12 Ultimate Tips for Taking Tokyo’s Public Transport With Ease

Tokyo is one of the world’s most vibrant and populous cities, making its public transport system a crucial part of navigating the bustling city. This can be intimidating and overwhelming to first-time tourists and visitors. However, with the right guide and preparation, as well as modern technology, getting around Tokyo is now easier than ever.

These 12 ultimate tips for taking Tokyo’s public transport efficiently and with ease will help you make the most of your journey and save you time and money.

From obtaining reliable Internet access, to choosing the best travel mode for your adventures and budget, to navigating the train and subway system, these tips will make sure you get where you need to go in no time. So, get ready to get around Tokyo smoothly and hassle-free, and live your best adventures in this awesome Japanese city!

Tip 1 : Rent a pocket WiFi or SIM card

It’s essential to have access to WiFi during your vacation, to look up attraction addresses and operating hours, plus figure out the best way to get there – whether by train, metro or on foot.

Public WiFi is available in certain places such as train and metro stations, as well as some cafes. However, however it is not accessible in every spot, and can be difficult to rely on if you’re moving around a lot throughout the day.

In order to secure good reliable WiFi for your trip, you could either rent a Pocket WiFi or get a SIM card.

If you’re traveling to Japan, you can pre-order a pocket WiFi or a SIM card online and pick it up at the airport or your hotel. If you have already arrived in Japan, you could still get one – Ask your hotel to book one for you, or rent one at the airport or a train station.

When you’re ready to go home, you could easily return it by putting it in the prepaid envelope previously provided for you at the time of pickup, and asking your hotel to mail the envelope for you, or drop it off at a 7-11 convenience store or any mailbox. You could also drop it off at the airport mailbox right before going through security when you leave Japan. Convenient, huh?

If you’re traveling to Japan and don’t need to place any local calls, it’s a great idea to opt for a pocket WiFi instead of a SIM card. You can easily link your cellphone and multiple other devices (other phones, laptops, iPads) to the same pocket WiFi, whereas with a SIM card, you only have access to the internet on the phone storing that SIM card.

Why Should You Rent a pocket WiFi? Not only does a pocket WiFi save you money, but you can stay connected wherever you go. Plus, there’s no need to worry about roaming charges, as you’ll be connected to your own hotspot. The best part? You’ll have strong, reliable and unlimited access to the internet, so you can keep in touch with your friends and family back home, search for amazing places to visit, and of course, post those envy-worthy travel photos!

If you want to make the most of your day while being out and about, you should order a power bank for your pocket Wifi when you place your order. That way, you can be sure that you won’t run out of juice and have to head back to your hotel before the day is done!

I have used several pocket WiFi providers from Japan, and personally, Japan Wireless is my reliable go-to for all of my recent Japan trips (I am not being paid by Japan Wireless for saying this; I am sharing because I want you to have a good experience as I did). Their consistently excellent product and service won me over time and again.

What is included in Japan Wireless Pocket WiFi package: unlimited data, a strong WiFi connection, extended battery life for their pocket WiFi device, a complimentary power bank and charger, pocket WiFi-to-power bank USB cable, a ready-to-go prepaid return envelope, prompt service, quick delivery to any airport or hotel in Japan within 1-2 days, and helpful English-speaking customer service.

You can’t go wrong with choosing this company for your business.

To get all the details on how to rent, use, and return a pocket WiFi, as well as the BEST pocket WiFi company for your money, check out my “Travel Smart : Stay Online and Connected in Japan with Mobile WiFi Rental” post here.

Tip 2 : Download a Travel Navigating App

You could easily find paper maps of Tokyo at the airport’s Tourist Information Center or in major train stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. But the most straightforward and stress-free way to go is with travel navigating apps.

It’s a breeze to use – you download the app into your phone, and feed it basic information like your starting point and destination, and the app will provide you with the best route to the closest train station, which train you should take, and which exit to take to get to your desired attraction as quickly as possible.

I am listing a few popular favorites from past Japan travelers and myself included. Take a look, and choose the one that works best for you.

Option 1 – Japan Travel by NAVITIME

You could easily find the perfect train at the time that works for you with Japan Travel by NAVITIME. You can use the website or download its app. All you need to do is enter your departure and arrival stations, and the departure time. It will show you multiple options of available trains to take, when the next one is available, how long the ride will take, and where to get off. Plus, it will also give you the cost of the ride and how many transfers you’ll need to make before the destination.

