JR Pass and other JR deals, such as JR East Pass Nagano Niigata, JR East Pass Tohoku, Tokyo Wide Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass and JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass covers JR local trains in downtown Tokyo. But you may not be able to find which train JR lines is. You may not be able to find where you can get in downtown Tokyo by JR lines.
In this post, I focus on JR trains in downtown Tokyo and will tell you where you can get without any extra charge. You will find how much you can use JR Pass in Tokyo in this post.
Explaination in the movie
I uploaded same content as this post in YouTube. You can watch it below if you like:
Overview Japan Railways local lines in downtown Tokyo
First of all, make sure how many lines JR has in downtown Tokyo. Please see the map below. I show you only JR lines that you need to take in Tokyo. This map does not show you all stations and lines. Only major lines and stations are shown in this map.
They have five lines in Tokyo. All five lines are very busy commute line. Weekdays’ timetable is different from the weekend. But it is not much different. The traveller cannot notice that. The trains are operated every 3-5 minutes in peak hours and 5 to 10 minutes in non peak hours. Usually the train is started to operate around 6:00am and the last one is around 0:30am. So you don’t need to check the timetable. You can take the train anytime.
And each lines have different line color. This color is shown on the platform and train. This coloring let the passenger find the right train easier. The summary of these lines are the following:
Yamanote line (line color Yellow Green)
It is a loop line and connecting most of major downtown cores, like Tokyo, Yurakucho (Ginza), Shinagawa, Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno and Akihabara. This is the busiest line in Japan. The train comes every 2 to 3 minutes in peak hours and every 4 minutes even in daytime. Most of sightseeing spots are located inside or along Yamanote line. You may take this train many times.
Chuo-Sobu line (line color Yellow)
This line connects Chiba with Mitaka via Akihabara and Shinjuku. The trains go through downtown Tokyo east and west. There are Ryogoku (the nearest station to “Kokugikan” Sumo tournament arena), Akaihabara, and Tokyo dome along this line. But if you go to Chiba, take Yokosuka-Sobu Rapid train. This is way faster than Sobu line train.
Chuo line Rapid (line color Orange)
This line connects Tokyo with Takao via Shinjuku and Hachoiji. The train comes every 2.5 minutes in peak hours and every 4 minutes in non peak hours. It is as busy as Yamanote line. This train goes on same route between Tokyo and Kanda as Yamanote line and between Ochanomizu and Mitaka as Sobu line. But Chuo line train is operated as rapid service. It stop at only Kanda, Ochanomizu, Yotsuyabetween Tokyo and Shinjuku except early morning and late night.
Keihin Tohoku line (line color Sky Blue)
This line goes from Omiya (Saitama) to Ofuna (near Kamakura) via Yokohama. The train runs every 5-10 minutes. This line runs with Yamanote line between Tabata station and Shinagawa. But this lines’ train skip several station in daytime on this section. The trains stop at Ueno, Aihabara, Tokyo, Hamamatsucho and Tamachi. If you travel on this section, Keihin Tohoku line is faster than Yamanote line. Be careful that the trains do not stop at Yurakucho and Shinbashi.
This train take you to Yokohama. But this is not good idea to take this train to outside of downtown Tokyo. This train is not fast train service. You should better take Yokosuka-Sobu Rapid train or Tokaido Rapid train. These rapid trains a sort of commute trans. You don’t need to pay any express surcharge. You can take with a basic fare only. Please see the details at Rapid train service network in Greater Tokyo.
Most of trains goes on Negishi line from Yokohama to Ofuna. There are several popular spots in Yokohama waterfront area, such as Minato Mirai, China town, Yamashita park. You may take this train from Yokohama to the west.
Keiyo line (line color Wine Red)
This line connects Tokyo with Soga (Chiba). Tokyo Disney Land and Tokyo Disney Sea are located at Maihama station on Keiyo line. Tokyo station of this line is located at basement 4th floor. It is very deep underground. You need to spend at least 20 minutes to change the train to Keiyo line train from other trains, like Shinkansen, Yamanote line, Narita Express, Chuo line.
Which spots you cannot go by Japan Railway trains?
