You found this post. Because you are overwhelmed by the train system in Tokyo, right? I understand it is very complicated because there are many train lines and many different railway companies. Actually it is very very hard to find the route for even the local tourist.
And also there are lots of deals available but you may not be able to find the coverage of the pass.
In this post, I will show you all subway lines and JR lines in downtown core of Tokyo. And I will also tell you about the train system surrounding in Tokyo too. Because some of trains that come from outside Tokyo go to downtown Tokyo via subway line. This is actually one of the reason why it is so difficult to understand train system in Tokyo.
- Overview of train system in Tokyo
- JR train network and coverage of JR deals
- Subway network in Tokyo
- Other deals
- Inter-connected through service (shared track)
- How to access to major spots in Tokyo by train
Overview of train system in Tokyo
Please see the map below:
I show you all subway lines, all JR lines and most of major private railway’s lines in downtown Tokyo on this map. But there are too many stations to show in this map. Only major stations, junctions and the nearest station to major tourist spots are shown in this map.
When you visit the tourist spots in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku, Ueno, Harajuku, Ginza, Asakusa, Skytree, Odaiba, Tsukiji Market, you have to find the locations, the nearest station and route. And you can choose your deal to visit these places. If you will use JR Pass, JR East Pass, Tokyo Wide Pass or other regional pass, you have to make sure the coverage of your pass. And you will find the additional fare on top of these pass if you visit the place where is not covered by your pass.
For the travellers who use Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA or other IC cards
You can take all railway’s trains in the map above. IC card makes your trip be very easy. You can tap your card when you enter and exit the ticket gate. But it does not give you any discount. If you intend to make many train trips, unlimited ride pass, such as subway pass is cheaper.
I would like to show you the coverage of major deals one by one from next chapter.
JR train network and coverage of JR deals
JR train network in Tokyo is much more simple than subway network. There are only three major lines that you need to know. Those are Yamanote line (loop line), Chuo line (Tokyo-Shinjuku-Mitaka), and Keiyo line (Tokyo-Maihama). you can access to many places in Tokyo by JR train only, such as Akihabara, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Mitaka and Maihama. But there are many more JR lines in downtown Tokyo. If you want to know the detailed information about JR pass and JR deals coverage in Tokyo, please see the post or the movie below:
Some of you are thinking about using JR Pass, JR East Pass or Tokyo Wide Pass. These deals are national or regional deals and those cover Tokyo and many more areas. You can use these passes to take JR trains in downtown Tokyo. But using these deals while staying in Tokyo, please understand that the base fare to travel within downtown Tokyo is quite small. For example, the base fare for Tokyo to Shinjuku by JR local train is only 200 yen. Mostly base fare is around 200 yen. Traveling by these passes do not help to get worth very much. If you have any other trips to be covered by these passes, you should use the pass for other trip.
Japan Rail Pass (a.k.a. JR Pass), JR East Pass Nagano Niigata, JR East Pass Tohoku, JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass
The coverage of these passes in downtown Tokyo is shown in the map below:
These cover JR trains and Tokyo Monorail (Hamamatsucho-Haneda) only. Subway and other private railway lines are not covered.
Tokyo Wide Pass
Tokyo Wide Pass covers Tokyo and surrounding area for 3 days. Please see the map below to find the coverage of this pass.
This pass covers JR trains, Tokyo Monorail (Hamamatsucho-Haneda) and Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line. Rinkai line can take you Odaiba. This is a big benefit for sightseeing in Tokyo. Subway and other private railway lines are not covered.
Hokuriku Arch Pass
This pass cover the route between Tokyo and Osaka via Kanazawa. In downtown Tokyo, this pass covers JR local train network in downtown Tokyo. Please see the coverage of this deal in the map below:
This map shows you the coverage of Hokuriku Arch Pass in downtown Tokyo only. The pass also covers Tokyo to/from Narita airport and Tokyo to/from Haneda airport. Please see the link below to find the post of Hokuriku Arch Pass:
Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokyo Tokunai Pass)
This is one of JR local deals. It covers JR lines only in Tokyo 23 wards. If you do not use any other JR deals but you want to have unlimited ride of JR trains, this suits your plan. The price is 750 yen for one day. Please see the coverage of this deal in the map below:
It covers downtown Tokyo but you cannot visit the places where are outside coverage area, such as Tokyo Disney Resort, Ghibli Museum. Please find some more information about this deal at the link below:
Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokyo Tokunai Pass), good choice for sightseeing in Tokyo.
