🚋UPDATE🚋 Some of you have pointed out in the comments that Suica and Passmo cards are no longer available for purchase due to the global chip shortage. Purchase of registered and unregistered Suica and Passmo cards have been suspended indefinitely or "for the time being", according to JR East. We apologize for the video not reflecting this. This video is part of a larger guide on Tokyo and was produced before this was true. Here are some workarounds for current situation: Tourists can still buy Welcome Suica and Passmo Passport cards at some locations - more info here: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/ You can get mobile versions of either card for NFC enabled Iphones or Japanese “Osaifu-Keitai” enabled Andriod phones. Please note that reports say these only work with Mastercard or American Express. Once it's set up, it works exactly the same as a physical card, including recharging at ticket machines and using it to tap in and out. Once again, sorry for the confusion. Stay curious ❤
Awesome video! Had no idea that you had this other channel. Could you do a similar one for Korea? I went for the first time recently and had a hell of a time since Google Maps doesn't really work there. You have to use one of the local map apps like Navermap or Kakaomap and both of their English interfaces leave something to be desired... 😅
Or just land in any other part of the country, get their IC (transit) cards which are still widely available, and you can use it anywhere else in Japan. Spoken as a proud Kansai resident (Kyoto/Osaka area)
I’m a local, and this video has been pretty entertaining. So I’d like to say what’s kind of wrong and mostly correct, as well as what I’d just like to add. -The thinking of trains as a colour is kind of interesting, but it can get confusing. For example, there are a bunch of green lines: JR Yamanote Line, TM Chiyoda Line, Tokyu Dententoshi Line, the TCM Shinjuku Line, and, if you go a bit further, the Sagami Line from Yokohama to Ebina. So I suggest you instead remember them by their code name ie: JY for Yamanote Line, JC for Chuo Rapid Line, DT for Denentoshi Line, etc. -The platform numbers are your best bet at getting to your platform. Trying to figure it out based on numbers or the destination is definitely much more difficult because they are usually in a much smaller font, or not mentioned at all. -Try to avoid changing at big stations. For example, If you want to get from Ochanomizu Station to Hamamatsucho Station, the train sequence will be Chuo Rapid Line to the Keihin Tohoku Line. While it may be better to change at Tokyo if you want to get some souvenirs, if you just want to get there quickly you’d better opt for Kannai Station, which still offers the same change but a station before. A typical change from these lines at Tokyo takes around 10 minutes, probably more if your a foreigner/not used to the area. However, at Kanda, you can change in maybe two or three minutes. Also, there should be substantially less people, making it easier to move around. -I would suggest buying a Suica at Haneda/Narita Airport before starting your travels, and fill it up with quite a lot of money. In Tokyo, at least, you can buy most things at most shops with a Suica, especially convenience stores. Just show your card to the cashier and you tap. As simple as that. However, the chance to use IC cards (Suica/Pasmo/Toica/etc.) will decrease when you leave the urban areas. Also, restaurants like Ichiran offer Suica payment, I belive. -Do NOT be tempted to get a taxi, it is NOT as cheap as a Uber. It is extremely expensive, especially considered to the cheap prices you can go from the trains that usually come at least once every 5-10 minutes. -The video addresses both the Tokyo Metro 東京メトロ (TM), Tokyo City Metro 東京市営地下鉄 (TMC), JR, and Tokyu 東急 as “Tokyo Metro” Please do not confuse the station staff like this. They are run by different companies, so they will charge you more or less, and most importantly are called differently. By the way, they will also be bit confused by ‘Green line” or Blue line.” There are actual train lines called that, both being part of the Yokohama City Metro, which may confuse the staff. -The video mentions putting your bag on the floor. However, you can also just but it in front of you. Most people do that, and it will be extremely difficult to put your luggage down in one of the transit lines. I do this, so don’t be worried. -Shinkansen and Limited Express trains will require additional tickets. If you go to any JR station in Tokyo, you can go to the kiosks, right next to the Suica issue and charge kiosks, and find a 指定席券売機, which you can basically use to book these trains. -If you have accidentally travelled too far and the price is higher than the amount of money you have in your Suica, there are also charging kiosks inside the platform area. -Most stations have reliably open and clean toilets, so if you ever want to go to the loo a station is also a pretty good idea. -Not all of the trains, even if they stop at the same place, are connected physically.For example, if you need to go on the Seibu Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku, you have to exit the station and walk a bit to get there. The same goes with places like the JR Chiba and Keisei-Chiba stations. This is also occasional the case even if you are changing from and to the same company’s trains. For example, if you want to change from the Tokyu Setagaya Line, a rare tram-like train, to the Tokyu Denentoshi Line at Sangenjaya, you will still have to exit the Setagaya Line station, walk for around 5 minutes, and then enter the Denentoshi Line station . -The colours for the lines on the Maps app on iPhones are usually different to the actual colour scheme. Make use you use Google Maps! (Many locals either use Google Maps or Yahoo Transit, I use the latter, but unfortunately it is not available in English) I hope you find this helps, an have a great visit to Japan! ご来国お待ちしています! (By the way, if you want to feel more confused check this rail map of all of Chiba, Saitama, Tokyo,and Kanagawa Prefectures (its in Japanese but it shows how overwhelming it could be😂: www.pasmo.co.jp/area/train/all.pdf ) Edit (Oct 24) -Kannai->Kanda -I apologise for my rude language in certain areas. They have been changed. -Typos I found have been corrected -The map link apparently isn't working so I replaced it with an alternative. -Additional info (both from the questions I received and stuff I wanted to add) 1.When leaving the city (ex. Mt. Fuji, Nikko, Izu, etc.) there are usually a few options, some popular locations will have special limited express trains going to those places (Mt. Fuji/Fujikyu/Kawauguchiko area has the JR Chuo Line Limited Express Trains, Nikko has the Spacia, Izu has the Odoriko etc.), which are usually the best option for speed/comfort/reliability. There are also highway buses from all of the main stations in Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara etc.) which are usually cheaper, and not too bad if it's like a two hour ride. The Shinkansen is more for people going to a different area entirely, so if you are staying in the Kanto area I wouldn't suggest you use it. 2. IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo/Toica/etc.) are mostly on the same system, meaning that you can use any designated IC card for pretty much every rail line in the Kanto region, and most of the urban lines. Unless you're going to a very niche or local area far from the cities you should have no problem with getting on trains with a IC Card. Here's a map of how IC cards are linked together, anything in the red square is fine: ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/地域連携ICカード#/media/ファイル:ICCard_Connection.svg 3.The Suica app is extremely convenient, and with the recent semiconductor shortage I would suggest using that, because nothing will be different compared to the card Suica. 