For access :
Please refer to the RIKEN/Wako access information: RIKEN/Wako access information The easiest way to reach RIKEN are the Airport buses, especially during rush hour, but the trains are also very straight forward (
English information available)
Travel Pass Card ("Suica")
"Suica" is a convenient smart card issued by the JR East. It is usable in riding any train or even bus of any companies (JR, Tokyu, Tsukuba Express, etc.) in Tokyo area. You can re-charge Suica with cash at any train station. Once you have Suica, you don't need to even buy ticket but just touch Suica to ticket gate.
If you will arrive at Narita Airport, we recommend you to drop in at JR East Travel Service Center in Narita Airport to buy a discounted package named "Suica & N'EX". The center is located near the ticket gate (where a map is shown in the center website).
"Suica & N'EX" (http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/index.html) includes a round or one-way fare of the Narita Express (N'EX) train and a 1500-Yen prepaid amount on Suica card.
It can be purchased only by foreign passport holders, whose fare is discounted by about 1500 Yen. So you can get the prepaid amount on SUICA free, in a sense.
Immigration/VISA: Most western countries are exempt from VISAS for short term visits (up to 90 days) for tourism or business. All you need is to fill out the landing form in-flight and have a valid passport. You need to state your address which is for most: RIKEN, International House H building, Hirosawa 2-2,Wako-shi, Saitama-ken 351-0106, Japan (different if staying in Nishina Lodge or outside RIKEN)
Further information about Japan (Tourism, access, etc):
Japan-Guide
Off Campus Hosing:
There are two hotels in Wako.
Toyoko-Inn:
http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00090/index.html
Super Hotel:
http://www.superhoteljapan.com/en/s-hotels/wako.html
Both hotels are close from Wako-shi station, but Toyoko-Inn is closer to the station.
In the summer, it may get crowded in the peak season, I think it's better to book earlier.
