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Shinjuku Station logic
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2010/7/25 08:37
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We're going to be staying in a hotel in Shinjuku.
Way I see it: Shinjuku Station is the busiest in Tokyo, if not the world. However, we're already there in Shijuku. So, theoretically, if we get *on* the train during rush hour, the train may not be so crowded, since everyone's getting *off* to go to work in Shinjuku?
Sort of like driving into an typical downtown from from the suburbs at 5pm, everyone's going the opposite way. Sound logic... or does Tokyo defy this?
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by Michael (guest)
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So, theoretically, if we get *on* the train during rush hour, the train may not be so crowded, since everyone's getting *off* to go to work in Shinjuku?
The logic is somewhat flawed because a lot of people transfer at Shinjuku Station rather than just getting off. But to a certain degree it is true. During morning rush hours, trains coming into Shinjuku (from the suburbs) tend to be most crowded. Trains in the opposite direction (into the suburbs) will be relatively calm. And trains continuing into central Tokyo will remain crowded, but not quite as crowded as when they came into Shinjuku. The Yamanote Line will always be quite crowded, especially in direction of Shibuya, but usually not as bad as the trains coming in from the suburbs.
As for the afternoon rush, it is considerably less concentrated and less extreme.
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by Uji
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So, theoretically, if we get *on* the train during rush hour, the train may not be so crowded, since everyone's getting *off* to go to work in Shinjuku?
Shinjuku is not the only place where people get off to go to work (and there will be people commuting INTO Shinjuku from the suburbs and changing trains/lines), so anyway the trains AND the station platforms would be very packed.
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by AK
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I'd avoid it if you have kids
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2010/7/25 11:45
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If you are towing kids, I'd avoid rush hour in the station. It's feral in there, and you pretty much just get swept along. I might be a bit precious, but it was actually quite stressful, at least for people who arent used to it. If you must, though, enter direct into the JR part rather than the main entry (so around the corner from the front), because that cuts out a bit of the confusion. Wild horses couldnt drag me back in there at rush hour, though it might be easier if you are solo.
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by Pious (guest)
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shinjuku station
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2010/7/30 15:27
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i stayed at a hotel for 3 nights @ Shinjuku kabukicho area, totally lost my way going there. in addition i have to walk very far in changing lines.. had bad experience there. so i wouldnt stay at shinjuku if i go tokyo next time.. :(
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by lacanfei
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SHINJUKU STATION LOGIC
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2010/7/30 16:45
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After reading the comments I was a bit worried since our family plan is to stay at Shinjuku area. Is there any good station or good and reasonable hotel to recommend so that we can have easy access to Mt. fuji, Disneyland and Hellokitty land easily and airport limo bus.
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by 2818 (guest)
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If you are staying in Shinjuku...
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2010/7/30 17:03
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Shinjuku is crazy and theres so many different lines, expect to be confused. Trick is to pay attention to which company is operating the line when you are looking for signs maps etc. Off topic... if you want a bizarre Shinjuku restaurant experience then go to "Zauo" its under the Washington hotel in Shinjuku. Funniest thing ever. A massive moat circles the restaurant filled with live fish and as you are seated you get given a fishing rod to catch your dinner. Careful what you catch in case it is expensive. the staff then whisk your catch into the back room and serve it raw or cooked however you ask. very fresh!
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by gilesdesign
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You can check out Kadoya hotel, which is just few mins walk from the train station n bus station. It cost almost half the price of Keio Plaza but nearer to transport, room bigger and there is coin laundry
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by Apple76
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To Michael and those staying at Shinjuku,
Shinjuku Station itself is crowded all day long, especially during rush hour. Also, just because a lot of people are getting off at Shinjuku, that doesn't mean there will be a lot of room later, because a lot of other people are also getting on.
However, you can try to comfirm a seat even on the local trains by (A) looking for trains that depart from Shinjuku (Shinjuku being the first station) or by (B) avoiding convenient trains (for example, the yellow Sobu Line is often less crowded than the orange Chuo Line even though they stop at similar stations).
To 2818,
To go to Mt. fuji and Disneyland, you should be leaving very early in the morning, hense there will be less people at the station. The bus that takes you to Narita Airport stops at major hotels as well where you could avoid the crowd. I don't know about Hellokitty Land as I've never been there, but I assume it's generally the same thing.
But then, there are hotels everywhere. Study the railway map and see what spot is best for you.
