Getting Around in Tokyo

An excellent public transport system offers the best means of getting around in Tokyo. There's a dense network of interconnected rail and subway lines and extensive bus routes, so reaching anywhere in the city is easy. Navigating the system can be confusing for new arrivals, though. The public transport system is also known for its punctuality.

Public transport can be packed during rush hour, and long commutes to work are common. All in all, most expats agree that dealing with crowds is well worth the efficiency and convenience of Japan's public transport system.

Public transport in Tokyo

Tokyo also offers convenient payment methods to make travelling easy and efficient. The city uses two main smart cards, Suica and PASMO, which can be used on trains, subways, and buses. These cards are prepaid and rechargeable, allowing commuters to simply tap their card on the reader at the ticket gates, eliminating the need to purchase individual tickets for each journey. The cards are interchangeable and can also be used for purchases at convenience stores and vending machines, making them a handy tool for both commuting and everyday life in Tokyo.

Trains

Tokyo's railway system is the most popular means of getting around the city. There's an extensive rail network, operated mainly by JR East, as well as several other privately operated lines. The circular Yamanote Line, sometimes called the 'Loop Line', is the main rail line in the city and connects most major city centres within the city limits.

Station names are usually marked in both Japanese and English, which makes it easier for expats still getting used to navigating the city. Trains are punctual and efficient.

Subway

Tokyo's subway system is extensive, efficient and well connected to the train system. Route maps and fare charts are available in English at each station.

The subway system serves areas both inside and outside the Yamanote Line loop. It also extends beyond the city limits with direct connections to other private train lines, making it a convenient mode of transport in Tokyo.

Buses

Bus services aren't as frequent as trains, but they are convenient if you need to reach parts of Tokyo not accessible by rail. Buses can also be used for long-distance services outside of Tokyo. Tokyo has many different bus operators, with Toei Transportation being the most prominent. 

Bus routes can be more difficult to navigate for non-Japanese speakers, as not all buses have English announcements or signage.

Useful links

• Suica
• PASMO
• JR East
• Tokyo Metro
• Toei Transportation

Taxis in Tokyo

Taxis in Tokyo are plentiful but expensive. They're a good option if you need to travel late at night when most other public transport options cease operating. Taxi drivers might not speak English, so it's a good idea to have your destination written in Japanese for the driver.

Ride-hailing services like Uber are also operational in Tokyo. These show the cost of the ride upfront and can help ease language-barrier issues.

Useful links

• Tokyo MK Taxi
• Uber Japan

Driving in Tokyo

Owing to the city's excellent public transport system, it's unlikely that expats will require a car to get around in Tokyo. If anything, driving in Tokyo can be more of a hassle; navigating the city in a car can be especially difficult due to heavy traffic congestion and the confusing mass of narrow streets, which aren't always clearly marked. Additionally, parking in Tokyo can be expensive and difficult to find.

Driver's licences

If you decide to drive in Tokyo, you'll usually need an international driver's permit, at least initially. Nationals of certain countries may use their licence from home as long as they have it officially translated into Japanese. To obtain a permanent Japanese licence, practical and written tests may be necessary.

See Transport and Driving in Japan for more about driver's licences and laws in the country.

Cycling in Tokyo

Although cycling is popular in Tokyo, amenities for cyclists aren't extensive, and traffic congestion can add to the danger. Many cyclists simply ride along the pavement, as cycle lanes aren't common in the city – so pedestrians should watch where they are going. While cycling is a common mode of transport for short distances, it's not always the most practical for longer distances or for commuting during peak hours due to the crowds.

Useful links

• Docomo Bike Share