Enjoy Shimokita Local Life!!: For the 1st Time Tokyo Travelers

◎ About Transportation
1. Tokyo train system is super convenient but quite complex. Make sure you have some train apps or train maps. My recommendations are below.
trains.jp (can look up your route in English. Very simple and easy app for Tokyo trains.)
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/trains.jp/id344946340?mt=8
android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=bside.extremeambient.net
NAVITIME for Japan Travel (Advance version of above)
iTunes: http://www.navitime.co.jp/pcstorage/html/japan_travel/english/
android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.navitime.inbound.walk&hl=ja

2. JR Railway pass or Suica?
If you plan to travel many places in Japan, JR Railway pass is more beneficial, but if you are only travelling inside of Tokyo, Suica is good enough.
Suica (or any other train cards) is very convenient. You pay 500yen as deposit and charge anytime. You can get around 300yen back from deposit when you don't need it anymore. You can also pay for foods and drinks via this card at every convenience store. Most Japanese people use them.

3. The last train is usually 1:00am and the 1st train is around 4:40am.

4. Taxi is easy to get anywhere, but expensive (easily more than 1000yen for 15min). UBER is also available in Tokyo https://www.uber.com/ja/cities/tokyo

5. Bus
A tiny blue bus called "Hachiko Bus" goes around Yoyogi-Harajuku-Shibuya area. It may be interesting to try it when you are tired of using train. http://www.city.shibuya.tokyo.jp/eng/com_bus/ Refer to "Jinguno Mori Route"

6. Rental Cycle
The closest Rental Bike shop is Cogicogi in Shibuya. 1620yen/day.

Rental Bike Shop List in Tokyo.
http://rentabike.jp/index.html

7. Temporary Storage
There are coin lockers at almost every station. Also the following is the convenient temporary luggage storage areas near the apt.

Temporary Luggage Service in Tokyo Station:
http://www.sagawa-exp.co.jp/ttk/english/service/tenimotsu.html

Temporary Luggage Service in Shinjuku Station:
http://honest-afc.com/shinjuku-expressway-bus-terminal/

◎ General Tips
1. Free wifi
There are not many places with free wifi. You can utilize NTT Free Wifi Plan too. http://flets.com/freewifi/index.html
or
Visit SHIBUYA Wi-Fi

2. Shop Open Time
Many places even coffee shops and bakery open later than other countries like US. Yoyogi Starbucks opens from 7:00am but Yoyogi village bakery and coffee shops open from 9:00am. Please make sure to check the store opening time .
On the other hand, many izakaya, bars and restaurants open until quite late like midnight to 3:00am - 4:00am.

3. Where to withdraw JPY
- Seven-Eleven convenience stores (24 hrs open) are the easiest places to withdraw JPY using your International CC. (Other convenience stores ATM don't accept International CC).
Else if you need exchange currency, the closest International banks are located in Shinjuku.
http://www.tokyo-card.co.jp/wcs/shopdtl.php?no=2
http://www.tokyo-card.co.jp/wcs/shopdtl.php?no=3

4. LINE

LINE is the most used communication app than Skype, whatsup, viber etc.

5. JP Adapter

The Japanese adapter is type A like below.