Transport Summary: Public transport in Tokyo city

2018年1月28日 星期日

Public transport in Tokyo city

Tokyo transport comprises 3 major railway systems: JR, Subway, and Private Railways.
Most of all tourist attractions in or nearby Tokyo city can be reached by these 3 railway systems.
The following figure is the railway network map in Big Tokyo area.
(View the map PDF: simplified version and complete version)




JR-East

JR (Japan Railway) is the largest railway system in Japan
It was government-owned initially and divided among several railway companies in 1987.
The JR in Big Tokyo area is operated by JR-East.
There are 36 routes running in Tokyo city. (JR-East route PDF)

Yamanote Line

In downtown area, the loop Yamanote Line is the most popular route for tourists.
Yamanote Line connects major stations in downtown area including Shinjuku, Tokyo, Ueno, etc.
The advantages of Yamanote Line are
(1) the fare is more economic than that of subway.
(2) it's almost impossible to get lose as it's a loop.



* Discount Pass offered by JR-East

Although the tickets can be purchased at ticket machines, a traffic IC card is more recommanded.
In Tokyo, there are 2 traffic IC cards options, Suica or PASMO.
Suica or PASMO can be used for most transport in Tokyo without restriction in any railway system.
In addition, the usage is not limited in Tokyo. It can also be used in most area in Japan.
Pass
Price
(for a child)
Where to buy
Valid routes

Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass
(Tokunai Pass)

1 day pass
¥750 (¥370)
JR stations
* JR lines within Tokyo city
  (Local or rapid trains only)

Tokyo 1-Day Ticket
Tokyo Furii Kippu
Tokyo Combination Ticket

1 day pass
¥1,590 (¥800)
Ticket offices:
JR-East
Tokyo Metro
Toei Subway
* JR lines within Tokyo city
  (Local or rapid trains only)
* Subways
* Nippori-Toneri Liner
* Tram Toden Arakawa Line
* Toei Bus system

Suica

¥500 deposit
Refoundable
Purchase & refill at
JR ticket machines
* It's a prepaid e-money card for transport and shopping.
* It can be used in most area in Japan.

PASMO

¥500 deposit
Purchase & refill at
ticket machines of
subways or private railways.
* Functions similar to Suica.






Subways: Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway

Tokyo subways are operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.
The two operators are independent. Tickets are independent. (So Suica or PASMO is recommended)
Gate changing is usually required when transfering subway line between Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. (Tokyo subway netwok PDF)



* Discount Tickets offered by subway operators

If all the interested attractions are in Tokyo city, a subway discount tickets is a good choice.
Ticket
Price
(for a child)
Where to buy
Valid routes

Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket

¥600 (¥300)
Tokyo Metro
ticket mechine
* Tokyo Metro lines

Toei One-day Pass

(Toei Marugoto Kippu)

¥700 (¥350)
Toei Subway
ticket mechine
* Toei Subway
* Toei Bus
Toden Arakawa Line
Nippori-Toneri Liner

Common One-day
Ticket for Tokyo Metro
& Toei Subway

¥900 (¥450)
Ticket mechine at
each subway station
* Tokyo Metro lines
* Toei Subway lines

Tokyo Subway Ticket

24 hr: ¥800 (¥400
48 hr: ¥1,200 (¥600
72 hr: ¥1,500 (¥750)
* Tokyo Metro lines
* Toei Subway lines
 Evaluating if a Tokyo Subway Ticket is econimic by the rules:
 Choose 24 hr ticket if more than 4 rides taken. (3 spots per day)
 Choose 48 hr ticket if more than 6 rides taken. (2 spots per day)
 Choose 72 hr ticket if more than 8 rides taken. (2 spots per day)

Tokyo 1-Day Ticket
Tokyo Furii Kippu
Tokyo Combination Ticket

1 day pass
¥1,590 (¥800)
Ticket offices:
JR-East
Tokyo Metro
Toei Subway
In valid area:
* JR lines
* Subways
* Nippori-Toneri Liner
* Toden Arakawa Line
* Toei Bus





Private railways

There are many private railways connecting Tokyo city and nearby attractions.
The private railways are the ideal options for nearby attracions as the fare is lower than that of JR.
Here only list some private railway companies for popular spots.
 Tour good for
Attraction
Private railway operator
half or 1 day
Odaiba
Kawagoe
1 day
Yokohama
Kamakura and Enoshima
2~4 days
Hakone
Fuji Five Lakes
Izu
 Izukyu Line or Izuhakone Line (Timetable, Fare). 
 Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen.



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