Subway network in Tokyo
Subway lines network in Tokyo is very complicated but it is most convenient train system in Tokyo. It covers whole part of Tokyo and you can go almost anywhere in downtown Tokyo. Therefore understanding subway system is a key to travel in downtown Tokyo smoothly. First of all, please see the all subway lines in the map below.
As you see, there are so many lines. As long as you know which station you need to go, you will be okay. I think some of you worry about language and it is very hard to remember station name. But in Tokyo subway system, all station is shown by code. Please see the full subway map at the link below:
As you see the map, all stations have code, like “M17” for Tokyo station. This is shown at the station too. I wrote about these signage at the other post. If you worry about Japanese, please refer the post below:
Signage and announcement in the station and train
You may have already noticed that different name stations are located at same place. For example, Yurakucho and Hibiya are same location and you can transfer these subway lines very easily. We can find same thing in JR and subway stations, like Hamamatsucho and Daimon, Mita and Tamachi.
Two subway operation companies
Actually there are two different subway companies, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. There are many kinds of subway passes available. Before choosing the deal, you have to know these subway companies.
First, Tokyo Metro operates nine subway lines. Please see the map below.
Toei Subway is operated by Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Bureau of Transportation. It has four lines and the network is much smaller than Tokyo Metro. Please see the map below:
Toei Subway operates only four lines but Oedo line gives you direct access to Tsukiji Market. Tsukijishijo station is the nearest station to get there. And Asakusa line is very useful because this subway line gives you inter-connected through service with Keisei line from Narita and Keikyu line from Haneda. I will tell you this shared track service later.
Now I would like to show you subway deals.
Tokyo Subway Ticket
This covers both subway lines, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. This is the best deal for subway in Tokyo. Please see the link below to find more information:
Tokyo Subway Ticket (unlimited subway ride pass)
Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro Lines Common One-Day Economy Pass
This covers both Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. The coverage is exactly same as Tokyo Subway Ticket above. But the price is a bit higher. It is 1000 yen for one day. Only one day pass is available. This pass can be purchased at any subway subway stations. You can purchase it at even vending machine.
Average subway fare is around 200 yen. If you make 5 or more trips by subway, this pass is cheaper than single fare or using IC card, like Pasmo, Suica.
Toei One-Day Economy Pass
This deal covers Toei subway lines and other public transportation by Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The price is 700 yen for one day. If you make 4 or more subway rides, it is paid off. But you can take only 4 subway lines.
Tokyo Metro 1-Day Open Ticket
This deal covers all lines of Tokyo Metro 9 lines. The price is 600 yen for 24 hours. This deal has bigger coverage area than Toei subway deal above but the price is cheaper. You may be able to get the worth by 3 subway rides.
Other deals
There are some combined deals, like JR and subway, airport access train and subway.
Tokyo One-Day Free Ticket, Tokyo Tour Ticket, Tokyo Free Kippu, Tokyo Combination Ticket
This deal is called by several different names but it is same. This covers all subway lines and JR lines in Tokyo 23 wards. So it is combined of Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro Lines Common One-Day Economy Pass (1000 yen) and Tokyo Tokunai Pass (750 yen). But the price of this deal is 1590 yen. Actually this is not easy to get the worth of this pass. You have to make train trip at least 8 times. If you visit many places in one day and need to take both subway and JR trains, this pass will work. Otherwise this is not recommended. You may find the detailed information and conditions at JR East official site.
Airport access ticket and subway pass combination deal
There are many types of deals for travelers who arrive at Haneda and Narita airport. Keisei railway (Narita), Keihin Kyuko Railway (Haneda) and Limousine bus (Narita/Haneda) offers transportation to downtown Tokyo and subway pass combination deal. Please find more information at Tokyo Metro official site.
Inter-connected through service (shared track)
There are many many train lines in Greater Tokyo. And also many train companies share the track for the commuter’s convenience. Since trains come from outside city go through subway into the center of Tokyo, commuters can get the work place by minimum transfer. This is “Inter-connected through service”. This makes you be confused. For example, JR train goes through subway line and JR train run on subway track as subway train. Do you understand what I mean? If you cannot understand it at this point. it is okay. I would like to show you some inter-connected services in this chapter. If you understand these services, you can get the place where you want quickly and less transfers.