You could also customize the tool to display routes by plane, shinkansen (bullet train), limited express train, bus, highway bus, taxi, or ferry. Plus, if you have a JR Pass, Tokyo Subway Ticket or Osaka Amazing Pass, you could also check the box for those options, so that the app could help you choose the transport modes best utilizing those passes.

The image above shows an example:

• If you want to get from the Shinjuku station area to Shibuya station around 9:20 PM, enter those in the search tool, then choose your mode of transportation (‘Limited express train”).
• Click the ‘Search’ button, and the app will show you multiple suggestions.
• One of them is taking the JR Yamanote Line at 9:24 PM, from Shinjuku station, and get off at Shibuya station.
• It also tells you that it’s a 7-minute train ride total, with no transfer to any another line. And the ride costs 160 yen if using paper tickets (purchased from ticket vending machine), or 157 yen if using an IC card (PASMO or SUICA card)

One additional benefit of using this app is that it works even when you don’t have an internet connection, making it accessible at any time!

One downside is that you are limited to entering station names for departure and arrival. If you want to get to a hotel or sightseeing spot, you must first know the closest train or subway station to that place. Similarly, if you’re lost and don’t know how to get to the nearest starting-point station to catch your train, you’re left with no choice but to ask someone for directions to get there.

So this option still leaves room for a little inconvenience, especially when you are a first-time visitor who is not too familiar with Tokyo.

Option 2 – HyperDia

HyperDia is a very popular navigation website and app. You could plan your trip via local train, subway or highway bus. You can also customize your route to use plane or shinkansen as well. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, along with the date and time, and you’ll have the most up-to-date information available. Its tools and functions are similar to the Japan Travel by NAVITIME app, and often praised by many travelers! Neat, right?

Here is what HyperDia website or app looks like when you use it:

Once you enter your info into the From/To boxes, date and time of your travel, and any other customizations (from the ‘More options’ dropdown button), click Search, and HyperDia will find a route for you.

Using the example of going from Shinjuku station to Shibuya station : HyperDia suggests taking the JR Yamanote Line from Shinjuku train station straight to Shibuya station, with no transfer in between, and taking a total of 6 minutes, costing 160 yen in fare (Different time of day might show different results depending on train schedule and other factors).

If your trip requires any train transfer, HyperDia will show you where to get off the first train, and the next train line to get on. Below is an example of going from Nishi-Shinjuku area to Shibuya area, with 1 transfer at Shinjuku station:

Here we see that in order to get from Nishi-Shinjuku station to Shibuya station, HyperDia suggests taking the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line from Nishi-Shinjuku station to Shinjuku station (2-minute ride, costing 170 yen).

Once reaching Shinjuku station, get off the metro and transfer to JR Yamanote train line nearby to continue to Shibuya station (6-minute ride, costing 160 yen). From the beginning to the end of this trip, it takes approximately 17 minutes total for walking, line transferring and riding the metro and train.

Option 3 – Google Maps

Saving the best for last – Google Maps is my all-time favorite for getting around Tokyo. It’s so simple, yet reliable, and completely hassle-free to use, as it takes the guesswork out of the entire process with step-by-step instructions from your current location to the destination: which station to head to, which train/metro line to take, which station to get off, the closest exit to your destination, and the ride’s cost, as well as the walk to your attraction.

What set Google Maps apart from the other apps are the many helpful and precise details that helps guide you easily, like the station number, the exact number of stops you need to ride, and the most convenient train or metro station exit to get to your attraction.

Another cool thing about Google Maps is that it is both a GPS and search engine, so when you enter an attraction name or a restaurant into the search box, it will tell you whether the place is currently open or closed, its business hours, as well as how to get you from your current location to wherever on foot. No more guessing from start to finish – just put in your data, let Google Maps do its thing, and you’re good to go!

See an example of the superb navigation details Google Maps gives for going from Shibuya Station to Senso-ji temple in the Asakusa area :

• The app lets you know that 10 AM is usually little busy time at Shibuya station, so it’s best to not use the station at that time.
• At the top of the directions, it shows that you need to take the Ginza line, led with a circle and a G in it. The circle means this is a metro line (not a train line).
• We are to get on the Ginza Line, Platform 1, at 7:02 AM, going from Shibuya station (stop G1), and ride 18 stops, all the way to Asakusa station (stop G19), arriving at 7:37 AM.
• Once arriving at Asakusa metro station, look for Exit 3, which is the closest exit to Senso-ji temple.
• Once outside the station, Google Maps will shows you exactly which direction to walk for another 2 minutes, until you reach Senso-ji temple.
• The total trip takes a total of 38 minutes from Shibuya to Senso-ji, and total fare is 250 yen.

