Neon-lit Tokyo street at night with Japanese signage, pedestrians, and reflections on wet pavement

Transport guide

Getting Around Tokyo: Complete Transport Guide (2026)

Tokyo has the world’s most punctual, most extensive, and arguably cleanest urban transit system. Here’s how to navigate it efficiently — JR vs Metro vs Toei, IC cards, and when to skip trains for walking.

Suica or PASMO IC card

Universal tap-and-go for all trains, buses, vending machines, convenience stores. Get one at any major station or airport. Top up at machines (multiple language options). Cost: 500 yen deposit refundable + amount loaded.

Best for: Daily use. Essential first purchase.

Tokyo Subway 24/48/72-hour pass

Unlimited Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway lines (does NOT cover JR). Buy at airports + major stations. Cost: 800/1,200/1,500 yen.

Best for: Tourists hitting multiple neighborhoods over 2-3 days.

JR Yamanote Line (the loop)

The ring train connecting Shibuya + Shinjuku + Ikebukuro + Ueno + Tokyo + Shinagawa. Covered by JR Pass. 200-330 yen per ride.

Best for: Cross-city movement between major districts.

Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway

13 subway lines total (Tokyo Metro 9 + Toei 4). Covers most central Tokyo. 170-310 yen per ride.

Best for: Local neighborhood-to-neighborhood travel.

Taxis

Plentiful + clean + safe but expensive. 420 yen base fare + 80 yen per 250m. Late-night surcharge after 10pm.

Best for: Late-night travel after subway closes (~midnight). Use Japan Taxi app or hail on street.

Walking

Many neighborhoods are best walked — Asakusa, Yanaka, Daikanyama, Omotesando. Plus Tokyo is genuinely safe for walking at all hours.

Best for: Exploration within one neighborhood.

Bicycles

Rent at Docomo Cycle Share (300 yen/30 min) or specific neighborhood shops. Bike paths along Sumida River.

Best for: Day-trip neighborhood exploration in Asakusa, Yanaka.