Tokyo Public Transportation Guide for new Visitors

Tokyo Mass Transit
JR Trains, Subway and Metro

Tokyo has a complex network of JR train, subway, Metro lines and Private Lines.

These networks are operated by different companies.

JR train lines, and subway/Metro lines lines are the most convenient, efficient, and economical way to travel around Central Tokyo.

JR Pass works only on JR Lines and do not work on Subway/Metro or Other Companies lines.

Tokyo also have Tokyo Monorail (accepts JR Pass) and famous hanging Chiba Urban Monorail.

JR Lines in Tokyo for Tourist :

Tokyo's central line is the JR Yamanote Line (Loop Line).

JR Yamanote Line is a loop line which connects Tokyo's major areas like :
1). Tokyo Station,
2). Akihabara,
3). Shinjuku,
4). Harajuku,
5). Shibuya, and
6). Shinagawa

JR trains run 5 major lines in Central Tokyo area:
1). JR Yamanote Line (Loop Line),
2). JR Chuo/Sobu Line Local - Slow Local Service
3). JR Chuo Rapid Line - Connects Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station)
4). JR Keihan-Tohoku Line - Runs parallel to Yamanote line from Shinagawa to Ueno station)
5). JR Saikyo Line - Runs parallel to Yamanote line line from Osaki, Shinjuku to Ikebukuro)

Tokyo Subway/Metro for Tourist :

In Tokyo two companies operate Subway or Metro:
1). Toei Subway operates 4 lines,
2). Tokyo Metro operates 9 lines,

As a tourist you will use Toei Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line or Toei Oedo line.

Tokyo Subway or Metro do not accept JR Pass.

Somehow you will end up taking Tokyo Subway or Metro and will need IC Card.

SmartCard (IC Card) in Tokyo to Pay fares on Public Transport :

For your convenience buy a Prepaid IC card ( PASMO card or Suica card) for fare payment.

IC Card is used to pay fares for trains/ subway/Metro/ bus lines in Tokyo.

IC Card can be purchased at the ticket machines area at any train,subway, or metro station.

IC Card saves the time of purchasing new tickets every time you go on the trains, subway, or bus.

The IC card can be reloaded as needed at any station vending machine.
The cards can be used on most public transportation and for convenience store purchases.

Refunds on the remaining balance on your IC card - PASMO card and $500 Yen deposit will be refunded (less a handling fee @ 200 Yen) at any station counter.

You can find out detailed information about PASMO Card at the Tokyo Metro Website.

Tokyo Bus and general
Transport Information

Toei Bus lines loops around central Tokyo and offers transfers to other bus, and subway lines.

Many other Private companies also operate Buses in Tokyo area.

Bus network usually operate as feeder network for Train or Subway/Metro lines in Tokyo.

Detailed information on bus lines and fares available at Toei Website.

Tip for using Public transportation in Tokyo

- When buying an IC card buy a PASMO card. It is more widely accepted.
  IC cards can be purchased from vending machines located at train/subway stations.

- If you have a smartphone, load the Tokyo Metro subway app on your phone.
  If this is not an option, make sure to pick up a Tokyo Metro subway map at a subway/train station counter.

- Buy a JR rail pass only if you are planning to travel throughout Japan.
  Fastest Shinkansen trains like Nozomi & Mizuho are not included with your pass.
  However other Shinkansen trains like Hikari, Kodama, Sakura, and Tsubame are included.
  The difference between these Shinkensen trains are number of stops.

- The JR trains are not express trains but are fast, efficient, clean, roomy, and extremely comfortable.
   You can use the JR pass for JR line subways and buses too.