Tip 3 : Use IC Cards to Pay for Transportation

While you could purchase tickets with cash from ticket vending machines, it can be a bit of a hassle. You not only must know how to use the machine and your exact route, but also you have to carry enough cash and coins to pay for a ticket, and not mind the countless times visiting the machines for every ride.

Not counting the fact that if you get off the wrong station and not have enough money from your ticket to cover your trip, you wouldn’t be allowed through the ticket gate until you pay the additional charge.

Therefore, the most convenient way to pay for your rides is by using a Japanese prepaid transit card (IC card) like Suica or Pasmo. When you first arrive in Japan, go ahead and exchange money for cash, and purchase an IC Card with cash at the airport, or widely sold in any train and metro station.

To make it even more convenient, now foreign tourists could order an IC card online to be mailed to their address ahead of time, or purchase one on Klook website to be picked up when they land in Japan.

These IC cards are widely used on all major railways, metro lines, and bus lines across Japan, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing tickets for each ride. All you have to do is tap the card at the card reader on the station ticket gate when you enter, and tap again when you exit the station. Total fare for the ride will be automatically calculated based on your ride, and deducted from the card instantaneously.

When the remaining balance on the card is low, simply recharge it by taking it to the IC vending machines near any ticket gates in any station, and insert cash to add money to your IC card.

Another great benefit of having Pasmo or Suica cards is that they could also be used to pay for goods at convenience stores, vending machines, restaurants and local eateries. And if you have any remaining balance on the card at the end of your Japan trip, before you leave Japan, you can also get reimbursed with cash.

For the ultimate comfort of time saver and convenience, you are now able to download a digital Suica or Pasmo app through either Google Pay or Apple Wallet. Charge it using your credit or debit card, and use your phone (instead of the physical IC card) on the ticket gate sensor to pay for your rides. When the remaining balance is low, add more money in the app itself using your credit card, instead of going to an IC card recharging machine at the station like with the physical card.

Note : International non-Japanese Visa cards are currently having issue with Apple Wallet, so if you are unable to charge your digital Suica or Pasmo card, with a Visa card, you might need to use a non-Visa card to charge your digital Suica or Pasmo card instead)

If you want to know all about IC cards, its benefits, how to purchase and use one, where to use it, and/or return one at the end of your trip, don’t miss this “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post.

Tip 4 : Use Japan Rail Pass strategically

The JR Pass is the ticket that allows foreign tourists to ride unlimited number of bullet trains (shinkansen), trains and buses in Japan for a fixed period of time, and for a fixed fee.

This concept sounds great, however it is more suitable for when you are doing several intercity travels. As soon as you activate it, it will expire 7, 14 or 21 days afterwards. Therefore, you will want to make sure to activate it right when you are about to do a lot of intercity travel, not before.

For example, if you stay in Tokyo for 3 days, and then go to Kyoto, Osaka, etc., it would be more efficient to use an IC card like Suica and Pasmo during your stay in Tokyo. On the day you travel to Kyoto, you could then activate the JR Pass for the bullet train. Don’t squander your days by using it in Tokyo before your Kyoto and Osaka trips, as the remaining time will begin counting down from the first use of the pass.

To determine if you should get a JR Pass for your trip, use a JR Fare Calculator before your trip to see the cost comparison between paying for rides with IC cards and tickets vs. using the JR Pass. This will make it clear for you whether it is more advantageous to get a JR Pass, or if it would be cheaper to use tickets, SUICA or PASMO.

Example 1 : By taking shinkansen (bullet trains) from Shinjuku station in Tokyo to Kyoto then back to Shinjuku station, the total fare from buying tickets is 28,340 yen. If you buy a 7-day JR Pass and use it for this trip and nothing else, the pass costs you 29,650 yen (1,310 yen more expensive than using tickets).

Therefore, it does not make sense getting a JR Pass in this case.

Example 2 : By taking shinkansen (bullet trains) to travel from Shinjuku station in Tokyo to Osaka, then Kyoto, Odawara, then back to Tokyo station, the total fare from buying tickets is 31,610 yen. If you buy a 7-day JR Pass and use it for this trip and nothing else, the pass costs 29,650 yen (1,960 yen cheaper in total).

So in this case, it is worth it to get a JR Pass for your trip.

Tips : If you ever wondered if you should get a JR Pass for your trip or not, and if a JR Pass is worth the money spent, read my “Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?” post to get your answers.

