A-06) of Toei Asakusa Line] on the northwest side of it.So, it will be useful if you use some subways below:
 +
 +
* Toei Asakusa Line (A-01..20)
 +
* Tokyo Metro Mita Line (I-04..27)
 +
 +
Also, There is a Toei bus line (品93) from JR Meguro station to the venue. Note: you have to push any bell button in buses when you are going to get off '''the next''' bus stop.
 +
 +
Google Map is very useful to plan your transit in Tokyo.
 +
 +
=== Transport ===
 +
 +
Smart cards for transportation are useful in/around Tokyo, so I recommend you to buy one when you arrived at stations at Haneda Airport or Narita Airport. There are 2 type cards in/around Tokyo:
 +
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suica SUICA] is by JR EAST and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasmo PASMO] is by the other trains and buses in Tokyo. But both can be used all trains and buses in/around Tokyo, so you can buy either one.
 +
 +
And... I have to tell you about an important thing.
 +
It's a terrible experience to take a train or a bus in weekday mornings in Tokyo.
 +
Most trains in Tokyo has lots of passengers at 7:30am-8:50am and JR Shinagawa Station is one of the biggest stations in Tokyo. So, I strongly recommend below:
 +
 +
* Arrive at Shinagawa Station before 7:30am.
 +
* Defend your bag in a crowded train/bus, otherwise your laptop in it may be broken.
 +
* Say "o-ri-ma-su" when it's hard to get off a train or a bus. It means "I get off."
  
 
=== Clothes ===
 
=== Clothes ===
  
A japanese weather forecast says that the temperature will be 10-17 degree Celsius (50-62.6 degree Fahrenheit) on the last weekdays of October in Tokyo. So, most people needs a jacket or an overcoat. But don't worry even without suitable ones. There are many clothes stores in/on/near major stations and [http://www.uniqlo.com/ UNIQLO] is in JR Shinagawa Station.
+
A japanese weather forecast says that the temperature will be 13-20 degree Celsius (55.4-68 degree Fahrenheit) on the last weekdays of October in Tokyo. So, people may need a jacket or an overcoat. But don't worry even without suitable ones. There are many clothes stores in/on/near major stations and a small [http://www.uniqlo.com/ UNIQLO] shop is in JR Shinagawa Station.
  
 
=== Food Shopping ===
 
=== Food Shopping ===
  
 
Keikyu Shopping Plaza Wing Takanawa East is located on JR/Keikyu Shinagawa Station and [http://www.wing-net.ne.jp/takanawa/shop/eastb1f.html it has Keikyu Store (京急ストア) at the B1 floor]. It's good to buy various foods, meals, vegitables, drinks, liquors and so on.
 
Keikyu Shopping Plaza Wing Takanawa East is located on JR/Keikyu Shinagawa Station and [http://www.wing-net.ne.jp/takanawa/shop/eastb1f.html it has Keikyu Store (京急ストア) at the B1 floor]. It's good to buy various foods, meals, vegitables, drinks, liquors and so on.
 +
 +
=== Noodles ===
 +
 +
There are 3 major types of noodles in Japan.
 +
 +
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramen Ramen (ラーメン、拉麺)]
 +
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soba Soba (そば、蕎麦)]
 +
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon Udon (うどん、饂飩)]
 +
 +
Ramen is one of the most popular foods in Japan now. Also, ramen is getting fans in the US or European countries. If you like ramen, you should go to:
 +
* [http://www.yelp.com/biz/tokyo%E8%B1%9A%E9%AA%A8base-ecute%E5%93%81%E5%B7%9D%E3%82%B5%E3%82%A6%E3%82%B9%E5%BA%97-%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA Tokyo Tonkotsu Base (TOKYO豚骨BASE)]...at the yard of JR Shinagawa Station. IPPUDO produced it.
 +
* [http://www.shinatatsu.com/raumen/ Shinatatsu Ramen (品達ラーメン)] .. 3 minutes from JR Shinagawa Station (Takanawa Exit)
 +
* [http://www.tokyoeki-1bangai.co.jp/street/ramen Tokyo Ramen Street (東京ラーメンストリート)] ... 3 minutes from JR Tokyo Station (Yaesu Minami Exit)
 +
* [http://www.ramenshow.com/ Tokyo Ramen Show (東京ラーメンショー)]…12 minutes from Tokyu Komazawa Station
 +
 +
Soba and Udon are Japanese traditional noodles. Try them when you have an opportunity.
 +
* [http://tokyoing.net/suizan-raise-pot-udon/ Suizan (水山)]...at the yard of JR Shinagawa Station; Udon only
 +
* [http://www.yelp.com/biz/%E4%B8%B8%E4%BA%80%E8%A3%BD%E9%BA%BA-%E5%93%81%E5%B7%9D%E5%BA%97-%E6%B8%AF%E5%8C%BA Marugame Seimen (丸亀製麺)]...12 minutes from JR Shinagawa Station (Konan Exit); Udon only
  
