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,
We would like to visit Mt. Fuji 5th station and Gotemba outlet. Can you recommend best option from shibuya.
Also, please suggest best transportation option from Disney celebration hotel going to Narita airport
Thanks,
Mich
Hi Mich san,
If you intend to visit both 5th station and Gotemba outlet, it will be very busy trip. Please see the link below. You can find the sample itinerary.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/fuji-hakone-one-day-trip-sample-itinerary-you-can-visit-both-lake-kawaguchi-and-hakone-by-day-trip-from-tokyo.html
You can use this itinerary. Just put 5th station instead of Kachikachiyama ropeway/Chureito.
http://www.japan-guide.com/bus/fuji.html
And go to Gotemba after 5th station and remove whole part of Hakone in the sample itinerary. You can go back to Tokyo from outlet directly.
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/gotemba/access/bus/
I recommended Fuji Hakone Pass in the sample itinerary. But you cannot take bus from outlet to Tokyo by Fuji Hakone Pass. You will need to use single fare ticket for whole part of this trip.
Limousine bus is the best choice to get Disney from Narita. This is only direct transfer.
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/bus_services/narita/tdr.html
Otherwise you can take Narita Express to get Tokyo and take local train on Keiyo line to Maihama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
What type of pass should I buy for the following itinerary:
Day 1 – from Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku to Disney Sea and back to Shinjuku
Day 2 – from Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku to Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara and back to Shinjuku
Day 3 – from Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku to Tsukiji, Imperial Palace Garden, Ginza and back to Shinjuku
Day 4 – with tour
Day 5 – from Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku to Harajuku, Shibuya, Roppongi and back to Shinjuku
Your blog has been very helpful in my previous trip to Osaka. 🙂
Thank you!
Cheers,
Maricel
Hi Maricel,
You may use Tokyo subway ticket for day 2,3 and 4. But single ticket is the best choice for access to Disneyland.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I will be arriving in Tokyo on the 14 Dec 2917. Place I would like to visit is Tokyo – Osaka – Kyoto – Nikko – Ski resort -Tokyo. What type of passes should i purchase?
Hi Shirley,
JR pass is only choice to cover whole part of your trip.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
HI Tajeshi-san,
I am into my final stage of planning. Do you my planning is feasible ?
4 days in tokyo
Acitivate my JR pass – day 1 – From Tokyo to Osaka
Day 2 – stay in Osaka and make day trip to kyoto
Day 3 – Make day trip to Nara and transfer to Nagoya
Day 4 – From Nagoya make a day trip to Takayama
Day 5 – Depart Nagoya to Tokyo and make a day trip to Nikko
Day 6 – Make a day trip from Tokyo to Kusatsu Onsen
Day 7 – Make a day trip from Tokyo to Echigo Yuzawan.
Do you think my 7 days pass is durable?
Many Thanks
Shirley
Day 6 – Day trip from Tokyo to
Day 5
Hi Shirley,
It will be very busy but you can do it. You will get a big big saving by JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
Your blog has been incredibly helpful for plannign my trip to JApan with my sister!!
We’ll be staying 5 days in Tokyo and 3 days in Kyoto. We really wanted to experience the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, and that’s why we were considering getting the JRPass. Do you think it’ll be worthy? We’ll need to get from Narita Airport to Shinjuku, from Tokyo to Kyoto, and from Kyoto to Osaka airport, apart from moving around both in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Do you think we should be considering other options besides the JR Pass?
Thanks so much!!
Hi Clotilde,
In my rough calculation, the cost for Narita-Tokyo, Tokyo-Kyoto and Kyoto to Kansai airport is about 20,000 yen. Even if you use JR pass in Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s not enough to get the worth. So JR Pass is not recommended.
