The Simple and Easy Beginner’s Guide to Tokyo Public Transport

Are you planning a vacation to Tokyo, the bustling capital city of Japan, and wanting to know how to best use the available modes of transportation to get around the city? Are you finding your busy home life, work, and family don’t give you much time and energy left to do extensive research on your travel logistics ahead of time? Or that you’d rather focus your time on planning for the exciting places and adventures at the destination?

With so many different available transportation options and info out there, it can be confusing and overwhelming to understand the best way to get around the city. This guide to Tokyo public transport is here to help.

It provides a simple and easy overview of the various transportation options available in Tokyo, so you can easily find the best way to move around the city for you. Whether you’re a first-time tourist looking to explore Tokyo’s famous sights or a busy professional needing efficient transport options for your business trip, this guide has you covered. Read on!

Why Should You Know about Tokyo’s Public Transportation Options Before You Go?

When you plan your vacation, it could be tempting to pick just one mode of transportation and remain with it for your entire journey, but there is a broad range of possibilities and factors to take into account.

Sometimes, it might be better to combine different modes of transport for better results, or choose one over the others. On top of that, transportation costs in Tokyo can become expensive very quickly if you’re not careful.

Thus, before settling on the ideal way to move around Tokyo, it is important to be aware of the available public transport choices, and whether it works for your travel plan and budget.

Depending on where you’re heading, how far you travel to, how much money you want to spend, how fast you want to get there, and other personal preferences, selecting the right public transport will save you time and money, and help you to get around Tokyo with ease and minimal stress.

Below, I will sort these transport options into 2 groups: those for long-distance travel vs. short-distance travel.

Public Transport for Long-distance Travel

Plane

If you’re looking for speed, you can fly to many Japanese cities with domestic airports. This is the quickest way to get there, and can often be cheaper than taking a bullet train.

The major airlines here are Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), while several low-cost carriers such as Peach Air, Jetstar, Air Do, Skymark Airlines, and StarFlyer offer domestic flights at great competitive prices.

These airlines offer great services to travelers, and often great discounts for early bookings, up to 50% off at times, so you will want to book your flights more than 1 month in advance for the best price if you plan to travel by air.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Touring Tokyo by shinkansen, or bullet train, is a great way to get around! These trains can reach speeds up to 320 km/h, making for a smooth and speedy journey.

Amentities : The amenities provided onboard are also remarkable, with plush cushioned seats, generous legroom, toilets, a designated smoking area, overhead luggage space, and even storage for oversized luggage.

Plus, you can stay connected with free WiFi, charge your devices at the outlets provided at your seat, and even enjoy a snack or drink with a tray table. It’s no wonder shinkansen is Japanese people’s favorite way to travel.

Services Offered : There are several shinkansen services that operate between Tokyo and many other cities across Japan, including Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya. The fastest and most popular shinkansen service is the Nozomi train, which takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto. There are also several Hikari trains that travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes, as they make more stops than the Nozomi trains.

Operating Schedule : Many shinkansen are scheduled and available throughout the day, every day, so there is no need to reserve your ticket ahead of time. For example, to travel from Kyoto to Tokyo, there are about 31 shinkansen running daily. However, if you’re visiting Tokyo during one of the city’s many festivals or events, you may want to consider booking your ticket as early as possible.

Reserved or Non-Reserved Ticket : Tickets can be purchased at ticket vending machines or manned ticket counters at many Japan Rail (JR) train stations in Tokyo and other cities.

When you book a shinkansen ticket, you can opt for a specific seat for an additional fee. This will secure you a seat for sure on the train. Alternatively, you can purchase a non-reserved seat, which is around 500-900 yen cheaper, and allows you to sit in any available spot on the non-reserved carriage.

However in busy festival time of the year, and all seats are taken, if you purchase a non-reserved ticket, you might have to stand for the remainder of the ride until reaching your destination.

Money-Saving Tip : For those who plan to take multiple shinkansen trips in a short period of time, we highly recommend getting a Japan Rail Pass for the most savings, as you can take as many train rides as you want. For specifics regarding the pass, fares, and how to purchase it online (best price), head over to the Japan Rail Pass website.

Train

In Japan, you can find trains almost everywhere! Even though they aren’t as fast and luxurious as bullet trains, they are still reliable, efficient, and a great way to save money and time when traveling to places that don’t offer bullet train services.

The Tokyo train system runs throughout the entire length of the city, and not only does it spread out the traffic throughout the city, it also allows visitors to see the more remote and traditional parts of Tokyo, as well as to access many other areas of the country.

Depending on your needs, you can choose between local trains, which stop at every station, rapid trains, which skip some stations to reduce the journey time, or express trains, which skip many stations but are relatively fast and come at a higher cost.

See more info about Tokyo trains below, in the Train section in ‘Public Transport for Short-distance travel (Travel within a city)’.

Highway Bus

If you’re trying to save money and don’t mind spending more time on the road, taking a highway bus or night bus can be the most economical way to go for long trips. For instance, a one-way bullet train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto is 13,000 yen, whereas a 9-hour bus ride is only 4,000 yen – a substantial saving!