4.There are multiple types of trains that skip different stations, which can also differ in name depending on the company and line, as well as the hour. You may see 通勤快速/通勤急行(Commuter express/rapid) trains during rush hour, 急行/快速(express/rapid) trains which skip the most stations at usual times, 準急(semi-express) which skip less stations, 区間快速/急行(also translated as semi-express) which stop where express trains also stop plus every stop in a certain area, and 各停/普通(local) trains which stop at every station. There are also 特快(limited/special express) trains on the Chuo Line, which stop at even fewer stations than the commuter express and express trains. Therefore, check what google maps recommends and make sure to not get on the wrong train (which could skip your stop). 5. (also in comments) Japan has a lot of trains that continue on to a different line (直通列車), but what it essentially means is that you don't need to change trains because the train will just go on to the next line. The important thing about this is to make sure you get on the right train, because depending on the line (ex. Tokyu Toyoko Line, etc) it will continue onto different lines, so make sure you check the destination. 6. (also in comments) The Tokyo 72 hrs ticket, the example you gave, only is valid in lines operated by the Tokyo Metro and the Toei (City-Operated) Subway, so you can't use it on JR or any other 私鉄(ie:Tokyu, Keio, Seibu, Tobu, etc.) 7. (also in comments) The suggestion of using IC cards is mainly for convenience, for example you can put all of your travel money into one card, and you can use that card to buy stuff. Also, I'm just saying that if you end up having some money left over in your IC card, you can spend it at places such as convenience stores. 8. You can use your IC card in many places, especially in Tokyo, but you should also always have cash with you, as you not only will not be able to use your IC Cards as much outside of the urban areas, and many stores in Japan still do not accept IC cards and even credit cards. 9. On Ichiran, it is a slightly unique experience, but you can go to the many other ramen shops for the same quality without the lines. Ichiran ramen is pretty good, but not worth the wait (unless you go at midnight or in the morning, when it is less crowded). Ichiran is particularly crowded in the most touristy areas (Shibuya etc.) but I personally didn't wait as much when I went to Ichiran in Tennoji (though that may have been chance). 10. Some trains have designated areas for strollers, and the station staff will give additional assistance if asked. The same goes for any disabilities (like when boarding a train with a wheelchair, etc.) 11. The rush hour is generally from 7:00-9:00 in the mornings and 17:00-20:00 though it may be slightly different depending on the train and direction. 12. Children pay half price for train tickets in Japan. Feel free to ask any questions and I will try my best to answer!
Thanks. I live in Shimane so I never had to deal with this level of train lines and stuff. But I knew something was up with the video after 5 minutes. Plus, hearing his こんにちは was a big red flag to me.
Once you get off at Tokyo station, good luck in Navigating within the station!! Both Tokyo and Shinjuku station are massive with so many exits it makes you head spin!!
It's worse when you're traveling as a group; there's the time lost deciding which line to take and which station to go to, and there's the time lost while walking and waiting for the others to catch up.
Despite the comment nitpicking, I found this video extremely helpful as I'm not familiar with train or subway use at all. I had no clue about individual lines or the numbering pattern until I watched this. Thank you.
As a Japanese who lived in Asakusa for a few years, I can tell you that some of the metro transfers require a long walk. Sometimes the line is deep down or other times the navigation wants to you use a neighboring station that is connected underground. If you have a big bag to carry, chose the options with shorter transfer/walking time.
Oh yes, there was this one time I came back from Tokyo Disney and had to transfer in, I think, Tokyo station, If I remember correctly, Google maps told me it was about 900 meters.
I think there are some extra rules that were important to discuss when talking about train etiquette that didn't make it into this video. The way Japanese people queue up to the train is very organized - they form lines sort of adjacent to the door on both sides to allow room for people to get off. Once everyone who needs to gets off, that's when the people on the platform begin boarding. Additionally, there is an order in which the train seats are filled. They start with the corners, then fill every other spot until all vacancies are filled. If someone creates a vacant space that leaves two spots open, the person sitting next to the vacancies will slide over to give the person next to them more room. Particularly if it's a corner seat! (though, on very popular lines like the Yamanote where there's always someone to fill vacant seats, people tend not to shuffle around because they know it will be filled immediately) Some foreigners misinterpret this seating system as people intentionally avoiding them, but in fact, they're trying to respect personal space. It sounds complicated, but in practice, it's easy to follow. Also, at 15:37 we can see Johnny Harris resting his backpack in a way that intrudes on the space in the seat to the left of him. Given he mentioned that it's important to be mindful of your bags, I think that's also a thing the Japanese public will care about.
Just a note that locals are not familiar with the numbering system of the stations. If you'd ask a local "is this station 6?" 99% won't be able to answer. I'd definitely recommend to memorize the names of the key stations and destination stops.
Or just use Google maps and never ask anyone anything. Also it‘s hilarious to me that remembering station names is considered „a great deal of stress“ by the video maker. I speak business level Japanese, so maybe I‘m not the right person to judge, but in my opinion, even if you don‘t speak a single word of Japanese, it‘s not hard to remember a few station names. But yeah, like I already said, not even necesarry as Google Maps will tell you exactly at which station you have to exit.
