Train in Tokyo

I%26#39;ve tried to use maps.google.com to look for train passages from:

(1) the Shinagawa train station to Sengaku-ji (the temple where the 47 ronins are burried)

and

(2) from Sengaku-ji to Shibuya for lunch @ La Rochelle (Iron Chef Sakai%26#39;s restaurant).

Everything on maps.google is Japanese. What are your suggestion on knowing which train to take considering it%26#39;s in Japanese script.

I plan on purchasing the Japan Rail Pass as I need to travel to Kyoto also.

Thanks!!

Train in Tokyo

Google Maps is not a very good resource for researching train routes. Try Hyperdia instead. Click on English near the top left of their main screen:

http://www.hyperdia.com/

Hyperdia has more than a few quirks, but once you get used to it is pretty serviceable. You can also give Jorudan a whirl:

http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/

Another essential resource for Tokyo is a plain old subway map. Here%26#39;s a link for the Metro, but bear in mind that there are other subway and train companies.

http://www.tokyometro.jp/global/en/index.html

Your JR pass will only cover JR trains. So it will not cover the subways, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet and pay for them even if you have a rail pass. There are many places that are inconvenient to get to on JR.

I recommend getting a quick overview of transit in Tokyo and Japan by reviewing the relevant pages on japan-guide.com

Train in Tokyo

You can take a look at the different train maps here:

http://www.tokyosubway.info

From Shinagawa you can walk if you dont mind walking to Sengakuji (about 1.2 km), or you can take the Keikyu Railways train (NOT Japan Railways (JR) train) one stop to Sengakuji (1 minute train ride).

From Sengakuji you can take the Asakusa Subway Line to Gotanda then JR line to Shinagawa.

JR Pass is not valid on Keikyu Railways or Subways. So purchase individual tickets (not too expensive) or a Suica/Pasmo card will do.

Thank you!! That was great help!!

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