You can find the deal for each segments in the links below:
Narita-Tokyo and sightseeing in Tokyo
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen
Single ticket or Platt Kodama
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
In Kyoto
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Kyoto to Kansai airport
Haruka discount ticket at 1,600 yen
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi! I’m traveling to osaka-Kyoto-osaka and osaka- Tokyo one way. Considering the cost of these train tickets, including kansai airport to osaka city and Tokyo to naritA airport, would it be advisable for me to get the 7-day JR pass? Other destinations would be universal studio and Disney sea, odaiba and akihabara, among others. I plan to spend 6 days in Japan (3 days in osaka and 3 days in Tokyo). If JR pass is not advisable, please recommend the best pass for me to get. Thank you.
Hi Jenny,
JR pass is not recommended because roughly total cost is less than 25,000 yen. (JR pass 7 days is 29,100 yen)
For KIX to Osaka, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
For sightseeing in Osaka, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
For Osaka to Kyoto return, use single fare to get Kyoto and get local deal in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Or you can use Kyoto Osaka sightseeing pass one day at 700 yen if you visit Gion, Kiyomizudera, Fushimi.
http://www.keihan.co.jp/travel/en/tickets/special
But you need to pay to access to Keihan railway station in Osaka, such as Yodoyabashi, Kitahama, Kyobashi. And also you need to pay for access to other places in Kyoto, such as Nijo, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji-temple.
Single ticket or Platt Kodama for Osaka to Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Subway pass and other info in Tokyo can be found in the post above.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your reply. Does the cost you indicated already include the train from Tokyo to Narita Airport?
Hi Jenny,
Yes I did. It costs around 3000 yen if you take Narita Express which is covered by JR Pass. I included this amount.
But there are other way to get Narita from Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi! I am planning to stay in the universal city area during my stay in osakA. From kansai, I need to go to the hotel via haruka pass to tennoji, and I still wed to buy another ticket to universal city? After check in, I plan to go tot the city for some sightseeing. And the next day may be a visit to universal studios. Then, I plan to visit Kyoto., and may be do more sightseeing in the evening. And from universal city, I plan to go to Tokyo. Which train tickets / subway passes do you recommend I buy for this itinerary?
Thank you.
Hi Jenny,
You don’t need any other ticket to get Universal city station by Haruka discount ticket.
You may add Kansai one pass for sightseeing in Osaka and Kyoto.
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Platt Kodama is only deal available for Osaka to Tokyo one way trip:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Tokyo subway ticket is the best deal in Tokyo. Please refer the post above.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you for your help. Just to clarify, from Kansai airport to universal city station, I only need to buy 1 way haruka ticket? I just need to transfer at Tennoji?
If we want to tour the city in the afternoon, is Osaka visitor’s pass the best ticket to buy? Can I use it from universal city station to Osaka and back?
On the next day, we will visit Kyoto. Is the one day Kyoto visitors pass the best ticket to buy? Can I use it to go to Kyoto from universal city station?
And from universal city station to Tokyo, what is the best transport? Platt kodoma ftom
Osaka to Tokyo?
Where can I buy all these tickets? At Kansai airport?
For Tokyo, I am thinking of getting the 3-day subway pass.
Thank you
Hi Jenny,
You need to transfer at Tennoji but you can take local trains to Universal city by same ticket. You may add Kansai one pass because you need to take JR trains at Universal city and it’s not covered by Osaka visitors ticket. You need to take both JR and subway. Kansai one pass does not give you unlimited ride but it covers all trains. You can but Haruka ticket and Kansai one pass at Kansai airport station.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/kansai-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-station-ticket-airport-bus-and-high-speed-ferry.html
http://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
For trip to Kyoto, you can use Kansai one pass to take JR trains to Kyoto. And then, you can add all day bus pass in Kyoto. When you need to take train or subway in Kyoto, you can use Kansai one pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Platt Kodama is best deal for Tokyo. You need to buy this at JR Tokai tours in Shin-Osaka station. There is no places to buy this in Osaka. You may drop by JR Tokai tours in Kyoto station can can buy it. These two places are available for purchasing this ticket. You cannot buy this at Kansai airport. Please read the link below carefully.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi, thank you for your help.