@@mojabaka My first time in 2018 I used Google Maps the entire time without memorizing anything and within a couple days I was zipping around no problem. Probably helps to "know things" to some degree but it's not worth stressing about.
@@mojabakaI speak very little Japanese, just basics and tourist level stuff, but it’s honestly an extremely basic skill to memorise a few place names. You’re travelling, put in just a little effort haha
This is one of the most easy-to-digest educative videos about Tokyo trains. I've gone through tons of videos to learn how Japanese trains work and only found myself in confusion. But everything's clear now after watching yours!!! THANKS!
I just came back from my trip from Tokyo and I was so impressed by their train system. They're clean, quick, punctual, well-maintained, extensive and efficient! If Canada had transit system like this, I'd have ditched my car! Riding on these trains are such a joy!
@@deebusoh9023finally someone recognizes that the USA and canada infrastructure arent built to have massive bullet train lines spanning thousands of miles
Useful video, thanks. Just got back from Tokyo and here's a pro tip I learned too late: take time (but get out of the way) to look at the signs usually painted on pillars that tell which carriage will end up near the exit you need for the line you want in the transfer station. Your aching legs and feet will thank you. 😊
the reason the yamanote line said for shinjuku/shibuya on google maps is because the yamanote line is a loop, if the train line is a loop line its going to say "for", if it isnt its just gonna say the terminus station
My whole life Japan has been a dream destination of mine and next month I’ll be making that dream a reality. And the whole train system has been causing my anxiety! Thank you for this video!
Google maps is really helpful, especially with live view. Just stay calm in the crowds and don't let people rush you. Take your time and after two or three rides you will get used to it. Most important: enjoy your rides! There is so much to see! Have a great journey!!!
@@shecklesmack9563Ah yes, I remember my first day in Japan, landed in Narita, found my train towards Shinjuku and I knew I had to find the west exit. Sounds simple enough, Except you're in the busiest and one of the biggest train stations in the world. Unfamiliar with the signage and the station itself, I think it took me close to an hour to actually be on my way to my accomodation. Once I parked my suitcase, I went straight back to ensure that never happened again :D But yes, after a few goes, you understand the system, and the signage and you're good to go.
Also, you might have heard of the jr pass, unlike home where theres like qld rail, nsw vic etc, theres like a hundred diferent compeating companies in the rails system here, so its a spider web where occasionally one meets with another but to get anywhere takes at least 20 minutes plus walking time.
15:56 Just a small big detail is that the Yamanote and Chuo lines are not part of the metro, they are JR lines that run on the surface. But for navigational purposes it is ok
This video is fantastic! It gets right down to the point and answers all of the questions. I feel a lot more confident using transit with this information.
THANK YOU ! THANK YOU ! My wife and I will be traveling to Tokyo and Osaka for our anniversary in March 29-April 8 and the one thing that was really intimidating for me and has been in any major city is the public transporation system. I can't tell you how many times I got completely lost while traveling around S. Korea. Not that getting lost is always a bad thing but this time, I'd like to spend more time at my destination that on a train. Truly appreciate your video and walk through ! Extremely informative!
Nice explanation of a very complex, efficient system. It is transit nerd heaven. There are a couple of nuances to add: there are at least 3 different transportation systems (Tokyo Metro, Toei subway, JR trains). With an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) you can generally move through these systems seamlessly. If you don't have an IC card, you'll need to buy separate tickets or have to add a small amount of money to exit the system (such as when going between the Tokyo and Toei systems). The staff in the stations can help you sort that out if your ticket won't let you pass. You can put your Suica card on your smartphone as an additional option. If you have a JR train pass, you can ride that system free as long as your JR pass is valid. The JR Yamanote line and other cross town JR lines are very helpful if you need to go long distances across the metropolis. Moving around Tokyo with luggage is a bit of a pain, and one of the few times you might consider taking a cab. There are a large number of stairs scattered about and you'll be often going up or down a few steps when transferring between lines. I find the JR system a bit more friendly if you have luggage (trains are larger, there may be fewer stairs or there are more escalators/elevators). In addition to taking your backpack off and not eating, you'll notice that the trains are very quiet, despite the crowds. Loud talking or talking on your cell phone are frowned upon. Since it is relatively quiet, start to listen to sounds of the system--the chirping birds to alert you to stairs, or the unique jingles along the Yamanote line that let you know what station you are at.
Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro stations have elevators at each station. That can help with moving with luggage. Just look for signs that say エレベーター or ask station staff. The entire system is pretty luggage friendly.
Agree on the taxi thing. We flew into Narita and took the train to Tokyo Station. We realized after a few days we could have taken trains all the way to our hotel, but because we had just gotten to Tokyo for the first time, we weren't yet acclimated to the system, and it was downpouring, so we hopped in our only taxi of the trip.
The JR pass is no longer something worth considering, with the price increase and it still being a magnetic strip paper ticket which is easily damaged or lost, it's only got value if you're in Japan to ride trains more than see Japan (somewhat important to remind people that the value is not there if you're not hopping onto a shinkansen every other day). It's no longer recommended to get the pass because the added hassle of trying to tell the system you only want to ride JR trains is a pain in the ass, and it can actually limit where you can go (Trying to get to the Tokyo Skytree on the JR pass is not possible for example). They are trying to sell you more train fare all at once so foreigners that don't know how much their train travel in Japan will cost will buy a bunch of fare they wont use.
You can only put your suica card on your phone for tap and pay if it is an Iphone or Japanese android, NOT a regular worldwide android phone, they use a different frequency NFC than the rest of the world.
Thank you so much for making this super helpful video! We are ready to explore Tokyo today by taking the train system for the first time! We are confident now after watching your terrific video. You win the GOLD medal my friend! TYSM!
@@inquisitvem6723 You are right. It is very spread out. The area this person is talking about is only within the circle of Yamanote line, which is just a central section of Tokyo.
