Getting Around Tokyo!
October 5, 2010
By Train:
The train in Tokyo is probably the most convenient and cheapest way to get around Japan. The bullet trains can also get you to cities like Yokohama, Kyoto, Nikko, Mt. Fuji and Hiroshima just to name a few. There are a few things to remember about the trains in Tokyo:
- The JR railpass must be purchased before you arrive to Japan. It is only available to tourists and will save you a lot of money if you plan to go to place outside of Tokyo
Click here for more information about the JR Railpass.
Click here for other types of train passes and discounts.
- Trains run from 5am till a little after midnight every day. So if you are partying far away from your hotel or hostel then it may be wise to prepare to stay out all night till 5am, find an internet cafe, or leave the club/bar before midnight if you don’t want to stay out till 5am.
- There is the JR lines and the Subway lines. If you have a rail-pass becareful (it only works for the JR lines) not the subway. But the JR lines can get you to just about all th major cities in Tokyo, so there is no need to worry.
Here are maps of the JR Lines and Subway Lines - If you do not have a railpass the most common way to purchase your ticket is from the ticket vending machines located at the entrance of every train station. Of course, you will easily figure this out on your first day in Japan. The train staff in the booths are always willing to help you so don’t be afraid to ask questions even if your Japanese is not so great.
- There are rules posted all over the Trains. For example “turn your phones to silent.”, “save reserved seats for women with children, crippled, and elderly.” and a rule that is not posted but widely understood by most Japanese people “Keep your voices down.” Please make sure you honor these rules so that you can impress your Japanese friends and everyone around you!
By Bus:
- (City Bus) The buses are almost as convenient and cheap as the trains. However it may be difficult to read the signs for stops or really know exactly where the bus is going unless you ask someone or if you can read Japanese. To pay for the bus you use either yen or a suica/pasmo card.
- (Night Bus) Japan has a great and cheap way of transportation if you dont mind sleeping on a bus for a few hrs depending on where you want to go. The night buses are often very cheap and and get you from the center of Tokyo to any city in Japan. Many of our guests use this bus to get to Kyoto. Night bus will cost an average of 4,000 yen to Kyoto one way. The train can cost an average of 15,000 yen or more one way.
Recommended night bus booking company: Willerexpress.com
By Car:
- (Taxis) We just don’t recommend taxis unless you are absolutely stuck and desperate to get someplace. Really just don’t take taxis at all unless you are very very rich. They are the most expensive ways of getting around Tokyo and have caused many foreigners to lose most of their travel money and or have to go home sooner then expected because they became low on funds after taking a taxi from Shibuya to Asakusa after they missed the last train! If you are stuck in a city far from where you stay, it is best to seek out an Internet cafe for the night. That is what they are there for (read more about internet cafes here)
- (Rental Car) You can pick up a rental car just about anywhere in Tokyo. They are actually very afordable if you have an international drivers licnense already in hand! You can get rental car information from any airport you land in when coming to Japan.
Filed under: Tokyo Travel