Tip 5 : How to Find Your Train or Subway in the station

Step 1 : To begin, identify your Line name, color and number on Google Maps or your navigating app of choice. You can find these on station signs and painted on the ground

Step 2 : Then, follow the signs and head to the ticket gate that corresponds to that line

Step 3 : Once you get there, simply tap your IC card on the card reader to pay

Step 4 : The ticket gate doors will open

Step 5 : Look which direction you are headed and determine which platform you need to go to. Usually, Platform 1 is to travel in one direction, and Platform 2 to go the opposite direction.

Step 6 : Position yourself on the right platform and get on the train.

Step 7 : Look for the English sign above the door, which will show and announce the station name in both English and Japanese.

Step 8 : When you reach the right stop, tap your IC card again at the ticket gate and the relevant fee will be deducted from the card. No work is needed from your end.

Step 10 : Finally, find the yellow exit sign showing the name of your destination and exit the station through it. Walk to your destination. You’re all set!

Want to know how to navigate Japanese trains and subways easily like a pro? Check out my “Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Train and Subway in Tokyo Japan” post.

Tip 6 : Reserve your oversized luggage if traveling by shinkansen

Shinkansen (bullet train) used to have separate racks at front of each cabin for passengers to store their oversized luggage. However, starting from May 2020, according to the latest official JR Company policies (see the full policies here), you must now reserve a seat and a storage space for your oversized bags if you are bringing them onto the train.

I wrote an entire easy-to-understand and super helpful post, all dedicated to handling luggage while in Japan trains and bullet trains. It has helped many people in the past – here it is : “Navigating Japan Trains with Luggage : Rules, Tips and How to Avoid Fines” post.

See my simplified summary in the table below regarding the baggage requirements according to total dimensions, which one applies to you, and what to do.

Total Dimension per Baggage (= L + W + H) (in cm)	Max Weight per Baggage	Seat Reservation	Baggage Reservation	Where to Store Baggage
Up to 160 cm	30 Kg	Optional	Not required	On the overhead baggage rack above seat, or in front of you (no legroom)
161 – 250 cm	30 Kg	Required	Required	In the designated oversized luggage space directly behind your reserved seat, or in front of you
More than 250 cm	30 Kg	Optional	Baggage not allowed on train	Baggage exceeds limits and is not allowed on train. Must use luggage forwarding service instead

You could make your reservation at the ticket window, vending machine, or even online. If you don’t have a reservation, you won’t be allowed to carry oversized luggage on board.

If you don’t have a reservation for your extra-large bag (160-250 cm), you will be fined 1,000 yen, and the cabin crew will store it in a designated area.

If the storage space is all booked up, you could either store it in front of you, even though it will take away your legroom. Or you could book a more expensive Business Class seat (Green Car) if there are any with oversized bag storage available in those cabins, or take an earlier or later train, which might still have available space.

If your baggage exceeds 250 cm in total dimension or weights over 30 Kg, it will not be allowed on the train. In this case, you will need to use a luggage forwarding service to transport it to your destination (See Tip # 8 below). My suggestion : Ask your hotel to help arrange it for your before getting on the shinkansen.

Tip 7 : Choose the best transport mode for your situation

If you’re adventuring on your own and have some bags in tow, taking a train or subway is likely a great option.

If you’re alone with multiple suitcases and trying to get to or from the airport or another large city, taking a highway bus might be your best bet.

If you have a large party with lots of luggage, you’ll probably want to take a taxi for the most comfort.

If you are on a tight budget and don’t mind an overnight bus, this is an amazing way to save money— buses are usually cheaper than bullet trains (often 70% cheaper), and you don’t have to pay for a hotel room that night either.

Tip 8 : Use luggage forwarding service for ease of travel

If you have lots of baggage, don’t bother dragging them through throngs of people in crowded stations, up and down the stairs, and onto trains and metros. It’s too exhausting, trust me!

Instead, only carry a small backpack with your essentials items and travel documents. For the remaining luggage, arrange for a luggage forwarding service with your hotel, or visit a convenience store to have them shipped to your next hotel or destination.

Yamato Transport is very popular and widely used luggage forwarding company in Japan. The rate varies based on the size and weight of your luggage, but it’s usually a very reasonable price (around 950-1,200 yen).

To read my post about everything you need to know about luggage delivery service using Yamato Transport for your travel needs, check it out here.

There’s also the option of an express same-day service available at certain locations, for a slightly higher fee, so make sure to ask about it.

You could also have your bags delivered from one hotel to another, or from one city to the next. Both are time and energy saver – How convenient!

