You can take public transport to Hacchobori, but its a hassle, particular if you have suitcases. Luggage does not travel well on Tokyo's crowded metro.

Hacchobori is not far from Tokyo station, so I would suggest just take a taxi from the Yaesu exit. It should not be much more than 1,000 yen. This is optimal, particularly if you have bags. This is the least stressful method. Just make sure you exit Tokyo station at the Yaesu exit. If you exit the opposite side of the statin (Marunouchi exit) the distance to Hacchobori is at least 2X. One other tip - Taxi drivers may not know the Villa Fontaine Hacchobori, so have the address handy.

There are two stations at Hacchobori - JR and Metro Hibiya Line. The Hibiya Line is particularly convenient to many attractions in Tokyo. Its just not the most convenient line for connections to Narita airport. You need to take the Marunouchi line from Tokyo station to Ginza, then change to the Hibiya line to Hacchobori.

You can take JR Keiyo or Musashino Line from Tokyo Station to Hacchobori. It's the very first stop and takes two minutes. However, transfer from Narita Express to Keiyo/Mushashino platforms takes 15- 20 minutes.

As the first respondent recommends, you might catch a taxi from the Yaesu exit. A taxi fare calculation site estimates it will cost 710 yen from Tokyo Station to your hotel.

http://tinyurl.com/3ck37w

If you take a look at the following photo directions on how to get to the Narita Express platform to the Keiyo Line one at Tokyo Station, you'll be discouraged to carry it out.

http://tinyurl.com/5d4pq9

If you want to get to your hotel by metro from Tokyo Station, change to the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Ginza, and then change to Hibiya Line to Hatchobori. It's 160 yen, or 1 euro, and takes about 12 minutes in total. Changing to the Marunouchi Line from the Narita Express is a lot more simple, compared with the transfer to the Keiyo Line.

My suggestion to use the JR line was made with assumption that the original poster was budget constrained. Of course, the easiest way is to take a short taxi ride.

Taking the Marunouchi Line and changing to Hibiya Line at Ginza is not easier or faster than taking JR Keiyo line, since the former involves going up a level, walking and going down a level to get to the platform at Ginza station.

In case the first link in my last reply doesn't work, please refer to the following one.

http://tinyurl.com/66fv4k

The estimated distance from Tokyo Station to your hotel is 1,037m.

S = Tokyo Station

G = Villa Fontaine Hatchobori

I assume the transfer from Narita Express to Keiyo Line will take 30 minutes for a first-timer from a foreign country. A Tokyo Station clerk estimated so as well.

BTW, at Metro Ginza Station, there is an upward escalator on the Marunouchi Line platform, and then a downward one toward the Hibiya Line track. Also at Hatchobori Station, there is an upward one. So I think there is few hassle while the OP is going the Metro route.

Ginza Station map: http://tinyurl.com/6ymyvl ( click '駅構内案内図' )

Hatchobori Station map: http://tinyurl.com/6cread ( click '駅構内案内図' )

Thanks a lot for all your info, VERY useful!!!

...I'll talk to my holiday mates and take a decision.

As for me, I would take the taxi from Tokyo station! I thought it was more expensive.

Hear you soon,

Silvia

Hi,

...I am thinking of changing my reservation from Villa Fontaine Hacchobori to Villa Fontaine Shinjuku. I have seen It just opened in June 2008 and that it is just 10 min. walking from the train station. We are arriving in Tokyo through Narita express and checking the timetables it seems that some trains (one per hour) reach Shinjuku station.

Do you know this hotel and what do you think of its position?

May it be a better choise than VF Hacchobori? I mean is it better positioned, also considering that we will just/almost use JR trains (having the rail pass).

We are staying 3 days in Tokyo and then leaving for Nagoya/Takayama by train. Checking the train timetables it seems I can reach Shinagawa from Shinjuku and then catch the train to Nagoya from there. Do I understand well?

I look forward to receing your opinion on the matter.

Kind regards,

Silvia

You will get lots of answers to this question! I think there is no real right answer.

Hacchobori is close to Ginza, Tsukiji, Yurakucho, Marunouchi and that area. Not bad. Its not the most glitzy part of Tokyo. Hacchobori is a business district, so the excitement level is not high.

The Shinjuku location is around the Kabukicho area, which is high on glitz and excitement, but a bit dodgy. Many Japanese would probably not recommend that area as Kabukicho is known for its slightly lawless evening entertainment. Shinjuku has by far the best dept store in Japan, Isetan.

Neither is close to the Roppongi area, should you decide to check that out. The old Roppongi Prince Hotel has been converted to Villa Fontaine annex, so you could also consider that.

You can take the Yamanote line to Shingawa from Shinjuku as you mention. With bags it would be a hassle, but can be done.

Thanks for your info. And what do you think of the Shinagawa area?

I read that Narita Express and also JR trains directed to Nagoya stop there. I would like to have some more info about the area and maybe, a good suggestion about an hotel near this station.

Thanks again for your support.

Regards,

Silvia