Tokyo Transport Guide: Trains, Subways & Travel Tips

Are you a Filipino traveling to Tokyo soon? Tokyo’s transport system is clean, safe, and easy to use, with many signs in English. This quick guide will show you simple ways to travel from the airport to the city and around popular attractions.

Tokyo Airport Transfers

Flying from the Philippines to Tokyo? Awesome! 🇯🇵 One of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get from Narita International Airport (or Haneda) to your hotel in the city. Good news — it’s super easy! Here are the best ways to get from the airport to downtown Tokyo:

🚄 Airport Train (Fastest Option)

From Narita Airport

Sources: Narita Airport

• Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station
  Travel time: about 1 hour
  Cost: about ¥3,000 (₱1,100)
• Keisei Skyliner to Ueno Station
  Travel time: about 45 minutes
  Cost: about ¥2,500 (₱900)

From Haneda Airport

Sources: Haneda Airport

• Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station
  Travel time: about 20 minutes
  Cost: about ¥500 (₱180)

🚌 Airport Bus (Direct Ride)

Airport Limousine Buses run from both airports to major areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, and Ikebukuro.

• Travel time: about 1 to 1.5 hours
• Cost: about ¥1,300–¥3,200 (₱450–₱1,200)

Tickets are available at bus counters in the arrival hall.

🚖 Taxi (Most Convenient)

Taxis provide a direct ride from the airport to your hotel.

• Narita → Tokyo: about ¥20,000–¥30,000
• Haneda → Tokyo: about ¥5,000–¥10,000

🚐 Private Airport Transfer

Private transfers offer a pre-booked door-to-door service from the airport to your hotel. This option is convenient for families, groups, or travelers with large luggage.

Tokyo Metro & Subway Guide

Tokyo’s subway system is one of the easiest ways to travel around the city. It is clean, reliable, and connects most major attractions.

📍 Key Stations

• Tokyo Station – Major train hub
• Shibuya – Shopping and the famous crossing
• Shinjuku – Restaurants, nightlife, and transport hub
• Asakusa – Sensoji Temple area
• Ueno – Museums and Ueno Park
• Akihabara – Anime, electronics, and gaming

🚇 Subway Basics

💳 How to Ride

Buy a Suica or Pasmo card at a station, add credit, and tap at the ticket gates when entering and exiting.

⚠️ Helpful Tips

• Use Google Maps or a transit app to plan routes
• Follow line colors and station codes on signs
• Most stations have English signage

JR (Japan Rail) – Exploring Tokyo and Beyond

Sources: Japan Rail Pass

JR (Japan Rail) trains connect Tokyo with other cities and regions in Japan. In Tokyo, JR lines like the JR Yamanote Line are commonly used to travel between major areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Tokyo Station.

🚆 JR Train Info

🚉 Common JR Train Types

• Local – Stops at every station
• Rapid – Fewer stops and faster
• Limited Express – Reserved seating, extra fee
• Shinkansen (Bullet Train) – High-speed trains for long-distance travel

💳 How to Ride

For JR trains within Tokyo, use a Suica or Pasmo IC card and tap at the gates. For longer trips, such as Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka, you need to buy a separate train ticket or use a Japan Rail Pass.

💰 Example Fare

• Tokyo → Yokohama: about ¥480 (₱180)
• Tokyo → Osaka (Shinkansen): about ¥14,000 (₱5,000)

Buses in Tokyo – City & Long-Distance Travel

Buses are a convenient option for reaching areas not directly served by trains. Tokyo has city buses for local travel and highway buses for trips to other cities.

🚌 City Buses (Within Tokyo)

City buses connect residential areas, parks, temples, and local shopping streets that may not be close to train stations.

🚐 Highway & Intercity Buses (For Longer Trips)

Sources: Japan Guide

Highway buses travel from Tokyo to other cities and tourist areas. They are usually cheaper than bullet trains, but the journey takes longer.

Tickets can be booked online or at major bus terminals such as Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing in Tokyo

Sources: Japan Guide

Taxis in Tokyo are clean, safe, and available 24 hours, making them a convenient option when trains are not running or if you prefer a direct ride.

🚖 Taxi Basics

Taxi fares may be higher late at night, and showing your destination written in Japanese can help drivers locate your address.

📱 Ride-Hailing Apps

You can also book taxis through mobile apps:

• Uber – Available in Tokyo, often dispatches regular taxis
• GO – One of the most widely used taxi apps in Japan
• DiDi – English-friendly and sometimes offers promotions
• S.Ride – Local taxi booking app

Bike Sharing in Tokyo – Explore on Two Wheels!

Sources: Docomo Cycle

Bike sharing is a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore parts of Tokyo, especially parks, riverside paths, and quiet neighborhoods.

🚲 Basic Info

💳 How to Rent

Download a bike-sharing app such as Docomo Bike Share, HELLO CYCLING, or LUUP, register with your phone number and payment card, find a nearby bike on the map, scan the QR code to unlock it, and return the bike to a docking station after use.

💰 Cost

Bike rentals usually start at ¥150–¥200 for 30 minutes, with additional charges for longer rides.

Walking Around Tokyo – Is It Walkable?

Yes. Tokyo is a very walkable city with clean streets, wide sidewalks, and good lighting. Many popular areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Ueno can easily be explored on foot.

🛣️ Walking in the City

• Google Maps works well for navigation
• Most street signs are in English and Japanese
• Sidewalks are common and well maintained
• Tokyo is generally safe to walk around, even at night

⚠️ Quick Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes because stations and attractions can involve a lot of walking
• Some smaller streets may have limited sidewalks, so stay aware of traffic

Suica & PASMO Cards

Suica and PASMO are reloadable IC cards used for convenient travel in Tokyo. Instead of buying tickets each time, you can simply tap the card at the ticket gates when entering and exiting stations.

📍 Where You Can Use Them

• Trains and subways (JR, Tokyo Metro, and other railways)
• Local buses
• Some taxis, convenience stores, and vending machines

🏪 Where to Get One

Suica cards are available at JR stations, while PASMO cards are available at Tokyo Metro and private railway stations, including airport stations at Narita and Haneda.

💰Cost

Cards usually require a ¥500 deposit plus the amount you want to load. You can reload them at ticket machines or convenience stores.

📌Good to Know

Suica and PASMO work the same way and can also be used in other cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya.

Which Transport Should You Take in Tokyo?

Tokyo has many convenient transport options. Here is a quick guide to help you choose what works best for your trip.