How to use JR Pass in downtown Tokyo. Try to maximize using JR Pass

yamanote line e235Tips for Japan Rail Pass
2012.01.02
Yamanote line is the busiest train service in Japan.
Yamanote line is the busiest train service in Japan.

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.

JR train network in downtown Tokyo (Click to view large)

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)

Sobu line has Yellow color.

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)

Chuo line has orange color (left) and Keihin Tohoku line has sky blue color (right).

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 goes along Tokyo bay area.

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:

How to get to Asakusa. Does the JR Pass cover Asakusa?
Asakusa is one of the big tourist places in Tokyo. Asakusa is also the terminal station of Tobu Railway for Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. This post shows you how to get Asakusa. You also find how to use JR Pass and other JR deals to get Asakusa.
jprail.com
2020.07.25

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

Some of JR Saikyo line train go through Rinkai line.

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:

Odaiba access guide. How much can we use JR Pass or other JR deals to get to Odaiba?
Odaiba is one of most popular tourist places in Tokyo. There are lots of entertainment and shopping complex in Tokyo Bay harbour area. You may find how to get Odaiba in this post.
jprail.com
2019.12.18

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:

Tokyo Subway Ticket is most useful deal for sightseeing in downtown Tokyo.
Tokyo Subway Ticket gives you unlimited ride of all subway lines in downtown Tokyo. This post gives you the detailed information of this pass.
jprail.com
2012.01.16

You may find the information abou the trian network in Tokyo in the link below:

Guide to take trains in Tokyo. How to choose the best deal and the best route by the train.
There are so many train lines and subway lines in downtown Tokyo. It is hard to find the route and the coverage of many deals. This guide shows you the train system, how to find the route and how to choose the deals.
jprail.com
2016.01.24

Hope you have a good trip in downtown Tokyo

Comments

  1. Romeu says:
    February 13, 2015 at 5:08 pm

    Hello Takeshi san,

    I am traveling with my little child, wife and her parents and we are going to spend 18 days in Japan.

    Our itenerary is:

    Day 1 to 5: Tokyo
    Day 6: Hakone (day trip)
    Day 7: Nikko (day trip)
    Day 8: Trip to Osaka
    Day 9: Nara (day trip)
    Day 10: Osaka
    Day 11: Hiroshima (day trip)
    Day 12 to 15: Kyoto
    Day 16 – 18: Tokyo

    Wich JR pass would you recommend in this situation? When in Tokyo, we are staying at Akasaka.

    Thanks in advance. You are doing a great job!

  2. Sakinah says:
    February 13, 2015 at 9:50 am

    Hi Takeshi,

    I am planning my itinerary for Japan and below is roughly the itinerary and the passes which I have considered:

    (Suica Card)
    Day 1: Tokyo

    (7-day Japan Rail Pass, Suica, Shizuoka Railways 1 Day Pass & Hakone 2 day Free pass)
    Day 2 & 3: Osaka (Minoo Park, Central Osaka, Universal Studio Japan)
    Day 4-6: Kyoto
    Day 7: Shizuoka
    Day 8: Hakone
    Day 9: Hakone and Tokyo

    (Suica Card)
    Day 10: Tokyo (Disneysea)
    Day 11: Tokyo (Disneyland)
    Day 12: Tokyo (One Piece Theme Park)
    Day 13: Tokyo

    (2 day Nikko Pass & Suica)
    Day 14: Nikko
    Day 15: Nikko and Keiseinarita
    Day 16: Narita Airport

    I hope to get your advice regarding the passes and also, if you can suggest better alternatives regarding the passes to take.

    Thank you so much! 🙂

    • Takeshi / JPRail says:
      February 13, 2015 at 6:35 pm

      Hi Sakinah,

      JR pass may be more expensive than single fares. If you use JR Pass for Tokyo-Osaka, Osaka-Kyoto and Kyoto-Shizuoka, single fare is about 3000 yen cheaper. You can use JR Pass when you stay in Osaka and Kyoto. But you will have short distance transfers only. The fare is around a few hundred yen. If you arrive in Narita and intend to use the pass, total costs are almost same.