These buses are equipped with toilets and complimentary WiFi. And for some, taking an overnight bus means saving on hotel costs for the night, as well as arriving at the destination early in the morning and having the whole day to explore.

However, do take note that bus rides can be uncomfortable and tiring, so it’s best to plan your trip accordingly.

Popular highway bus companies with a decent English reservation website include Willer Express and Japan Bus Online. Another one is JR Bus, which consists of multiple national highway bus networks, however tickets will need to be purchased in person at ticket counters in JR railway stations across Japan.

Public Transport for Short-distance Travel (Within a City)

Train

As briefly covered in the Long-distance Travel section above, trains are used everywhere across Japan. In fact, the train system in Tokyo is one of the most popular modes of transportation!

It’s fast, convenient and punctual, with a large number of stations close to all popular tourist spots. It’s perfect for tourists visiting Tokyo or other prefectures and cities around the area.

There are several train lines running between different areas in Tokyo and other surrounding cities. Most of these lines are operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), one of the largest transportation companies in Japan. Some of the most popular JR East lines in Tokyo include the Narita Express, JR East Shinkansen Lines, the Yamanote line, Chuo Main line, the Chuo-Sobu line, and the Yokosuka line :

JR Train routes, ticket fares, station maps, and more can be found on the JR East website. With an extensive train network combining with reliable operation, JR East train services are some of the most efficient and convenient ways to get around Tokyo.

If you plan to move around and explore a lot during your vacation, there are also a number of transportation passes that are worth considering. These passes can help you save money and time, and make your trip to Tokyo easier and more enjoyable.

If you plan to stay a few days and explore Tokyo, you could buy a local pass for unlimited train rides in a set amount of time. For example, the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass) allows 1 full day of unlimited travel on all JR East train lines (local and rapid) within the Tokyo City limits.

This pass can be easily purchased online at the JR East website, or at any ticket vending machine or manned ticket counter at major JR stations, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, and other.

If you’re going to explore multiple cities in Japan or take several day trips from a major city during your vacation, getting a Japan Rail Pass will be a great money-saver! You’ll be able to ride any number of JR trains and shinkansen as much as you want for a fixed number of days (7-day, 14-day, or 21-day types), so it’s a great deal!

Subway (Tokyo Metro)

Subways are found mainly in large cities. In Tokyo, the entire subway system is operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. It is super clean, fast, convenient, and an efficient public transport option available for tourists, and my personal favorite for getting around within Tokyo or other major cities.

Subways stations are located everywhere in Tokyo, connected to all train stations, and run from 5 AM to midnight every day. Furthermore, key advantages of subways being underground are operations being unaffected by weather conditions, and also an excellent way for tourists to stay dry and warm while catching or waiting for a ride in rainy or cold weather.

One of the best ways to take advantage of all the Tokyo Metro lines is to purchase the Tokyo Metro 1-Day Pass. This pass gives you unlimited rides on all Tokyo subway lines for 1 full day. It costs 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children (age 11 or under), and is a great value if you’re planning to take multiple trips using the subway.

There is also a Tokyo Metro 2-Day Pass that allows unlimited travel on all Tokyo subway lines for two consecutive days. It costs 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children.

Similarly, a Tokyo Metro 3-Day Pass costs 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children.

These passes are a great option if you are staying in Tokyo for a few days and plan to take many trips on the metro each day. For more info on subway routes, ticket fares, passes for tourists, visit Tokyo Metro website.

City Bus

In Japan, you can find buses in nearly every city. They are a great complement to trains and subways for places with fewer people, and are usually the go-to option when other forms of transportation are not available.

With a flat rate of only about 210 yen for adults and 110 yen for children, buses are significantly more affordable than other transportation options.

To pay, you just need to put bills or coins into the fare machine when you board a bus, and press a button when you’re ready to get off. However, for tourists, this may not be the best choice, as it can be difficult to figure out which bus to take, and how to get on and off the right one, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.

In case you plan to use the bus and find yourself uncertain if you’re at the right bus station or going in the right direction, don’t hesitate to ask a local or the bus driver to make sure.

If you choose to ride the buses during your vacation, you can find more helpful info regarding routes, schedule, and download their convenient bus route app at the Toei Bus website.

Tour Bus

Tourist-oriented Sky Bus offers an exciting 50-minute double-decker open-top bus tour experience around the Imperial Palace and other tourist hotspots such as Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, and Tsukiji. Tours are available and run multiple times a day. Prices for adults range from 1600-1800 yen, and for children 11 years or under, it is 700-800 yen.

Sky Bus also provides Sky Hop Bus, a hop-on, hop-off bus service that travels through three different routes – Asakusa/Tokyo SkyTree/Akihabara, Tokyo Tower/Tsukiji/Ginza, and Shinjuku/Shibuya. These tours begin and end at Marunouchi near Tokyo Station, with 1-day tickets costing 2,800 yen for adults and 1,400 for children, and 2-day tickets costing 4,000 yen for adults (2,000 for children).

To check out their tour routes, schedule, ticket pricing, and more, visit Sky Bus website here. However, please note that taking trains or subways is much more budget friendly and flexible for exploring every corner of the city compared to using tour buses.

