How to get to Tokyo
By air - Tokyo has two airports: Narita Airport handles the majority of international flights and only a small number of domestic flights. It is located 60 kilometers outside of central Tokyo. The more centrally located Haneda Airport handles a smaller number of international flights and the majority of domestic flights.
By shinkansen - Most shinkansen lines lead to Tokyo. The trip from Osaka/Kyoto takes about three hours. There are also direct trains to/from Kyushu, Kanazawa, Niigata and various destinations in the Tohoku Region and Hokkaido.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Getting around
Tokyo is covered by a dense network of train, subway and bus lines, which are operated by about a dozen different companies. The train lines operated by JR East and the subway lines are most convenient for moving around central Tokyo.
Tokyo's most prominent train line is the JR Yamanote Line, a loop line which connects Tokyo's multiple city centers. The city's 13 subway lines are operated by two companies and run largely inside the Yamanote circle and the areas around Ginza and the area east of the loop line. Most of the many suburban train lines commence at one of the six major stations of the Yamanote Line (Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Shinagawa).
Major JR train lines in central Tokyo
The map shows Tokyo's major railway stations and the five JR lines that are most relevant to people who travel within central Tokyo.
- Yamanote Line
Circle line that connects all major city centers. - Keihin-Tohoku Line
Runs parallel to the Yamanote Line on the eastern half of the circle. - Chuo/Sobu Line (Local)
Runs across the Yamanote circle (local slow service). - Chuo Line (Rapid)
Runs across the Yamanote circle (rapid service). Connects Tokyo Station with Shinjuku Station. - Saikyo Line
Runs parallel to the Yamanote Line on the western half of the circle. From Osaki Station, some trains continue running along the Rinkai Line in direction of Odaiba. - Shinkansen
Tokaido Shinkansen trains stop at Tokyo and Shinagawa, while bullet trains to the north stop at Tokyo and Ueno.
Subways
Tokyo's subway network is operated by two entities: Toei with four lines, and Tokyo Metro with nine lines. Together, they densely cover central Tokyo, especially the area inside the Yamanote circle and the areas around Ginza and the area east of the loop line.
Note, that at their terminal stations, the trains of some subway lines continue to operate on the tracks of different companies on suburban train lines. For example, the Chiyoda Subway Line is directly connected with the suburban Odakyu Line at Yoyogi-Uehara, and trains on the Fukutoshin Subway Line continue to run on the tracks of the Tokyu Toyoko Line at Shibuya.
Other railway companies
Besides JR East and the two subway companies, most other railway companies connect Tokyo with the metropolis' outer regions and surrounding prefectures. Their lines typically start at one of the stations of the JR Yamanote Line. Many of the private railway companies also operate department stores usually at their train lines' major stations.
- Tokyu Railway
Serving southwestern Tokyo and Kanagawa. - Tobu Railway
Serving Saitama and Tochigi, including Nikko. - Seibu Railway
Serving the Tokyo Tama Region and Saitama. - Keio Railway
Serving the Tokyo Tama Region. - Odakyu Railway
Serving Kanagawa, including Hakone. - Keisei Railway
Serving Chiba, including Narita Airport. - Keikyu Railway
Serving Kanagawa, including Haneda Airport. - Tsukuba Express
Connecting Akihabara with Tsukuba City, Ibaraki.
Passes and Tickets
A whole variety of day passes is available for the Tokyo area, however, most of them are overpriced and/or not very practical because they do not cover all of Tokyo's train and subway lines. Consequently, single tickets or prepaid cards usually come cheaper, especially if you plan your city sightseeing in a geographically wise way.
Prepaid IC cards are generally the recommended way to get around Tokyo. Prepaid cards don't give you any discounts over single tickets, but they provide convenience as you can ride virtually any train or bus in Greater Tokyo (and most other major cities in Japan) with just a simple swipe over a card reader. They can also be used to make quick purchases at a large number of shops, restaurants and tourist spots across Japan.