 
=== Pharmacy ===
 
=== Pharmacy ===
  
Shinagawa Prince Hotel has a pharmacy named [http://www.tomods.jp/shop/sh_to64.php Tomod's]. It has many foreign visitors, so some stuff may be able to talk in English.
+
Shinagawa Prince Hotel has a pharmacy named [http://www.tomods.jp/shop/sh_to64.php Tomod's]. It has many foreign visitors, so staffs may be able to talk in English.
  
 
Useful medicine words in Japanese:
 
Useful medicine words in Japanese:
Line 107: Line 163:
 
! English
 
! English
 
! Japanese pronunciation
 
! Japanese pronunciation
! Japanese writing
+
! Japanese display
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Cold medication
 
| Cold medication
Line 150: Line 206:
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== Transport ===
+
=== Glasses ===
 +
 
 +
There are some optician's shops near Shinagawa:
 +
 
 +
* [https://goo.gl/maps/pow6hwapZvP2 JINS Atre Shinagawa]...on Konan exit of JR Shinagawa Station
 +
* [https://goo.gl/maps/jXFwQpQXuZw Zoff Remy Gotanda]...1 minute from JR Gotanda Station
 +
* [https://goo.gl/maps/pGU4eRAcFY72 Zoff Atre Meguro]...on JR Meguro Station
 +
 
 +
In Japan, you don't need to visit an eye doctor to buy glasses. Most optician's shop has eye test capability, so just go there and you will get a new glass.
 +
The basement price is about JPY 5000-6000 (USD 42-50), but it depends on the frame and lens.
 +
 
 +
Also, PC glasses are favorite in Japan. They have blue-light filtering capability and decrease eyestrain.
 +
 
 +
=== Restrooms ===
 +
 
 +
There are 2 types of restrooms In Japan and japanese manner may be different from yours.
 +
Two PDFs below describe how to use them in japanese, english, korean, simple chinese and traditional chinese.
  
Smart cards for transportation are useful in/around Tokyo, so I recommend you to buy one when you arrived at stations at Haneda Airport or Narita Airport. There are 2 type cards in/around Tokyo:
+
* [http://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/sankan/cmsfiles/contents/0000185/185183/(keiji)youshiki.pdf Europian Style (洋式)]
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suica SUICA] is by JR EAST and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasmo PASMO] is by the other trains and buses in Tokyo. But both can be used all trains and buses in/around Tokyo, so you can buy either one.
+
* [http://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/sankan/cmsfiles/contents/0000185/185183/(keiji)washiki.pdf Old Japanese Style (和式)]
  
And... I have to tell you about an important thing.
+
And.... there are some way like below to flush water. Confused? No problem, even Japanese too.
It's a terrible experience to take a train or a bus in weekday mornings in Tokyo.
 
Most trains in Tokyo has lots of passengers at 7:30am-8:50am and JR Shinagawa Station is one of the biggest stations in Tokyo. So, I strongly recommend below:
 
  
* Arrive at Shinagawa Station before 7:30am.
+
* Type 1: to push the lever down
* Defend your bag in a crowded train/bus, otherwise your laptop in the bag may be broken.
+
* Type 2: to hold your hand over the sensor
* Say "o-ri-ma-su" when it's hard to get off a train or a bus. It means "I'm going to get off!"
+
* Type 3: to press the button to flush the toilet
  
=== Noodles ===
+
Find japanese display "流す", "水洗" or "洗浄" for type 2 and 3 if non-japanese display is not found.
 +
Don't push "非常" or "SOS" buttons because they are for emergency call.
  