Tokyo is huge, not compact at all. The places you are talking about are just the areas within Yamanote line. If your interests are all within the line, yes, you can get to those places on foot. Please take a look at the map of Tokyo.
Absolutely loved your version of travelling Tokyo subway and I have watched heaps of these but it just adds to what Iv been learning in a simplistic and calm way. Thank you.
As of august 2, JR East stopped selling new Suica cards, and private transportation companies of Kanto region stopped selling new pasmo cards. You can still buy new icoca cards from JR West in west Japan and use it in Tokyo just like Suica and pasmo. But if you really want an card at Tokyo, JR Central sells TOICA cards at Tokyo and Shinagawa stations, but be careful, because they are only selling them at the Shinkansen ticket counter.
Excellent informative video! We just got back from Tokyo a week ago, and for visitors, we can purchase a Welcome Pasmo card that is valid for 28 days. The maximum we can load, at the start, is 1500 yen. No deposit needed. Whatever is left on the card cannot be redeemed, so spend it all before you leave Japan. One thing that got me confused the first couple of days is there are two systems that I used, one is the Tokyo subway and the other is the JR lines. These are two separate lines with entrance/exit points close to each other within the same stop. So, I had to make I sure which of these two systems I am taking. I found both very useful as well as the local bus system in various cities (e.g. Tokyo, Nagasaki, Kanazawa).
Anyone who is still nervous after this, don't be. As a stupid 14 year old with pretty limited knowledge of Japanese, I was able to navigate through the city by myself looking for random anime shops I found listed on some random website in the early 2000's. This was before Suica/Passmo was a thing and before google maps. All I had was that subway map to go by, but it was pretty easy to figure out.
This is just the type of video that I was looking for...Thank you, Sir! That transit map looked like a bowl of ramen to me on my 10 day trip to Japan. I had to hire a guide to get me to the tourist attractions. You have explained each step of the way to get to the train and some of the symbols on the map. I believe that now, even at my old age, I can at least get to the main attractions, and what the heck, if I get lost, simply reverse the route. Like some of the other commenters said, after arriving at your destination, the next challenge is finding the proper exit to get out of the station. I got lost several times in Shinjuku Station. Great video that all newbies should see..thumbs up!
I have watched maybe 10,000 hours of videos on Japan. I am blown away how GOOD this one is. This gets a book mark, you get a sub, and I will share this with anyone I know going to Japan from now on.
Absolutely an amazing video. You took the “fun” out of being lost for months while trying to get to the next stop. Tokyo tourism needs yo use your video for all tourists. Many thanks!
Thank you very much for this information. Straight to the point, succinct, clear, no wordy words, no commercial, actual examples and respectful of local culture. Bravo 👏!
A well presented, reassuring video. Nice work! I've followed my Japanese wife through these stations many times and felt my head spin. All those names really threw me off. Now I feel like I can get around on my own the next time we're there. Thank you!
Fantastic!!! By far the most comprehensive train system video I've seen. It has all but removed the anxiety I have for our first trip to Japan. Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!! And yes... I'm now subscribed.
at 13:00 , Yamanote line is a city loop line. Which mean, whichever direction you're taking, you'll end up in your destination, BUT, one direction will take wayyyy longer than the right one :D
Very informative! Thank you for this vlog. I am going to Tokyo first by myself and of all that I watch about going around, your video made me more confident travelling alone.
I think it is also important to know about the different type like "Local", "Express", etc. because sometimes the train on the exact same platform that departs at a different time from the one mentioned on Google Map will bypass certain station in the case if the train is "Express" or "Semi-Express". This means that if you happen to miss a train mentioned in Google Map, you need to ensure that the next train if it is going to your destination
I've got my first trip to Japan in a couple of weeks, I've viewed plenty of transport videos and I'l pleased to say that this is the most easily understood set of instructions I've seen...THANKS!!!
@@jennesont4791 Absolutely brilliant trip...so much so that I'm going back again in a couple of months time. Had a few moments early on where I could feel myself getting anxious about finding my way around but you just need to stay calm, follow the guides (English signs everywhere) and don't rush. If you can navigate your way in & out of Shinjuku station you know you've got it sorted :) Loved every minute of it!
As an Indian, this is quite good to watch. The Delhi Metro service, which was built with Japanese collaboration, works almost the same way. Lines designated with colours and interchange stations and the "smart cards (as we call it)" for transit which you can topup and in case you get confused there is mobile application as well.
problem this video doesnt show is that multiple difering companies will often use the same colour so you might be looking for the "green" line but theres three diferent companies that use green.
The shades and names are different. I don't see a problem. In Delhi, we got red,pink and magenta lines and people are not confused@@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi
It should be noted that the Tokyo commuter rail system has one feature that makes navigating central Tokyo a *LOT* easier: the JR East Yamanote Line. If you know how to navigate around this line (which stops at just about all the major transfer stations in Tokyo), it's highly unlikely you'll get lost.
We’re pretty comfortable navigating subways in other cities but I found this video very helpful before traveling to Tokyo. It gave us confidence to use the Tokyo subway. We crisscrossed the city for several days. Thanks for all the tips.
An interesting Tokyo transit line is the Disney Resort Line at Tokyo Disney Resort. On the map at 1:37, it's labelled a private railway. The system opened in 2001 and is operated by the Maihama Resort Line Company, Ltd, a subsidiary of The Oriental Land Company (itself controlled by another railway, the Keisei Electric Railway Company) that owns and operates the resort. The line operates a small loop that connects Maihama station (the Disney Resort Line has its own station next to it called Resort Gateway), which is served by the Keiyō and Musashino Lines, with the Tokyo Disney Resort. Besides Resort Gateway, it serves stations like Tokyo Disneyland, Bayside (for official non-Disney hotels), and Tokyo DisneySea. Legally speaking, the line is built as a "railway", just like the ordinary rapid transit or commuter rail lines in Japan, and so, it isn't free to ride, you can get day passes, commuter passes, group tickets. The rolling stock is quite cute, each monorail features a wave in a different color, and the windows are Mickey-shaped! Similarly, Tokyo Disneyland's railroad doesn't make a loop around the park, just around Frontierland and Adventureland with one station at Adventureland, and the reason this is, is because if it had more than one station, it had to be charged separately. So to go around this law, they built the Western River Railroad.
