How to Get Around Tokyo with Public Transportation

What is the best way to travel when you are going to school, work, or hanging out with your friend?  

Tokyo's transportation is super complicated. Local people mostly use train and subway when you are going to major areas. Here is the detail.

◆What Transportation Do We Have

    Train

    The train is a prominent way to move around in Tokyo. If you are hanging out in 23 wards, apparently you don't need to take other transportation in most situations. The last train usually departs at around 12 am to 1am depending on where you go.

       

         ・JR

        Tokyo is a large city and this line connects from one end to another of 23 wards and all residential towns around Tokyo. 

        ・Subway

       There are two major subway companies, which is Tokyo Metro and Toei line. Tokyo Metro densely spreads its railways and stations around in 23 wards covering all major stations. Toei line also covers some major stations extending its line to residential areas.

        ・Other

        There are some other rail companies. You would only use them when you live on that line.

    Bus

    As Tokyo's train covers everywhere you would go, you wouldn't take buses unless you want to go somewhere niche.

    Taxi

    Taxi fare got cheaper in 2017 and now is more usable to everyone. The fare starts at 410 yen so it is convenient when you take a short ride. Japanese people also often ride with friends for short distance so that you can divide the fare and your share would be as cheap as train fare. There is a Taxi app available that works like the uber app.

    Share cycle

    Share cycle is becoming a new standard and we are getting more of bike ports. It is a cheap and fast way to get around.

◆Apps for finding the best route 

You would not be lost if you have smart  apps on your phone no matter how complex the route is. The reliable concierge is as follows. 

    Yahoo!乗換案内

    You can get several possible route options in an instant. It takes delay information into account and suggests diverted routes. It would be enough if you have this app.

    Google Maps

    If you are bad at directions and need complete guidance from door to door, google maps will show you the direction including walking and public transportation. 

◆How to pay the fare

Paying with cash each  time is such a hassle. There is a convenient card that you must have!

    Prepaid IC cards

    Suica, issued by JR, and Pasmo, issued by private railways, is the standard for local people. You can basically choose either card to take any transportation including train, subway, bus, taxi. It can also be used to pay at convenience stores, some food chain stores and so on. You can get the card at the train station with a deposit of 500 yen.

◆To sum up

The most efficient and affordable way to move in greater Tokyo is to take train or subway, using prepaid IC cards. 

Enjoy your urban stroll!