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by Uco (guest)
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If you are going to Sanrio (Hello Kitty) in the Morning, the Keio trains are packing coming INTO Shinjuku, however leaving Shinjuku the crowd is much lighter then the one's coming into Shinjuku. I know because I ride the line every morning into Shinjuku. The late afternoons/evening trains out of Shinjuku are packed for the Keio lines.
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by ExpressTrain (guest)
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Women and Children first?
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2010/8/2 02:26
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Okay, so it sounds like it may be less crowded, but as a tourist, I won't notice any difference, it will still be packed and crowded!
And yes, I do have 2 children in tow, a 1 and 5 year old. My plan is just to carry them and (try to) go with the flow.
Some places have women-only cars, does Tokyo have these, too? Can my wife bring the kids on it? Can I go with her if I can prove I'm daddy? Or do I just make sure we get off at the same stop?
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by Michael (guest)
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not sure...
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2010/8/2 07:59
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I dont know about a dad being able to get on. I doubt it. Regardless, though you really wouldnt want to get on a train at rush hour. We got on at Tokyo station at 5 on a Saturday (forgot they work Saturdays) and it was standing room only. Then the train stopped a half dozen times before Shinjuku, and each time more people came on. By the second station I thought it was not humanly possible to fit more people on. By the third, I couldnt see my 8 year old daughter who was right next to me. By the fourth, I was seriously concerned by the crush. And the usual Japanese politeness goes out the window, too - even the young women are ruthless. Outside of rush hour though it isnt as bad, as long as you enter through the JR gate, otherwise it is quite confusing going through the station.
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by Pious (guest)
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women-only cars
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2010/8/2 08:01
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Some lines at rush hour (especially morning rush bour, usually from 7-9am) have women-only cars, and the kids can travel on it, but you don't fit the criteria (disabled etc) to be on the car. However, the women-only cars are usually just one car at the very front or back of the train (trains are usually around 11 cars long) and women don't have to travel on them, in fact most women don't and travel on one of the ordinary cars.
Just get on the same car in another part of the train if you encounter a rain with women-only cars. The chances of your wife being molested are tiny anyway if that's what you are worried about, and pretty much fall to zero if she is travelling with her family.
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by Sira (guest)
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the exit can make a difference.
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2010/8/2 08:51
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The New South Exit / Southern Terrace exit of JR Shinjuku is much less chaotic than the southern exit. The western exits around Keio are quite confusing.
The New South Exit / Southern Terrace exit are not close to the Yamanote line, but it may be less stressful to walk to the Yamanote line inside the station. Going down the steps against the peak hour crush going up can be daunting. It may make sense to seek out the lifts. (Not all stations have lifts to the platforms though.)
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by girltokyo (guest)
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SHINJUKU STATION LOGIC
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2010/8/2 10:30
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APPLE 76 AND OTHERS, Thank you for the suggestions and on 2nd thought I think I am going to change the hotel that we intend to stay.
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by 2818 (guest)
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May I suggest Ueno
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2010/8/2 19:12
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I would like to suggest Ueno. The JR Ueno station is smaller than Shinjuku/Tokyo/Ikebukuro/Shibuya. It is quite near to Tokyo station - which is one of the possible transfer station to Disney.
Although it is smaller - it has several main lines especially Yamanote and Keihin Tohoku line. It also has the Tokyo metro line if you have to use Tokyo Metro trains. Shinkansen also goes through here. As for the airport bus - it depends on which hotel you are using. Or you could choose Narita express or Skyliner as they stop at Ueno.
It is also a convenient place to find places to eat - Ameyoko market/smaller department stores and you would not waste time walking from one place to another just to find something to your taste.
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by mk88 (guest)
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Funny you say that...
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2010/8/2 19:49
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I was thinking Ueno too. We stayed at the Shinjuku Hyatt, and even though the park was pretty (especially at sakura time, but heaps of homeless) we didnt really like that part of town. We spent a day in Ueno, though, and it had a lovely park, the lake, the zoo with those lazy lazy Pandas, and plenty of shops. If I stay in Tokyo again, it will probably be in Ueno (or Shiba Park, but that is a bit off the main line).
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by Pious (guest)
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I always stay at Shinagawa. Direct trains to Narita, Shinkansen and Yamanote Loop trains and a good choice of hotels from $$$$$ to $ within 300 metres of the station.
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by RodW
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