I was avoiding planning our activities because what I heard from people about how hard the train system. Watching this video makes it all easy and makes so much sense. I could have watched this early on.
Dear Bright Trip Founder, this message is to applaud the wonderful way in which you have tried to explain how the entire system works and how one can easily use the train network for travel. Many many thanks for this helpful video.
One thing to mention is, that some lines will turn into other lines at 01 like the Hanzomon will continue as Denen-Toshi in Shibuya. Also the difference between Suica and Pasmo is important if you are a longterm stayer. Like if you are a student there and have to commute between your university and your accomodation, it is cheaper to get a commuters pass, so you can travel unlimited times depending on how long you want your commuters pass to last. I had to get the Pasmo for my commuters pass. Also dependent on the line and private railway company.
Suica and Pasmo cards have been discontinued due to a chip shortage. Apple wallet option exists for Mastercard. 28 day tourist cards also still available. Take backpack off on the train and put on floor (video shows still wearing), no loud talking (in person or on phone). Just look around and behave like the locals. So simple to do.......
My whole life Japan has been a dream destination of mine and next month I’ll be making that dream a reality. And the whole train system has been causing my anxiety! Thank you for this video!
even as an australian i'm so bad with public transport because of my anxiety. i feel like i need videos that tell me exactly what's going to happen so i can be prepared. i was thinking about going to tokyo next year so this video is super helpful! i'm glad to see that it's not too different from our public transport with suica and pasmo. i went to berlin this year and everything was done with tickets, it was so hard to get my head around it.
Dude, if you get anxious you will NOT survive in tokyo. Im Aussie as well and its an utter mess, ive been here over a month now during one of the busiest times of the year, but its just an utter mess the transport system here, i hate to say it because i really dont like korea much, but its a far better place to dip the toe in the travel pond first. Theres no simple way to explain the metro, underground and train stations in general here in japans cities.
You forgot to mention that the service type (listed below the platform number on Google Maps) is also pretty important. Getting on a rapid train when your final destination is a local stop would mean you'd miss your stop.
@@kc3302 Not at the same time but it uses the same platform. If you are standing there and suddenly you have this train coming into the platform 1 minute early. If you are not aware there are different services you would mistake it for your train.
Don't forget to mention the biggest rule of riding trains in Japan, that being NEVER to talk on your phone. Switch to silent mode (called "Manner mode" in Japan) and enjoy the quiet.
Yeah I miss that. I‘m currently living in Croatia again (will probably go to live back in Japan next year) and people in our public transport constantly talk on the phone or even play music. So fucking annoying.
Have just returned from Tokyo and found the train/subway system really wonderful, efficient and much better than the roads. I found the numbering system helpful, but did have to wonder about the jingles played at each of the stations. I found it very difficult to remember the Japanese names of the stations. I used Apple maps, which provides the important information on directions, train times etc. I had my Pasmo on my iPhone wallet and it made use of the transit system so much easier than buying tickets for each journey. This is a really helpful video. Wish I'd seen it before going to Tokyo, but fortunately my son lives in Setagaya and helped me familiarise with the use of the subway system.
First of all, cheers Johnny Harris, welcome to Japan. I really love watching your documentaries in your main channel, always very high quality material and explanations! I really hope you enjoy your stay here. Second, this is absolutely a great explanation as it is to be expected of you all the time. I live in Japan but not in Tokyo and I can say now that I've grown to really love trains here. Tokyo is an absolute maze of train lines and it is not only the amount of lines there but also the amount of layers in which they are laid (there is about 3 underground levels, the ground level and one or two levels above that...). It would take several lifetimes to memorize all train stations and train lines there... In the town I live in which is Nagoya things are way less complex and I can say I have memorized almost all the subway train stations here in all the lines, line names and colors, and can remember which stations connect with which. The most confusing thing for me here is when let's say a same train platform is shared by trains going on different lines (here there is a train company called Meitetsu which also operates the subway. The subway is very easy to understand, however the ground rail lines from Meitetsu use this time division platform sharing scheme which makes things pretty confusing at times...also adding to that local and express trains in the mix) On the other hand JR and Tokyo Metro usually do not share boarding platforms for trains going on different lines and this simplifies things a lot since you know that you will not ride a mistaken train as all trains on said platform go on the same line all the way. This same platform/different line scheme has made me ride the wrong trains more than once...it is quite frustrating, specially when it is trains that do not run that often...so even after checking google, i still occasionally ask the station staff to know if I am about to ride the right train or not...
We absolutely loved taking the trains when we were in Tokyo. Our hotel was only a 5 minute walk to the Hibiya Line and it went to almost every place we had planned to go to. I would say the biggest issue we ran into were larger stations like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, etc. the signage is pretty good, but it can be really easy to get lost in the station trying to find out where your connecting train's platform is just due to the sheer number of lines that pass through. Also I recommend the Suica/Pasmo card because with the paper tickets, you can easily lose them and also we ran into an occasional problem while having to exit a station or make a connection where we couldn't get through the ticket gate because we had accidentally bought the wrong ticket or had some issue with it. Luckily the staff are more than happy to help and most of them speak enough English that you can get by.
Tokyo Station is gigantic. I spend a week there and it took me 3 days to find all those stores you'd see on instagram because they were mostly on the Marunoichi side and my hotel was on the Yeasu side. getting from one side to the other is ..... challenging
For the first-time Tokyo visitor, I'd keep it real simple - just use the Yamanote Line only. Since the Yamanote is a complete loop going around both ways, you really can't go the wrong way because you'll eventually arrive at your desired station. In your hypothetical trip from ShinOkubo to Tokyo, I would've simply remained on the Yamanote going either way and you would get to Tokyo about the same time because you didn't transfer. The Yamanote loop line will cover 80% or your sightseeing needs, and since the newbie visitor can't see it all there's no need to stray from the Yamanote loop. You can get a Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass from Yamanote's operator JR East for JPY760/day.
