A First-Timer’s Guide to Public Transportation in Tokyo

For most first-time visitors to Tokyo, there is no greater horror than walking into a train station and seeing that map for the first time. If you’ve been, then you know what I am talking about. But for the uninitiated, here you go…

*The Tokyo Subway Map (via Tokyo Metro)*

This is a map of the central Tokyo’s subway routes. It’s a chaotic, tangled web of colored lines and symbols, and when I first laid eyes on it, I immediately committed to walking everywhere for the rest of my stay. And while I eventually relented and learned to travel by rail, it took about 3 days of painful treks to change my mind, because it was genuinely that intimidating.

You don’t need to endure all that. Public transportation in Tokyo is remarkably straightforward, once you know a bit of the basics. With a little bit of prep, I think you’ll find that public transit is the most reliable and convenient way to explore this vibrant and dense city!

Understanding Tokyo’s Transportation Network

Tokyo’s public transportation system comes in two flavors- trains and buses. However, there is some nuance to how it all works, so you’ll definitely want to take a moment to get acquainted with it.

Trains and Subways

Most first-timers will be surprised to know there is not just one rail system in Tokyo- but three! Thankfully, they’re all interconnected, so navigating between them isn’t an issue. The primary reason to know about any of this (besides it being interesting!) is so you can identify each’s logo when you’re looking for a station entrance. Additionally, this information is necessary if you plan on purchasing day-passes (more on that in the Ticket section below).

	JR East	Operates the Yamanote Line, which loops around central Tokyo, and several other lines.
	Tokyo Metro	Runs nine subway lines covering most of central Tokyo.
	Toei Subway	Operates four additional subway lines complementing the Tokyo Metro network.

Buses

Trains are the most popular and efficient way to navigate Tokyo. In fact, the rail system is so ubiquitous and easy to use that for most travelers, I recommend ONLY sticking with rail travel. That being said, you may find yourself needing to reach areas not serviced by trains. For those rare occasions, I am including bus information here. However, please be aware that bus travel in Tokyo has a bit more of a learning curve, so-to-speak, as there are different lines and companies, different ways to board and pay, and different levels of English accommodation.

Most buses in Tokyo are operated by the Toei network, but there are also several area-specific lines. Here’s a brief breakdown with links to their websites for further info.

Note: Many of the linked websites below are in Japanese. However, most of them offer limited English translation options on-page, or even dedicated English versions of the site. I’ve attempted to link to English versions where possible.

Toei Bus: This network operates nearly all of the buses in Tokyo.
Tobu Bus: Operates a collection of shuttles to and from major points of interest, such as Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Tokyo Skytree, and others.
Hinomaru Bus: A service that offers independent bus loops around three Tokyo districts; Marunouchi, Nihonbashi, and Nihonbashi-E. (while each line’s website is in Japanese, there is an english button next to their service maps that will translate the map labels).
Shuttle Seven: Express bus service that runs between JR Koiwa Station, Kameari Station, and Tokyo Disney Resort.
Megurin: This bus services the Tato ward with routes covering Asakusa, Ueno, Asakusabashi, and Negishi.
Sumida Hyakkei: Operates bus routes within Sumida Ward (Sumida City) in northeast Tokyo
B-Guru: Operates bus routes within Bunkyo Ward (Bunkyo City)
Hachiko: Operates bus routes within Shibuya Ward (Shibuya City)
MuBus: Operates 7 bus lines within Musashino City.
Sakura & Shioiri-Sakura Bus: Two community bus lines in Arakawa City.

For more info about bus travel in Tokyo, visit the Tokyo Conventions and Visitors Bureau.

Traveling by Train in Tokyo

Color-Coding System

Each train and subway line in Tokyo is assigned a specific color and code, making it easier for passengers to navigate. Two examples are the JR Yamanote Line (light green and coded JY) and Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (orange and coded G). It may sound simplistic, but in the busy chaos of some Tokyo stations, these visual cues are incredibly helpful!

Mastering the Ticket System

Tokyo’s ticketing system isn’t too complicated, but there are some details to be aware of:

Types of Tickets and Passes

Single-ride tickets: For one-way trips.
Day passes: Unlimited rides for a specified period of time. There are four types, based on which lines you will be riding- make sure to purchase the correct pass you need. Note: all of these passes are available as physical tickets or they can be loaded to PASMO IC Cards (more on these below).
1. Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket: Allows for unlimited rides on the 9 Tokyo Metro rail lines, for 24 hours from the time of purchase. These can be purchased from station ticket machines or from Metro Pass Offices.
2. Common 1-Day Ticket for Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway: Unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei rail lines, for the day of purchase (or for a specified day, if purchased ahead of time). This can be purchased from all Metro and Toei station ticket machines, as well as Metro Pass Offices and most Toei station offices.
3. Tokyo Subway Ticket: Unlimited rides on all Tokyo and Toei rail lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Available only to foreign tourists. These tickets can be purchased online from the Metro website, at airports, from Metro Station Offices, or from some travel agencies.
4. Tokyo Combination Ticket: Allows for unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro lines, Toei Subway lines, Tokyo Sakura Trams (Toden), Toei Buses, Nippon-Toneri Liner, and all JR lines within the Tokyo area. This ticket is only valid for one specified day, and must be purchased ahead of time. It can be purchased from all Metro station ticket machines (except at Kita-senju Station [Hibiya Line], Naka-meguro Station, Nakano Station, Yoyogi-uehara Station, Wakoshi Station, Shibuya Station [Hanzomon Line and Fukutoshin Line] and Meguro Station)
IC cards*: Rechargeable smart cards for convenient travel. These are the most convenient method, as you can just tap for admission and reload as needed. The two most common card brands are PASMO and Suica. These can be purchased from machines at most Tokyo stations.

