Tokyo is not really designed for pedestrians and some of the main streets are not very nice for walking along and it can be easy to get lost on smaller streets and the distance is always greater than you might think. Shopping areas like Ginza and Akihabara are great to walk around and closed down to traffic on Sundays. Parks areas are a great place for a stroll, like Ueno and Chichumbaya

Riding a bicycle in Tokyo is faster than walking, the law says bikes are supposed to ride on the road with cars but there are no bicycle paths making this difficult and sometimes dangerous. It is ok to ride on the sidewalk in Japan just watch out for pedestrians. The city is not flat and you will come across some very steep hills especially on the west side of the city. Daily bike rentals are available around the city and you can borrow bikes at the Yurakucho`s Muji to ride around Ginza or Marunouchi.

The Tokyo bus system is extensive and efficient but not as easy to use as the subways and trains, the end destination is written on the bus and not in English and many drivers don’t speak English. You need exact change to drop in the fare box which is usually around 200 yen ($1.81 USD). The Tokyo Shitamachi Bus is user-friendly for sightseeing and follows a fixed route to seven major sightseeing destinations. The bus departs from Marunouchi which is the station north of Tokyo Station, it makes stops at Nihombashi`s Mitsukoshi Department Store, Akihabara featuring Anime and electronics, Ueno Park, Kappabash-dougugai Dori popular for kitchen stores and Asakusa then the journey terminates at Ryogoku Station where the Edo-Tokyo Museum can be found. A bus travels in both direction every 30 minutes and runs daily from 9 am – 6:30 pm and costs around 200 yen ($1.81 USD) every time you board or use your Suica card. For more information visit www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp there is a free Toei bus map available at the Tokyo Tourist Information Center.

Tokyo`s subway network is operated by two companies, Tokyo Metro and Toei, with 13 subway lines , that run mostly inside the Yamanote loop and in areas around Ginza and Shitamachi. The Metro system uses the symbol `M` which vaguely resembles the famous McDonalds golden arches. The metro is safe, efficient, clean and easy to use with all stations written in English and display the next station in English on board as well as announcing stops in English. Each line is color-coded, for example, the Ginza line is orange so all trains and signs are in orange, so it’s simple to follow, and find the Ginza `G` line if you are transferring from another line. Each station along the Ginza line is assigned a number in chronological order so G1 – G19. The metro system also extends outside the city with direct connections with private train lines. The subway runs from 5 am – Midnight daily and run every 3 – 5 minutes, schedules are posted in the stations. Tickets prices start around 160 yen ($1.45 USD) per adult for the shortest distance, children 6 – 11 are half price and children under 5 ride for free.

A Suica card is a contactless prepaid card that can be used in virtually all modes of transportation in Tokyo. Purchase from a vending machine in the station for 2,000 yen ($18.07 USD) which includes a 500 yen deposit. A similar card is the Pasmo which can also be used on various modes of transportation in Tokyo and gives options including a 1 day only and Metro only card. The Tokyo Free Kippu costs around 1580 yen ($14.27 USD) allowing unlimited travel for 1 day on all metro subways, JR trains, and Toei buses.

For more information visit www.tokyometro.jp/global.en or Toei Subway at www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp

One of the best ways to get around Tokyo is by train with the most important train lines being the JR Yamanote Line which runs in a loop around Tokyo connecting multiple city centers, making stops at 29 stations, all announced in English. The Yamanote Line is green and gives you a great roundtrip view of Tokyo, passing through Shinjuku, Tokyo, Harajuku and Ueno.

The Chuo Line is orange and cuts across Tokyo between Shinjuku and Tokyo stations with an express (fewer stops) and a local train.

The Sobu Line is yellow and runs between Shinjuku and Akihabara and beyond to Chiba. For all lines look for JR Lines at the station.

Electric commuter trains run by the East Japan Railway Company run aboveground, the trains are color-coded and tickets start around 130 yen ($1.17 USD), tickets can be purchased from vending machines located in the stations.

Trains generally run between 5 am – 1 am, running every 3 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes in the early morning and late at night.

Consider purchasing the 1-day Tokunai Pass if you will be traveling on JR lines for any given day, it allows unlimited travel for around 730 yen ($6.60 USD). The Suica card can also be purchased for use on the trains.

For more information please visit www.jreast.co.jp/e. or call tel. 050-2016-1603.

More Getting Around Tokyo

Tokyo is mainly serviced by two airports: Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport.

If you have not booked a private transfer with us, there are several transportation options at Narita International airport to get to your hotel, including trains, buses, taxis, shuttles and rental cars. Most journeys will take 60 – 90 minutes.

Haneda Airport offers passengers trains, monorails, buses and taxis for transportation to your hotel.