Two types of IC cards are available for purchase in Tokyo: Suica cards at JR stations and Pasmo cards at non-JR stations. Furthermore, eight IC cards from other major cities of Japan can also be used on the trains and buses of Tokyo, including Icoca, Kitaca, Toica, Manaca, Pitapa, Sugoca, Nimoca and Hayakaken.
Only on days when you use trains or subways a lot, can it make sense to consider one of Tokyo's day passes:
- Tokyo Free Kippu (aka Tokyo Tour Ticket) (1600 yen)
Unlimited use of all subway lines (Toei and Tokyo Metro) and JR trains in the central Tokyo area on one calendar day (i.e. from the first to the last train of the day). It is also valid on buses and streetcars operated by Toei. The pass is overpriced and will unlikely provide any savings over regular tickets or prepaid cards. - Tokyo Subway Ticket (24 hours: 800 yen, 48 hours: 1200 yen, 72 hours: 1500 yen)
Unlimited use of all subway lines (Toei and Tokyo Metro). Not valid on JR trains. The pass is sold at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, ticket offices at some major subway stations, and selected Bic Camera and Yamada Denki electronic stores in central Tokyo to foreign tourists only (passport required). Furthermore, it is sold to both foreign tourists and residents of Japan through selected travel agencies and convenience stores outside of the Kanto Region. It can also be purchased online through Klook. - Toei and Tokyo Metro One-Day Economy Pass (900 yen)
Unlimited use of all subway lines (Toei and Tokyo Metro) on one calendar day. The pass pays off only if you use the subways a lot. The pass is not valid on JR trains. Unlike the lower priced Tokyo Subway Ticket (see above), this pass can be purchased at the subway stations in central Tokyo. - Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket (600 yen)
Unlimited use of the nine Tokyo Metro subway lines, but not the four Toei subway lines and JR trains. The ticket is available through ticket machines at Tokyo Metro stations. - Toei One-Day Pass (Toei Marugoto Kippu) (700 yen)
Unlimited use of the four Toei subway lines, buses and streetcars on one calendar day. It is not valid on the nine Tokyo Metro subway lines and JR trains. The pass is available at ticket machines and ticket counters at Toei stations. - Tokunai Pass (760 yen)
Unlimited use of JR trains in the central Tokyo area on one calendar day. The pass is available at the purple vending machines and ticket counters at JR stations.
The Japan Rail Pass and JR Tokyo Wide Pass are valid only on JR trains and the Tokyo Monorail. They cannot be used on subways or any other non-JR trains.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
JR East
Official website.Tokyo Metro
Official website.Toei Subway
Official website.Odakyu Electric Railway
Official website.Keio Electric Railway
Official website.Keisei Electric Railway
Official website.Keikyu Electric Railway
Official website.Tokyu Railway
Official website.Tobu Railway
Official website.Seibu Railway
Official website.Tsukuba Express
Official website.Japanese
JR East
Official website.Tokyo Metro
Official website.Toei Subways
Official website.Odakyu Railway
Official website.Keio Railway
Official website.Keikyu Railway
Official website.Keisei Railway
Official website.Tokyu Railway
Official website.Tobu Railway
Official website.Seibu Railway
Official website.Tsukuba Express
Official website.Hotels around Tokyo
Read our Tokyo Hotel Guide
SAKE Bar Hotel Asakusa
A boutique hotel with free-flowing Japanese sake, two-minutes from Asakusa Station. Savor our original sake while relaxing with an open-air footbath.
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Top rated in Tokyo
Budget-friendly
Featuring free WiFi and a hot tub, Mokkoan offers accommodation in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Private parking is available on site.Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries.You will find a shared kitchen at the property.The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Yokohama is 37 km from Mokkoan, while Chiba is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 24 km from Mokkoan.
