Asakusa (浅草) is one of most popular tourist places in Tokyo. There is Senso-ji, Buddhist temple. We also have some more temples and many Japanese souvenir shops.
Asakusa is known as the terminal station of Tobu Railway. Tobu Railway connects Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen. You may come to Asakusa to take Tobu Railway.
Asakusa is nice place to stay too. But if you access from downtown Tokyo, such as Tokyo, Shinjuku station, the JR pass does not cover the access to Asakusa because JR does not have a station in Asakusa. You have to take Tokyo Metro to get to Asakusa. The Metro and other subway lines are not covered by the JR Pass.
In this post, I will show you how to access to Asakusa from major stations in Tokyo by the JR Pass. If you use JR East Pass, Tokyo Wide Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass, JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass, you can use same way.
Overview
Please see the train route map below. This map shows only major stations, transfer points and some major lines.
The JR Pass and other JR deals cover only green bold lines. But you have to take Tokyo Metro Ginza line or Toei Subway Asakusa line to get to Asakusa. Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway are not covered by the JR Pass and any other JR deals. Just try to minimize rinding subway and try to take JR trains as much as you can. It is the easiest way to save a cost for the JR Pass and other JR deals user.
The transfer points are Ueno, Kanda and Asakusabashi. Asakusabashi seems to be closer to Asakusa but it is not in Asakusa. It is still two stations away by Toei Subway.
I recommned you to take Tokyo Metro Ginza line from Kanda or Ueno. I do not recommend you to take Toei Subway Asakusa line because the location of Asakusa station of Tokyo Metro Ginza line is better than Toei Subway Asakusa line’s station. It is closer to the center of Asakusa.
From Tokyo station to Asakusa
If you stay near Tokyo station, you may follow this route. And also if you arrive in Tokyo station by the Tokaido Shinkansen from Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima and want to get Asakusa, you can use this access route too.
- Take either Yamanote line or Keihin Tohoku line to Kanda. It is only one station away from Tokyo. It takes only a few minutes to get to Kanda from Tokyo.
- After arrival at Kanda, exit from the north ticket gate. Don’t go to south ticket gate.
- After exit from the north ticket gate, you will see the stairs to Tokyo Metro Ginza line Kanda station. It takes about 5 minutes to transfer at Kanda.
The JR Pass and other JR deals cover your trip until you get to Kanda. - Take Tokyo Metro Ginza line train to Asakusa. Asakusa is the last station. You cannot miss it. It takes only 10 minutes from Kanda. The fare is 170 yen.
You may change trains at Ueno too. But Kanda station is much smaller than Ueno. And it is easier to change trains at Kanda. Please watch the movie below. You will know how easy it is:
If you do not use JR Pass or other JR deals
You can walk to Otemachi station of Tokyo Metro Tozai line. Otemachi station is within walking distance from Tokyo station. Take Tozai line to Nihombashi. Nihombashi is one station away from Otemachi. Transfer to Tokyo Metro Ginza line at Nihonbashi. Asakusa is the last station. It takes 25 minutes and the fare is 280 yen.
Please watch the movie below. You will know how to get to the Metro Otemachi station from JR Tokyo station:
From Ueno station
If you stay near Ueno station, all you have to do is just hopping on Tokyo Metro Ginza line to get to Asakusa. And also if you arrive in Ueno by the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shikansen, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the Joetsu Shinkansen, the Akita Shinkansen, the Yamagata Shinkansen and want to get to Asakusa, you may get off a train at Ueno. And you may take this route too.
- If you arrive in Ueno by the Shinkansen, the Shinkansen platform is located underground. Take the escalator to get the ground floor.
- Go through Shinkansen transfer gate and exit from the central gate. You will find the stairs and escalator to Tokyo Metro Ginza line on your left side.
- Take Tokyo Metro Ginza line to Asakusa. Asakusa is the last station. You cannot miss it. It takes only 5 minutes from Kanda. The fare is 170 yen.
The JR Pass and other JR deals cover this subway trip.
Please watch the movie below. You will know how to get to the Metro Ginza line Ueno station from JR Ueno station:
From Shinjuku station
- Take Chuo line to Kanda. It takes 13 minutes to get to Kanda from Shinjuku.
- After arrival at Kanda, exit from the north ticket gate. Don’t go to south ticket gate. It takes only a few minutes to get to Kanda from Tokyo.
