Since the Edo period Nihonbashi, the address of Mandarin Oriental, has been literally the centre of Tokyo. All roads begin in Nihonbashi. Today of course there are more than the roads.
In Tokyo you’ll find one of the world’s most sophisticated systems; characterised by its efficiency, promptness and spotlessness. But this is a complicated city and the efficiency of the service does not mean you’ll be anywhere on time. The problem is navigating the system and then there’s the sheer weight of traffic, both pedestrian and on wheels. Mix this together with the language barrier and it is not hard to end up lost in Tokyo.
So wherever you are going our concierge will be delighted to help you plan your route across the city, giving you specific directions, writing the destination down in Japanese and providing every possible assistance.
Our advice is to leave plenty of time to reach your destination. If you are meeting a business colleague or Japanese friend, the etiquette is always to be on time, they would not understand ‘fashionably late’.
Around Town
By Foot
Walking through Tokyo is very safe and it is quite easy around the hotel, since the Nihonbashi Mitsui Tower is the only high-rise building in the area, it can be recognised as a landmark from a distance.
By Taxi
Jumping in a taxi often seems the easiest option,
but then there’s the traffic and the fact that even the taxi drivers get lost in Tokyo’s complicated street system. We recommend guests always have your destination written down in Japanese and leave double the time you imagine is required to negotiate the traffic.
A red light on the taxi says it is free, a green light indicates that it is occupied. Taxis can generally stop for you anywhere except on the larger main roads. Drivers operate the rear door for you to get in and out of the vehicle; stand back when you have hailed a taxi or you may find yourself clapped by the door and do not interfere with the action.
There are usually plenty of taxis about but after the public transport system closes at 1am especially on a weekend, or in a sudden downpour, it is like a particularly competitive round of musical chairs and you may be the one left alone in the street. Between 11 pm and 5 am the fares escalate by 30%.
By Limousine
We offer a private limousine service. Our concierge will be happy to make arrangements for you. Please contact us our concierge direct Line +81 (3) 3270 8240. To view the fares, click here.
By Subway
Often this is the best mode of transport around Tokyo. It is clean, efficient and not beholden to the traffic. The different lines are colour coded. On some lines stations are announced in English, or a sign within the carriage indicates the next station in English.
Tickets can be purchased at the stations; fares vary according to distance between JPY 160 to JPY 300. If you are not sure of your destination and the exact fare then buy any ticket and at the other end check your ticket on a fare adjustment machine; you will be able to pay any difference before exiting. Alternatively buy a Passnet Metro Card, with a stored value worth JPY 1,000, 3,000 or 5,000.
The trains run up to midnight. Rush hour should be avoided unless you have an interest in observing the highest density of people in any one place. It is also difficult to avoid being swept along with the homogonous determined crowd, so for independent travel between 8am and 9am it is recommended to take a taxi.
By JR Trains
These are electric commuter trains that between them criss cross the city. There are five lines, the JR Yamanote line is the most prominent connecting the main shopping, business and entertainment districts of Tokyo. It runs from Tokyo station near Mandarin Oriental all the way around the city to Ueno just north of the hotel via Shinjuku and Shibuya.
By City Buses
Taxi and subway will be the favored transport for most visitors to Tokyo, particularly as the buses rarely have English information. In principal most buses in the city centre operate on the same system. There is a single fare, usually JPY 210.
By Shinkansen
The Shinkansen, known to most westerners as the Bullet train, is an exciting option should you need to travel out of Tokyo. They look spectacular with aero dynamic noses. The network links most major cities on the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. You can watch the speed pick up as it is indicated within the carriages, running up to 300 km/h (186 mph).
From and To the Airports
Tokyo has two main airports, Narita is for international flights and Haneda is mainly for domestic flights. The journey time by car is approximately 90 minutes from Narita and 40 from Haneda; however in both cases traffic can cause delays. It is also worth noting that private transport fares are high compared to most other countries. Below we have listed your options for travelling to and from Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo and the airports; our recommendation is the airport limousine bus service which takes you directly to our hotel entrance.
Narita Airport
By Our Limousine
The limousine company representative will be waiting for you at the Main Arrivals Hall holding a sign with your name clearly indicated. Should you experience any problems meeting your Driver, please kindly call our Concierge Desk Direct Line +81 (3) 3270 8240. View our rates.
