Awesome Resource If You're Visiting Japan

[Iron Chef]

http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi

Presuming you'll be using the train most of the time (if you haven't bought a JR rail pass before you leave, it's an absolute MUST), this website covers every train station in Japan, from what I've seen so far.

A mate of mine sent it to me - super handy when you need to plan your trips from one spot to another.

[aphid]

+1 to that

on a totally unrelated matter - Den Den town, Osaka rawks my jawkz <3

[Mr. Keets]

I used this on my trip to TAS this year. It's ok but it does have it's limitations. I wanted to go to Hakuba to snowboard and the script/app told me I needed 3 trains and a bus. I got a limited express green car from Shinjuku all the way to Hakuba.

I used this map from JR East printed to A3 and put it in one of those groovy silicone map holders you get from hiking shops. On the back I put a subway version. Using a JR map means you are using the same map as posted in the station and you use that to work out your fare. Even if you do get the wrong fare you go to the adjustment machine or the window and pay up like the rest. I lost my ticket and the guard was cool about it and waved me through with a smile.

While I'm on about trains. Always stick to the left of the escalators...right side is for walking, left side is for sleeping. The rail system in Japan isn't as difficult as some may think you just need to read the map a little before you go and then dive in. On the platform signs red means express, green for limited express and white means local or all stops. Oh and hire a phone if you travelling with mates

I miss Japan

[sewid]

Yeah it's missing some of the new subway lines too... couldn't navigate me to the f*kutoshin line and that's a central tokyo line. Ah well I still use this about a billion times.

[akeenan]

http://www.jorudan.co.jp/

this is the one that most japanese people use

can be done in English or japanese

Edited February 4, 2009 by akeenan