Please see the map above again. I put most of popular spots in Tokyo in the map. As I mentioned to you, most of spots are located along Yamanote line, like Akihabara, Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku and Ueno park. Imperial Palace is a bit away from Tokyo station. But it is still within walking distance (appx 10-15 mintes from Tokyo station). Tokyo Tower can be accessed from Hamamatsucho station on Yamanote line and Keihin Tohoku line. It is 15 minutes walk away. But these following spots are not accessible from Japan Railways’ stations:
Asakusa
The station that has very similar name, “Asakusabashi” is on Chuo-Sobu line. But this station is not located in Asakusa. You have to take Subway. Please see the post below to find the detailed information:
Roppongi
Roppongi is located in south part of downtown Tokyo. It is not accessible by JR. Take Tokyo Metro Hibiya line from Yurakucho station to Roppongi. You also can take Hibiya line to Roppongi from Ebisu. The fare is around 200 yen and take 10-15 minutes.
National Diet
It is near Roppongi and not accessible by JR either.
Tsukiji Outer Market
You can walk from Shimbashi statin. But it is 20 minutes away. I recommend you to take Toei subway Oedo line. The market is located just above Oedo line Tuskiji Market station. You can take Oedo line from Shinjuku. The fare is around 250 yen and take 20 minutes. If you access from Tokyo station, take Yamanote line or Keihin Tohoku line to Hamamatsucho and transfer to Daimon station on Toei subway Oedo line. Daimon and Hamamatsucho are same location. The fare is around 200 yen for subway and take 20 mintues altogether.
Odaiba
This waterfront is located in the manmade island. You cannot get there by JR. You have to take Yurikamome (automated train service) or Rinkai line. Please find the detailed information in the post below:
Should I purchase Tokyo subway pass?
As you have seen, you may have to take subway even if you use JR Pass. The single fare is not expensive. But you can buy 24 hours pass at 800 yen for Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines.
Please find the information about Tokyo Subway Ticket in the link below:
You may find the information abou the trian network in Tokyo in the link below:
Hope you have a good trip in downtown Tokyo
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
We are a family of 4 – 2 adults and 2 kids aged 4 and 6. Below is our itinerary for 13 days, please advise whether we should get the 14 or 7 days pass?
Day 1 – Narita airport to Tokyo station to kuraizawa station
Day 2 – kuraizawa
Day 3 – kuraizawa
Day 4 – kuraizawa to osaka
Day 5 – osaka
Day 6 – osaka
Day 7 – osaka to Tokyo
Day 8- 13 tokyo
Day 13 tokyo to Narita.
Please advise if we need to buy any pass for our 4 years old daughter.
Also, will be great if you can advise us how and where to transfer trains between Narita to kuraizawa and from kuraizawa to osaka and from osaka to Tokyo?
Thanks
Hi Sabrina,
7 days pass is okay for the first 7 days. You don’t need to have JR pass when you are in Tokyo. Subway pass or even single fare is okay.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
There are not many deals available to get back to Narita. You can find some info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
You can take Narita Express (to Tokyo) and Hokuriku Shinkansen (to Karuizawa0. When you go to Osaka, go back to Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen and take another Shinkansen to get Kyoto. This looks a big detour but this is the fastest route.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-for-train-access-to-nagano-matsumoto-and-other-places-in-shinshu-and-surrounding-area.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,we are travelling japan on november
11-12-13-14 nov tokyo
15 nov fukui
16-17-18 nov kyoto
19 nov nara,kobe
20-21 nov osaka
22-23-24-25 nov tokyo
what do you suggest us? 14 days Japan Raill Pass or 7 days Japan Raill Pass+subway tickets for Tokyo days.We want to select the cheaper way.
Hi Tub,
14 days pass is too expensive. If you can complete from Tokyo to Tokyo (Tokyo-Fukui-Kyoto-Nara-Kobe-Osaka-Tokyo) in 7 days, 7 days pass give you a good deal. As you think, subway pass can cover for Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
We are planning to buy the JR Pass to visit Kyoto and Osaka from Tokyo (round trip).
Day 1 – arrive in Tokyo
Day 2 – Tokyo
Day 3 – Tokyo
Day 4 – Head to Kyoto
Day 5 – To Osaka
Day 6 – Osaka
Day 7 – Return to Tokyo
Day 8, 9 & 10 – Tokyo (and possibly other close by cities)
We were thinking of activating the pass on day 3, and buy a N’EX round trip ticket to get to and from the airport. Do you think this would be efficient/cheap?