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available outside the Main Arrivals Hall at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The journey from Narita Airport to the hotel is approximately 90 minutes but could be longer due to heavy traffic congestion closer to the city. The approximate Taxi fare is JPY 25,000 (USD 230). Please print our hotel location map and show it to the taxi driver.
By Airport Limousine Bus
Our recommended airport transport is the familiar orange and white Airport Limousine Bus Service, which operates direct services throughout the day to/from Narita Airport and Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo.
After you exit Customs Control, make your way to the Airport Limousine Bus Counters which are located near the exits at both Terminals` 1 and 2. Airport Limousine Buses for Mandarin Oriental Tokyo depart from the following bus stands which are located directly outside each Terminal:
Number 1 at Terminal 1
Number 7 at the North Exit of Terminal 2
Number 17 at the South Exit of Terminal 2
Tickets cost JPY 3,000. Travel time can be up to 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions, although radio contact with the buses ensures the worst traffic is avoided. Reservations must be made in advance with our concierge from the hotel to the airport, and no reservation is needed from the airport to the hotel. Bus tickets may be purchased either through the Concierge Desk on Level 38 or through the Bell Desk located at the ground floor Main Entrance.
More frequent services are available every 10-15 minutes directly between TCAT (Tokyo City Air Terminal) and Narita Airport. From stand number 1 outside the airport terminal. From TCAT you can take a taxi approximately 5-7 minutes to Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. Tickets cost JPY 2,900. The approximate Taxi fare is JPY 900.
By Narita Express - N’EX
Japan Railways (JR) Narita Express or N`EX is one of the more popular and cost effective ways to travel from/to Narita Airport and Tokyo Station. Narita Express Trains depart every 30-40 minutes depending on the time of day and the journey time is 55 minutes to Tokyo. Mandarin Oriental is a brief 5 minute taxi ride from Tokyo Station.
After you exit Customs Control, make your way into the Main Arrivals Hall, then follow the signs to the JR Narita Express (N`EX) Train platform which is located several levels underneath the Terminal.
Purchase your ticket to Tokyo Station, Regular Fare – JPY 2,940. Green Car
(First Class) - JPY 4,430. Green Car Private Cabin (can accommodate 4 persons) – JPY 6,000 per room/cabin.
All seat numbers are assigned when you purchase your ticket. Upon arrival at Tokyo Station, make your way to the Yaesu North Exit. From here, take a Taxi for approximately 5 minutes to the hotel. The Taxi fare will be approximately JPY 660. Please show the hotel location map to the taxi driver.
Haneda Airport
By Our Limousine
The limousine company representative will be waiting for you at the Main Arrivals Hall holding a sign with your name clearly indicated. Should you experience any problems meeting your Driver, please kindly call our Concierge Desk Direct Line +81 (3) 3270 8240. View our rates.
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available outside the Main Arrivals Hall. The journey from Haneda Airport to the hotel is approximately 40 minutes but could be longer due to heavy traffic congestion closer to the city. The approximate Taxi fare is JPY 7,500 (USD 70.00 approx). Please show the hotel location map to the taxi driver.
By Airport Limousine Bus
The famous orange and white Airport Limousine Bus Service operates to TCAT (Tokyo City Air Terminal) to Haneda Airport. Tickets cost JPY 900 and travel time can be up to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. TCAT is an approximate 5-7 minute ride from Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. The approximate taxi fare is JPY 900.
To & From Airports
Narita Airport
• Stretch Cadillac Limousine
To hotel - JPY 85,000
From hotel - JPY 85,000
• Mercedes Benz S 500
To hotel - JPY 63,000
From hotel - JPY 63,000
• Deluxe Van
To hotel - JPY 63,000
From hotel - JPY 63,000
• Japanese Luxury Sedan
To hotel - JPY 55,000
From hotel - JPY 55,000
Haneda Airport
• Stretch Cadillac Limousine
To hotel - JPY 52,000
From hotel - JPY 52,000
• Mercedes Benz S 500
To hotel - JPY 35,000
From hotel - JPY 35,000
• Deluxe Van
To hotel - JPY 35,000
From hotel - JPY 35,000
• Japanese Luxury Sedan
To hotel - JPY 30,000
From hotel - JPY 30,000
