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Getting Around Tokyo, Japan

Globetrotter

26 Apr 2023 - 5 min read

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling city with a high population density. Despite this, it is famous for its cleanliness and organization. Tourists find Tokyo to be a modern, safe, and comfortable city to explore.

One of the city's highlights is its transportation system, which is known for being cheap, fast, and punctual. Traveling to Tokyo during the holidays? Check out the city's efficient transportation options to make your trip hassle-free.

Transportation Recommendations in Tokyo

1. Bus

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Advantages: Buses can be a choice of transportation for those of you who are outside the city center. The bus departure schedule is not as frequent as the train, and the travel time is also longer. But don't worry, you have plenty of options, including Toei Bus, SKY BUS Tokyo, Hato Bus, Skytree Shuttle, and free buses.

Routes: The Toei Bus operates in major areas of Tokyo, while other buses exist that cover only the famous sightseeing spots in Tokyo.

Fares: Transportation in Tokyo is relatively cheap if you use the bus. Toei Bus fares start at JPY 180, Skytree Shuttle from JPY 220, and Shuttle Seven from JPY 170 to JPY 420. You can also buy a one day pass for several types of buses.

Tips: Understand how to board and pay on the bus to make your journey easier. board the bus through the front door. The payment machine on the bus only accepts exact cash, so make sure you have small bills. When you almost reach your destination, press the button to get off.

2. JR East

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Advantages: Trains are the most popular mode of transportation in Japan, and JR East is one of the companies that provides the service. This transportation system has an extensive network of stations throughout Tokyo, including Shinjuku Station. You have the option to purchase tickets directly from the station using a machine or use your IC card or JR Pass.

Routes: You can start taking the JR Line from the moment you leave Narita Airport to various prefectures around the Kanto area. In total, there are around 23 districts in Tokyo that you can reach with JR East.

Fares: JR train fares vary depending on the route. To make your journey more convenient, there are various pass tickets available for purchase, including the JR Tokyo Wide Pass (JPY 10,180 for a 3-day pass), the Tokyo 1-Day Ticket (JPY 1,600 for a 1-day pass), and the Tokunai Pass (JPY 760 per day). Children's passes are priced at half the cost of adult passes.

3. Bullet Train (Shinkansen)

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Advantages: Shinkansen is the name of the fast train in Japan which is the choice for intercity travel. Going to Japan feels incomplete if you don't try to take the Shinkansen train.

Routes: There are several main Shinkansen lines departing from Tokyo Station, including the Tokaido/Sanyo, Tohoku, Hokuriku, and Yamagata lines.

Fares: Shinkansen fares are much more expensive than regular trains. For example, from Tokyo to Osaka, it can cost JPY 14,000

Tips: You can consider buying a JR Pass to get a cheaper price. This pass has 3 options, namely 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. Prices start from JPY 29,650 to JPY 60,450 for adults and half for children.

Also read: The Cherry Blossom Season in Japan

4. Subway

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Advantages: Japan is known for its efficient and effective train network, including its subways. Japan's subway or metro maps are easy to read, and there are multilingual signs on stations and trains.

Routes: Tokyo Subway Lines serve the entire city with a total of 280 stations. There are choices such as Tokyo Metro, Toei Lines, Keio Lines, and Odakyu Lines.

Fares: Subway fares can vary depending on the railway operator and distance traveled. For instance, the fares for the Tokyo Metro can range from JPY 170 to JPY 320. Meanwhile, Toei Lines has fares between JPY 180 to JPY 430. But you can buy a subway pass to save on transportation costs in Japan. This pass is available in 1 to 3 day options.

Tips: JR does not operate Tokyo's subway lines, so you can't use a JR Pass. Download the Tokyo Metro app to simplify your trip. Always check subway operating hours so your schedule isn't messy, and avoid rush hour for less crowded rides.

5. Taxi

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Advantages: Taxis in Japan are known for being safe, comfortable, clean, and having fantastic customer service. There are choices of green, yellow, and black taxis. Currently, many taxis in Tokyo have English signs.

Routes: Taxis do not have a fixed route. You can go anywhere with this mode of transportation.

Fares: The fares start at JPY 500 and increase after that according to the distance traveled. Usually, there is a fixed cost if you start your journey from Narita or Haneda airports.

Tips: You can hire a sightseeing taxi, which will allow you to explore multiple points of interest while receiving a guided explanation of the local area from the driver.

6. Car Rental

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Advantages: While public transportation in Tokyo is easy and fast, you can also rent a car to get around. This option is suitable for those of you who are traveling in large numbers (including parents and small children) or have plans to get out of town.

Routes: When you rent a car, the route can be adjusted according to your needs and the applicable rental conditions. There are several cars that can be taken outside the city or only within the city.

Price: Car rental rates in Tokyo vary depending on the rental length and type of car. Usually, the rates start at around JPY 35,000 per day. The daily system is also not the same, some are only 3 hours, 5 hours, and up to 10 hours.

Tips: Choose a car type that suits your needs. The choice of cars varies from city cars to sedans and vans. Make sure you have an international license and a driving license that is recognized in Japan. Also, understand the traffic rules in Japan before renting a car.

Those are the six transportation options you can try while vacationing in Japan. You will find it easier to travel to the tourist destinations you want. Don't forget to download the Traveloka app right now. This lifestyle application will make it easier for you to meet your travel needs while in Japan!

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