Sticking to the Yamanote line while convenient, it may take longer to get to certain destinations. There are rapid lines like Toei or Chuo that can get to your destinations quickly. For example, when I had to go from Kanda to Shinjuku. I had to take the Chuo line instead of going back to the Kanda or Akihabara station and taking the Yamanote line to Shinjuku. But honestly, the train system isn't that complicated once you get the hang of it. And plus, as long as you have Google Maps installed. You'll have no problem going around. Even many locals are using Google Maps or Yahoo japan's transit app to get around.
I think it would be quite difficult for foreigners to use the intra-city pass, which can only be used on JR trains. In the first place, you won't be able to instantly determine which railway company it is, so you will incur additional fares the moment you use Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway.
Leaving for Tokyo in 5 days with little to no experience with public transit (American). I’ve been watching a lot of videos to try and prepare for the trains in Tokyo and this is without a doubt the best one I’ve seen. Thank you so much for explaining it in this way.
Its wonderful to see how mrt systems around the world are so similar...google maps integration is awesome...you should also review delhi metro which so similar to Tokyo metro
Personally I will first looking for the platform number which you should take the train. It is easier to navigate the station following the platform number, then reconfirm the direction at the platform. You may also need check which departure it is, as different lines share the same platform.
So, my first trip to Japan is coming up in 2 short weeks, so of course google read my mind and served up this video, which was EXACTLY what I needed, as I was vainly trying to make sense of the Japan railway system on my own. Many thanks for the simple and practical explanation, which cleared up my lingering doubts as to how to interpret the train system. It will most definitely prove useful. Cheers!
I just came back from Tokyo and I do not speak Japanese. I didn't see your video until after I returned but basically it hit a lot of the points I used. I would refer to the train lines by the letters instead of the colors and also noticed the station numbers. Using google maps I would make mental notes using station numbers and platform numbers. So go to station, get on C platform 1. Then get off station C6 for T platform 2, then get off station T8 for station exit A5. It was really simple. The only thing I would recommend you look out for is to see if you are on an express train. If you board a car and see that your stop will be skipped, get off and wait for the next train. Announcements are in English and the trains are usually quiet so it's not an issue to hear. You just have to listen for them or look at the digital signs in the train car. There are signs outside the train cars showing if it's an express train but it doesn't show which stops are skipped until you are inside.
Thats how i got by when i went to Tokyo using letter and number. Yah trying to remember each name station is crazy. At the end of the day they all run together. Now the best line is the Yamanote line even it may take longer to get there it circles the city and you can get most places. Now you can only get welcome suica and welcome Pasmos at the airports.Hanada and Narita. They no longer sell regular suica and pasmos. Very helpful videos.
Finally, after watching so many videos and getting overwhelmed, this has easily explained the myriad of coloured lines on the map. Thank you for explaining it so thoroughly.😅 Seeing it as numbers rather than names makes it easy.
Very logical way to make me understand Tokyo railway/ metro system. I'm Japanese expat in the UK for over 40 years and I have felt assured on the coming occasion of visiting my friends and relatives in Tokyo. Thanks
One of most informative videos on the train system I have seen. I plan on visiting Japan hopefully within the next couple of years and your content will be used. Thanks again from Texas!
I could have done with your explanation of the map when I was in Tokyo. I was so overwhelmed by the sheer size of the map and information overload. Still managed to get around ok after a few days of getting use to the different lines
Just some additional points. Some trains are actually rapid trains which skip some stops on the same line. So if you're at a particular platform, one train might be a rapid train, while the next one isn't. This is so, especially during rush hour. Be sure you get on the right train. One trick is to check Google Maps what time the train you should go on is supposed to arrive at the platform. The train cars have a small LCD display on their sides which will show whether it is a rapid train or not. Also, a Suica or Pasmo card will allow you to get on the Metro or the JR Lines, but if you only have a JR Pass, you can only use it with the JR Lines. You do that by passing through the booth with a human attendant beside the gates. Just show the JR Pass and you will be able to get through. For the Metro, there are also 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour cards which you can buy from the machines at the stations. This will allow you unlimited number of rides in the Metro for the time specified in the card you buy. The time starts when you first use it at the train gates. As to the choice of lines, it appears that there are more Metro stations throughout the city than JR stations. Maybe that's just me, but it's easier to get to certain locations through the Metro because the stations tend to be nearer to the spots themselves.
He didn't mention anything about travelling with a JR Pass. And you're a bit out of date as the JR Pass is now a magnetic ticket that can be used in ticket gates.
You don‘t have to show anything to the staff, the new JR pass is a paper tickes which you just put into the gate. But JR Pass is a scam after the price hike. Not worth it at all. It‘s cheaper to buy all tickets individually now.
@@mojabakaIt is wrong to say that JR Bus is a scam. Please keep in mind that it was very cheap until now. Since the yen is already cheap, the total travel cost will be cheap, right?
@@kc3302IC cards are not widely used throughout Japan, so there are still areas where a strand of hair is required. Therefore, the JR Pass, which can be used nationwide, is inevitably a paper ticket.
Maybe some guys have already pointed out but I dare to say the additional tip for his explanation around TC 12:00; the word 'for' is only used in the circle lines including JR Yamanote-line (green: JY) and Oedoline（Pink/ E), operating in clockwise/ anti-clockwise ways. For other linear lines there should only be the indication of the terminal sta.