From Narita

The quickest and cheapest option to reach central Tokyo from Narita Airport (Terminals 1,2 and 3) is the Keisei Skyliner. Take the Skyliner from the airport to Nippori Station which is about a 40 minute journey and costs approximately ¥2,470 ($22 USD) for a one way ticket, from here transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line which will take you to Tokyo Station (main station in central Tokyo), this journey is approximately 10 minutes and costs around ¥160 ($1.50 USD) one way. Connecting trains run every 20 -30 minutes and all trains connect to the city’s main subway system. Trains run from 7:30 am – to 11:00 pm daily. Follow the sign for `Railways` and take the escalator down to the lower level, look for the blue `Keisei Line`.

The JR Narita Express (N`EX) is another option to travel between Narita airport and the Tokyo Station (main station in central Tokyo), a one way journey takes about 40 minutes to reach Nippori Station and costs approximately ¥4,000 ($36 USD) for adults one way and approximately ¥2,000 ($18 USD) for children one way, with 3 trains departing every 30 – 60 minutes, also connecting you to the subway system. The trains depart from Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

The Narita Line Rapid Train/Sobu Line leaves from Narita making tops at Chiba Station to Tokyo Station, the journey takes around 90 minutes and costs around ¥1,350 ($13 USD) with about one departure every hour, this option is a cheaper but takes longer.

The Keisei Express Bus is a good, cheap option, the bus runs every 20 minutes beginning at 7:00 am – 11:00 pm the journey from the airport to Tokyo Station is about a 90 minute trip and costs around ¥900 ($8 USD) one way. The bus stops can be found at terminal 1 and terminal 2 and tickets can be purchased at the Keisei Bus counter in the arrivals lobby.

The Tokyo Shuttle is a discounted bus service (2 lines) both operating around 2 times and an hour from Narita to Tokyo Station and one way fare costs around ¥1000 ($9 USD) one way during the day and ¥2000 ($18 USD) one way in the late evening and early morning (depart before 6 am). The journey takes up to 90 minutes. The bus stop can be found outside of the Central Exit C1 outside the international arrivals lobby.

The Access Narita is another cheap option from Narita to Tokyo Station, a one-way journey costs around ¥1000 ($9 USD) for adults and about ¥500 ($5 USD) for children. Access Narita claims to be easier to use than the Tokyo shuttle as you only have to line up at their bus stop rather than stopping to buy tickets at the counter.

There are several taxi companies offering service from Narita to central Tokyo but rates are very expensive costing anywhere from ¥16,000 – ¥20,000 ($145 – $198 USD) plus tolls. The taxi stands are located on the platform outside of south wing international arrival lobby. (South exit S1 or S2).

From Haneda

You can take the Keikyu Line train from Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station which takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around ¥600 ($5.50 USD) one way for adults. For tickets to the Tokyo area press the ticketing machines `Toei Line` or `Transfer to JR Lines` button to buy your ticket. This train is a regular commuter train and can get crowded during rush hour as well as being slow and hard to navigate.

The International Passenger Terminal at the airport connects directly to the underground International Terminal Station on the Keikyu Line. From the International arrivals lobby look for the signs for Keikyu Line, keep right, you will pass through the ticket machine area, purchase your ticket from the machine and pass through the ticket gates, use the elevator to the right or the escalator to the left and proceed to the platforms.

The Tokyo Monorail is a fun way of getting from the airport to Tokyo as you get a scenic view of Tokyo Bay, take the Tokyo Monorail and transfer to Hamamatsucho Station this journey takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around ¥470 ($4.25 USD) one way for adults and ¥240 ($2.15 USD) one way for children. Then transfer to the JR Yamanote or the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line and finish at Tokyo Station which should take another 5 minutes and cost about ¥160 ($1.50 USD) one way for adults. The monorail operates every 3 – 4 minutes during the day and 5 – 10 minutes during the night and early mornings.

The International Passenger Terminal at Haneda Airport connects directly to the underground International Terminal Station; on the 3rd floor is where you can find the Tokyo Monorail Station.

The Haneda Airport Limousine Bus is not a limousine just a regular orange bus that will take you from the airport to Tokyo, the bus is convenient with numerous stops at major railway stations and hotels so you have a good chance of finding a stop by your hotel. Attendants are very helpful with luggage and questions. The cost is around ¥930 ($8.35 USD) one way for adults

The Haneda Airport Express Bus is another option to get you to Tokyo, it`s also known as the Keihin Kyuko Bus with extensive routes also stopping at major train stations as well as attractions. The fares from the airport to Tokyo Station is around ¥930 ($8.35 USD).

Bus ticket counters can be found when you exit the arrival hall (2nd floor), straight ahead on the left. And bus tickets can be purchased through the ticket vending machines.

The taxi stands are located in the curbside area on the 1st floor.

