Tokyo at Christmas?

[Ohana]

We're planning to go to Tokyo for Christmas this year. It's been a long time since I've visited Japan, and it's the first time I'll be traveling there with my kids.

Any places we must see?
Any day trips we can take from Tokyo to the surrounding countryside?
Family friendly restaurants you'd recommend?
Is the JR pass worth it? We'll be there 13 days, but will probably stay mostly in the Tokyo/Yokohama area.

I used to visit Tokyo regularly when I lived in Japan 10+ years ago, but it's been awhile! Should we take travelers' checks in US $ and exchange them for yen when we get there? Do most restaurants/stores now accept credit cards, or should we plan to pay for everything with cash? Can we use our debit cards there at ATM's? I'm clueless when it comes to money, because my mom took care of that stuff when we visited there as children, and I got paid in yen (obviously) when I lived over there. Also, when I lived in Japan, credit cards were pretty unusual.

Also, we'll be staying in Ohta-ku. Usually, we take the limosine bus to Shinagawa station, then the train. Is there a better way to get into Tokyo? Again, we'll be traveling with small children, so I want to make this as simple as possible!

[framboise]

I've been to Japan 2x and both times I took yen out of the ATMs with no problem. Every one I used had an "English button" so I didn't have any problem. I try to use that method when I travel to just about any country & it always seems to get me the best exchange rate. There are ATMs at Narita Airport so you can get cash while you're waiting for the limousine bus.

And speaking of the limousine bus, I think that's the best way to go. My boss is from Japan & the last time he went back for a meeting he took the train & said he'll never not use the limo bus again. He said the train was way too hectic & the limo bus is the way to go. It's what I always use too. I don't know the Ohta-ku area all that specifically, so I don't know the best way to get there, but I'd be willing to bet that the limo bus is the answer.

The last time I went to Japan, I took a day trip to Kamakura & really enjoyed it. I'd highly highly recommend it as an outing. It's close to Tokyo, tourist friendly, has many different sites so you can do as much or as little as you'd like and although I was there by myself, I'd say that it comes across as family-friendly.

[Ohana]

Thanks for the info on the ATM's. They definitely sound like the way to go. Did you have to notify your bank or get special instructions from them on withdrawing money overseas (I'm so clueless!)?

Interesting about the limosine bus. I took it all the time when I was a kid, and I hated it. It takes forever to get into Tokyo, and since we're staying in Ohta-ku, we had to then take trains and taxis to get home anyway...

Kamakura is awesome! I had forgotten all about it. I think DH would really enjoy it, and it's a pretty easy trip from where we're staying. Thanks for the tip!

[framboise]

I usually do call my bank or any credit card that I think I might use when I travel overseas because I'd rather spend that 5 minutes on the phone before I leave than spend an hour trying to get out of doing the dishes at a restaurant because my card got denied. I don't think it's totally necessary, but I feel like it's time well spent.

Here's the website for the limo bus (http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/index.html). It has a list of stops so you might be able to find a hotel that is slightly closer to where you're staying than Shinagawa Station is. It does take forever to get from the airport to just about anywhere in the city - why did they build Narita Airport out in the middle of nowhere?! Haha! My boss and I usually go directly to a hotel that is right on one of the lines, so we might be a little biased, but I really feel like it is the most cost-effective option in nearly every case.

I really liked Kamakura & I hope to visit again someday too. Glad that jogged your memory a little!

[Ohana]

It's sad. I actually remember when Haneda was the main airport in Tokyo. That's only about 30 minutes (by taxi) from my grandmother's house. It was awesome.

I did find a hotel closer than the Shinagawa Prince. I will check it out. Any idea on whether or not we can have kids in taxis without having to schlep their carseats all the way to Japan?

[framboise]

It might almost be easier to fly to Osaka & layover so that you can land at Haneda, haha.

I don't know about the car seat thing as I don't have kids, but I have someone I can ask. I'll post back when I hear (probably tomorrow?).

[framboise]

My contact said:
In Japan, use duty of child carseats is exempted by
"Road Traffic Act" for taxis and buses for infant pick-up
(example: buses for kindergardens).

It is not necessary to bring child carseats to take a taxi
in Japan.

So I guess you don't have to drag them along.

[Ohana]

Good to know, thank you very much, framboise!

[HunBun]

Credit cards are still not widely accepted, even in Tokyo. I mean, they're accepted in big department stores, many restaurants, and some convenience stores... but there are still a LOT of restaurants and places that don't accept cards. Temples and shrine admission fees are definitely still cash only. If you need to pull out cash during your trip, Citibank is awesome.

The JR pass may not be worth it if you're staying mostly in the Tokyo/Yokohama area... maybe check out just the JR East pass? Here's a link with some info: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_02.html

As for places to see, consider checking out Roppongi Hills! It's relatively new, built in 2003. It's an impressive city-within-a-city concept with elegant restaurants and shops, a museum, and observation area with a view of the city, etc.

Anyway, you're going to have a great time. :)