9.9Booking.com
Budget-friendly
Conveniently set in the Edogawa district of Tokyo, 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe is situated 1.3 km from Furukawa Shinsui Park, 1.5 km from Gyosen Park and 1.6 km from Ukita Park. The 2-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 700 metres from Subway Museum.The rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge.Shin Nagashima River Shinsui Park is 1.7 km from 7 Rooms Hotel & Cafe, while Former House of Udagawa Family is 2.6 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 22 km from the accommodation.
9.7Booking.com
Mid-range
Situated in Tokyo, 300 metres from Asakusa Fujiasama Shrine and 7.5 km from the centre, cyashitsu ryokan asakusa features air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and an open-air bath. This 3-star ryokan offers a lift and full-day security. The ryokan has a hot tub and luggage storage space.At the ryokan, the units come with a wardrobe. Each unit has a safety deposit box and some rooms include city views. At the ryokan, all units are soundproof.At the ryokan, the family-friendly restaurant is open for dinner and specialises in Japanese cuisine.Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area.Popular points of interest near cyashitsu ryokan asakusa include Nitenmon Gate, Edo Taito Traditional Crafts Center and Great Tokyo Air Raid Memorial Monument. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 24 km from the accommodation.
9.6Booking.com
Luxury
Kaminarimon Ryokan offers accommodation with free WiFi.The rooms are air-conditioned and come with a flat-screen TV, fridge and Nespresso coffee machine. An electric kettle, a green tea set and free toiletries are provided.The hotel offers laundry service for an additional fee.Kaminarimon Ryokan is a 2-minute walk to the Asakusa Metro Station. From there, destinations like Akihabara, Ginza and Ueno are a 15-minute subway ride away.There are many dining options and convenience stores within a few minutes' walk from the hotel.
9.6Booking.com
Budget-friendly
Situated in Tokyo, within 1.5 km of Sensoji Temple and 2.2 km of Tokyo Skytree, Ryokan Nakadaya offers accommodation with a shared lounge. The property is set 3.5 km from Edo Tokyo Museum, 6 km from Marunouchi Building and 6 km from Yasukuni Shrine. Free WiFi is available.The units in the inn are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room is equipped with a shared bathroom.The property has a hot tub.The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 19 km from the property.
9.6Booking.com
Luxury
Composed of 2 buildings, The Okura Tokyo boasts a garden and bar. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The accommodation features a concierge, ticket service and currency exchange for guests.All rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a fridge, kettle and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bath, hairdryer, bidet and free toiletries.Located on 28-40 floors, Prestige Tower offers rooms with cityscape views. Guests booking room type with Club Lounge Access in Heritage Wing can enjoy Club Lounge. Spacious rooms in Heritage Wing include complimentary welcome drink, steam sauna and spa bath.Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast.Popular points of interest near The Okura Tokyo include Iino Hall and Conference Centre, National Diet Building and Space FS Shiodome. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International, 22 km from the hotel, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
9.5Booking.com
Luxury
Attractively located in the Koto Ward district of Tokyo, ulu Tokyo is set 500 metres from Shibusawa Eiichi Taku Monument, 700 metres from Site of Mutsu Munemitsu Residence and 500 metres from Shinkawa Historic Place Monument. The 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is situated 700 metres from Monument of Electric Experiment at Hiraga Gennai.The rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV and a kitchen. Ulu Tokyo features some rooms with city views, and all rooms are equipped with a balcony. At the accommodation rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels.Popular points of interest near ulu Tokyo include Masago Monument, Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument and Takao Inari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 17 km from the hotel.