      In other part of your trip, I think you pick the best choice.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  3. nic says:
    February 9, 2015 at 6:27 pm

    Hi Takeshi,

    I wish to know, if am travelling to Kyoto from Tokyo, would it be risky to get the train ticket in Tokyo ( round trip ) as am afraid the seats will be fully booked. My travelling date is 24th March and back to Tokyo on the 26th March.

    Or would it be better to get a JR pass ?

    Thanks

    Nic

    • Takeshi / JPRail says:
      February 9, 2015 at 10:12 pm

      Hi Nic,

      it’s easy. There are many trains between Kyoto and Tokyo. All trains are booked out in New Years holidays and mid August only.

      Tokyo – Kyoto round trip fare is slightly cheaper than JR Pass. But if you have chances to use JR Pass for other than Shinkansen trip, you can use JR Pass. But even if you use JR Pass, you still have to book it. You don’t have any chances to book before you arrive in Japan.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Nic says:
        February 9, 2015 at 10:26 pm

        HI Takeshi,

        Thanks for your advise. another question : If I were to get train tickets in Tokyo to Kyoto, do they accept credit card?

        Cheers

        Nicole

        • Takeshi / JPRail says:
          February 9, 2015 at 11:33 pm

          Hi Nicole,

          Yes, they do.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

          • nic says:
            February 11, 2015 at 10:46 pm

            Hi Takeshi,

            I wish to travel from Tokyo to Hakone, then to Kyoto and back to Tokyo.

            In summary : Tokyo – Hakone – Kyoto – Tokyo

            Can you suggest the which train passes to purchase?

            Thanks

            Nicole

            • Takeshi / JPRail says:
              February 12, 2015 at 12:03 am

              Hi Nicole,

              Single ticket will be slightly cheaper than JR Pass. But JR Pass is much easier to handle.
              If you intend to take a train in Tokyo, Kyoto or other cities, other than this trip, JR Pass may be cheaper.

              There is no options other than JR Pass or single ticket.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JP Rail

  4. Melanie says:
    February 6, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    Hi! I’m about to head to Tokyo and deciding on whether or not to buy the JR pass. I will be in Japan for 7 days – 5 in Tokyo, 2 in Nagano. I’m planning to check out Yokohama and many of the places on the Yamanote Sen. In your opinion, should I get the 7 day JR pass? Thanks in advance! 🙂

  5. Tomas says:
    February 3, 2015 at 11:44 pm

    Hello Takeshi!

    I’m going to Japan in June and plan to buy 14 day JR Pass. In Japan I’m gonna spend 17 days (flight booked) so I’m little worried about JR Pass validity before departure, but anyway, would You advise me if it’s OK to buy 14 day JR Pass if i want to visit Tokyo for a few days, go to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, maybe Hiroshima and a little south as well. I’d like to visit Nagano also. Thanks for advice!

    Tomas

    • Takeshi / JPRail says:
      February 4, 2015 at 12:23 am

      Hi Tomas,

      If you are really sure to visit Hiroshima, 14 days pass will work. Otherwise single fare may be cheaper. Because Tokyo-Osaka round trip fare is slightly cheaper than 7 days pass price. So Hiroshima is a key to use 14 days pass or not.

      If you stay in Tokyo right after you arrive, you don’t need to use JR pass at this point. As you see the above post, you can use subway in Tokyo. It’s not covered by JR Pass anyway. So save JR pass for 3 days if you stay in Tokyo for the first 3 days. And then you can start to use JR pass.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Tomas says:
        February 5, 2015 at 10:40 pm

        Thank you for reply!

        I thought it is necessary to validate JR Pass right after arrival at the Narita airport to get to Tokyo, am I wrong?

        In that case as you say, I may rethink itinerary for our trip. Hiroshima is a bit of an option, not rigid plan. We’ll have time from 12 to 28th of june so I thought 14 day pass will suit us just fine, but of course it all depends on how much we’d travel.

        As I wrote after Tokyo (4-5 days in your opinion will be enough?) we’d like to go south: Kamakura, Hadano or somewhere near Mt. Fuji (about 2 days), Kyoto, Osaka and Nara (another 3-4 days I think) and then, after going south or staying a bit longer there, go north to Nagano or Karuizawa (2-3 days) and return to Narita.

