Hello, Japan lovers! I’m often asked “What is the most efficient way to get around Tokyo by public transportation?”
As a Tokyo local guide, the answer differs depends on your preferences and your itinerary in Japan. I'd like to introduce the basic knowlege of Tokyo transportation and useful tips for travelers in this article. (Updated July, 2024 *BIG UPDATE on PASMO PASSPORT*)
3 diffrenet major networks in Tokyo
First of all, Tokyo has mainly 3 different transportation networks, making it difficult for travelers to understand the system as a whole.
-
JR （Japan Railways) - JR operates mainly ground trains and Shinkansen bullet trains throughout Japan.
-
Two Metros - Tokyo’s main subway lines are actually run by 2 different companies.
・Tokyo Metro (Private company Line)
・Toei Meto (Toei=Tokyo Metropolitan government Line) -
Other Private Lines - Examples : Keisei Line for Narita Airport, Keikyu Line for Haneda airport, Yurikamome Line for Odaiba Bay area and more.
Five tips for travelers - which one to fit you?
- Tokyo Subway Ticket
- Welcome Suica
(or PASMO PASSPORT) - Suica or PASMO
- NEW! Mobile Suica
- How about JR-pass?
(1) Tokyo Subway Ticket - The most reasonable, but requires knowledge.
https://www.tokyometro.jp/tst/en/index.html
Best value for visitors, needs passport for purchase, offering unlimited ride during the limited hours. Recommended for those who stay in hotel near Metro stations.
Advanteges :
・The most reasonable with unlimited ride for a certain duration of time.
Disadvantages :
・Only for 2 metro lines in Tokyo Metropolitan district. Not available for JR and other private lines. (However, most major spots are covered by these 2 metro company lines.)
・Need to understand the differences between metros and other lines in Tokyo.
(2) Welcome Suica (or PASMO PASSPORT) - the easiest
*As of 2024 July 26, purchase of Welcome Suica is only available at limited places due to shortage of semi-conductors.
Make sure to get Welcome Suica at the Airport! *You might find the review like "we get regular Suica on some sales in person counter, but note that this is unstable, quite changeable day by day.
●Welcome Suica for travelersis recommended for people who want the easiest.
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html
Expire after 28days. This is new service for short-stay travelers since Sep 2019.
Advantages :
・No deposit on purchase （unlike normal SUICA).
・No need to return.
・No need for understainding the whole transportaion system.
・Available for most major lines and buses in other major cities like Kyoto as well by just tapping the card.
・Can be used at some convenience stores and some vending machines(drinks).
Disadvantages :
・Expire 28 days after the purchase. (You can bring it back as a souvenir.)
・No refund (unlike normal SUICA).
・So, need to spend remaining e-money at available shops such as convenience stores and airport before leaving Japan.
●PASMO PASSPORT *NO MORE AVAILALBE AFTER June 25, 2024
PASMO PASSPORT is similar to Welcome Suica. Issued by Tokyo Metro with cute Sanrio character design. Disadvantage is issuing fee of 500JPY. For Kitty lovers, recommended as good souvenior. As of June 18, 2024, they are waiving 500 yen issuing fee due to current suspension of other transportation cards. Please check official PASMO PASSPORT website for the latest conditions. → As of July 2024, they stopped sales suddenly in June. PASMO PASSPORT is no more avialble. So, Welcome Suica is only card availalbe for travlers.
However, I've seen some in-person counters in Tokyo are selling you regular Suica (only 1 Suica per passport), which looks very unstable sales maybe due to shortage of Welcome Suica.
(3) For repeaters - normal SUICA or PASMO
*As of 2024 July 25, sales of Suica and Pasmo has been suspended due to shortage of semi-conductor for unknown period. Travelers are suggested to get Welcome Suica for traveler at the airport. (see above)
● (normal) SUICA or PASMO
Most Tokyoites use either one for daily use. Those are recommended those who are sure to come back to Japan. SUICA is issued by JR East, PASMO is by Tokyo metro. Same function. (ICOKA is JR west)
Advantages :
・Available for most major lines and buses in other major cities as well by just tapping the card.
・Can be used at some convenience stores and some vending machines (drinks).
・Refundable．(When you return it, deposit and remaining e-money will be refunded.)
・Expire date is 10 years from the last use of the card.
Disadvantages :
・Needs deposit (¥500）on purchase.
・You need to return it at certain ticket counters to get money back when you don't need it anymore.
・After 10 years no use, SUICA will be expired but can be issued again or refunded with handling charge. PASMO will be expired automatically without refund.
(4) 【NEW!!】Mobile SUICA - Recommended for smartphone user adults!
・Some people fail to connect money on foreigne smartphones (Apple pay or other).
(5) How about JR-pass?
One more often asked question is “Can I get around Tokyo by JR-pass?”
Some travelers seem to think that they can get around Tokyo easily by JR-pass without paying extra. Unfortunately it’s not happening here. As I mentioned above, Tokyo has 3 transportation networks, JR, 2 metros and other private lines. JR-pass is only for JR trains. Not available for metros nor other private lines.
Actually 2 metros cover more sightseeing spots than JR, including Asakusa and Tsukiji Market. We take more metros than JR trains for general sightseeing in Tokyo. Your JR-pass will be useful only when you visit the places where JR covers in Tokyo.
Now, ready for an adventure?
My private Tokyo tours will help you understand these systems so that you can get around Japan more freely on your own! Please check them out! Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
Tokyo-off-the-beaten selection in one day
Tokyo Highligts for first timers
Eastern Tokyo Highlights
Western Tokyo Highlights
Tokyo One-day as you like