I changed my hotel I Tokyo. It is now accessible only via Nippori train station. I will stay in Tokyo for 3 days. Do you suggest I buy a 3 day subway pass? How about for the trains to and from my hotel? Should I get another pass for that? What is the best transport pass that I should get for both trains and subway? Thank you.
Hi Jenny,
There is no stations in Nippori. You can catch JR trains there but subway gives you access to many more places. If you visit Shinjuku, Harajuku, Akihabara, Ueno, Shinagawa, Shibuya, JR Tokunai pass is okay. So it totally depends on your plan. Please read the post above and make sure where you go and which pass you need.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We are a family of 4 and travelling first time to Tokyo. We are staying near Okubo Station and JR Shin Okubo Station. We are thinking of buying the Tokyo Subway Card. Please advise 1) if we can use the card on the journey from Okubo Station to Shinjuku Station, 2) from JR Okubo Station to Shinjuku Station? 3) please advise what card is better for us due to the location of our stay and we do not have a JR Pass. Many thanks.
Hi SK,
Both Okubo station and Shin-Okubo station are JR stations and those are not covered by Tokyo Subway Pass. If you want to use this pass, you need to pay single fare for access to Shinjuku or Takadanobaba. Takadanobaba is one statin away from Shin-Okubo. You cannot take subway at both Okubo and Shin-Okubo.
As you read the post above, subway has the biggest coverage in Tokyo. But if you visit Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Yurakucho (Ginza), Ueno, Akihabara, Tokyo, Shinagawa and/or Shibuya, Tokyo Tokunai pass (JR deal) is better choice. You can start using this at Okubo or Shin-Okubo. If you visit other places, like Tsukiji, Asakusa, Roppongi, you need to take subway. So before choosing the pass, please make sure which place you want to go.
If you don’t know where you go and want flexibility, think about using Suica. It covers all trains, like JR, NON JR and subway, but it does not offer unlimited ride. It gives you same value as cash payment but you don’t need to buy ticket one by one.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html?src=gnavi
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Can i use Suica in osaka and kyoto? So which pass can i use when i go to osaka and kyoto whithout jrpass
Thanks
Hi Vicky,
You can use Suica in Osaka and Kyoto.
If you want to know the deal about Tokyo to Kyoto and/or Osaka, Platt Kodama is most affordable deal:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Is ICOCA card can be use in tokyo for subway or JR train ride ?
Hi Hon LC,
Yes. You can take both JR and subway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, the location of my accommodation is at the station Higashi Mukojima, which I understand is under the Tobu Skytree line. Is this line covered under any metro passes? I am not sure which pass to get, especially for the first day where I will be traveling from Haneda to the accom to drop off the luggage and head out after. Hope to receive your kind advise.
Hi Shazana,
Higashi-Mukoujima is not in coverage area of any subway pass because it’s Tobu line. It’s not subway.
If you visit several places in Tokyo in one day, subway pass is still the best choice. In this case, you need to take Tobu line to get Tokyo Skytree station. Single fare is 150 yen for Higashi-Mukoujima to Tokyo Skytree. It’s same location as subway Oshiage. You can start using subway pass in Oshiage. But the best deal, Tokyo Subway ticket cannot be purchased in Oshiage station. You need to purchase it in advance at the airport:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
You may consider using Suica or Pasmo. You can take any trains, Tobu, JR, Subway and other trains by these cards. But this card gives you same value as cash payment ticket.
http://www.pasmo.co.jp/en/
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html?src=gnavi
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi!
Wer going to tokyo this may20-25. We are 17in all with 5 kids and 4 senior citizens. Please recommend whats best place to stay, Ginza, shibuya or Shinjuko? And recommend budget hotel near station for easy access of our olds..is it advisable to get private bus for us? Isnt it expensive?
Thank you
Regards
Ruth
Hi Ruth,
As long as you can stay near station, it works. There are huge number of hotels in Tokyo. I cannot recommend specific one.
And I have no idea about private charter either. I have never done it before and I don’t have any info about it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com