Tokyo Station is super cool! It was first planned in the 1890s, however construction was delayed by the outbreak of the First Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War, but finally commenced in 1908. When the station first opened in 1914, it only had just four platforms! The Marunouchi side of Tokyo station is gorgeous! It was designed by Tatsuno Kingo, the father of modern Japanese architecture. It dates back to the station's opening year in 1914 and remains as a historical building, representing the style of western buildings in the Meiji and Taisho periods. The broadly Neo-Baroque design is distinctive for its use of extensive steel framing and red brick with ribbed domes crowning the north and south wings of the structure. Much of the original steel framing was imported from England and the sturdiness of the design enabled the structure to survive both the Great Kantō earthquake in 1923 as well as wartime bombing and fires in 1945. A sympathetic 5-year renovation of the 1914 structure was completed in October 2012, restoring the domed roof structures that had been a feature of Tatsuno's original design.
This is a great video. I have a buddy heading to Japan at the end of the year and this is a really great video to help them understand and navigate the train system. thanks so much for this.
It's intriguing that in the train announcements, the station numbering system is used in English only, but in Japanese, they simply state the station name. As if the numbering system was specifically made for tourists.
Thank you for all of this great info!! I’ve just returned from Japan, and your video was so helpful, especially about the specific info listed in Google maps.
Also you forget to mention the subway 3 days/2 days/1 day pass(not usable for railway lines, aka, JR lines). For tourists these passes are extremely cheap compared to buy ticket every time using Suica/Pasmo card. And it's convenient, as 99% of tourist attractions can be covered by subway systems. So, subway pass + one Transit card is the best option for tourist to navigate through Tokyo
@@wendaoliu9447 Locals can buy a variation of the 24 hour pass for either just Toei or Tokyo Metro, but they cannot buy the 24/48/72 Toei/Tokyo Metro combined passes
I spent few days there in 2019, found daily passes much more economical. You can make up for the amount you paid in 5-6 trips, than rest is free. I stayed at a hotel by the JR Yamanote line, was able to visit most of major attractions.
Additionally there can be big differences between the type of trains even when you find the correct platform, direction, line, etc. Local, Rapid, Local Rapid some skip certain stations, important to look at the map as well on the platform to know which train you are getting on and that it doesn't fly by the stop you want. They are marked on the side of the train in English.
For someone who never used a train for transportation before. Using the trains in Tokyo was really simple to use when I first visited Japan back in March. Your right about the crowds. It can get really crowded. Wouldn't recommend it if your claustrophobic. However, there not always crowded (just depends on when you're riding).
Physical Suica and Pasmo cards have been unavailable since August unless you get the special “Welcome” Suica at the airport. If you have an iPhone, you can add a Suica or Pasmo to Apple wallet. I think Android requires you to have a Japanese phone to do this.
Not too relevant, but if you go to Kansai (or most places outside of Tokyo), you can still get their IC cards (Icoca for Kansai). Might be useful if you land at KIX instead of HND or NRT
@@illiiilli24601keep in mind if people do that, the ICOCA cards won't work on local buses around the Kanto area. The local buses usually display which IC cards are acceptable.
@@illiiilli24601 Are the cards from other parts of Japan valid in the entire country? If, for instance my plan is to fly to Sapporo and travel with JR trains to visit several places and use local transit, flying home from Nagasaki, do I have to buy a new card for every JR company or can I use a Kitaki card throughout Japan? I only fount conflicting or confusing answers for it...
@@Frahamen (I haven't been, but I'm planning a trip right now, and have been reading up on it) Suica, Pasmo, Icoca and seven more of Japan's most popular IC cards were made compatible with each other in 2013, making it possible to travel on almost all trains, subways and buses in most of Japan's largest cities with just a single of these cards.
Excellent video! Helpful to know that they still sell physical cards for tourists. I'm not a big fan of using smart phones for public transport payment. Just last week I saw someone in Sydney tapping his phone repeatedly trying to enter/exit a train station. And I bet it was an Android phone. So many different Android brands and versions, so compatibility becomes a big issue. Contrast that to Opal cards which were designed and tested to work with the card readers.
cards are stopped for the foreseeable future, due to chip shortages, buy a transit pass for 2 or 3 days, is better value and costs nothing extra to go through the gates. The only android issue is that japan chose a different frequency for their NFC readers so only japanese android phones and iphones work.
The NFC standard used in Japanese watermelons is FeliCa, a special standard found only here in the world. The reason for this standard is to ensure processing speed so that passengers can pass through the ticket gates without delay during rush hours, when they are extremely crowded.
Great explanation of a complex system that is, as you say, quite easy to understand when you look at it piece by piece. The main thing I suggest is that it is better to go by the line code (the 1 or 2 letters at the start of the station number) instead of the line colour, as line colours can be similar - e.g. The Ginza Line (G) and the Chuo Line (JC) are both orange. It is much easier to say that you need to go from G4 to G9 instead of orange 4 to orange 9. By the way, the line codes consisting of one letter are subway lines and the 2 letter choices are other lines - which can consist of the 1st letter representing the company name and the 2nd letter is different for each line (e.g. JR East = J_, Seibu = S_) or the 2 letters are the same for all lines of the company (e.g. Keisei = KD, Keikyu = KK. P.S. Being a little pedantic, you're not "at the metro" when catching the JR East Yamanote Line as it is not a Subway line, it is a suburban train line. But the difference between subway/metro and non-subway/metro stations/lines in Japan is minor and with the complicated matter of suburban trains (including JR trains) operating "through services" onto the subway lines it makes it difficult to differentiate them.
🚋UPDATE🚋 Some of you have pointed out in the comments that Suica and Passmo cards are no longer available for purchase due to the global chip shortage. Purchase of registered and unregistered Suica and Passmo cards have been suspended indefinitely or "for the time being", according to JR East. We apologize for the video not reflecting this. This video is part of a larger guide on Tokyo and was produced before this was true.
Here are some workarounds for current situation:
Tourists can still buy Welcome Suica and Passmo Passport cards at some locations - more info here: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html
www.pasmo.co.jp/visitors/en/
You can get mobile versions of either card for NFC enabled Iphones or Japanese “Osaifu-Keitai” enabled Andriod phones. Please note that reports say these only work with Mastercard or American Express. Once it's set up, it works exactly the same as a physical card, including recharging at ticket machines and using it to tap in and out.
