For first-timers, navigating a city is plenty of work, especially if you’re alone or without a guide.
Similarly, if you have an “Expedition Tokyo” summer plan, the biggest obstacle is getting to know the place.
Tokyo is a large and bustling city; if you’re not careful, you could get lost or transported to another district. Therefore, it’s essential to learn the best ways to navigate the city before heading there.
At the same time, getting used to the surroundings is a great way to save time and money when on any trip. If you start your expedition by figuring out how to navigate Tokyo, you’ll waste precious time, and only a little of it will be available for the actual tour.
With that said, what’s the best way to navigate Tokyo like a pro?
Getting Around the City Using Trains and Subways
As large and sprawling as Tokyo is, it’s still blessed with one of the world’s best metro systems. In essence, if you want to navigate Tokyo like a pro, you need to understand how the transport system works.
For starters, you must know that trains and subways are the best way to get around Tokyo. That’s because taxis are more expensive and don’t do well with long journeys as they’ll cost even more. Also, using buses isn’t the best for first-time visitors.
So that leaves subways and trains as the best options for navigating the city. To get accustomed to the Subway system, here is some vital information you need to know:
- Firstly, two systems offer subway services in Tokyo: Tokyo Metro and Toei Subways.
- The good part about these subway systems is that they’re linked, making it easier to access them.
- For first-timers, it’s good to know that JR Yamanote Line is essentially your best friend when picking a convenient train line. So next time you’re in Tokyo and need to move around, search for it. The locals know it as the Tokyo Loop Line.
- Also, if you have a prepaid Pasmo or Suica card, navigating the train and subway lines is easier.
- If you need to move to nearby places on the city’s edge, the JR Yamanote Line also works perfectly.
- Be careful not to ride the train or subway during rush hours. These occur between 7:30 am-9:30 am and in the evening between 5-8 pm.
- When it comes to ticket purchase, start by procuring the cheapest. When you reach your destination, a fare adjustment machine displays the correct price, and you can then insert the valid ticket fare. This is much better than overspending on expensive tickets.
These little but efficient tips make any expedition Tokyo tourists embark on a breeze. Now, you don’t have to worry about where to go and how to get there. Just have this guide in mind and your prepaid Suica or Pasmo card.
In case you didn’t know, the Suica and Pasmo cards help passengers pay for trains and subways. It’s simple and efficient; all you need to do is swipe the card over the reader.
