Access to conference site

Tokyo has two main airports: Narita and Haneda. Both are well connected to central Tokyo by public transport. Which one is more convenient will depend on which airline you are using, and where in Tokyo you would like to stay. Below is a list of the train and metro stations closest to the conference venue – along with a list of the train and metro lines that connect to each.

This information is also summarized as a list of Google-map pins.

• Otemachi (Chiyoda, Marunouchi, Hanzomon, Mita, Tozai)
• Jimbocho (Hanzomon, Mita, Shinjuku Line)
• Takebashi (Tozai)
• Kanda (Yamanote, Keihin-Touhoku, Chuo, Ginza)

Accommodation / Booking

Tokyo has a wide variety of hotels scattered throughout the city, though for easiest access, we would recommend locations that connect with a single train to one of the above stations. In particular, hotels in the Ueno, Shinjuku, and Tokyo station areas are likely to provide an easy commute to the conference venue. Most major hotels can be booked directly through English-language websites, such as those listed below:

• Hotels.com
• Booking.com
• Expedia.com

Places to visit

Whatever your interests are, Tokyo has a lot to offer. While we are not tour-guides, below are a few suggestions for places we think are worth visiting.

All the places mentioned below are also viewable as pins on a Google maps list.

Historical areas & Shrines

Amidst the daily bustle of Tokyo life, shrines and temples provide an interesting cultural interlude. Already on your way from the airport, you likely passed a few smaller shrines or temples – but just in case, we’ve listed a few of Tokyo’s most famous ones below.

• Meiji Jingu (one of Tokyo’s most famous shrines)
• Senso-ji in Asakusa (another one)
• Ueno park (multiple shrines / temples, museums and a zoo)
• Yanaka-ginza (a part of older downtown Tokyo – with many traditional shops)

Shopping / Modern city atmosphere / Electronics

Beyond traditional and historical areas, Tokyo is home to some of the most iconic modern street views. Bustling during the day – but even more striking when the neons light up in the evening – we would recommend at least a quick visit to one of the following areas.

• Akihabara (in particular the Electric Town district)
• Ginza (shopping /dining)
• Shinjuku / Golden gai
• Shibuya Crossing

Experiences

In addition to sightseeing, Tokyo offers many other opportunities to experience Japanese culture. In particular – time permitting – we would recommend visiting a traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs). Even inside the city, there are options to experience this adventure in places such as the Odaiba Onsen Monogatari, and Spa LaQua (near Tokyo Dome – particularly close to the conference venue). Unfortunately, most Japanese onsens do not admit guests with tattoos.

If you are planning to stay in Japan beyond the duration of the conference, there are many places just outside Tokyo which make for good day-trip options. For hiking, Mount Takao is easily accessible by train. Slightly further afield, Kamakura is another great option, offering numerous shrines, and temples – and of course the famous statue of the Daibutsu (giant buddha).

Sky views

On a cloudless day, Tokyo looks beautiful from above. Some of the city’s most iconic viewing platforms are listed below.

• Tokyo Tower
• Tokyo Skytree (in Asakusa)
• Bunkyo Civic Center (free access)
• Shinjuku Metropolitan Government building (free access)