Narita – Asakusa – Ginza – Shinagawa – Haneda route
This route is probably most useful route for overseas travelers. Keisei Railway, Toei Subway Asakusa line and Keihin Kyuko Railway share the track. Some train connect Natita airport and Haneda airport directly via Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree), Asakusa, Higashi-Ginza, Sengakuji and Shinagawa. If you stay the place along subway Asakusa line, such as Asakusa, Ginza, this route takes you the place to stay directly.
Ikebukuro – Shinjuku – Shibuya – Osaki – Tokyo Teleport (Odaiba) – Shin Kiba route
This is the easiest way to get Odaiba from Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya. JR Saikyo line train runs on same route as Yamanote line to Osaki. (But Saikyo line train skips several station on Yamanote line.) JR Saikyo line train goes through Rinkai line to Shin-Kiba via Tokyo Teleport (Odaiba). Rinkai line is not JR line but it is operated as a part of Saikyo line. All JR Saikyo line train run on Rinkai line.
But Rinkai line is covered by only Tokyo Wide Pass. Other JR deals do not cover Rinkai line.
Toride – Kitasenju – Otemachi – Meiji Jingu – Yoyogi Uehara – Hon Atsugi – Hakone Yumoto route
JR train, Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line and Odakyu Railway share the track. When you go to Hakone, Odakyu Railway is very convenient. Odakyu Railway has limited express train “Romancecar” that depart from Shinjuku. But a few Romancecar depart from Kitasenju and goes through Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line until Yoyogi-Uehara. You may find the timetable at the link below:
Odakyu Railway Romancecar timetable between Kitasenju and Hakone-Yumoto
But if you intend to use Hakone Free Pass, you have to purchase the pass in advance because this pass is sold at Odakyu Railway station. You cannot purchase it at any subway stations. In this case, you have to purchase Hakone Free Pass from Yoyogi-Uehara. 2 days pass is 5140 yen and 3 day pass is 5640 yen. This does not include subway fare. You can purchase subway ticket to Yoyogi-Uehara. On the way back, you can pay extra charge for subway when you exit subway station. You can show Hakone Free Pass and subway station staff can understand you need to pay the fare from Yoyogi-Uehara.
How to access to major spots in Tokyo by train
I would like to show you the nearest station to major sightseeing spots in downtown Tokyo. All places below are shown on the map below:
Akihabara
Akihabara is sometimes called “Akiba”. It is very well-known as the center of Otaku (crazy fun) culture, electronics and anime.
Nearest station
- JR Akihabara
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya line Akihabara
- Toei Subway Shinjuku line Iwamotocho
Iwamotocho station is not located in the center of Akihabara. But it is only 5 minutes away from JR and Hibiya line Akihabara station. You can access to Akihabara easily.
Recommended walking tour [AD]
Akihabara Anime & Gaming Adventure Tour
Visit stores and game centers to fulfill your gaming fantasies — encounter classic and the lastest game culture. And experience an authentic Japanese maid cafe with guaranteed seating at Akihabara’s most popular maid cafe. Take part in a variety of Akihabara activities, ALL INCLUDED.
Asakusa
Nearest station
- Tokyo Metro Ginza line Asakusa
- Toei Subway Askausa line Asakusa
- Tobu Railway Asakusa
All stations are located in the center of Asakusa. Senso-ji temple is very closed from these stations.
Please see the post below to find more information about access to Asakusa:
Ghibli Museum
Nearest station
- JR Mitaka
Please see the detail information at the link below:
Complete access guide to Ghibli Museum from Tokyo and Shinjuku.
Ginza
Nearest station
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line Ginza
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line Yurakucho
- Tokyo Metro Ginza line Ginza
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya line Ginza
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya line Hibiya
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya line Higashi-Ginza
- Tokyo Metro Yurakucho line Yurakucho
- Tokyo Metro Yurakucho line Ginza-Itchome
- Toei Subway Asakusa line Higashi-Ginza
- JR Yurakucho
There are many stations in Ginza area. Even if you have only JR deals, you can access to Ginza from Yurakucho station very easily.
Harajuku
Nearest station
- JR Harajuku
- Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line Meiji-Jingumae
- Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin line Meiji-Jingumae
Tokyo Metro Meiji-Jingumae stations are located at same place as JR Harajuku.
