Hello there!
I’m Sui, living in Tokyo! As a native Japanese, I’m here to break down Tokyo’s transportation scene for you.
Tokyo’s train system is quite complex, even for locals. There are times when I, too, get confused, especially at unfamiliar stations!
Feel free to use this as a reference for your travels to Tokyo!
Note: I’m currently learning English and writing this article with the help of ChatGPT. If you notice any unnatural expressions, please let me know in the comments!
1.Trains and subways:
The majority of people living in Tokyo rely on the subway and trains as their main modes of transportation. Tokyo has a vast network of subway and train lines, so if you’re in the central part of Tokyo, you can get anywhere just by using trains and subways.
The primary means of transportation in central Tokyo are the Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and JR. There are many other railway companies as well, but I’ll explain those another time!
Figuring out train transfers in Tokyo on your own is nearly impossible, so it’s highly recommended to download a transfer app before coming to Japan! I can’t get around without it either!
Here are the links to recommended apps! (English supported apps!)
For iPhone: Click Here
For Android: Click Here
One thing to note is that even though it may seem like a simple train transfer, many times it involves changing railway companies. So, make sure to check whether it’s Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, JR, or another company! If the company changes, you’ll need to exit the ticket gates and transfer, so it might be smoother to check in advance (though sometimes you don’t need to exit the ticket gates…)
Oh, one more thing…
Sometimes, for short distances, walking can be quicker than taking the train. It’s recommended to check for transfers while also confirming the walking distance on Google Maps! (For example, 17 minutes by train versus 6 minutes on foot.)
2. Taxis:
For short-distance travel, taxis are incredibly convenient in Tokyo. They can even get you to your destination faster than trains at times. However, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, it can be challenging to hail a taxi. In such cases, I recommend waiting around stations or using a taxi app.
Here are some recommended taxi apps in Tokyo:https://www.sride.jp/en/
Using these apps, you can check the availability of nearby taxis in real-time and make reservations.
In Japan, there are very few, if any, dishonest taxi drivers. Incidents like overcharging are virtually unheard of, so you can rest assured in that regard.
3.bike sharing：
The third option is bike sharing. On a sunny day, exploring Tokyo’s streets by bike could make for some unforgettable memories.
There are several bike-sharing services available in the city, but for central Tokyo, “docomo bike share” stands out as the top recommendation. It boasts an extensive network of stations throughout the heart of the city.
Prices start at 165 yen for 30 minutes. For more information on how to use it and to download the app, you can visit their website.
I introduced transportation options in Tokyo this time! I hope it will be helpful for everyone planning their trip to Japan. If there’s any other information you’d like to know, please feel free to leave a comment and let me know! Wishing you a wonderful journey!
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