How to get around in Tokyo – move through the Japanese capital at one’s own pace

The city of Tokyo is one of the biggest of its kind in the world which would easily beckon one to take on its varying nooks and crannies in an effort to better understand its importance and cultural value as Japan’s capital. Against such a backdrop, it would appear that in order to get around Tokyo, one would need to be aware of the available transportation facilities to visit favoured and treasured tourist attractions. The city’s extensive public transportation system comes in handy in this regard.

What to expect

In a sense, Tokyo comprises a series of smaller regions or mini-cities that are easily accessible via the locale’s public transportation network. For example, places such as Roppongi, Shinjuku, and Shibuya which hold their own in terms of what travellers can indulge their senses in are only a convenient train or subway ride away. Further, worthy of mention is the fact that the ‘Loop Line’ or JR Yamanote Line is where a majority of Tokyo’s urban hubs are located and therefore, obtaining a Japan Rail Pass will soon have you well on your way towards discovering all that these appealing and splendid regions represent. Also, the Pass can be utilized to pay for long-distance train travel where you will need to pocket out larger amounts on intercity trains than if you were only to explore Tokyo.

Subway and train travel

This is definitely the best way to commute in Tokyo and with two interconnected subway systems such as Toei Subways and Tokyo Metro; travellers like yourself will find it a truly pleasing and hassle-free ride through one of the most iconic cities in the world. In terms of payment, consider a Suica card or prepaid Pasmo card which only requires a quick swipe on the card reader before boarding a coach of your choosing.

Hop onto a bus

Though, not as convenient as the subway system; getting onto a bus in Tokyo does have its fair share of thrills and perks. Once again, a Pasmo or Suica card will come to your assistance when wanting to pay for your journeys. However, if you are using cash, then once you board the bus from the front, then it is only a matter of paying your fare into the fare machine found close by. Flat fees of Y210 for adults and Y110 for children are charged respectively. Moreover, it is unlikely that travellers will be seen having to use a bus on a frequent basis since the train and subway option is the most utilized mode of transportation by almost everyone in Tokyo.

Hail a taxi

Taxi travel should be your ‘go-to’ option if in case of having to manage children and large quantities of luggage at the same time. Although, one needs to factor in the cost factor as taxis especially, in Tokyo are not the cheapest. To counterbalance the cost element, the aspects of convenience, reliability, and safety come to light in no uncertain way. This is because one could either hail a taxi off the street or could catch one by standing at any of the taxi ranks located in the vicinity of large shops, bus terminals, and subway stations. Charges are incurred by the meter with the first 2km costing Y730 with every additional 280 meters travelled amounting to Y90. Cash payments are the most common but some drivers do accept credit cards as well and this is why it is important to clarify these details before getting in.

Benefits of prepaid cards

Not only are prepaid smart cards the best means of paying for travel on subways, trains, and buses in the city but visitors to the Japanese capital can also use these cards for purchases made at convenience stores as well. As pointed out above, the Suica and Pasma cards are your options and can be purchased from subway vending machines or even online in the case of the former. As a traveller contemplating a visit to Tokyo, it would best serve one’s interests to research the available modes of transportation and complementing accommodation facilities too. Should Shibuya hotels such as properties like Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel be to your fancy, then make sure to read up well in advance. The property is a mere 5 minutes’ walk to Shibuya scramble insertion and train station from where city highlights such as Tokyo Tower can be easily reached.