How to get around Tokyo with trains.
It is extremely difficult to navigate the train system in Tokyo because there are different companies operating different train lines.
The navigation is difficult because you usually have to change trains to reach your destination, and you may have to purchase a new train ticket to get on a different train. It is also difficult for travelers to figure out which train line and train to take.
The Major Train Lines:
- JR (Saikyo Line, Yamanote Line, Keihin Tohoku Line, Rinkai Line, Keiyo Line, Chuo Line, Sobu Line, Shonan Shinjuku Line, Nanbu Line, etc.)
- Tokyo Metro (Marunouchi Line, Yurakucho Line, Ginza Line, Hibiya Line, Chiyoda Line, Hanzomon Line, Tozai Line, Fukutoshin Line, etc.)
- Toei Subway (Oedo Line, Asakusa Line, Mita Line, Shinjuku Line)
- Private Lines (Tokyu Denentoshi Line, Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Keio Inokashira Line, Yurikamome Line, Odakyu Line, Tobu Tojo Line, etc.)
Don’t know which train to take? Let us give you some tips!
Tip 1: Prepaid Cards
There are two types of prepaid cards for trains: SUICA and PASMO.
The only difference between the two is that they are issued by different companies, and the way to use them is the same.
They require an initial deposit of 500 yen, and the amount that you charged that is left over at the end of your trip can be reimbursed.
Even if you do not know which train line to take, you do not have to line up to purchase your ticket, so you can navigate the trains smoothly.
Tip 2: Common Tickets
A ticket that you can use across different train lines.
Types of Special Tickets:
Tokyo 1-Day Ticket
What's this pass?
You can ride the following trains with this ticket :
JR Line, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Toei Streetcar Arakawa(Toden), Nippori Toneri Liner, Toei Bus
*The pass may be used for unlimited rides on local and rapid JR East trains(excluding reserved seats) within the valid area.
Price:
Adults(12 years old and over): 1,600 JPY
Children(6-11 years old): 800 JPY
Valid for:
1 day
Where to purchase :
You can purchase this ticket at the Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machine located at major JR EAST stations,
JR Ticket Offices(called Midori-no-Madoguchi), Travel Service Centers(View Plaza) and JR EAST Travel Service Centers in the Tokyo Metropolitan area.
Tokyo Subway Ticket 24h/48h/62h
What's this pass?
These tickets are valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours from the start of your trip. They can be used on all Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro lines.
Price :
Tokyo Subway 24-hour ticket
Adults: 800 yen / Children: 400 yen
(Valid for 24 hours from first use, before the expiry date listed on the back of the ticket)
Tokyo Subway 48-hour ticket
Adults: 1,200 yen / Children: 600 yen
(Valid for 48 hours from first use, before the expiry date listed on the back of the ticket)
Tokyo Subway 72-hour ticket
Adults: 1,500 yen / Children: 750 yen
(Valid for 72 hours from first use, before the expiry date listed on the back of the ticket)
Airport Limousine set ticket is also available.
This ticket will make your travel easy.
Where to purchase :
Tokyo Subway Ticket Only
Tourist Information / Haneda Airport / Narita Airport / Subway station
Find the nearest sales location.
Set with Airport Limousine :
• Haneda Airport(International Terminal 2F Arrival Lobby Visitor Information Center)
• Haneda Airport Information/Airport Limousine Bus Ticketing Counter
• Narita Airport Airport Limousine Bus Ticketing Counter
• Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal Airport Limousine Bus Ticketing Counter
More Details
Tokyo Subway Ticket Only
Tokyo Subway Ticket with Airport Limousine
Common One-Day Ticket for Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway
What's this pass?
For a period of one day, the ticket can be used on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. It can be purchased either in advance or on the day of use.
Price:
Adults 900 yen / Children 450 yen
Valid for:
1 day
Where to purchase :
Same-daytickets: Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro ticket machines.
Advance tickets: Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro commuter ticket offices.
Japan Rail Pass 7days/14days/21days
What's this pass?
It is valid on most of the Shinkansen (super bullet trains), limited express trains, express trains,
fast trains, local trains of JR groups, local JR buses and even on the Miyajima Ferry of JR West.
Valid for:
7 days, 14 days, or 21 days.
Where to purchase :
The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not available in Japan, however.
Instead, you’ll have to purchase an exchange order before coming to Japan from a JR designated sales office or agent in your country.
Tokyo Metropolitan Districts Pass for JR Lines only
What's this pass?
The pass can be used for unreserved seats on all local trains (including rapid services) within Tokyo’s 23 cities.
Price:
Adults 760 yen / Children 380 yen
Valid for:
1 day
Where to purchase :
Reserved-seat ticket machines at major stations in the JR East Pass free area, JR Midori no Madoguchi ticket offices,and JR View Plaza travel service centers. (with some exceptions)
JR Tokyo Wide Pass
What's this pass?
The JR TOKYO Wide Pass is a discounted pass for unlimited rides in Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area.
Valid for three days, the pass is good for unlimited rides using reserved seats on ordinary cars on Shinkansen, limited express and other trains in the valid use area.
The JR TOKYO Wide Pass makes it easy to visit popular tourist destinations such as Mt. Fuji, Izu and Karuizawa, GALA Yuzawa.
Price:
Adults 10,180 yen / Children 5,090 yen
Valid for:
Three consecutive days
Where to purchase :
Designated ticket counter only