Getting around the city
Tokyo’s transport network may look intimidating at first, but it is one of the most efficient, clean and punctual systems in the world. These tips will help you navigate it with confidence.
🔑 Your Key: IC Cards (Suica / Pasmo)
Do not worry about buying single tickets. The first thing you need is an IC card, such as Suica or Pasmo.
- What are they? Rechargeable smart cards that you can use on almost all trains, metro lines and buses, and even for small payments in shops.
- Are they the same? For visitors, they are functionally identical and work in the same places across most of Japan.
- The main difference: The operator behind them – and the mascot:
- Suica – the penguin card 🐧
- Pasmo – the pink robot card 🤖
- You top them up in machines at virtually any station.
- Important: Each person should have their own card. Tap once when entering and once when leaving the station.
How to get a card (current situation):
Due to chip shortages, physical cards can sometimes be harder to find.
- 📱 iPhone (iOS 15+): You can add a Suica or Pasmo directly in Apple Wallet. It is quick to set up and works like a physical card.
- 📱 Android: If your device supports it, you may be able to use mobile IC cards, but many visitors still find physical cards more straightforward.
- 💳 Tourist physical cards: Look for Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport at airports like Narita or Haneda. These are designed for visitors and valid for a limited period (for example, 28 days).
🗺️ The Metro Puzzle: Three Main Operators
Tokyo’s rail map is shared by several companies, which can be confusing at first.
- 1. JR East (Japan Railways): Runs many over‑ground lines in and around Tokyo. The most important for visitors is the Yamanote Line, a loop line that connects major areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno and Akihabara.
- 2. Tokyo Metro: A large network of nine underground lines, including the Ginza (orange), Marunouchi (red) and Hibiya (grey) lines.
- 3. Toei Subway: A smaller set of four lines run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, including the Ōedo (magenta) and Asakusa (pink) lines.
🎟️ Passes: Tokyo Subway Ticket vs JR Pass
Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72 hours)
This pass is useful if you plan to use the metro network extensively for a short period.
- Unlimited travel on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 24, 48 or 72 hours after first use.
- Ideal if you will be hopping around neighbourhoods such as Asakusa, Ginza, Roppongi and Shinjuku using mainly underground lines.
- Note: It does not cover JR lines, including the Yamanote Line.
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
The JR Pass is designed for travel across Japan, not just within Tokyo.
- Covers most JR trains nationwide, including many Shinkansen (bullet train) services.
- It generally does not make sense if you will stay only in Tokyo or make very few inter‑city journeys.
- It can be good value if you plan multiple long‑distance trips within a short time frame.
- Use an online calculator to compare the pass price with individual Shinkansen tickets.
🚌 Buses: A Helpful Plan B
Trains and metro lines are usually the fastest option, but buses can be convenient for shorter hops or areas without easy rail access.
- Boarding: In Tokyo, you normally board through the front door, near the driver.
- Payment: Tap your Suica or Pasmo on the card reader when you get on. In central zones, most routes have a flat fare.
- Price: Within the 23 central wards, many Toei buses cost around 210 ¥ per ride.
Final tip: Let navigation apps guide you.
Apps like Google Maps work very well in Tokyo. Enter your destination and they will show you the exact lines, platforms, journey times and fares. This is often easier than trying to decode the whole rail map yourself.
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