- After exit from the north ticket gate, you will see the stairs to Tokyo Metro Ginza line Kanda station. It takes about 5 minutes to transfer at Kanda.
The JR Pass and other JR deals cover your trip until you get to Kanda. - Take Tokyo Metro Ginza line train to Asakusa. Asakusa is the last station. You cannot miss it. It takes only 10 minutes from Kanda. The fare is 170 yen.
If you do not use the JR Pass or other JR deals
There are many routes available. But Chuo line to Kanda and Tokyo Metro Ginza line route is still the best. You can get to Asakusa from Shinjuku by Tokyo Metro only. But total fare is not much difference. And there are many subway stations in Shinjuku. It is hard to find a right one. JR station is the biggest station in Shinjuku. But once you get to JR Shinjuku station, it is not hard to find Chuo line platform.
This is reason why I still recommend you to take Chuo line to Kanda and Tokyo Metro Ginza line to Asakusa.
From Shinagawa station
- Take Yamanote line or Keihin Tohoku line to Kanda. It takes 15 minutes to get to Kanda.
- After arrival at Kanda, exit from the north ticket gate. Don’t go to south ticket gate. It takes only a few minutes to get Kanda from Tokyo.
- After exit from the north ticket gate, you will see the stairs to Tokyo Metro Ginza line Kanda station. It takes about 5 minutes to transfer at Kanda.
The JR Pass and other JR deals cover your trip until you get to Kanda. - Take Tokyo Metro Ginza line train to Asakusa. Asakusa is the last station. You cannot miss it. It takes only 10 minutes from Kanda. The fare is 170 yen.
If you do not use JR Pass or other JR deals
You may take Keikyu Railway from Shinagawa. Most Keikyu Railway train go through Toei Subway Asakusa line. Keikyu Railway’s track and Toei Subway Asakusa line’s track are connected at Sengakuji. You can get Asakusa directly by Keikyu Railway – Toei Subway Asakusa line direct train service.
The trip time is around 20 minutes and the fare is 420 yen.
From Ikebukuro station
- Take Yamanote line to Ueno. It takes 17 minutes to get to Ueno.
The JR Pass and JR deals cover your trip untlil you get to Ueno. - After arrival at Ueno, exit from the central ticket gate. Don’t go to south ticket gate. It takes only a few minutes to get to Kanda from Tokyo.
- After exit from north ticket gate, you will see the stairs to Tokyo Metro Ginza line Kanda station. It takes about 5 minutes to transfer at Kanda.
JR Pass and other JR deals cover your trip until you get Kanda. - Take Tokyo Metro Ginza line train to Asakusa. Asakusa is the last station. You cannot miss it. It takes only 10 minutes from Kanda. The fare is 170 yen.
If you do not use the JR Pass or other JR deals
The above route Yamanote line and Tokyo Metro Ginza line via Ueno is still the best one. The fare for Yamanote line from Ikebukuro to Ueno is 170 yen.
For more information about the train network in downtown Tokyo
Please also refer the post below to learn more about the train system in downtown Tokyo.
I hope this post helped you to get to Asakusa more smoothly.
Comments
Hello
I am writing in to check if I should purchase a JR pass for my Dec trip for 3 adults and 1 child (11).
We will be there on 28/11 to 7/12.
My plan is as follows:
28/11 – arrive at Hanade airport and transfer to Tokyo at hotel sunroute- will stay at shinjuku
29/11 – mt Fuji and Gotemba Outlet
30/11 – Disneyland
1/12 – Disney Sea
2/12 – fish market, Tokyo tower, shopping at shinjuku
3/12 –
4/12 – Tokyo to Kyoto check in hotel then to bamboo grove and near by shrines
5/12 Kyoto to Osaka
6 – 7/12 Osaka before going back to Japan narita airport
My question:
1) should I purchase a 7 days JP rail? What should I do if I pass the 7days? Should I use the single fare tickets?
Anything else to add?
Hi Eva,
You may use JR Pass 7 days for the last 7 days of your trip.
You can use single fare or subway pass in 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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
To Fuji and Gotemba, there are several options. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I stay E – hotel in higashi shinjuku.
I plan to take toei line to shinokachimachi and transfer tsukuba line to asakusa.
Is the tsukuba line cover by tokyo metro 1 day pass?