        I guess the issue is that our trip is spread in time and i’m not sure if 14 day pass would be efficient (it may be convenient).

        Thanks again for feedback!
        tomas

        • Takeshi / JPRail says:
          February 5, 2015 at 11:13 pm

          Hi Tomas,

          You don’t need to activate your JR pass right after you arrive. You can exchange it right after you arrive in Narita airport station. But at that point, you can just exchange it and start to use the pass a few days later. Of course you can pick up the date when you want to start to use.

          And also, there are lots of deals from Narita to downtown Tokyo. But there is no deals to go back to Narita. That is another reason why I recommend you to use the pass at last part of your trip.
          https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html

          You can visit all places that you think about in 14 days pass. But if you don’t go to Hiroshima, 14 days pass is more expensive than single fare.
          I suggest you to fix your plan. Otherwise you cannot compare single fare and JR Pass.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

  6. Dory says:
    January 30, 2015 at 11:01 pm

    Can you check my trip plan and advise if JR pass – Green or Granclass is suitable.

    Tokyo – Kanazawa
    Kanazawa – Kyoto
    Kyoto – Tokyo
    Tokyo – Kamakura
    plus 2 days travel around Tokyo sights.

    Much appreciate your advise.

  7. Franco says:
    January 14, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    Hello Takeshi,

    Thanks for all the information.

    I’ll be in Japan for 2 weeks. I was wondering if you can inform me if it’s worth getting 1 week or 2 weeks JP rail pass:

    1st – 4th day – Arrive from Haneda airport. Stay in Tokyo
    5th day – Eastern Kyoto
    6th day – Western Kyoto
    7th-8th day – Northern Kyoto
    9th day – Go back to Tokyo
    10th 11th day – DisneySea
    11th day – Ghibli museum
    12th day – Kamakura
    13th day – return to Tokyo
    14th day – go to Narita airport.

    Thanks again.

  8. sonya purba says:
    January 13, 2015 at 9:45 am

    Aloha
    Two of us will be staying in Tokyo for 7 nights and then want to travel to hakuba for three days then back to haneda. We would like to visit all places around Tokyo, example…Disney,Yokohama and Kamakura. what do you reccomend we do_? Jr Tokyo pass? Will that take us to nagano?

  9. Jasmine says:
    November 21, 2014 at 12:16 am

    Hi,

    I’ll be travelling to Tokyo for the first time in 3 weeks with a family of 8 staying at Roppongi (walking distances to Omote-sando, Nogizaka and Roppongi stations). I was wondering if it is recommended to get the day-pass for both Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines with the following short itinerary:-

    Day 1
    Tokyo Tower
    Shibuya

    Day 2
    Yoyogi Park
    Harajuku
    Omotesando/Omotesando Hills

    Day 3
    Asakusa
    Ueno-Ameyoko
    Yanaka/Sendagi/Nezu neighbourhoods

    Day 4
    Disneyland Tokyo

    Day 5
    Yokohama (Chinatown, Cup Noodle Museum, Red Brick Warehouse)

    I would greatly appreciate it if you could give some pointers! 🙂

    • Takeshi / JPRail says:
      November 21, 2014 at 12:40 pm

      Hi Jasmine,

      I think total single fares will be almost same or slightly cheaper than pass. But the pass is more flexible and you can change/add your schedule when you need.

      But single fare is okay for day 4 and 5.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Jasmine says:
        November 25, 2014 at 12:48 am

        Hi Takeshi,

        Thanks for the suggestion! So for single fare trips, I could just either the PASMO or Suica card and top up as I go right?

  10. Bianca says:
    November 10, 2014 at 7:09 pm

    Hi these different lines and trains are so confusing and hard to remember.
    Im travelling from tokyo airport straight to hakuba,
    hakuba to tokyo (shinjuku) and thats it.
    in the trip i would like to go to mt fuji, disneyland and hopfully universal studios.
    What pass should I buy or should I just buy it as i go because correct me if im wrong there all on different lines?

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