Imperial Palace
Nearest station
- JR Tokyo
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line Otemachi
- Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line Otemachi
- Tokyo Metro Hanzomon line Otemachi
- Tokyo Metro Tozai Otemachi
- Toei Subway Mita line Otemachi
- Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line Nijubashimae
- Tokyo Metro Yurakucho line Sakuradamon
- Toei Subway Mita line Otemachi
Imperial Palace is a huge place and you can access from many stations. You should check which part of Imperial Palace you will visit before you go.
Odaiba
Nearest station
- Yurikamome Odaiba-Kaihinkoen
- Yurikamome Daiba
- TWR Rinkai line Tokyo-Teleport
There is no subway and JR stations in this area. Any subway and JR deals do not cover Odaiba area. Only Tokyo Wide Pass by JR covers Rinkai line to get Odaiba. Yurikamome has one day pass but it is too expensive to have only round trip to Odaiba from Shinbashi.
If you have Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA or other major IC card, you can use it to take both Rinkai line and Yurikamome.
Roppongi
Nearest station
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya line Roppongi
- Toei Subway Oedo line Roppongi
Shibuya
Nearest station
- JR Shibuya
- Tokyu Railway Shibuya
- Tokyo Metro Ginza line Shibuya
- Tokyo Metro Hanzomon line Shibuya
- Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin line Shibuya
Shibuya is one of the hub stations in Tokyo. There are five stations but actually four station because Tokyu Railway (not Tokyo Railway) share the track with subway.
Tokyu Railway Denentoshi line – Tokyo Metro Hanzomon line
Tokyu Railway Toyoko like – Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin line
Shinjuku
Nearest station
- JR Shinjuku
- Odakyu Railway Shinjuku
- Keio Railway Shinjuku
- Toei Subway Oedo line Shinjuku
- Toei Subway Oedo line Shinjuku-Nishiguchi
- Toei Subway Shinjuku line Shinjuku
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line Shinjuku-Nishiguchi
- Seibu Railway Seibu-Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the busiest station in the world.
Seibu Railway and Keio Railways are not shown in the map. These are major private railway lines in Tokyo.
Suibu-Shinjuku station is a bit away from other Shinjuku stations.
Keio Railway has two stations in Shinjuku. This railway shares the track with Toei Subway Shinjuku line at one of these Shinjuku stations.
Recommended walking tour [AD]
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
Explore the hidden bars in Shinjuku and enjoy eating local street food & drinks like locals with a friendly local food tour guide.
All-in-one bar hopping tour. Drinks & Foods are included. so, you can come to the tour empty-handed.
Check the details.
Shiodome
Nearest station
- Yurikamome Shiodome
- Yurikakome Shinbashi
- JR Shinbashi
- Toei Subway Asakusa line Shinbashi
- Tokyo Metro Ginza line Shinbashi
Shiodome area is connected with Shinbashi station by shopping arcade. It is 10 minutes away from Shinbashi by walk.
Tokyo Disney Resort (Disneyland and DisneySea)
Nearest station
- JR Maihama
The entrance of Disneyland is very close from Maihama station. You can also access to the gate of DisneySea by walk. But it is about 15 minutes walk away. You may take Tokyo Disney Resort Line (Monorail) to get these entrance.
Tokyo Disney Resort Line (official site)
You also can find some more information about Disneyland at the link below:
Tokyo Dome City
Nearest station
- JR Suidobashi
- Toei Subway Mita line Suidobashi
- Toei Subway Mita line Kasuga
- Toei Subway Oedo line Kasuga
- Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line Korakuen
- Tokyo Metro Namboku line Korakuen
You can also find the access information at Tokyo Dome City official site.
Tokyo Skytree
Nearest station
- Tobu Railway Skytree
- Tobu Railway Oshiage
- Keisei Railway Oshiage
- Tokyo Metro Hanzomon line Oshiage
- Toei Subway Asakusa line Oshiage
There are actually three stations because of shared track.
Tobu Railway – Tokyo Metro Hanzomon line
Keisei Railway – Toei Subway Asakusa line
There are only two “Oshiage” station. If you go to Tobu Railway Oshiage station, that is also Tokyo Metro Hazomon line Oshiage station. If you go to Keisei Railway Oshiage station, it is Toei Subway Asakusa line Oshiage station.
Tobu Railway has two stations near Tokyo Skytree. You can access from these two stations.
Tsukiji Market
Nearest station
- Toei Subway Oedo line Tsukiji-Shijo
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya line Tsukiji
You can access from both stations. But if you want to go to the inside of market, Tsukiji-Shijo station is located just next to the market and much closer than Tsukiji station. If you go to Tsukiji to eat fresh seafood, you can access from both stations easily.