Taxis are available at the airport but can be expensive a trip from the airport to Tokyo Station is around ¥8,000 ($72 USD). Taxis also apply a 20% surcharge if you travel between 10 pm and 5 am. Taxi stands can be found on the 1st floor on the curb. Most taxi drivers might not speak English, be prepared with a map with your destination marked on it or have a business card or address printed out of with your hotel information.

Tokyo is serviced by numerous rail lines and multiple train stations. Precisely which of Tokyo`s many mainline stations you arrive at depends on where you start your journey. If you have not booked a private transfer with us then you will find Tokyo is well connected by train, subway, buses, trams and taxis.

The Tokyo Station is made up of three parts, ground floor, underground and another underground with 20 tracks on the ground floor and another 4 tracks at each of the underground levels. The Sobu line/Rapid and Narita Express can be found on the ground floor and the Keiyo line/local train can be found on the underground.

The high-speed Shinkansen rail lines can also be found at the station located in the Chiyoda ward. The station is served by multiple regional commuter lines with Japan Railways as well as the Tokyo Metro, the station is linked by underground to the Otemachi underground (subway) station served by multiple subway lines.

It is also possible to walk through the underground to Ginza, Hibiya, Higashi-Ginza, Yurakucho and Nijubashimae but these stations can also be reached by train. The station is a major intercity bus terminal with regular service to several cities. Taxis can also be found outside of the station.

Tokyo has one of the best public transportation systems in the world offering an extensive mass transit system which is clean, safe and efficient, but can be confusing. The best way to get around Tokyo is by using the subway (there are two subway networks) or using Japan Railways train to the station closest to your destination and walking or taking a taxi from there.

The JR Yamanote Line runs in a loop around central Tokyo and is the best and most convenient JR line, stopping at 29 stations all announced in English this is a great way to get a roundtrip view of Tokyo, the entire journey takes around an hour and passes through stations such as Shinjuku, Tokyo, Harajuku, and Ueno. The Chuo line is color coded orange and cuts across Tokyo between Shinjuku and Tokyo stations with fewer stops. At the station look for signs that show JR Lines.

The Tokyo subway uses the `M` symbol and is easy to use, all stations are written in English and many display digital signs on board in English and announce stops in English. There are 13 underground subway lines that cover the city operated by two companies, Tokyo Metro and Toei and each line is color coded, for example, the Ginza Line is orange and all trains and signs are in orange, so if you transfer to the Ginza line from another line you just follow the orange signs and circles to the Ginza Line platform with the letter `G`. The stations are assigned a number in chronological order starting with the first station so you know how many stops until your destination and there are also signs that show how many minutes it takes to each destination on that line. Always be sure the train is heading in the right direction. Avoid taking the subway or JR trains during the weekday rush hours (8 – 9 am) the trains are extremely crowded and they literally push people into the compartments so they can close the doors.

Transferring between subway lines is possible without buying an additional ticket, you can make transfers between the JR train lines on one ticket, your ticket does not allow you to transfer between the two subway lines (Metro and Toei) as they are run by different companies.

Purchasing a Suica prepaid card is smart if you are going to be traveling around Tokyo for a few days, this prepaid card can be used on JR trains, private railways, subways and buses in the greater Tokyo area. And can also be used at designated vending machines, convenience stores, and fast food outlets that show the Suica sign. You can purchase your Suica card from a vending machine for ¥2,000 ($18 USD), it is re-loadable and there is a ¥500 deposit on the card when you first purchase it, but be sure that your card is depleted when you return it or you will be charged ¥210 handling fee for the remaining stored balance.

Vending machines located at all subway stations sell tickets, to purchase your ticket insert money into the vending machine, look for the fare buttons to light up, then push and select the amount for the ticket you want, tickets and change are deposited at the bottom of the machine. Children under 5 travel for free and children 6 – 11 pay half price. Look for the `Tourist Map of Tokyo` subway map which will list the stations in English to find your station and corresponding fare. The subways run from around 5 am – midnight daily and arrive every 3 – 5 minutes.

There is a Smartphone app that can be downloaded for free, the Tokyo Subway Navigation app is available in app stores and works offline providing useful information on routes and timetables for the subway.

Buses are available in the city but are not as easy to use as the subways or trains, normally the final destination is shown on the bus but the route is not in English and most drivers don`t speak English. A Toei bus map is useful and shows all the major bus routes, you can pick one up from the Tokyo Tourist Information Centers or check the website at www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp

The Tokyo Shitamachi Bus (Toei`s) is a great option for tourists, a user friendly sightseeing bus following a fixed route to seven major sightseeing spots and departs from Marunouchi which is the north exit at the Tokyo Station, buses travel in both directions every 30 minutes between 9 am – and 6:30 pm for around ¥200 ($1.80 USD) each time you board, you can use the Suica card for buses.

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