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Tuesday, 12th November 2013
In Japan Travel News,
New train line to connect airport to Tokyo central
The East Japan Railway Company is planning to construct a brand new train line that will connect Haneda Airport with central Tokyo, with plans for the transportation to be available del extra space in time for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As reported by the Yomiuri Shimbun, JR East is considering the creation of a new station in the basement of the airport terminal, which will allow tourists easier access to the centre of the Japanese capital.
Haneda Airport is considered the more desireable airport for those travelling to the Tokyo prefecture as it is situated just 15 miles outside of the city limits, in contrast to Narita Airport's 50.
At present, tourists can use the Tokyo Monorail under the JR East umbrella to get into Tokyo, as well as the Keikyu metro line, but with the Olympics drawing closer, JR East has decided that extra capacity will be needed to deal with the influx of visitors.
The additional line into the city will likely make use of the disused Tokaido freight line, which currently connects JR Yamanote Line’s Tamachi Station and the Tokyo Bay area, where Haneda is located.
Extra rail capacity from the airport is just one of the changes we can expect to see over the next few years as Japan gets ready to host the 2020 Olympic Games.
As of next year, the number of international slots available at Haneda Airport will be increased, a factor that has been considered in the construction of a new train line from the station.
In addition, officials are working towards introducing English road signs in order to help tourists find their way around the city, as well as a number of other initiatives designed exclusively to make things easier for international visitors.
Written by Andy Mackay