Planning a trip to Tokyo? You’ll be pleased to know that the city offers an array of cost-effective train passes and tickets, catering to diverse travel needs, particularly for overseas visitors.
Choosing the right ticket hinges on your travel plans and preferred routes. For instance, if your hotel is close to a JR train station, using JR lines like the JR Yamanote Line (City Circle Loop) for sightseeing is likely convenient. Conversely, if your hotel is near the subway or metro, opting for a subway ticket or even a combination JR/subway ticket might be more suitable.
Let’s dive into a detailed look at the different options available:
JR Lines
These passes are specifically designed for travel on JR lines only.
- JR East Japan Rail Pass: This pass allows unlimited travel for one day on all JR East lines (local and rapid) within the Tokyo City limits. You can purchase this pass at major JR stations, such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya.
Subway and Metro
These passes offer flexibility for exploring the city via the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.
- Tokyo Subway Ticket: This one-day pass grants you unlimited use on all Tokyo Metro subway and Toei subway lines, buses, and trams, as well as JR lines within Tokyo limits. It’s available at JR stations, major subway stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, etc.), and sales offices for Toei buses and trams.
- Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket: This ticket provides unlimited rides on all lines of the Tokyo Metro for 24 hours from the first use. Purchase it in advance or on the day, with the advance option valid for 24 hours after first use within 6 months of purchase. You can buy it at major Tokyo Metro stations and at vending machines on the day of travel.
Combined JR and Subway
For a more comprehensive exploration of Tokyo’s transportation network, these passes offer a convenient blend of JR and Subway access.
- Tokyo Wide Pass: This pass allows unlimited rides on all lines of the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway for 24, 48, or 72 hours after first use within the expiry date printed on the back of the ticket. It’s exclusively available to overseas tourists or domestic visitors residing outside Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, and Yamanashi. You can purchase this pass at Narita Airport T1 and T2 1F Arrival Lobby Keisei Bus Ticket Counters and Haneda Airport International Passenger Terminal 2F Arrival Lobby Tourist Information Center. It’s also available at various JNTO Tourist Information Centers around Tokyo, BIC Camera, and LAOX Electronics stores throughout the city.
Prepaid IC Cards
For a seamless and convenient travel experience, consider using SUICA or PASMO prepaid IC cards.
- SUICA and PASMO: These cards are essentially stored-value cards that can be used for travel on JR, subways, buses, and private railways in Tokyo and neighboring areas. SUICA is issued by JR East, while PASMO is issued by private transport companies. They are interchangeable, allowing you to use either card on any of the participating networks. Simply touch the card to the scanner at the entrance and exit of ticket gates, and fares are automatically calculated upon exit. Cards can be topped up as needed. You can purchase these cards at travel service centers or ticket vending machines in major stations. The initial cost includes a deposit of 500 yen and a stored value of 1,500 yen for SUICA, and a 500 yen deposit with a stored value of 500 yen for PASMO. When the card is returned, the deposit will be refunded, minus a 210 yen handling fee.
Airport Transportation
For hassle-free airport transfers, these tickets offer convenient and cost-effective solutions:
- Narita Express (N’EX) Round-Trip Ticket: This ticket provides a round-trip journey for savings on the Narita Express (N’EX), a convenient way to travel between Narita Airport and major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, such as Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Omiya, Yokohama, and Ofuna. The ticket is exclusively available to overseas visitors (passport checks will be required). Upon boarding the N’EX, you can transfer to other JR East trains to any JR East station within the designated Tokyo train area. Please note that the ticket cannot be reused for re-entry after exiting a ticket gate. You can purchase this ticket only at Narita Airport T1 and T2 JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi) and JR-EAST Travel Service Centers.
- Limousine Bus Narita Airport Discounted Voucher Book: This discounted voucher book, specifically designed for tourists arriving at Narita Airport, offers the best value for two return trips for two travelers or four single trips for four travelers. You can purchase this voucher book at the Limousine Bus ticket counter at Narita Airport.
Other Notable Options
Explore these additional options to suit your specific travel needs:
- Yurikamome Line One-Day Pass: This pass provides unlimited travel for one day on the Yurikamome Line. You can purchase it at vending machines at Yurikamome Line stations.
- Toei One-Day Pass: This pass offers unlimited travel on all Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro lines for one day. Purchase it at ticket vending machines at all Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro stations.
Remember that all information provided is based on data as of October 23, 2017, and is subject to change without notice. Always verify the latest information and fare details before purchasing any passes or tickets.