Hi vun yew,
No, it doesn’t. You have to add single fare for Tsukuba line.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
We plan to spend holiday in Japan from 18 to 24 March 2015. This is our first trip to Japan. I will bring my wife and two children (9 and 11 years old).
Based on my research I have tried to develop an itinerary as follow:
18 March 2015:
Arrive in the morning (9.00 am) at Haneda international. go to Shinjuku/Shibuya area drop the luggage at the hotel and explore Shibuya and Shinjuku area (Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park, Tokyo camii Mosque, Shinjuku Gyoen, Harajuku, Takeshita Dori, Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Government Building, (if time allow: Ikebukuro, Tokyo Tower)
19 March 2015:
Disneyland or Disneysea whole day
20 March:
Hake area whole day, go straight to Kyoto in the evening, check in the hotel in Kyoto
21-March
Explore Kyoto
22 – March
by shinkansen back to Tokyo (Asakussa area) Check in the hotel in Asakusa
23 March
Tsukiji, Ueno Park, Tokyo Sky Tree, Sensoji, Sumida river, imperial Palace East gate, Rainbow bridge
24 March
Check out and fly back home from Haneda airport
Questions:
1. Is it worth to buy JR Pass 7 days?
2. Do I need to buy Hakone Pass for Hakone area one day?
3. What is the shinkansen schedule from Odawara to Kyoto? and what time is the latest train ?
4. Can JR Pass be used in Kyoto/Kansai area? How to reach point of interests in Kyoto and Osaka/Nara if possible?
We really appreciate your kind response.
Thanks a lot and hope to get in touch with you soon.
Cheers,
Heri
Hi Heri,
1. Is it worth to buy JR Pass 7 days?
Actually total cost is almost same as 7 days pass price. JR pass is much easier to use than single tickets, so go for it.
2. Do I need to buy Hakone Pass for Hakone area one day?
Yes. JR Pass does not cover anything in the heart of Hakone. You can purchase it at Odawara station.
3. What is the shinkansen schedule from Odawara to Kyoto? and what time is the latest train ?
Please find Shinkansen timetable at the links below:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf
JR will revise timetable on March 14. But it will not be much different.
4. Can JR Pass be used in Kyoto/Kansai area? How to reach point of interests in Kyoto and Osaka/Nara if possible?
Please find info at the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/how-to-access-to-nara-by-japan-rail-pass-if-you-dont-use-jr-pass-kintetsu-railway-is-more-convenient.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi-San,
Your web site is really helpful for me but I really still need your advice. My first trip to Japan will be on 23rd june-2nd july 2014 and we are a family of 8 (3 adults & 5 kids). This is my brief itinerary:
23/06 : arrive at Narita , 9.00 am and heading to Osaka directly (stay @ Keihan Tenmabashi, Question: must go to tokyo to take shinkansen, right?)
24/06: USJ
25/06: getting around osaka (Ramen museum, Dotonburi, etc)
26/06 : Osaka – Tokyo (stay @ Richmond – Mejiro)
27/06 : Mt Fuji ,Kawaguchiko & Gotemba Premium outlet (is it possible in 1-day trip?)
28/06 : DisneyLand
29/06 : Disney Sea
30/06 : Asakusa , GIbli, others spot around Tokyo
01/07 : Down town tokyo
02/07 : depart narita @ 12 pm
Considering to buy 7 days JR pass or JR Kanto Pass, which one is better? And what is the best starting date to use the pass?
Considering my itinerary, what is the best pass to cover the rest of the trip if I use 7 days JR pass for the first 7 days?
Since the pass can not cover both trip (on the arrival day and tokyo- narita, last day), one of them must use one way / single fare ticket , right?
Your willingness to take time to read and give an advice to my questions is highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
regards,
nina
Hi Nina,
First of all, JR Pass is your choice. Kanto Area Pass does not cover Osaka and it’s a wrong choice for your trip.
You can start to use JR Pass 7 days right after you arrive in Narita. You have to take Narita Express to Shinagawa and transfer to Shinkansen there. You can transfer at Tokyo station too. But Shinagawa is much easier and closer to Shinkansen platform. You can book all trains that you will take in Japan. So complete to book at Narita. And also the staff in Narita station is more familiar to the tourist from overseas.
You can use JR pass Disney land/sea and Ghibli museum.
