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%.

You can take advantage of the hotel’s easy subway access from Mitsukoshimae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hanzomon Line) directly under the hotel.

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.

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 North Wing

Number 10 at Terminal 1 South Wing

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.

Please view the timetable as of 25 June 2009.

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

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.