*Note: As of the time of this writing, there is an IC chip shortage affecting Japan. As a result, IC cards may be difficult to obtain. To avoid availability issues, consider purchasing a Welcome Suica Card (Suica meant for Tourists) or adding PASMO to your Apple Pay Wallet.

How to Purchase & Use Tickets

Tokyo stations usually have ticket machines with English language options. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use them:

Locate your destination on the route map above the machine.
Note the fare amount listed next to your desired destination.
On the ticket machine’s touchscreen, select your preferred language.
Choose the number of tickets and fare amount.
Insert money (machines accept coins and bills)
Collect your ticket and change, and head to the entry gate.
Insert the ticket into the ticket slot on the entry gate.
Pass through the gate and retrieve your ticket. You will need to insert this ticket into the exit gate at your destination to complete your trip.

IC Card System: Suica and Pasmo

For convenience, I highly recommend getting an IC card. The two main types in Tokyo are Suica (issued by JR East) and Pasmo (issued by Tokyo Metro). These cards can be used interchangeably and offer several benefits:

Quick and hassle-free travel (no need to buy tickets- just load with money and scan at entry gates)
Slight fare discount vs single-trip tickets (not a tremendous amount, but it’s still worth mentioning).
Can be used to make small purchases at convenience stores and vending machines

You can purchase a Suica or Pasmo card at any major station*.

Japan Rail Pass

If you plan to visit multiple cities around Japan, consider getting a Japan Rail Pass. This pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains nationwide (including JR shinkansen bullet trains) and can save you money on long-distance trips. Passes can be purchased from the official Japan Rail Pass website or from travel agencies.

Navigating Train and Subway Stations

People on a station platform in a Tokyo subway station.

Some Tokyo stations are small with a straightforward layout, while others are massive, complex labyrinths that are easy to get lost in. But fear not, because once you know what to look for, you’ll be navigating them like a local:

Understanding Station Layouts and Finding your Train

Look for large maps near station entrances. Find your train platform on the maps and take note of escalators or elevators, as some platforms will be on different levels.
- If you would like to see a station layout before visiting, check out the Tokyo Metro website. Select “Route/Station Information” from the navigation menu, and search for your desired station.
Look for the color-coded signs (along walls or hanging from ceilings) for your desired line and direction.
Check the electronic boards for train times and platform numbers.

Train Etiquette

Wait in line for your train to arrive
Once the train stops and doors open, let passengers exit before boarding
Look for any restriction signage (some train cars will only allow women and children, and some seats are reserved for the elderly).
Once on board, avoid eating, drinking, taking phone calls, or talking loudly.

Dealing with Rush Hour

If possible, avoid traveling between 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM (especially on weekdays).
If you do ride during these periods, be prepared for VERY crowded trains and a complete loss of personal space.

Bus Travel in Tokyo

While trains and subways are the City’s primary mode of transport, buses can be useful in certain situations:

When to Use Buses

Reaching areas not served by trains
For local travel within some districts
As a convenient alternative between specific locations (such as to and from airports or major venues).
Toei has a video guide on how to use their buses. This is a great way to get acquainted with the bus riding process on the most common buses in Tokyo.

Reading Bus Stops and Schedules

Bus stops display route and destination information (some bus stops have multiple destinations, so check for the bus number that corresponds to your desired destination)
Look for electronic boards showing waiting times
Use translation apps if you’re unsure about Japanese-only information

Paying for Bus Rides

Payment is accepted in cash or IC cards (some buses in the outskirts are cash only)
Board from the front door and either tap your IC card on the reader, or insert fare in the appropriate slot
- There are some uncommon buses that do not charge flat-fee fare. These buses will have the fare listed at the front of the bus. For these, enter through the rear door, and exit at the front, where payment is calculated before disembarking.
If you plan to do a lot of bus travel, consider purchasing a Toei day pass, which allows for unlimited travel on their buses for a day.

Tips and Tricks for Smooth Travel

Quick Video Guides

Toei has several step-by-step video guides on riding buses and trains. These are a great way to get acquainted with the travel process

Transportation Apps

Take the time to do some preparation and route planning so you don’t get lost. Download apps like Google Maps or Navitime for real-time navigation and route planning.

Handling Transfers

Allow extra time for transfers, especially in large stations
Follow signs carefully. Different lines have different entry gates, and each line will typically have at least two platforms, depending on your intended travel direction. It can be easy to take the wrong train, if you’re not careful.

Late-Night Transportation

Last trains usually run around midnight, but times vary for each line or station. Check online for the most accurate information.
Night buses operate on some routes between cities. These can be a good option for longer travel without wasting a day. If you are interested in this option, check out the Japan National Tourism Organization’s guide on night buses.
Taxis are available but can be expensive, so try to get your transit done before the trains stop running.

Accessibility Information

Many stations have elevators and wheelchair-accessible facilities. To see which stations have accessibility amenities, visit the Tokyo Metro website.

Many staff workers do have some English ability, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. To overcome language barriers, consider using a language translation device or app for real-time communication assistance.

Conclusion: Your Tokyo Adventure Awaits

People waiting for a train in a Tokyo subway station.

Navigating Tokyo’s public transportation system can seem intimidating at first, but with this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to explore the city with confidence. Remember these key points:

Utilize IC cards so you don’t have to worry about calculating fare.
Use transportation apps for real-time navigation help
Follow color-coded signs in stations
Respect local etiquette on trains and buses
Don’t hesitate to ask station staff for help

With its efficiency, punctuality, and extensive coverage, Tokyo’s public transportation system is your key to accessing the wonders of this amazing city. From the gritty neon streets of Shinjuku to the traditional temples of Asakusa, every corner of Tokyo is within your reach when you master the transit system.