Ueno Park
Nearest station
- JR Ueno
- Keisei Railway Keisei-Ueno
- Tokyo Metro Ginza line Ueno
- Tokyo Metro Hibiya line Ueno
Ueno is also one of the hub stations in Tokyo. But it is much easier than other hub stations, like Tokyo and Shinjuku. All stations are located in same place. Ueno Park is located just next to the station.
Comments
Hi Takeshi-san,
I am going to stay in Tokyo for approximately 2 months as an exchange student. I will be using the trains for daily commute and traveling around Tokyo and outside Tokyo on the weekends.
Because of my long stay I do not have an itinerary set up and I am not sure buying a JR pass would be the best (or if I even qualify for one). You did mention unlimited subway pass and I will be using the Toei subway. Where could I get this and how much does it cost?
Hi Natalie san,
If you enter Japan as student visa, most of deals are not valid for you. You must enter Japan as tourist. So you have to make sure your status first before choosing the deals.
If you will be tourist, you can use the deal in the link below:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
If you will be student, you can use the deal in the link below:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/1day/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san 🙂
This will be our itinerary for our Tokyo trip this October.
Day 1 : arrival at narita
City tour (dont know yet what places to visit)
Day 2 : bound for MtFuji
Day 3 : disneyland
Day 4 : disneysea
Day 5 : city tour
Night bus to osaka
With that kind of itinerary, is it best to look for accommodation in Shinjuku? Or shibuya? We are travelling with kids and senior citizens so preferably minimal train transfers.
Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Patty san,
Actually it doesn’t matter that you will stay in Shijuku or Shibuya. Both places can be accessed from Narita by train or limousine bus directly. But you should stay near station. Especially Shinjuku is very big downtown core. Some part of Shinjuku area is not closed to Shinjuku station. Try to get the place as close as station. That is a key.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JRPail.com
Hi Takeshi-san 🙂
I asked if its best in Shinjuku because willer express is located in that area and the meeting point for mt fuji is in shinjuku also? Or still it doesnt matter as long as i get a place to stay near any station?
What pass/deal would you recommend us to avail?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Patty san,
In this case, I agree. Shinjuku is better.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi-san 🙂
No worries, Patty san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi
We are coming to visit Tokyo next week .
Our Simple and easy iternary as below :
Day 1: Arrive Haneda airport travel to our homestay in shinjuku . After settle our luggage will start our journey . – Sensoji temple >>ueno park >>tokyo Skytree and tower>>
Day 2: Shinjuku>>shinbuja >>meiji shrine>>harajuku>>yoyogi
Day 3:Tsujiki fish market >> Imperial Palace >>Ginza>>Zojiji temple
Day 4 : Disney land
Day 5 : mount fuji
We are really confuse which train to choose as all our iternary around Tokyo . We also wondering whether should we atke bus or train to mount fuji ?
Hope to hear your advice on the transportation around Tokyo!
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Jessy
Hi Jessy,
You may find some deals of Haneda access + subway pass in the link below:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Single ticket is okay for day 4.
Please see the link below to find the info about Fuji. You have decide which place you want to go.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
I’m going to Japan from 22 April -30 April. I would like to ask you some advice regarding the ticket that should i purchase.
23 april : arrived at KIX-move to shin-osaka and go direct to Tokyo ( considered use 7 day JR Pass), shibuya
24 april : to Odaiba (1day)
25 april : shibuya, asakusa, tokyo sky tree, ginza.
26 april : to Osaka, osaka-jo, umeda, shinsaibashi, stay at osaka ( 26 to 30 april)
27 april : to kyoto (fushimi-inari, kiyomizudera, kinkakuji) then back to osaka
28 april : to Nara.
29 april : to Himeji and Kobe
30 april : flight back from KIX at 12:00
Should i take JR pass or better to buy pass from each region?
Thanks a lot! 🙂
Hi Ayu,
You can use JR pass 7 days for the first 7 days. This is the best choice. But some places in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe are not covered by JR Pass. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html#How_to_use_JR_pass_in_major_cities_and_tourist_spots
You may add one of the deals in the link below for the last day to KIX.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Okay! Thank you so much for the info! 🙂
Regards,
Ayu
No worries, Ayu.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My wife and I are spending an extra 2 days here in Japan, and we are planning to use it to visit Tokyo:
(a) Disney Sea on the first day,
then on the second day visit some key attractions before we exit at Narita for an evening flight: see the famous (b) Shibuya crossing (Hachiko shrine, too), have a good view of the city at the observation deck of the (c) Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, and if we still have time , swing by at the (d) anime center in Akihabara area, before ending our tour at (e) Ueno Park with the hopes of catching some cherry blossoms.