Should we also consider buying a SUICA card or use those unlimited one day Tokyo metro tickets?
We are a bit clueless in which cards to get!
Thank you!
Hi Phoebe,
I think you can start using JR Pass on day 4 and it covers until end of your trip. If you really want to use NEX Tokyo round trip ticket, you can start it on day 4. But there are many more deals from Narita to Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
If you start using it on day 4, you can catch Narita Express by JR Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for the informative post– it defintely helps out a lot! 🙂
My wife, 1 year old son, and I will be spending 11.5 days in Japan and are currently trying to figure out the best means of transportation throughout the various points of our stay. In other words, we’re currently trying to figure out whether or not to get the 7 day or 14 day JR Pass and we are also trying to figure out if it’s better to use the JR Pass for intracity travel vs using the subway (or alternative) transportation. I’ve heard that although you can do intracity travel with the JR Pass, it’s often times quicker to use the subway (or alternative) transportation as they are often more direct and less busy. What were your thoughts on that?
Our high level schedule is as follows:
Day 1 – Kansai Airport (KIX) -> Osaka (Arrive at KIX in the late afternoon)
Day 2 – Osaka
Day 3 – Osaka
Day 4 – Osaka -> Kyoto (Leave from Osaka in the morning)
Day 5 – Kyoto
Day 6 – Kyoto -> Nara -> Kyoto (Day trip to Nara from Kyoto)
Day 7 – Kyoto -> Tokyo (Leave from Kyoto in the late afternoon)
Day 8 – Tokyo
Day 9 – Tokyo
Day 10 – Tokyo
Day 11 – Tokyo
Day 12 – Tokyo -> Narita Airport (NRT) (Depart from NRT in the late afternoon)
Any assistance you could provide us for the best means of transportation during the different points of our stay would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time and have a great day!
Cheers,
Chris
Hi Chris,
JR Pass does not suit your plan because 7 days pass is almost same value as round trip between Tokyo and Osaka. Even if you use JR pass when you are in Osaka and Kyoto, it will not help.
So choose one of the deal for KIX-Osaka at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
You may use subway/bus deal in each cities.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
There is not many choices 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
Single ticket is your choice for the rest of your trip. You may use one long single ticket for Osaka to Tokyo with stopover Kyoto. Round trip to Nara can be purchased beside this long trip. You can find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Sorry for the late response to your reply and thanks again for taking the time to let us know our best options for traveling from Osaka to Tokyo! We greatly appreciate the information and will be sure to utilize it.
Cheers,
Chris
No problem, Chris.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I am going to be travelling solo during my first trip to Japan. Should I purchase a 7 day JR Pass and if so which day should I activate it?
Day 1 – Arrive KIX 5:30PM(Head to Kyoto)
Day 2 – Kyoto
Day 3 – Kyoto
Day 4 – Check out and head to Tokyo
Day 5 – Tokyo
Day 6 – Tokyo
Day 7 – Check out and head to Osaka
Day 8 – Osaka (Day trip to Nara?)
Day 9 – Osaka (Depart KIX 2:00PM)
Thank you for taking the time to help!
Hi Blaise,
You can use 7 days pass from day 3 to 9. You can use ICOCA and Haruka for the first day.
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
ICOCA can be used for any trains, like subway in Kyoto. JR Pass does not cover subway in any cities. You can use it even in Tokyo. But if you take subway or local bus lots, you may use subway pass or other city deals.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello there,
Thank you for this informative blog post! My family is traveling to Japan and feel a little lost about which passes to purchase.
I am going to be in Japan for 8 days total:
Arrive at Narita Intl Airport — >
Tokyo for 3 days –>
Kyoto for 2 days –>
Tokyo for 3 days –>
Depart Narita Intl Airpot.
We plan to see a lot of Tokyo sites like Asakusa and Tsukiji Fish Market, as well as wandering in Shinjuku, Harajuku, etc.
What kind of pass do you think we need?
Thank you so much!
Betty
Hi Betty,
You can use JR Pass 7 days for the last 7 day of your itinerary. For the first day, you may use one of the deals from the following site:
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 there,
We will stay 10 days in Japan, and planing to travel to Shirakawa-go, Osaka, Kyoto, USJ or Disneyland, Mt Fuji Tsukiji Market, Senso-ji Temple. Could you please advise how to maximize the 7 days consecutive JR pass?
