Getting around the Tokyo subway can truly be easy if you follow a few tips
When thinking of the Tokyo subway map, many people tend to picture a fabric patch from Desigual labelled in Japanese. But in recent years, the Tokyo transportation network has known a lot of improvements in prevision of the upcoming 2020 Olympic Games and the growing affluence of tourists. Every sign is now labelled in English and oral announcements are made in English too. Using the Tokyo subway does take some time to get used to but if you follow the tips I’ve laid for you below, I promise you won’t end up curled up behind an escalator in the 4th sub-level of the Tokyo station waiting for rescue.
An IC card will greatly simplify your experience of the Tokyo subway. You charge it with the desired amount and tap it at the transport entry point and again when you get out. It’s as simple as that. Based on the number of stations travelled and the lines taken, the corresponding cost will be debited as you swipe your card on your way out. Where to get one? At the machines of any station in Tokyo.
An IC card will greatly simplify your experience of the Tokyo subway. You charge it with the desired amount and swipe it at the transport entry point and again when you get out. It’s as simple as that. Based on the number of stations travelled and the lines taken, the corresponding cost will be debited as you swipe your card on your way out. Where to get one? At the machines of any station in Tokyo.
No more queueing for tickets. And you can now use every turnstile available to get in and out faster. By the way, your IC card works all across Japan. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg though. Your IC card will prove to be useful beyond the subway gates as it can essentially be used as a mean of payment.
That’s just to name a few, some electronics stores, drugstores, karaoke also accept IC cards. No cash means no change. Think of how many handfuls of ¥1 coins you will spare yourself with.
Your IC card can also be used as a key card.
There are 2 different IC cards available in the greater Tokyo area: SUICA and PASMO. Similar cards from 2 different companies working in the exact same way. The only difference is where you can pick up and return your card to get your deposit back. Each card requires a ¥500 deposit to be emitted.
There is a ¥220 charge to return your card. But this charge gets deducted from the total amount on your card, deposit excluded. Therefore if you bring your card back with nothing left on it, the charge drops to zero and you still get your deposit back.
In Tokyo, between 2 companies (Toei Subways and Tokyo Metro) operating the Tokyo’s subway network and 9 other railways companies (including JR East) connecting Tokyo, you’ll find that there are often multiple ways to get where you need to go differing in cost, duration and number of transfers.
In Tokyo, between 2 companies (Toei Subways and Tokyo Metro) operating the Tokyo’s subway network and 9 other railways companies (including JR East) connecting Tokyo, you’ll find that there are often multiple ways to get where you need to go differing in cost, duration and number of transfers.
Unlike what you might expect, the solution that requires a transfer – or two – is not a worse option than the one that requires none. You’re not riding a plane here.
One thing to always consider is the walking time encompassed in the options – especially in the hot months of the year. It might sounds insignificant but the hot and humid weather will melt you on the spot like a popsicle. A slightly longer journey cutting down on walking time will keep you from running like a fountain.
Google Maps provides all the useful information you’ll need to find your way around the Tokyo subway easily.
Things like
are valuable info easy to find when planning a trip using the app.
There are, of course, other apps you can get but this one is thorough, probably already on your phone, and has the advantage of accepting plugins like the Docomo city bicycle map for instance.
I get it. Finding your way around a station the size of a football stadium, badging in and out of turnstiles correctly and getting on your next train feels like a tough challenge when you don’t know the city nor the language. What you need to remember though is that all the information that you need to find your way is available if you know where to look.
I get it. Finding your way around a station the size of a football stadium, badging in and out of turnstiles correctly and getting on your next train feels like a tough challenge when you don’t know the city nor the language. What you need to remember though is that all the information that you need to find your way is available if you know where to look.
As you exit the car, the first thing you should be doing is look for a platform sign post. Every platform has one. Take the time to look at it, you’ll find a map of the station with all key information also displayed in English. It will show you where to exit the platform to find your next line or which exit to take to find every connecting bus.
Stations like Shinjuku are unforgiving for those who rush to the nearest exit or just follow the flow of the crowd. I have been lost countless times thinking I remembered which way to go, ending up on a pilgrimage to find the exit.
In the more modern lines, you can find screens above the doors inside each car indicating where are the exits to reach connecting lines based on the car you’re in. Have a look before you exit, that will save you having to battle the flow of the crowd on the platform.
If you want to save time and exit your destination platform quickly you will find at either end of your platform of origin a platform map indicating which car to board to be the nearest to a specific exit or a connecting line for every station on your line.
If you want to save time and exit your destination platform quickly you will find at either end of your platform of origin a platform map indicating which car to board to be the nearest to a specific exit or a connecting line for every station on your line.
So if you have a minute to spare while waiting for your train, you might as well check this map out and head to the car that will be closer to your exit.
You’ll find next to each gate on the platform the number of the car that will stop there.
The local city bus is quick and effective, and it might be your best option depending on where you need to go. The way to get in and pay might differ from one bus to another but don’t let this throw you off.
The local city bus is quick and effective, and it might be your best option depending on where you need to go. The way to get in and pay might differ from one bus to another but don’t let this throw you off.
To know if you should get in through the front door or the rear door, simply follow other passengers. And if you’re the only one waiting for the bus, and you stand right by the bus sign, the bus should stop with the correct door opening in front of you.
The front door opens? You’re in a Tokyo Metropolitan bus. You pay a flat rate as you get in – hopefully with a tap of your IC card if you followed my first tip. Exit is made through the rear door. No further swipe required.
The rear door opens? You’re on a JR bus line. Tap your IC card as you get in, you will be charged a flexible rate based on how long you ride by tapping your pass again as you depart through the front door this time.