There are 3 major types of noodles in Japan.
+
=== Souvenirs ===
  
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramen Ramen (ラーメン、拉麺)]
+
[[File:Kyukyodou.JPG|thumb|Goods at Kyu-kyo Dou; transfer seals (lower), a picture postcard (upper center) and envelopes with cutout pictures (upper left and right)]]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soba Soba (そば、蕎麦)]
+
Recently,  japanese medicinal supplies and electric rice cookers seem the best souvenirs for asian people. I don't know what is your favorite, but I recommend some places to purchase japanese goods.
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon Udon (うどん、饂飩)]
 
  
Ramen is one of most popular foods in Japan now. Also, ramen is getting fans in US or European contries. If you like ramen, you should go to:
+
Department Stores:
* [http://www.shinatatsu.com/raumen/ Shinatatsu Ramen (品達ラーメン)] .. 3 minutes from JR Shinagawa Station (Takanawa Exit)
+
* [http://www.daimaru.co.jp.e.md.hp.transer.com/tokyo/index.html Daimaru Tokyo Shop (大丸東京店)] ([https://goo.gl/maps/jHJ2WijKcPo location])
* [http://www.tokyoeki-1bangai.co.jp/street/ramen Tokyo Ramen Street (東京ラーメンストリート)] ... 3 minutes from JR Tokyo Station (Yaesu Minami Exit)
+
* [http://mitsukoshi.mistore.jp/store/ginza/foreign_customer/index.html Ginza Mitsukoshi (銀座三越)] ([https://goo.gl/maps/zAuonnpZ8WC2 location])
 +
* [https://www.takashimaya.co.jp/tokyo/store_information/index.html Takashimaya Nihonbashi Store (日本橋高島屋)] ([https://goo.gl/maps/YrzYVc2P3RT2 location])
  
Soba and Udon are Japanese traditional noodles. Try them when you have an opportunity.
+
Misc. goods:
 +
* [http://www.kyukyodo.co.jp/product/index.html Kyu-kyo Dou (鳩居堂)] ([https://www.google.com/maps/search/tokyo+kyukyodou location]) ... Stationeries
 +
* [http://www.kamawanu.co.jp/shop/marunouchi.html Kamawanu (かまわぬ)] ([https://goo.gl/maps/qbA2zHrCKjn location]) ... Japanese clothes and towels

Latest revision as of 16:17, 22 October 2015

For some general Japan travel tips and more summit FAQ, please see https://www.openstack.org/summit/tokyo-2015/faq/#Category-5

Electronics Retail Stores

Akihabara has so many electronics retail stores, but there are ones on/near major stations.

Station Bic Camera Yamada Denki Yodobashi Camera
Shinbashi (新橋) yes
Yurakucho (有楽町) yes
Akihabara (秋葉原) yes yes
Ueno (上野) yes
Ikebukuro (池袋) yes yes
Shinjuku (新宿) yes yes yes
Shibuya (渋谷) yes yes
Ohi Machi (大井町) yes
Tsurumi (鶴見) yes *
Kawasaki (川崎) yes yes * yes
Yokohama (横浜) yes yes

"yes * " = Far from station

Sim Cards

If you're used to picking up a cheap local sim card when you travel, Japan might be a new experience.

As a non-resident, you're basically not allowed to have a voice service. Data-only sim cards are available, but expect to pay USD30-40. However, the speeds are enjoyably fast :)

http://prepaid-data-sim-card.wikia.com/wiki/Japan has all the details you'll ever need.

Options:

Taxis

Taxis in Tokyo are very expensive. Especially do not try and take a taxi from Narita Airport to the city, which will cost around USD 200.

Airport transit

The OpenStack Foundation staff has prepared video and pdf based directions for travel from both Tokyo area airports to the conference location. https://www.openstack.org/summit/tokyo-2015/tokyo-and-travel/#hotels

Narita

Video PDF

Haneda

Video PDF

Shuttle Bus

If you don't plan on taking a train from the airport, https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/ seems to drop off at some of the hotels in the area of the conference centre.

