Unlocking Tokyo: Essential Tips for Navigating the City

Tokyo is one of the world’s greatest cities, a true sprawling metropolis. With 13 separate subway lines, plus another dozen odd private rail lines, the thought of navigating the public transport system can be overwhelming for many. Every visitor to Tokyo has a story about the time they got lost trying to find the right exit at Shinjuku Station!

But it’s actually far easier to get around the nation’s capital than it may first appear. Here we break down our tips on getting around Tokyo with ease.

Tokyo’s Subway

Tokyo's subway uses a colour-coded map system for easy navigation. This means a station like Kokkaigijido-mae on the Marunouchi Line simply translates to Red M14. You can download a map of the Tokyo Metro subway here.

Suica (and Pasmo)

No more trying to work out if you’ve bought the correct ticket - these prepaid travel passes allow you to simply tap on an off at stations. Buy your Suica or Pasmo on arrival at the airport or at certain stations – and simply load with cash and top up as required. (Note that sales of Pasmo are temporarily suspended due to chip shortages but Suica are currently available to purchase.)

Alternatively, you can add Suica or Pasmo as payment methods on your iPhone. Unfortunately for Android users, this isn’t yet possible for the bulk of foreign phones. If you do choose to load these on to your phone, it’s important to make sure your phone is fully charged when you’re out and about.

Suica and Pasmo contactless payment cards also have the added bonus that they can be used for purchases at many vending machines and shops. And the best bit is you can use these passes all over the country!

Follow the signs

One feature that many visitors to Japan tend to overlook is the super handy guides on each platform that show you exactly which carriage you need to be in for your destination. These signs outlay the best options for changing lines, as well as the closest exits when alighting – they’re an absolute godsend so keep an eye out for them!

Avoid peak travel times

We’ve all seen those iconic images of Tokyo commuters being squeezed into crowded train carriages. Well, we’re here to tell you that’s real – they even have a term for the staff responsible for this - ‘oshiya’ (literally ‘pushers’)!! So our suggestion is to avoid peak hour, and avoid travelling with luggage (this applies even out of peak hours – we explain why in a previous post).

Have questions about navigating Tokyo? Leave a comment below and we'll do our best to help!