Access to Sendai
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The
majority of overseas participants will arrive at New Tokyo International
Airport (Narita). However, direct flights between Narita and Sendai
are not available. The best way to travel from Narita to Sendai is to
take a JR (Japan Railways) Narita Express to JR Tokyo Station (55 minutes),
and then Transfer to the Tohoku Shinkansen (Bullet Train) bound for
Sendai (approximately 2 hours). Alternatively, you may take the Sky
Liner on the Keisei Electric Railway Ltd. to Ueno, then take the Shinkansen
from there or from Tokyo.
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Japan Rail Pass
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For
many participants, it might be advisable to purchase a JAPAN RAIL
PASS (28,000 yen for 7 days, 45,100 yen for 14 days, 57,700 yen for
21 days) through your travel agent before leaving for Japan, especially
if you plan to go somewhere else before/after the Conference. Purchasing
the PASS is available only outside Japan, and is an inexpensive and
convenient way to travel on JR lines, it also simplifies the ticket
purchasing process. The JAPAN RAIL PASS covers most rail charges,
including reserved seats on Shinkansen and the other express trains.
Register your PASS at a JR Station on the first day of use. If you
do not buy a pass, you must purchase a through -thicket from Narita
Airport to Sendai along with two express tickets for the Narita-Tokyo
and Tokyo-Sendai journeys. (one way: total about 14,000 yen). The
following sections detail several ways to get to Sendai.
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(1)
Japan Railways (JR) from New Tokyo International Airport (Narita)
Many international flights arrive at Narita Airport in the late afternoon.
However, the last Shinkansen from JR Tokyo Station to Sendai departs
at 21:32 (this arrives at Sendai Station at 23:46). To catch the last
Shikansen, you must take the 19:46 train from JR Narita Airport Station,
which arrives at Tokyo Station at 20:55 (note that you will need 20
min to transfer at JR Tokyo Station). Therefore, if your flight is
scheduled to arrive later than 19:00, it is advisable to reserve a
room either near the airport or in Tokyo.
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The
price of the Narita Express is about 3,000 yen. For this train, you
always have to make a reservation, but it can be made on the spot.
You can also use a non-reserved express ticket. If you have to wait
for more than 30 min for the next Narita Express, you may take a "Rapid
train" (called Airport Narita); every JR train from Narita goes to
JR Tokyo Station.
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When
you arrive at the basement level of Tokyo Station via the Narita Express
or Airport Narita, follow the signs for "Tohoku-Shinkansen" all the
way up to the uppermost level, The bullet trains called "Yamabiko"
and/or "Komachi" depart from tracks 22 and 23. It takes about 2 hours
to reach Sendai. Reservation seats on the Tohoku Shinkansen must be
purchased in advance. For all of them, 2 to 4 trains depart every
hour. The price of the Shikansen to Sendai is about 11,000 yen. Some
Yamabiko trains are combined with other express trains such as Tsubasa
and Komachi. Only Yamabiko and Komachi cars go to Sendai. On the Shinkansen
you may take a non-reserved seat if you fail to book a seat in advance
(or catch an earlier train).
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Transportation
between Sendai Airport and downtown: There is a shuttle bus service
from Sendai Airport to Sendai Station (40 min. 910 yen) for each arrival
flight. You are recommended to take this bus to Sendai Station. Taxis
cost about 5,000 yen from Sendai Airport to the Center of Sendai and
the major hotels. You may also take a taxi directly to the Miyagi-Zao
Royal Hotel. It will cost about 10,000 yen and takes about 40mins.
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Every
visitor entering Japan must possess a valid passport. Participants
requiring an entry visa should apply to the Japanese consular office
or diplomatic missions in their countries in advance.
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In
October, the weather in the conference site is usually sunny. The
average temperature is 15 C. (The average low and high temperatures
are 10 and 17 C, respectively.) Sweaters or light jackets are advised
for sightseeing excursion. You can enjoy the full autumnal tints in
mountain areas.
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Useful
Web Sites for Traveling to Japan
Japan National Tourist Organization : http://www.jnto.go.jp/ Narita Airport :http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/airport_e/index.html Japan Airlines :http://www.jal.co.jp/en/ All Nippon Airways :http://www.ana.co.jp/eng/index.html Information about Sendai :http://www.city.sendai.jp/index-e.html |