The JR (Japan Railway) lines, especially the Yamanote Line loop, is brilliant for getting around Tokyo. Tokyo also has privately-run subways, which can be handy but also very confusing until you realise they are totally different networks, even though many suburbs have stations for the subways and JR line ('subway' means 'private line' in Japan, even though the public JR trains often run on underground subway tracks).
If you're going for more than a few days, look into getting a 7-day or 14-day JR Pass (see http://jnto.org.au/transport/japan-rail-pass) - this is valid on the Tokyo lines but can also be top value for most Shinkansen services, eg to Kyoto.
'Suica' is the card you want to get if you are only planning on using trains in the immediate Tokyo area. It is a rechargeable card that can be used for most forms of transport (including all train companies) and even at vending machines and convenience stores. This removes the hassle of figuring out how much you have to pay to get where you're going, just swipe at the beginning and end of each journey. Pick one up at the airport and this can be packaged with the Narita Express train into the city (see http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/).
If you're planning on going further afield and using the bullet train network then the JR Pass is recommended - just note that this can only be used on JR run train lines and buses.
aklrunway
aklrunway
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2011
Total posts 180
What's the best way to get around Tokyo?
aklrunway
aklrunway
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2011
Total posts 180
In terms of metro trains. Is there an 'Octopus card' system like in Hong Kong?
David
David
Member since 24 Oct 2010
Total posts 1,016
The JR (Japan Railway) lines, especially the Yamanote Line loop, is brilliant for getting around Tokyo. Tokyo also has privately-run subways, which can be handy but also very confusing until you realise they are totally different networks, even though many suburbs have stations for the subways and JR line ('subway' means 'private line' in Japan, even though the public JR trains often run on underground subway tracks).
If you're going for more than a few days, look into getting a 7-day or 14-day JR Pass (see http://jnto.org.au/transport/japan-rail-pass) - this is valid on the Tokyo lines but can also be top value for most Shinkansen services, eg to Kyoto.
MichaelM
MichaelM
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 12 Jun 2012
Total posts 1
'Suica' is the card you want to get if you are only planning on using trains in the immediate Tokyo area. It is a rechargeable card that can be used for most forms of transport (including all train companies) and even at vending machines and convenience stores. This removes the hassle of figuring out how much you have to pay to get where you're going, just swipe at the beginning and end of each journey. Pick one up at the airport and this can be packaged with the Narita Express train into the city (see http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/).
If you're planning on going further afield and using the bullet train network then the JR Pass is recommended - just note that this can only be used on JR run train lines and buses.
aklrunway
aklrunway
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2011
Total posts 180
Hey awesome thanks for all the info - this is a huge help!