Reading your blog, it seems that all of the said attractions can be reached via JR trains/line. Would it be wise to get the JR East Pass for Day 1 and the Tokyo Metropolitan District pass for Day 2? Should we consider the subway deals? Thank you so much.
Rei
PS
Please note that we would be coming from Chiba on both days.
Rei
Hi Rei,
For access to DisneySea, you can use single ticket. You don’t need any passes.
For day 2, you need to get Tokyo by single ticket anyway. You can use either Tokyo Tokuai pass or Tokyo subway ticket 24 hours.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
As you think, you can get all places by JR trains and JR train network is much simpler than subway network. Tokunai pass is easier to use.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi. Very much helpful. Yes, I think the train system is easier to crack than the subways. Will follow your advice. Blessings to you and to your wonderful blogsite! 🙂
Rei
No worries, Rei.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m visiting Japan for 3 weeks. But I’m not sure if a 14 day JR pass is worth it for the first 14 days, then using a Suica/Pasmo card for the remaining 7 and paying as we go.
Day 1: Airport to Maihama (where we’re staying)
Day2-3:
DisneySea/Disneyland
Day4-10:
Travel to Osaka + Kyoto + Nara+Himjeji+Kobe
Day11-21:
Go back to Tokyo Shibuya (where we’re staying) and go around to all the typical places: Harajuku + Ueno + Odaiba + Akihabara + Ghibli Museum + Fuji Q + Ikebukuro and Shinjuku
What would the best approach be?
Thank you!
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
In my rough calculation, single fare between Osaka and Tokyo + local deals in Kansai area is better choice. If you complete Tokyo-Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Himeji/Kobe-Tokyo in 7 days, it works. But 14 days may be a bit too much. If you have one more long trip from Tokyo, such as trip to Nikko, 14 days pass will work. In your plan, only Fuji -Q land is long trip from Tokyo. But even this trip is not enough to get the worth for 14 days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
So it would be best to grab like a Pasmo and pay as we go? and then try to find a deal like the Kansai Thru pass for Osaka? Sorry, I just wanted to make sure I was interpreting this correctly?
Thanks,
Cindy
Hi Cindy,
That’s right. You can use Kansai thru pass or other deals in Kansai area. In Tokyo, Pasmo is okay but Tokyo subway pass is most affordable deal.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning to visit these places in one day, which ticket would you recommend for me to buy?
I have JR pass too by the way. I had used JR pass 4 years ago, however I have to walk bit longer to Tsukiji market and Tokyo Skytree.
so wonder if you can help me saving some time and tired legs!
Tsjukiji Market, Asakusa/Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Skytree and Odaiba.
many thanks,
Feny
Hi Feny,
Tokyo subway ticket is the best choice. You can get Asakusa, Skytree and Tsukiji by subway. But any day passes do not cover Odaiba. You have to take Yurikamome from Shiodome by single fare. Please read the chapter, “How to access to major spots in Tokyo by train” in the post above to make sure.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Will be visiting Tokyo 1st week of May for 9 days.
Here is the breakdown of our Itinenary.
Day 1
Arrival from Narita Airport
Asakusa
Tokyo Sky Tree
Day 2
Ueno
Ikebukuro
Day 3
Sanrio Puroland
Day 4
Tsukiji Fish Market
Ginza
Day 5 and 6
Disneyland
Day 7
Harajuku
Shibuya
Shinjuku
Yokohama Tour
Day 8
Mt Fuji / Hakone (Yokohama Tour) will depend if we can still go to Mt. Fuji
Day 9
Free Time then back to Narita Airport
I was thinking if we should buy N’EX round trip ticket ¥4000 and use Suica / Passmo for the rest of the trip
Or Use Tokyo wide pass.
I am still figuring out the railway system and appreciate if you could give us some pointers on which is more economical.
Hi Karl san,
You may use NEX round trip ticket. But there are other deals available. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Some deals include airport access and Tokyo subway pass. Suica or Pasmo is okay but subway pass may be cheaper.
