Transportation: Tokyo Metro Overview
Transportation options in Tokyo consists of train, bicycle, walking, taxi, or driving (car or moped). Driving your own car will not be common, especially for exchange students. Parking is very limited in Tokyo. So, commuting by train to reach your destination will be the practical and essential alternative. You may want to get a train card so that you can commute to and from school and explore the city without any hassle.
There are different options for this so I did some preliminary research in order to gain a better understanding about what is offered. Below are a couple options that I found to be most practical. I'm no expert so please do some research on your own as well.
For more info, visit: http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/types/pass/
There are different options for this so I did some preliminary research in order to gain a better understanding about what is offered. Below are a couple options that I found to be most practical. I'm no expert so please do some research on your own as well.
For more info, visit: http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/types/pass/
PASMO (IC Card)
PASMO is a convenient prepaid transportation card that contains an integrated-circuit (IC) chip, allowing the user to enter the subway by simply placing the card over a PASMO card reader located on the fare gates. The card is rechargeable and can be used over and over. It can also be used for other railway and bus operators nationwide where interoperability is offered.
In addition to using your charged PASMO card to ride the subway or buses, you can use it to pay for items purchased at stores and vending machines. It can also be used for member shops of railways and buses nationwide where interoperability is offered. You can buy this card at ticket vending machines, station offices and pass offices at all Tokyo Metro stations. *Note: Initial purchase price includes a 500 yen deposit. Refill the card at vending machines. It is valid on most public transportation within the Tokyo metropolitan area. For more information about PASMO cards, please visit: http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/types/pasmo/index.html |
Suica Card vs. PASMO
Suica can be used in all of the same places as PASMO, however, it can also be used in other parts of Japan (Osaka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, but only for JR lines) while PASMO is only for the Kanto region.
The SUICA card can be used with all JR lines in Kanto region (the region of Tokyo), in all lines of the tokyo subway network, both Tokyo Metro and Toei metro, but also with the yurikamome to Odaiba, with the Keisei private railways (for example to Narita), Tobu railways (for example to Nikko), Tozan railways (for example to Hakone), Keio and Odakyu railways, with the subway network of Yokohama, Chiba, Saitama, and many other railway lines. This card can also be used also for all city buses in Tokyo and intercity buses of JR Kanto bus company. For more information visit: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html http://youinjapan.net/moving/suica_pasmo_icoca.php |
Map of Tokyo's Subway Routes
You can use the map below to familiarize yourself with the city and find out how to get from one station to another.
Print/download the pdf here if you like.
For more information, visit http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/
Print/download the pdf here if you like.
For more information, visit http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/