Next, Fuji and Gotemba is not impossible but it’s very tight. Because Lake Kawaguchi is north side and Gotemba is south side. Please see the model course at the link below:
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/course/fujihakone/
And also I put this area in the sample itinerary. Please see day 4 and 5 at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-hakone-fuji-and-tokyo-classic-route.html
If you do this either one day or two days, Fuji Hakone pass is better choice. In this case, JR Pass is not a right choice for this trip. You may use JR Pass for Disney, Ghibli and other spots in Tokyo. Try to finish this by June 29. You can do Fuji on Jun 30 after JR pass expired.
As you think, single ticket or limousine bus is your choice when you go back to Narita.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
This is a very useful Website. However I am having some issues in planning our transportation.
I just want to know if it’s a must to have JR Pass. For your information, I will be travelling in Japan in 9 days from April. Here’s my itinerary.
Day 1 – 8.45 am arrived in KIX. Hotel somewhere near to Minamikata station & ShinOsaka station. We plan to go Kaiyukan on our 1st day. Assuming that the one day Kaiyu pass is available in April. On this day, we are going to Umeda Sky Building as well.
Day 2 – in the morning Visit Kobe Mosque before heading to Toyosato & Tokyo (via Shinkansen). At night want to go to Roppongi. FYI, our hotel will be in Shinjuku.
Day 3 From Shinjuku, we plan to visit harajuku, Shibuya, Akihabara, Asakusa, Skytree.
Day 4 – In the morning go to Odaiba for taking picture before heading to Disney Sea resort. Maybe one whole day in Disney Sea to watch the parade at night.
Day 5 – Visit Yokohama ramen museum before heading to Kyoto. (Don’t know if should take Highway bus or shinkansen to Kyoto.
Day 6 – Go to Arashiyama Bamboo forest, Toei Studio park , Kinkaku-ji before heading to Gion.
Day 7 – Visit Fushimi Inari Uji, & Nara Park.
Day 8. Visit Kiyozumidera before going to Osaka. Go to USJ & at night to Namba.
last day – Visit OsakaJo & brand Outlet before flying back from KIX at 11pm.
If I buy JR Pass 7 days, I will not utilise it to the max since I am only focusing in Kyoto, Osaka & Tokyo.
From my itinerary, what would you suggest? We hope not to spend more on public transportation.
Appreciate your advice. Thank you Takeshi!
Hi ティナ san,
You can still use JR pass 7 days. I recommend you to use 7 days pass fro Day 1 to 7.
You will be able to take Haruka express train to Shin-Osaka directly from KIX on day 1. You can use JR trains when you stay in Tokyo. Actually most of places in Tokyo can be accessed by JR trains.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
When you stay in Kyoto, you can use it for trip to Arashiyama, Kinkakuji (by JR bus that is covered by JR pass), Fushimi Inari, Uji, and Nara.
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/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-kyoto.html
These total fares will be much more expensive than JR pass 7 days if you take Shinkansen on Day 5.
You need to add single fare for Day 8 and 9. But it’s not a big deal.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
We will be traveling to Japan this Nov. Two adults and two children. We plan to stay at Shinjuku area for the first three nights and move to Asakusa on the 4th day. We would like to know if it is advisable to go to Asakusa from Shinjuku station based on your recommendation route as we have big luggage to bring with us. Thanks.
Regards
Heng
Hi Heng,
There are so many routes. But all routes are commute lines. It’s not very comfortable to move anyway. The easiest route is JR train from Shinjuku to Asakusabashi. And then transfer to Toei subway line from Asakusabashi to Asakusa. Asakusabashi is different place from Asakusa. Unfortunately there is no direct way to get Asakusa from Shinjuku.
I think you should make sure which station the nearest to your hotel is. In Shijuku, there are more than 5 stations, like JR Shinjuku, Shinjuku-sanchome, Shinjuku-nishiguti, Tochomae and Nishi-Shinjuku. If your hotel is not closed to JR Shijuku station, the above recommended route may not be suitable for your trip. If you are not sure, you may ask your hotel staff in Shihjuku. They know which station is the closest to your hotel. They can find it for you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP rail
Konnichiwa!
We are two adults and two children (under the age of 11) travelling together in Japan for 12 days. Considering 7day JR pass only for section: Odawara to Tokyo, several days sightseeing in Tokyo, then back to KIX. Worth it? We don’t plan to take many buses as subway will be easier with our very limited Japanese language ability. Arigato for suggestions/advice!
Hi pippy haus,
JR Pass is too much for your itinerary. Single ticket is much cheaper than 7 days pass price.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
I like advise on what is the best Japan Rail pass to buy and how to get to the places listed
Here is my itinerary:-
1. Arrive Haneda 7 Dec @ 2300 hrs
– Transfer Hotel Toyoko Inn Haneda (Do I have enough time to catch the shuttle bus?)
2. Dec8 – Go back to Haneda airport to get JR Pass with voucher
– Transfer to Shinagawa Prince Hotel ( What JR train to take?)
Like to go Asakusa, Akihabara, Harajuku , Roppongi… pls suggest train to take
3. Dec9 – Mt Fuji (Can use JR pass or buy JR Kanto pass or full trip Mt Fuji ticket)
4. Dec10 – Nikko (Can use JR pass or buy JR Kanto pass)
5. Dec 11 – Kamakura/Yokohama
6. Dec12 – Check out to go to Osaka (What Shinkansen to take wtih JR pass?)
7. Dec12 – Stay at Sheraton Miyako Osaka
How to go Shinaibashi, Dontobori and Universal Studio??
8 Dec13 – Check out hotel and go to Kinosaki and stay overnight (Can JR Pass go from Osaka to Kinosaki?)
9. Dec14 – Check out Kinosaki hotel and go to back to Osaka, on the way, go to Hiroshima (morning) and Kyoto(evening) and any other suggestion??
10. Dec 15 – Flight is at 1645 leaving Kansai airport , any suggestion to go in the morning?
Appreciate if you can provide me the best train routes and maximize the JR pass 7 days ticket. (Start Dec8 , end Dec15)
Hi Lynn,
1. Please ask your hotel. I don’t have a shuttle schedule.
2. You can take Tokyo Monorail. But it goes to Hamamatsucho. If you need direct transfer to Shinagawa, you need to take Keihin Kyuko that is not covered by the passes. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
3,4,5. Both pass can be used.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-nikko.html
6. Take Tokaido Shinkansen.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/what-is-shinkansen.html
7. Basically you can access most of places in Osaka by subway. But some places can be accessed by Japan Rail Pass. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-osaka.html
8. The pass can be used.
9. It is too tight. It takes 2.5 hour to get Osaka from Kinosaki and spend another 1.5 hour to get Hiroshima. Do you really want to do this?
10. I think just exploring in downtown Osaka.
If you go to Hiroshima, you can use Japan Rail Pass 7 days. But if you give up it, use Kanto area pass, Kansai Wide Area Pass and single ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto.
I think it is the best combination.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi, My family and I will be arriving Haneda on 1 Dec and will be staying in Kamata area ie 5 min walk from Kamata Station for 4 days. Thereafter we will be going to Mt Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka. I intend to buy JR pass (7 days) for travel between Mt Fuji, Kyoto & Osaka whereas subway pass for my stay in Tokyo. Tried many times to search for connecting station or nearest station between Kamata station and metro subway line but failed. Appreciate your guidance. Thank you.
Hi SW Wong,
You don’t need to take subway at Kamata. You can take Keihin Kyuko at Kamata. Most of Keihin Kyuko train go through Toei Subway Asakusa line. Please refer the following post:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi. I will be arriving Haneda Airport on 19th Oct 2012, at 2300 hours. I am staying at BlueWave Inn hotel in Akasuka area. Do you think I can still take the Keikyu Railways to Akasuka area at that time?
Secondly, is Keikyu line connected to Ginza suwbay? The nearest exit (as told by the hotel staff) is to take Ginza line at Exit 7. I am travelling with elderly people and try to avoid long walk during the night..
Thanking you in advance!
Regards,
Wong
Hi wong,
Please see the following post:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/private-company/how-to-take-tokyo-monorail-or-keihin-kyuko-for-late-arrival-and-early-departure-at-haneda.html
This is very very tight. But if you miss it, take monorail to Hamamatsucho and change JR train to Ueno. And then take a taxi from Ueno. I don’t know taxi fare. But I guess it is less than 2000 yen. If you don’t walk to hotel from station, this route is easier. Because you need to walk at least 15 minutes from Asakusa station to hotel.
If you miss monorail too, unfortunately taxi is only your choice. See the following post to get the details:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks for your explanation!!!!
WOng
No problem.
Takeshi / JP Rail