IASIL 2024: Accommodation, Travel and Local Information
Hotel Options: Mejiro area
Gakushuin University is about a two-minute walk from Mejiro Station, which is located in central Tokyo, a few stops on the Yamanote Line from the major hubs Shinjuku and Shibuya, and one stop from Ikebukuro. Tokyo has a huge number and variety of places to stay, but if attendees would prefer stay in Mejiro itself, there are a number of options, from high-end to less expensive accommodations.
The Hotel Mets is located directly across from Gakushuin University, beside Mejiro Station. Prices for a standard room at the Hotel Metz currently start at around ¥13,000 (approx. 90 Euro) per night. https://www.hotelmets.jp/en/mejiro/
The Richmond Hotel in Mejiro is a mid-range hotel. The hotel has a variety of room types, including single, double, and twin rooms, and some rooms come equipped with a kitchenette. The Richmond Hotel in Mejiro is situated on the main street in Mejiro, near Mejiro Station, and provides easy access to Gakushuin University (a three-minute walk). Prices are around 13,000 yen (approx. 90 Euro) per night for a standard single room. https://richmondhotel.jp/mejiro/
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo – This is a luxury hotel, surrounded by Japanese gardens, and offers spacious rooms, high-end amenities, and dining options. Prices start at around ¥50,000 (approx. 350 Euro) per night. https://www.hotel-chinzanso-tokyo.com/
Hotel MyStays Higashi-Ikebukuro – Located a short walk from Mejiro Station. Prices start at around ¥8,000 (approx. 55 Euro) per night. https://www.mystays.com/en-us/hotel-mystays-higashi-ikebukuro-tokyo/
Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro – This budget hotel has a variety of room types, including dormitory-style accommodations. Prices start at around ¥5,000 (approx.35 Euro) per night for a dorm bed. https://www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/
WPU Shinjuku – The hotel has an easy access to Shinjuku Station, one of the major hub stations, and only 3 stops away from Mejiro Station on the Yamanote Line. Prices start at around ¥10,000 (approx. 70 Euro) per night for a single room. https://wpu-shinjuku.com/hotel/
Toyoko Inn (Ikebukuro Kita-guchi No.1, Ikebukuro Kita-guchi No.2, Otsuka-eki Kita-guchi No.1, Otsuka-eki Kita-guchi No.2) – This hotel group has 4 hotels that have an easy access to the Yamanote Line stations, Ikebukuro (one stop away from Mejiro) and Otsuka (two stops away). Prices start at around ¥9,000 (approx. 60 Euro) per night for a single room. https://www.toyoko-inn.com/
From Airport to Central Tokyo
Tokyo Metropolitan Area has two international airports, Haneda and Narita. Both airports have regular and reliable means of transportation.
• To and from Narita Airport: https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access
• To and from Haneda Airport: https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/access/index.html
One of the easiest and most economical means is to use the Airport Limousine bus service. It has regular bus services to and from main areas of Tokyo, some of them stopping at major hotels. Major hotels and bus terminals usually have taxi ranks, and you can easily reach your final destination by a short taxi ride.
• The Airport Limousine: https://webservice.limousinebus.co.jp/web/en/
Pasmo/Suica Travel Card
We recommend buying a Pasmo or Suica travel card. The card is usable on trains, subways, buses and in many cases taxis and shops in and around Tokyo.
• https://www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/
• https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuica/
Getting around Tokyo
Central Tokyo has frequent and reliable train and subway services, and they are the best means to travel. Local bus services are also available, but might require some getting used to. Taxis are safe and reliable, and are convenient in off-peak hours or when you have to go to a place not close to a train or subway station.
• Comprehensive information on getting around Tokyo: https://trulytokyo.com/getting-around-tokyo/
• Tokyo Subway Map: https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/subwaymap/
• Major Railway and Subway Route Map: https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/routemaps/pdf/routemap_majorrailsub.pdf
• Tokyo Taxi-Hire Association: https://www.taxi-tokyo.or.jp/english/call/contact_list.html
Access to Gakushuin University
Gakushuin University is about a two-minute walk from Mejiro Station, which is located in central Tokyo, a few stops on the Yamanote Line from the major hubs Shinjuku and Shibuya, and one stop from Ikebukuro.
• Gakushuin University Access Map: https://www.univ.gakushuin.ac.jp/en/access/
• Gakushuin University Campus Map: https://www.univ.gakushuin.ac.jp/en/about/facilities/