If you are sure to visit Mt. Fuji, you can use Tokyo Wide Pass. If you use it for day 9, you can start using it on day 8 and it covers Narita Express on day 10. You can save your cost for one way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Doumo arigatou gozaimasu Takeshi-San!!
So if I get this correctly best possible scenario will be…
Day 123 use Keisei Skyliner & Tokyo Subway Ticket
Day 456 just use Suica
Day 789 get Tokyo wide pass which will cover return to Narita Airport.
Should I change any of the site seeing tours to maximize the subway ticket?
Hi Karl san,
You should switch day 3 and day 4. Because Puloland is not in coverage area of subway. Subway is the best way to get Tsukiji and Ginza. These places should be in subway pass coverage period.
Other part of your trip seems to be okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I need your advice regarding JR Pass in Tokyo. Can I take any JR train in Tokyo, or I can only take JR train under Yamanote Line?
Example: train from Tokyo Station to Ueno Station on 11/4/2017 (morning). Looking at Hyperdia website, I have few option, namely JR Takasaki Line and JR Yamanote Line. The different between these 2 options is that the JR Takasaki train is much faster compared to Yamanote Line train. Can I take that train or I have to stick with Yamanote Line train?
Hope you can help me on this.
Regards.
Hi Shamil,
You can take any JR trains. If you want, you can take Takasaki line or any JR lines.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi!
I am planning to visit Japan, specifically Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka in December 2017. My estimated schedule is as follows:
Day 1: Reach Haneda airport at 10.30pm, travel to accommodation only.
Day 2-4: Exploring around Tokyo.
Day 5: Round trip from Tokyo to GALA Yuzawa snow resort.
From the information that you have provided, if I am not persistent on going to GALA Yuzawa resort, a better choice would be using merely ICOCA card. However, if I decided to visit the snow resort, is the JR East (Nagano) 7 days pass better for me? Is the 7 days pass applicable to travel from Haneda airport to other places as well?
After that, I was planning to take an overnight bus to Kyoto, as taking Shinkansen costs a bomb. Is this a suitable choice?
Day 6-10: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe. I have been to these places before, so no problem on these.
Hope to hear your advice on the transportation around Tokyo!
Thank you in advance. 🙂
Regards,
Chew
Hi Chew,
The best deal for Gala Yuzawa is Tokyo wide pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-wide-pass-is-newer-version-of-kanto-area-pass-nikko-fuji-gala-yuzawa-and-odaiba-are-covered-by-this-pass.html
This is way cheaper than JR East Pass. This pass covers Haneda to Hamamatsucho monorail line. But you cannot purchase Tokyo wide pass at Haneda airport because your arrival time is too late to purchase it. Even if you use JR East pass, you cannot purchase it either. You have to purchase later in Tokyo. Please see the link below to find the location place of Tokyo Wide Pass.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/tokyowidepass/index.html
Tokyo Wide Pass is valid for 3 days. So you may add Tokyo Subway Ticket.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
There are some deals which include Haneda airport to downtown Tokyo + subway pass. But your arrival time is too late to purchase this deal too. Single ticket is only choice for arrival day.
Overnight bus is way cheaper than Shinkansen but I’m not familiar with overnight bus. I cannot compare bus and Shinkansen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for the prompt reply!!
By looking at the map of Tokyo wide pass, I found that most of the places such as Ueno, Akihabara, Yoyogi and Shinjuki are covered by the Tokyo wide pass. From what you have recommended, I plan to utilize the pass in such a way:
Day 2 – Travelling around Tokyo = 1 day subway ticket
Day 3 – 5 – Travelling around Tokyo + Gala Yuzawa = Tokyo wide pass
Is the above arrangement suitable?
If yes, is the 1 day subway ticket sufficient to bring me around tourist attractions in Tokyo?
Also, eventhough the Tokyo wide pass covered all JR rails and some non JR rails, is it convenient enough to bring me around Tokyo? Or should I purchase a 3 days subway ticket instead?
Sorry for the lengthy questions. But there is one more thing I want to inquire about,
Since I am arriving Tokyo Haneda airport at 10.30pm, will I still be able to purchase the ICOCA card from airport so that I can travel from airport to my accommodation?
Regards,
Chew
Hi Chew,
You can use subway ticket and Tokyo wide pass as you think.
You can purchase only Pasmo in Haneda airport. It’s same type of card as ICOCA and Suica.
http://www.pasmo.co.jp/en/buy/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Alright. Thank you for the information!
Regards,
Chew