Another company is Sagawa Transport, with similar pricing and services – Check out their services and prices here.

Tip 9 : Keep traffic hours and operating schedule in mind

All trains, metro and buses are closed between midnight and five o’clock in the morning every day. So, if you plan to explore the city late into the night, make sure to leave enough time to catch the last trains before they are shut down for the day. However, if you must get around during these hours, then taxi or Uber is your best bet!

Another time period to avoid is during rush hours, 7:30 – 9:30 AM and 5 – 8 PM. If you do need to use public transport during peak hours, just be aware that you might find yourself squeezed in very tightly like sardines in a can, and witness train attendants help push and pack people into train and subway compartments!

Although rush hour time can be an exciting once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness at the stations, you may find that it gets old and exhausting quickly, and is best to avoid altogether.

Tip 10 : Be quiet and courteous to others in public

In Japan, being mindful of others is an essential part of the culture. The locals are incredibly well-mannered, helpful, and considerate. It’s the norm there. For instance, if someone isn’t feeling well, they will keep their distance and quickly put on a face mask for the day to stop the spread of disease to others.

Thus, when you use trains or subways, remember to be considerate and courteous to others around you in these public places. Let the elderly and pregnant women have your seat if needed (it’s the law!), keep your phone on silent, refrain from speaking, or maintain a low volume when talking among your group, and stay focused on your own business.

And of course, no munching on snacks or leaving trash behind. It’s the small gestures that can go a long way in making sure your trip is pleasant and a success.

Tip 11 : Look for helpful exit signs at train and metro stations

As you step off the train or metro, make sure to look out for yellow exit signs! Each platform could have multiple exits, and each will have a yellow sign with arrows pointing to the right direction for certain buildings or attractions.

It pays well to use the right exit, as it makes arriving at your destination much quicker and easier. This is especially useful at large stations like Shinjuku, where there are a whopping 60 exits total, and it gets confusing fast.

The reason I love Google Maps so much is that it will provide you with an awesome trick: It will show you which train carriage or compartment to get on, so that when you get out of the train, you’ll be standing the closest to your desired exit. Isn’t that awesome or what?

Tip 12 : If All Fails, Ask for Help

If you’re ever feeling lost while in a train or subway station, seek out the assistance of an attendant at the ticket gate booth or on the platform.

If you are out and about and are confused about where you are or how to get somewhere, head to the closest Police Box. The police officers have area maps handy and are more than willing to help – they seem to spend much of their time aiding people who are directionally challenged (*cough cough* me).

Don’t be shy to approach a local Japanese resident for help either – they are super friendly and always eager to help even with limited English. Though you may be surprised at the conflicting directions you get from different people. So make sure to ask several people, and follow the majority’s opinion.

You can also duck into a shop and ask a staff member where a nearby address is. This has worked out very well for me in the past.

Conclusion

Navigating Japan’s public transportation system can be a bit daunting at first, but with a little planning ahead and taking advantage of the 12 essential tips mentioned above, anyone can easily get around Tokyo easily and smoothly. With this guide, I hope that your Tokyo trip will be as easy and stress-free as possible, leaving you plenty of time to explore and have the best adventures you’ll never forget.

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 in Japan!

Post You Might be Interested In

– Have you checked out my post on The Simple and Easy Beginner’s Guide to Tokyo Public Transport? I hope it gives you an easy yet well-rounded understanding of all of Tokyo’s public transport modes and how to utilize them best for your trip.

– Interested in knowing more about the all-time traveler favorite and super awesome Pasmo and Suica IC cards mentioned above? Read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

– Want to easily navigate Tokyo and Japan like a pro, or even as a local? Read up on my ‘Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use Train and Subway in Tokyo Japan’ post here, and enjoy your vacation with ease and peace of mind.

– Do you need an easy, convenient, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo with luggages ? Read my “Airport Limousine Bus – The Convenient Way to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo” post here. Going to Haneda airport instead? Read this post.

– Do you need a fast, easy, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo ? Read my “The Narita Express (N’EX) : Fast and Easy Travel from Airport to Tokyo” post here.

– Wonder what the JR Pass everyone talks about all the time is? More importantly, if getting a JR Pass would be a good idea and save you a lot of money on transportation costs? Get concise and practical answers here in my “Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?“ post.

– Are you also looking to try some of the best Japanese foods as you embark on your Japan adventure? Check them out here in my “Food Adventures in Japan : 9 Delicious Foods to Try on Your Trip” post here.

And much more – Check out all of my posts here on the Main page.