5 days in Tokyo...

Hi guys, i'm going to Tokyo this Friday and need some help as it's my first trip there.

From Narita, i am planning to buy the Suica+NEX pass (round-trip). Any other (cheaper) suggestions?

Using the Suica, I assume that it'll be ok for travelling on the JR and subway and buses? (read this somewhere on the website). What's the difference between Suica and Pasmo? Do i still need to get a Pasmo if i have the Suica already?

How long would it take to travel from Shinjuku (where my hotel is) to Universal Studios?

Hi guys, i'm going to Tokyo this Friday and need some help as it's my first trip there.

From Narita, i am planning to buy the Suica+NEX pass (round-trip). Any other (cheaper) suggestions?

7-day JR Pass if you want to go to Universal studios.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361.html

Using the Suica, I assume that it'll be ok for travelling on the JR and subway and buses? (read this somewhere on the website).

Yes.

What's the difference between Suica and Pasmo?

Not much.

Do i still need to get a Pasmo if i have the Suica already?

No.

Suica and Pasmo info:-
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_002.html

How long would it take to travel from Shinjuku (where my hotel is) to Universal Studios?

Use hyperdia for timetables etc.
http://www.hyperdia.com/

You do know that Universal Studios is located in Osaka??

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4021.html#jump_access

Enjoy your trip!

Hi GC3, thanks for your help! Yes I know USS is in Osaka...dont know if I can squeeze in a trip there.

Would it make any sense to get a JR Kanto pass at Y8000 ? Or would a Suica pass suffice? (http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/kantoareapass/)

Hi GC3, thanks for your help! Yes I know USS is in Osaka...dont know if I can squeeze in a trip there.

You can. I would overnight in Osaka but theoretically you could do a day trip. It would be a long day.

Would it make any sense to get a JR Kanto pass at Y8000 ? Or would a Suica pass suffice? (http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/kantoareapass/)

No, like I said if you do plan on going to Osaka then get the 7-day JR Pass. Basically the 7-day pass is the same price as a return trip to Osaka on the Shinkansen.

You can then use the 7-day JR pass to do most of whatever you want in Tokyo, plus take the Narita Express to and from the Airport.

I guess if you are trying to save some money you could do overnight buses one way or both ways to Osaka and back. That might be very tiring though!

In the event that I rule out going to Osaka, and if I do buy the Suica + Nex pass, do u reckon it's still necessary to get a separate JR pass? Although i think the 3-day JR Kanto pass would be enough actually...appreciate your advice!

In the event that I rule out going to Osaka, and if I do buy the Suica + Nex pass, do u reckon it's still necessary to get a separate JR pass?

What do you plan to do outside Tokyo?

If you plan to just stay in Tokyo then the JR Kanto pass will not pay off.

If you plan to make a few day trips from Tokyo to other places like Kusatsu Onsen then it would pay off. Read the assessment section here:-
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_06.html

Although i think the 3-day JR Kanto pass would be enough actually...appreciate your advice!

It is likely to not be useful to you unless you plan on going away from Tokyo within the valid area. I would probably stick with the Suica + NEX, but it depends where you plan to go.

What is your day by day schedule?

so far, no concrete plan as it was sort of a last-min trip. but I do want to ensure the following places are visited (other than the usual Harajuku, Akihabara):

Disneyland + Disneysea
Mt Fuji

Would Suica suffice for the above 2 places or do I need JR pass?

The above should take up 2 to 3 full days, leaving me with only 2 days left.

Any recommendations on other must-sees?

I would like to visit some onsens too...so would Kusatsu be the place of choice? I was thinking either Kusatsu or Nagano.

If I want to visit the castles (imperial palace etc), i think the Suica would cover it?