How Do You Get Around Tokyo as a Tourist?

Tokyo”s train and subway network is one of the most efficient in the world, carrying about 13 million passengers daily with near-perfect punctuality. For tourists, mastering it is the key to enjoying the city.

Get an IC card immediately

Buy a Suica or Pasmo IC card at the airport when you arrive. These rechargeable cards work on every train, subway, and bus in Tokyo, plus most vending machines and convenience stores. You tap on, tap off, and the fare is deducted automatically. The cards work across most Japanese cities, not just Tokyo.

Use Google Maps

Google Maps in Tokyo is exceptionally accurate for transit directions, including which platform to use, which train car to enter for the easiest exit, and live arrival times. Walking directions are also reliable. This is the single most important tool for tourists.

Trains stop around 1 AM

The trains stop running between 12:30 and 1:30 AM and do not restart until 5 AM. If you miss the last train, options are: a long taxi ride home (expensive but possible), a capsule hotel (uniquely Japanese experience), or staying out drinking until first train. Plan your night accordingly.

Avoid taxis except in specific cases

Tokyo taxis are clean, safe, and excellent quality, but they are expensive (around USD 6 minimum, climbing fast). Use them only when you are carrying luggage at midnight, or when you need to get somewhere not well-served by trains. For everyday transit, the rail system is dramatically faster and cheaper.

Walking and biking

Many Tokyo neighborhoods are best explored on foot. Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and the Yanaka old town all reward unhurried walking. Bike rentals exist but Tokyo traffic is dense and not particularly bike-friendly for tourists.

JR vs subway

Two separate networks share the same IC card payment. JR (Japan Railways) runs the famous Yamanote loop line and most longer-distance trains. The Metro and Toei subway run the underground lines. Google Maps will route you between them seamlessly.