Access

Using JR Shinagawa station is the most popular access method to visit the venue. But check around there with Google Map. There is Takanawadai (高輪台) Station (A-06) of Toei Asakusa Line on the northwest side of it.So, it will be useful if you use some subways below:

  • Toei Asakusa Line (A-01..20)
  • Tokyo Metro Mita Line (I-04..27)

Also, There is a Toei bus line (品93) from JR Meguro station to the venue. Note: you have to push any bell button in buses when you are going to get off the next bus stop.

Google Map is very useful to plan your transit in Tokyo.

Transport

Smart cards for transportation are useful in/around Tokyo, so I recommend you to buy one when you arrived at stations at Haneda Airport or Narita Airport. There are 2 type cards in/around Tokyo: SUICA is by JR EAST and PASMO is by the other trains and buses in Tokyo. But both can be used all trains and buses in/around Tokyo, so you can buy either one.

And... I have to tell you about an important thing.

It's a terrible experience to take a train or a bus in weekday mornings in Tokyo.

Most trains in Tokyo has lots of passengers at 7:30am-8:50am and JR Shinagawa Station is one of the biggest stations in Tokyo. So, I strongly recommend below:

  • Arrive at Shinagawa Station before 7:30am.
  • Defend your bag in a crowded train/bus, otherwise your laptop in it may be broken.
  • Say "o-ri-ma-su" when it's hard to get off a train or a bus. It means "I get off."

Clothes

A japanese weather forecast says that the temperature will be 13-20 degree Celsius (55.4-68 degree Fahrenheit) on the last weekdays of October in Tokyo. So, people may need a jacket or an overcoat. But don't worry even without suitable ones. There are many clothes stores in/on/near major stations and a small UNIQLO shop is in JR Shinagawa Station.

Food Shopping

Keikyu Shopping Plaza Wing Takanawa East is located on JR/Keikyu Shinagawa Station and it has Keikyu Store (京急ストア) at the B1 floor. It's good to buy various foods, meals, vegitables, drinks, liquors and so on.

Noodles

There are 3 major types of noodles in Japan.

Ramen is one of the most popular foods in Japan now. Also, ramen is getting fans in the US or European countries. If you like ramen, you should go to:

Soba and Udon are Japanese traditional noodles. Try them when you have an opportunity.

Pharmacy

Shinagawa Prince Hotel has a pharmacy named Tomod's. It has many foreign visitors, so staffs may be able to talk in English.

Useful medicine words in Japanese:

English Japanese pronunciation Japanese display
Cold medication Kaze-gusuri 風邪薬, かぜ薬、カゼ薬
Medication for hay fever Kafun-sho (yaku) 花粉症(薬)
allergic rhinitis (coryza) Arerugi (yaku) アレルギー(薬)
Headache medication Zutuu-yaku 頭痛薬
Medication for diarrhea Geri-dome 下痢止め
Laxative Benpi-yaku 便秘薬
Medication for stomach aches Fukutu-yaku / Hara-ita 腹痛薬 / 腹痛
Anti-itch medication Kayumi-dome かゆみ止め
Medication for insect sting Mushi-sasare 虫さされ
Eye drops Me-gusuri 目薬

Glasses

There are some optician's shops near Shinagawa:

In Japan, you don't need to visit an eye doctor to buy glasses. Most optician's shop has eye test capability, so just go there and you will get a new glass. The basement price is about JPY 5000-6000 (USD 42-50), but it depends on the frame and lens.

Also, PC glasses are favorite in Japan. They have blue-light filtering capability and decrease eyestrain.

Restrooms

There are 2 types of restrooms In Japan and japanese manner may be different from yours. Two PDFs below describe how to use them in japanese, english, korean, simple chinese and traditional chinese.

And.... there are some way like below to flush water. Confused? No problem, even Japanese too.

  • Type 1: to push the lever down
  • Type 2: to hold your hand over the sensor
  • Type 3: to press the button to flush the toilet

Find japanese display "流す", "水洗" or "洗浄" for type 2 and 3 if non-japanese display is not found. Don't push "非常" or "SOS" buttons because they are for emergency call.

Souvenirs

Goods at Kyu-kyo Dou; transfer seals (lower), a picture postcard (upper center) and envelopes with cutout pictures (upper left and right)

Recently, japanese medicinal supplies and electric rice cookers seem the best souvenirs for asian people. I don't know what is your favorite, but I recommend some places to purchase japanese goods.

Department Stores:

Misc. goods: