There are lots of things to see and do in Tokyo.
It’s a city that gives you the best of both worlds: rich culture and vibrant modern life. One moment you could be strolling through the peaceful grounds of Meiji Shrine or Senso-ji Temple, and the next you’re hopping on a train to shopping districts like Harajuku or Ginza. Tokyo is also a paradise for foodies, home to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. ⭐️
With the many different places to be in Tokyo, you’ll have to master its train system. Sure, it could be intimidating at first with a web of lines, but Japan’s efficient transportation system makes it super easy to get around. Lucky you, our guide covers them all: from Tokyo trains to the Japan Rail (JR)! We’ll also be talking about which Tokyo train pass you should get.
What are the major train services in Tokyo?
People on a train in Tokyo | Photo by Liam Burnett-Blue from Unsplash
While you can get almost anywhere quickly and cheaply via trains in Tokyo, the different train lines are run by a few different companies, so it can be a little confusing at times. But don’t sweat it! We’ll walk you through each one, so you’ll be zipping around the city like a local. The biggest of these are:
- Japan Rail (JR)
Japan Rail (JR) runs the most extensive network of trains in Japan, including the shinkansen bullet trains that connect the major cities to Tokyo and vice versa. In Tokyo alone, there are 36 lines run by the JR East (the branch that covers the Kanto Region and the Tohoku Region) to make travelling around Tokyo and its neighboring prefectures a breeze. Riding the JR trains will get you to Akihabara, Harajuku, Tokyo Disney Resort, and lots of other places. 📌
You can even ride the famous Tokyo Monorail, which directly connects Haneda Airport to Tokyo’s Ota, Shinagawa, and Minato wards.
- Tokyo Metro
Does your bucket list cover famous attractions in Tokyo? If so, the Tokyo Metro Subway is your best companion, with nine lines across the city. Using the subway, you can reach popular areas, such as Shibuya, Omotesando, Ginza, and Asakusa via the Ginza Line; the Tokyo Station via Marunouchi Line; and Roppongi and the Tokyo Dome via the Namboku Line.
- Toei Subway
Alternatively, you can ride the Toei Subway, run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation, to get to several sightseeing areas. Take the Asakusa Line to reach the Tokyo Skytree and Oedo Line to Tsukiji Market and Sumida River. The subway has four lines, as well as transfer stations for Tokyo Metro and the JR trains.
Klook Tip: Avoid the rush hours! Tokyo’s rush hours are between 7:30 to 9:30 AM and 5 to 8 PM, which can get veeery packed. Unless you want to experience taking the trip with hundreds of Japanese office workers coming home, we recommend avoiding these times. 👔
Which train lines run in Central Tokyo?
Tokyo trains that connect the city | Photo by Muhammad Irfan from Unsplash
The best way to get around Tokyo is to hop on the JR trains, particularly the Yamanote Line. It’s commonly referred to as the JR Loop Line or Loop Line as it simply runs in a loop around central Tokyo and connects with most of the major hubs. 🔁
Some of the stations on its line that you have probably heard of include Shinjuku, Ginza, Marunouchi, and Shibuya. The Tokyo trains on this line arrive approximately every three minutes.
Klook Tip: If you get confused or lost at any point while navigating the public transport system, try to get yourself on the Yamanote line which should give you a chance to have a breather and get back on track. Its line color is yellow-green and its number is 6.
You can purchase a JR Tokyo Wide Pass to enjoy unlimited rides for three straight days.
But if you wanna get to tour the city like a local, there are other train options too:
- Keihin-Tohoku Line
Runs parallel to the Yamanote Line and directly runs to Yokohama.
- Chuo/Sobu Line (Local)
- Chuo Line (Rapid)
Connects Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station, from the east of Tokyo (Chiba prefecture) to the west (Tachikawa, Hachioji, Otsuki).
- Saikyo Line
Trains stop at Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Osaki. From Osaki Station, some Tokyo trains continue along the Rinkai Line to Odaiba.
- Shinkansen
The Tokaido Shinkansen trains stop at Tokyo and Shinagawa, while bullet trains to the north stop at Tokyo and Ueno.
What about railway companies outside Tokyo?
Trains are also available in Japan’s countryside | Photo by Han Sen on Pexels
Besides JR and the two railways, there are other railway companies you can take to get to the surrounding prefectures around Tokyo. These lines typically start at a station under the JR Yamanote Line.
Tokyu Railway - serves southwestern Tokyo and Kanagawa
Seibu Railway - serves the Tokyo Tama Region and Saitama
Keio Railway - serves the Tokyo Tama Region
Odakyu Railway - serves Kanagawa and Hakone
Keisei Railway - serves Chiba and Narita Airport
Keikyu Railway - serves Kanagawa and Haneda Airport
Tsukuba Express - connects Akihabara with Ibaraki
If you’re planning to explore beyond Tokyo, we recommend a JR Whole Japan Rail Pass for unlimited access not only to JR trains, but to buses, ferries, and even monorails! Just tap your JR Pass at the automatic ticket gates and hop on a train anytime.
How do I get from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo?
Narita Airport connected to a train system | Photo by Tan on Unsplash
One of the most important train trips you will make while in Japan will be from Narita or Haneda airport to one of the major city train stations in Tokyo. After a long flight, it can be daunting to land in a non-English-speaking country and then have to try to hop on another form of transport. Sure, you could splurge on a private transfer, but for most travelers, the train is the easiest and most affordable option. 😁
- From Narita Airport:
The Narita Airport train into the city is called the Skyliner. Again, make it easier on yourself and grab a pre-paid Skyliner ticket.
- From Haneda Airport
If you’re flying from Haneda, take the Tokyo Monorail into the city. You can use a Suica IC Card for the monorail. Once you’ve picked up from the pickup location at the airport, simply tap at the gate and hop on!
Which passes and tickets should I get to ride Tokyo trains?
The easiest way to get around Tokyo is to buy a prepaid ticket. It will save you money and time as you won't need to purchase individual tickets every time you want to jump on a train. There are three main options: Tokyo Subway Pass, Suica IC Card, or JR Pass.
1. Tokyo Subway Pass
Tokyo Subway Pass ticket
The Tokyo Subway Pass is unlimited travel on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway over a set period of time (usually 72 hours). It’s an unlimited subway pass for travel on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway Lines. With access to 13 different routes and over 250 metro stops that cover most of the city’s metropolitan area, it’s the perfect ticket for those with a full day of exploring to do in Tokyo or who plan to be on the move quite a lot. It costs around 10.05 USD for three days.
2. Suica IC Card
Suica IC Card option
The Suica IC Card is a nifty transportation card. You can use it on the Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and Japan Rail East, as well as some buses. It can even be used for purchases inside trains, vending machines, some convenience stores, and even selected restaurants!
The Suica IC Card is pre-loaded with 1,500 JPY (~10.13 USD), and you can top up the card with more money at any Suica IC Card redemption station.
3. JR Pass
JR Pass option
As mentioned earlier, you can also avail of a JR Tokyo Wide Pass to enjoy unlimited rides for three days. This covers the Shinkansen, limited express trains, and local trains within the designated area! It may seem like an expensive option when you initially outlay the cost, but considering how far you can travel on it, it is actually very cost-effective and an excellent way to get around Japan.
3 Handy tips on proper Japanese train etiquette
1. Don’t be afraid to eat and drink on the train
Bento boxes are great to bring on trains | Photo by G N on Pexels
While it is considered rude to eat and drink while walking, it’s completely acceptable to do so while seated on the train. You can buy food and drink at the train station from shops or vending machines, but it’s best to wait until you have boarded the train to begin eating or drinking. Keep in mind that the Japanese public transport system has a reputation for being extremely clean, so make sure to take out the trash with you! 🍣
2. Golden rule: don’t be noisy
The keyword is silence.
Japanese culture is grounded in respect, and this especially applies to public spaces, such as trains. Generally, it’s quiet inside trains in Japan, so loud noises are very conspicuous. Now, no rules directly say that you can’t talk inside the train, but if your conversation is loud enough to be heard by those around, try to keep it on the low.
3. Remember to stand on the left-hand side
Escalators are usually busy | Photo by Gu Ko on Pexels
It’s customary to stand to the left-hand side and allow people to walk freely on the right-hand side. Lots of people in Japan are rushing to catch their train, so always keep this in mind! 🏃🏻♂️
FAQs
Which train line is best for tourists in Tokyo?
The Yamanote Line, also called the JR Loop Line, is the best line for tourists. It runs in a loop around central Tokyo, so if you get lost, just get yourself back on the JR Loop Line and you’ll eventually find your way back. It’s the yellow-green number 6 line!
What are trains called in Tokyo?
Tokyo trains are generally identified by their operating company or line. The largest network is run by Japan Rail (JR East), which includes the famous Yamanote Line and even Shinkansen bullet trains. You’ll also find the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway, plus several private railways that connect the city with nearby prefectures.
How much is a 3-day subway pass in Tokyo?
The Tokyo Subway Pass allows you to travel with no limit on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway for 3 days. It costs 10.05 USD for 72 hours!
How do I pay for the train in Tokyo?
You can pay for Tokyo trains by purchasing tickets directly at any station. However, this can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially since there’s a chance of misplacing your tickets. Instead, we recommend getting an unlimited pass, such as the JR Tokyo Wide Pass or the Tokyo Subway Pass, which are valid for up to three days.
When is the best time to catch trains in Tokyo?
Most trains in Tokyo run from 5 AM to midnight, so if you are planning on being somewhere very early in the morning or heading back to your accommodation after a big night out, make sure you arrange alternate transportation, as you might find yourself stranded at the station. Take note that rush hour occurs between 7:30 and 9:30 AM and 5:00 and 8:00 PM!
Any apps I should download for train travel?
Tokyo Subway Navigation for Tourists is the official app of the Tokyo Metro and is free to download for both Apple and Android users. It’s a mouthful, but it’s really handy!
The app can be used without an internet connection, and it lists which train stations offer free Wi-Fi (there are 140 of them). Some of its features include train line maps, tips on the best station exits you should take to reach certain important landmarks and tourist attractions, and, of course, directions to get you to your specified destination by train.
Are there any English signs in train stations?
Great news: Signs and announcements are conveniently offered in Japanese and English. Though it wouldn’t hurt to learn the numbers and colours of the train line you need to take, as it can make getting around so much easier.
That’s not to say that you need to memorise them all, but on a morning before setting out, take a look at which lines you’ll need that day. Knowing in advance which colour line you should be heading for, rather than trying to remember the name, will certainly make life easier.
Get exploring!
Now that you’re ready to conquer Tokyo through its complex train system, you can plan your trip accordingly!
Remember:
Japan Rail (JR) → use JR Pass or Suica IC Card
Tokyo Metro → use Tokyo Subway Pass or Suica IC Card
Toei Subway → use Tokyo Subway Pass or Suica IC Card
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