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Tours in Tokyo |
Public Transport
Tokyo has one of the most sophisticated and efficient public transport systems in the world - a combination of an extensive train network operated by a number of private companies, 12 underground lines, bus services and several monorails.
The complexity of the network and the sheer size of some of the stations can seem daunting at first, but navigation is remarkably easy. Most signs are written in English, there are numerous easy to use ticket machines and the clear colour-coded underground map makes navigation simple.
Although a single journey from one part of central Tokyo to another is unlikely to cost more than ¥200, there are a variety of passes available designed to save travellers money. Frequent travel tickets offer 11 tickets for the price of 10. The Passnet is a pre-pay card, it won't save you money, but will save you time, as you simply charge it up at the machines and swipe it at each ticket gate. Best of all for confused travellers, if in doubt simply buy the cheapest fare available at the ticket machine. You can then settle up at the fare adjustment machines at your destination without the risk of a fine. For information in English call the JR East Infoline (tel: (03) 3423 0111).
Note that Tokyo's subway network is operated by two companies, the Toei Subways with four lines, and Tokyo Metro (formerly known as Eidan Subways) with eight lines. Some Tokyo Metro tickets and passes are not valid on the Toei lines.
With the number of Tokyo commuters, trains are uncomfortably crowded during rush hours (0730-0900 and 1700-1900), despite very frequent services. But now that the problem of women being groped by men in the morning crush has been eliminated by the introduction of women-only carriages, public transport is also very safe, even after dark, and staff and passers-by are generally quick to help confused foreigners.
Despite Tokyo being very much a 24-hour city, the service does not operate 24 hours - trains run from approximately 0500-2400/0100. Nevertheless, there are many 24-hour pubs and cafés in the city and waiting for the trains to start running in the early morning is a long established tradition among the revellers wishing to avoid ruinously expensive night-time taxi fares. The Tokyo Tourist Information Office (tel: (03) 3201 3331) can provide detailed service and timetable information for all the different service providers.
The complexity of the network and the sheer size of some of the stations can seem daunting at first, but navigation is remarkably easy. Most signs are written in English, there are numerous easy to use ticket machines and the clear colour-coded underground map makes navigation simple.
Although a single journey from one part of central Tokyo to another is unlikely to cost more than ¥200, there are a variety of passes available designed to save travellers money. Frequent travel tickets offer 11 tickets for the price of 10. The Passnet is a pre-pay card, it won't save you money, but will save you time, as you simply charge it up at the machines and swipe it at each ticket gate. Best of all for confused travellers, if in doubt simply buy the cheapest fare available at the ticket machine. You can then settle up at the fare adjustment machines at your destination without the risk of a fine. For information in English call the JR East Infoline (tel: (03) 3423 0111).
Note that Tokyo's subway network is operated by two companies, the Toei Subways with four lines, and Tokyo Metro (formerly known as Eidan Subways) with eight lines. Some Tokyo Metro tickets and passes are not valid on the Toei lines.
With the number of Tokyo commuters, trains are uncomfortably crowded during rush hours (0730-0900 and 1700-1900), despite very frequent services. But now that the problem of women being groped by men in the morning crush has been eliminated by the introduction of women-only carriages, public transport is also very safe, even after dark, and staff and passers-by are generally quick to help confused foreigners.
Despite Tokyo being very much a 24-hour city, the service does not operate 24 hours - trains run from approximately 0500-2400/0100. Nevertheless, there are many 24-hour pubs and cafés in the city and waiting for the trains to start running in the early morning is a long established tradition among the revellers wishing to avoid ruinously expensive night-time taxi fares. The Tokyo Tourist Information Office (tel: (03) 3201 3331) can provide detailed service and timetable information for all the different service providers.
Taxis
Tokyo's taxis are numerous and can be hailed easily on the street or found at taxi ranks. It is also possible for one to reserve a taxi in advance, from one of the many companies, such as Nihon Kotsu (tel: (03) 5755 2336 for an English speaking operator). Approximately ¥500 will be charged for this service. Fares vary slightly between taxi companies but are uniformly expensive at around ¥660 for the first 2km (1.25 mile), then ¥100 every 350m thereafter. Tipping is not customary and could offend.
Taxi drivers are very professional but rarely speak English, so it is advisable for tourists to have their destination written out in Japanese or to be able to point to it on a Japanese map. During rush hour, it is often quicker to take the train. Unoccupied taxis become scarce at around 0100, once the train services have finished. A peculiarity of all Japanese taxis is that the rear doors are operated automatically by the driver - visitors should not try to open or close the doors themselves.
Taxi drivers are very professional but rarely speak English, so it is advisable for tourists to have their destination written out in Japanese or to be able to point to it on a Japanese map. During rush hour, it is often quicker to take the train. Unoccupied taxis become scarce at around 0100, once the train services have finished. A peculiarity of all Japanese taxis is that the rear doors are operated automatically by the driver - visitors should not try to open or close the doors themselves.
Driving in the City
Tokyo's public transport network and taxis are excellent and driving in the city is therefore not advised. Traffic is heavy, navigation is greatly complicated by the fact that streets rarely have names and parking is expensive and difficult to find.
Car Hire
The biggest car hire company, with 150 branches in the Tokyo area, is Nippon Rent-A-Car (tel: (03) 3485 7196; website: www.nipponrentacar.co.jp). Other companies include Toyota Rent-A-Car (tel: 0070 8000 10000) and Nissan Rent-A-Car (tel: 0120 004 123). You can also make discounts on bundles of car hire and train fares by booking at JR Eki Rent A Car, just look for the travel centres in every JR station (website: www.ekiren.co.jp).
Car hire in Japan costs from around ¥6,000 per day for the smallest class of car. Basic insurance is usually included in the price. Both a national driving licence and an International Driving Permit are required. Drivers must have held their licence for at least a year and the minimum age for hiring a car varies between 19 and 26, although is usually 21 years.
Car hire in Japan costs from around ¥6,000 per day for the smallest class of car. Basic insurance is usually included in the price. Both a national driving licence and an International Driving Permit are required. Drivers must have held their licence for at least a year and the minimum age for hiring a car varies between 19 and 26, although is usually 21 years.
Bicycle Hire
SCS, 2-1-16 Hakusan, Bunkyo-ku (tel: (03) 3827 5432 or 3815 6221; website: www.scs-tokyo.co.jp), arranges scooter hire from ¥5,000 per day. Bicycles often can be hired at suburban train stations for around ¥1,000 per day.
View Our Airport Guides for Tokyo:
Tokyo Narita Airport