Please do advise the sequence for my trip and which day stay to use the JR pass.
Thank you so much for your attention.
Ms Kuan
Hi, could you please advise on the maximizing use of 7 days JR pass since we stay for 10 days in Japan. Our plan to Shirakawa-go, Osaka, Kyoto, Mt Fuji, Disneyland/USJ, sight seeing in Tokyo as well.
Thank you very much for your attention and cooperation.
Hi Ms. Kuan,
You don’t need to use JR pass in Tokyo. So try to put Shirakawago, Osaka and Kyoto in 7 days. It’s easy to go around these places in 7 days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi/JPRail.com,
Thank you so much for your instant reply.
Due to we can’t speak Japanese and could you please advise on from Tokyo how to go to move to our planned destination, is the sequence correct as follows :
Tokyo to Shikawago- Osaka – Kyoto – Tokyo ?
Please tell us what JR line should we take as well.
Thank you so much for your attention.
Cheers,
Ms Kuan
Hi Ms. Kuan,
Your plan is okay. You can take that route. The following links show you the route that you should take.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
My plan is Tokyo to Shirakawago-Kyoto-Mt Fuji -Tokyo
From Tokyo to Shirakawao, should i take JR to Nagoya and take Wide View Hida to Takayama OR take Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa? Which line is more suitable for me?
Thank you
Ms Kuan
Hi Ms. Kuan,
Nagoya route is better because there are many more trains to get Takayama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
May I know what JR route should i take when i wanted to move from Takayama to Kyoto?
Should I take Thunderbird line? How to move from Takayama to Kanazawa in order to board the Thunderbird train? OR take back the same route to Nagoya to Kyoto?
Thank you
Ms Kuan
Hi Ms. Kuan,
If you want to visit Kanazawa, take this route. Otherwise take Nagoya route.
The link I gave you previously shows you Kanazawa route too.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi..
I need advise on what jr pass I will need for my travelling plan as follows:
Narita => any skiing place (such as yuzawa or karuizawa) 2 nights => Tokyo 4 nights=> hakone => tokyo Disney sea=> tokyo=> Narita.
Thank you in advance.
Linda
Thank you in advance
Hi Linda,
You can use the following pass.
Kanto area pass
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-kanto-area-pass-perfect-choice-for-tourist-who-want-to-go-to-fuji-izu-nikko-for-a-day-trip.html
JR East usually sell Echigo-Yuzawa additional ticket on top of this deal. Karuizawa is covered without any additional.
Hakone Free Pass for Hakone
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Choose the deal at the lin below for access to/from Narita.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Single fare of subway pass is okay for Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi
I am travelling to Japan on the 17th September 2015 staying for 2 weeks in Tokyo. We are visiting Disney for 3 days and the Japanese Grand Prix. We want to by a rail pass for traveling to various places I between travelling back to Tokyo each night. Would we need a 7 or 24 day rail pass? Thanks
Hi Wendy,
There are so many choices. But you have to make a plan and decide where you go first. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-choose-rail-pass-to-travel-japan-summary-of-most-of-rail-passes-in-japan.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
So as I am based in Tokyo (in hindsight should have booked hotels in other locations too) and will be returning to Tokyo nightly will I be able to travel far afield daily or will this be too tiring? Probably a 14 day pass is needed.
Hi Wendy,
It depends on how far it is. For example, you can make a day trip to Kanazawa and Shirakawago.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-tokyo.html
I have no idea that 14 days JR pass is a good choice or not at this point. You have to build your plan and make sure how much you will use the pass. Otherwise you cannot compare single fare and pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Thanks so much for your reply.
I am now thinking of changing my plans to 6 nights in Tokyo (3 days at Disney and the rest exploring Tokyo and beyond).
Then 6 nights in Kyoto and Nagano areas for the Grand Prix and exploring, a day travelling to Hiroshima. Any suggestions on which pass would be best?
Hi Wendy,
I think 7 days JR pass is okay. You can use this pass to get Hiroshima and Nagano when you are in Kyoto.
Single ticket or subway pass is okay when you are in Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com