Taxi

Although taxi isn’t as well-known as other forms of public transport, there are several taxi companies in Tokyo that are open 24 hours a day. They come in handy when you’re out late at night or on the weekend and have missed the last train, or if you need to get to a hidden spot or a less-known attraction not located near train or metro stations.

You can find taxis outside train stations or major landmarks, but be aware that the cost of long rides is more expensive than other forms of transport. Late-hour fares (between 10 PM and 5 AM) are usually even pricier, with an additional surcharge of 20%. But if you have a large group of four or more people, or have several luggage you don’t want to lug across train or metro stations, taxi might be a better option, as it will save you energy and money.

Within the 23 wards of Tokyo, the minimum taxi rate is ¥420 for the first 1,052 meters. The fare will increase by ¥80 every 233 meters thereafter, and additional surcharge if taking tolled expressways. The fare is shown on the meter at the center of the driver’s dashboard.

Many taxis in Tokyo accept payment with cash, credit cards and prepaid transit cards like Pasmo or Suica. However, as most drivers don’t speak English, make sure to print out the address of the destination, or show drivers the address on a map or Google Maps.

Rideshare Services

Japan is home to a range of rideshare services including DiDi, Uber, Grab, Mov, and Go – all of which are similar to taxi. These companies collaborate with taxi companies to give customers a ride, and the cost is comparable to taxi as well.

However, compared to the traditional taxi, there are some amazing advantages to using these rideshare services, like cashless payments, no extra charge for late night hours, driver able to access your destination address before the ride, you able to view the total ride’s cost in advance and track their arrival and the route they take if you’re planning a late night journey. It’s very convenient!

Rental Car

Renting a car isn’t recommended in bustling cities due to the complex street system and backed-up traffic, which can cause you to drive slower and pay more in tolls. Parking can also be expensive and hard to find, and quite tricky to navigate through the area.

However, if you’re planning to venture out to a rural area where public transport may be scarce, or if you’re traveling with a large group and a lot of luggage, then renting a car is the way to go! You’ll have more flexibility and freedom for sure.

Car rental companies, such as Nippon Rent-A-Car, Toyota Rent-A-Car, Budget, Avis, and Europcar can be found at most airports, train stations, or booked online.

An important note: To rent a car in Japan, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and have an International Driver Permit (IDP). Make sure you have it with you before you land in Japan, as well as a Japanese-translated version of your regular license. You can find more specifics regarding IDP and driving in Japan here at the ‘U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Japan’ website.

You will also need to bring your passport and a credit card for payment. And budget well for the pricey rental fees, insurance, fuel costs, and expressway toll fees. You can use Tabirai Japan website to see and compare the rental costs according to your location, car models, and rental periods.

Please note that even though there are English signposts on roads for foreign drivers, many road closures and weather warnings might only be in Japanese, and aren’t always easy to understand. So it might be a good idea to check with your hotel staff about road conditions and driving routes for the specific days when you are on the road.

Ferry

Ferries are the least time efficient. If you are traveling to islands such as Okinawa or Hokkaido, then taking a ferry is the best option.

Ferries offer an enjoyable journey with beautiful views of the sea and surrounding islands. Some also offer onboard meals and entertainment, so you can sit back and relax as you cruise towards your destination.

Note that some ferry rides can be quite expensive depending on the amenities and routes, so do remember to compare prices before booking your tickets!

Check out more info on ferries, available routes and pricing at A Ferry website.

Bicycle

Cycling is an awesome way to get around – Not only is it good for you, it’s also incredibly affordable! Hotels and hostels often offer bicycle rentals for free or at a very low cost, making them ideal for local, short-distance leisure exploring.

Unfortunately, it is tricky to take a bike on a train or subway, as you must dismantle it and store it in a bike bag. While in the city, bicycles must be parked in designated parking areas. And don’t forget your helmet – it’s a must!

Accessible Transportation for Disabled People or Wheelchair Users

In Tokyo, service staff are amazing when needed, going above and beyond to help people with getting on and off public transport. Disabled people or wheelchair users are accommodated with lifts on buses, ramps, and elevators to help them onto buses, trains and buildings.

Fact is that ramps and elevators are difficult to spot, and often situated at the back of buildings. In smaller cities, there is not always enough of them available. So be aware and allow for additional time taken if you plan to travel to more remote areas and require assistance.

Summary

As you see from the information above, there are many available public transport options for you to choose from when visiting Tokyo :

• Trains and subways are the most convenient and efficient way to get around Tokyo.
• If you are in more remote areas, then trains and buses are probably the only mode of transport available for you to use.
• You can rent a car for more freedom if you have a larger group of people.
• Taxi and rideshare services are best for when you have a group of 4 people or more and/or have lots of luggage.

Overall, I hope this blog post helps you have a good general understanding of each mode of transportation, their pros and cons, and which one is best for your travel plan, preferences, and convenience.

Now that you learn about Tokyo’s public transport modes and figure out which option works best for you, check out my 12 Ultimate Tips for Taking Tokyo’s Public Transport With Ease post to get the must-knows on navigating around Tokyo smoothly and stress-free.

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels!