Suica works basically all over Japan now, so I'd go with that as the better bet. If you're guaranteed to stay within Tokyo, then Pasmo is probably okay? At this point, they're probably nearly exchangeable, and you can use both for electronic payments, as well. Personally I'd go with Suica.
The N'EX goes both ways and runs to various major stations around the Tokyo area. The Nippori Liner runs out of Nippori and connects to Ueno. (N'EX is more expensive than Nippori Liner, but not by so much, and the bus is similarly priced to both - all generally around ￥2,000 - 3,000.) I think which train you use will depend on where you're staying. The Airport Limousine (bus) is also super convenient. Recently, that's what most people I know have been doing.
Depending on your carrier, you can purchase data roaming plans for about $30 that seem to do the trick, as long as you limit your usage. It works for sending quick texts when you're out and about trying to meet up with people. Again, most people I know have been coming over with their own smartphones and doing that. Obviously not as helpful if you don't have one to begin with. There's wi-fi at all Starbucks and McDonald's (both of which are fairly ubiquitous around Tokyo), as well as pretty much all hotels. Other than that, wi-fi coverage can still be iffy. For people who purchase pre-paid or rental phones, mostly I've known people to do it at the airport. No one seems to have had much trouble with it, but I haven't tried it myself, so idk what services they've used.
You're welcome to stay with me again for part of it, if you'd like. It'd be a bit tighter than last time, since I have furniture now. ;p As for hotels, I think ￥4000 a night in Tokyo is not very doable, unless you're staying at a hostel (or capsule hotel) or really far out of the city. Maybe 5,000, or probably 6,000 is more realistic. I guess it depends what you're looking for and where you're willing to stay.
The N'EX goes both ways and runs to various major stations around the Tokyo area. The Nippori Liner runs out of Nippori and connects to Ueno. (N'EX is more expensive than Nippori Liner, but not by so much, and the bus is similarly priced to both - all generally around ￥2,000 - 3,000.) I think which train you use will depend on where you're staying. The Airport Limousine (bus) is also super convenient. Recently, that's what most people I know have been doing.
Depending on your carrier, you can purchase data roaming plans for about $30 that seem to do the trick, as long as you limit your usage. It works for sending quick texts when you're out and about trying to meet up with people. Again, most people I know have been coming over with their own smartphones and doing that. Obviously not as helpful if you don't have one to begin with. There's wi-fi at all Starbucks and McDonald's (both of which are fairly ubiquitous around Tokyo), as well as pretty much all hotels. Other than that, wi-fi coverage can still be iffy. For people who purchase pre-paid or rental phones, mostly I've known people to do it at the airport. No one seems to have had much trouble with it, but I haven't tried it myself, so idk what services they've used.
You're welcome to stay with me again for part of it, if you'd like. It'd be a bit tighter than last time, since I have furniture now. ;p As for hotels, I think ￥4000 a night in Tokyo is not very doable, unless you're staying at a hostel (or capsule hotel) or really far out of the city. Maybe 5,000, or probably 6,000 is more realistic. I guess it depends what you're looking for and where you're willing to stay.
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