9.5Booking.com
Luxury
Boasting chic decor with touches of Japanese traditional aethetics, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 7 dining options are featured, and free parking is available on site. JR Meguro Station is 6 minutes on foot and Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a 12-minute stroll. Free WiFi is provided throughout.All spacious rooms rooms include a satellite TV with cable channels, minibar, a coffee machine and handy smartphone. An en suite bathroom is fitted with a spa bath, free toiletries and hairdryer. For your comfort, some rooms include a sauna.Guests can unwind in a Japanese-style garden or at a library on site The front desk is open for 24 hours a day, and there are a pastry shop and gift shop at the property. Massage services and room services can be arranged.Shunyuki serves signature Chinese delicacies, while Tofutei offers an authentic Japanese kaiseki multi-course meal. Teppanyaki Japanese wagyu beed, American-style grilled dishes and Italian cuisine can be sampled on site. Live piano performance can also be enjoyed at an on-site cafe lounge in the day time.JR Shibuya Station is a 5-minute train ride, while JR Shinagawa Station is 8 minutes by train from Hotel Gajoen Tokyo. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 10 km away.
9.5Booking.com
Budget-friendly
Ideally situated in the centre of Tokyo, ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA is within 400 metres of Origami Kaikan and 500 metres of TKP Garden City Premium Akihabara. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 500 metres from Koobu Inari Shrine, 300 metres from EDO Culture Complex and 500 metres from Ochanomizu Park. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, a shuttle service, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.All rooms in the hotel are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA the rooms include bed linen and towels.Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kamezumiinari Shrine, Yushima Goryo Shrine and Yushima Seido. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from ENT TERRACE AKIHABARA.
9.5Booking.com
Luxury
Section L Ueno-Hirokoji is a recently renovated aparthotel in the centre of Tokyo, 100 metres from Kamezumiinari Shrine and 200 metres from Matsuzakaya Ueno. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a lift, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The aparthotel features family rooms.The units at the aparthotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kitchen, a dining area and a private bathroom with slippers, a bidet and a hair dryer. A microwave, a toaster and fridge are also provided, as well as a kettle. At the aparthotel, every unit has bed linen and towels.Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Ryuseido Shinjo-in Temple, Shitamachi Museum and Akihabara Neribei Park. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 21 km from Section L Ueno-Hirokoji.
9.5Booking.com
Experiences around Tokyo
Top rated in Tokyo
Japanese Traditional Kintsugi Experience in Tokyo
¥8,596
★★★★★
55Discover the Japanese traditional technique of transforming broken ceramic objects into revitalized art pieces, Kintsugi
Jeans Making Experience in Tokyo
¥17,600
★★★★★
14We use high quality selvedge denim with "red ears" treatment on both ends to prevent fraying.
Ninja Experience Cafe in Harajuku Tokyo
¥6,625
★★★★★
10Learn more about this activity's [Enhanced Health & Hygiene Measures](https://www.klook.com/en-US/article/11049-covid-measures)
Kimono & Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi in Tokyo Asakusa Main Branch
¥3,000
★★★★★
476**Klook Exclusive Free Next Day Return! Limited Time Only!** Show this message and return your Kimono the next day for FREE for rental during Sep 15 - Dec 15, 2023. Exclusions applied to Formal Kimono Furisode and Homongi. See What to Expect for more details
Kimono Yae Rental Experience in Asakusa
¥2,000
★★★★★
524Visit Yae in Asakusa, Tokyo and get to experience Japanese culture through clothing by renting a kimono/yukata
Sushi Making Experience! No1 Cooking Class in Tokyo
¥9,000
★★★★★
77You can learn how to make **Maki-Sushi (Roll-Sushi) & Temari-Sushi** or **Maki-Sushi (Roll-Sushi) & Nigiri Sushi**
Challenge Sumo Wrestlers and Enjoy Meal
¥15,625
★★★★★
41Don't miss your chance to interact with real sumo wrestlers!
Tokyo Highlights Private Day Tour
¥20,000
★★★★★
88Head off to a number of must-see landmarks, attractions, and shopping places in Tokyo, all in one day!
Best Samurai Experience in Tokyo
¥9,800
★★★★★
37You will be dressed in traditional samurai attire, including a kimono and hakama, to truly embody the spirit of these ancient warriors
Crafting Your Own Unique Edo Kiriko Glass in Asakusa
¥4,850
★★★★★
11Experience the time-honored traditional craft of Edo Kiriko, which has continued since the Edo period first-hand.