Once again, sorry for the confusion. Stay curious ❤
From propaganda video to how to use train systems 😂wow but nice video lol
you can even load up your mobile version suica card in 7-11 ATMs. you place your phone on the holder just like in the stations
Unless you're going to some place that is cash only, if you take an iPhone with Suica and Credit cards on it, you're good to go. At least in the city.
Awesome video! Had no idea that you had this other channel. Could you do a similar one for Korea? I went for the first time recently and had a hell of a time since Google Maps doesn't really work there. You have to use one of the local map apps like Navermap or Kakaomap and both of their English interfaces leave something to be desired... 😅
Or just land in any other part of the country, get their IC (transit) cards which are still widely available, and you can use it anywhere else in Japan. Spoken as a proud Kansai resident (Kyoto/Osaka area)
I’m a local, and this video has been pretty entertaining.
So I’d like to say what’s kind of wrong and mostly correct, as well as what I’d just like to add.
-The thinking of trains as a colour is kind of interesting, but it can get confusing. For example, there are a bunch of green lines: JR Yamanote Line, TM Chiyoda Line, Tokyu Dententoshi Line, the TCM Shinjuku Line, and, if you go a bit further, the Sagami Line from Yokohama to Ebina. So I suggest you instead remember them by their code name ie: JY for Yamanote Line, JC for Chuo Rapid Line, DT for Denentoshi Line, etc.
-The platform numbers are your best bet at getting to your platform. Trying to figure it out based on numbers or the destination is definitely much more difficult because they are usually in a much smaller font, or not mentioned at all.
-Try to avoid changing at big stations. For example, If you want to get from Ochanomizu Station to Hamamatsucho Station, the train sequence will be Chuo Rapid Line to the Keihin Tohoku Line. While it may be better to change at Tokyo if you want to get some souvenirs, if you just want to get there quickly you’d better opt for Kannai Station, which still offers the same change but a station before. A typical change from these lines at Tokyo takes around 10 minutes, probably more if your a foreigner/not used to the area. However, at Kanda, you can change in maybe two or three minutes. Also, there should be substantially less people, making it easier to move around.
-I would suggest buying a Suica at Haneda/Narita Airport before starting your travels, and fill it up with quite a lot of money. In Tokyo, at least, you can buy most things at most shops with a Suica, especially convenience stores. Just show your card to the cashier and you tap. As simple as that. However, the chance to use IC cards (Suica/Pasmo/Toica/etc.) will decrease when you leave the urban areas. Also, restaurants like Ichiran offer Suica payment, I belive.
-Do NOT be tempted to get a taxi, it is NOT as cheap as a Uber. It is extremely expensive, especially considered to the cheap prices you can go from the trains that usually come at least once every 5-10 minutes.
-The video addresses both the Tokyo Metro 東京メトロ (TM), Tokyo City Metro 東京市営地下鉄 (TMC), JR, and Tokyu 東急 as “Tokyo Metro” Please do not confuse the station staff like this. They are run by different companies, so they will charge you more or less, and most importantly are called differently. By the way, they will also be bit confused by ‘Green line” or Blue line.” There are actual train lines called that, both being part of the Yokohama City Metro, which may confuse the staff.
-The video mentions putting your bag on the floor. However, you can also just but it in front of you. Most people do that, and it will be extremely difficult to put your luggage down in one of the transit lines. I do this, so don’t be worried.
-Shinkansen and Limited Express trains will require additional tickets. If you go to any JR station in Tokyo, you can go to the kiosks, right next to the Suica issue and charge kiosks, and find a 指定席券売機, which you can basically use to book these trains.
-If you have accidentally travelled too far and the price is higher than the amount of money you have in your Suica, there are also charging kiosks inside the platform area.
-Most stations have reliably open and clean toilets, so if you ever want to go to the loo a station is also a pretty good idea.
-Not all of the trains, even if they stop at the same place, are connected physically.For example, if you need to go on the Seibu Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku, you have to exit the station and walk a bit to get there. The same goes with places like the JR Chiba and Keisei-Chiba stations. This is also occasional the case even if you are changing from and to the same company’s trains. For example, if you want to change from the Tokyu Setagaya Line, a rare tram-like train, to the Tokyu Denentoshi Line at Sangenjaya, you will still have to exit the Setagaya Line station, walk for around 5 minutes, and then enter the Denentoshi Line station .
-The colours for the lines on the Maps app on iPhones are usually different to the actual colour scheme. Make use you use Google Maps! (Many locals either use Google Maps or Yahoo Transit, I use the latter, but unfortunately it is not available in English)
I hope you find this helps, an have a great visit to Japan!
ご来国お待ちしています!
(By the way, if you want to feel more confused check this rail map of all of Chiba, Saitama, Tokyo,and Kanagawa Prefectures (its in Japanese but it shows how overwhelming it could be😂: www.pasmo.co.jp/area/train/all.pdf )
Edit (Oct 24)
-Kannai->Kanda
-I apologise for my rude language in certain areas. They have been changed.
-Typos I found have been corrected
-The map link apparently isn't working so I replaced it with an alternative.
-Additional info (both from the questions I received and stuff I wanted to add)
1.When leaving the city (ex. Mt. Fuji, Nikko, Izu, etc.) there are usually a few options, some popular locations will have special limited express trains going to those places (Mt. Fuji/Fujikyu/Kawauguchiko area has the JR Chuo Line Limited Express Trains, Nikko has the Spacia, Izu has the Odoriko etc.), which are usually the best option for speed/comfort/reliability. There are also highway buses from all of the main stations in Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara etc.) which are usually cheaper, and not too bad if it's like a two hour ride. The Shinkansen is more for people going to a different area entirely, so if you are staying in the Kanto area I wouldn't suggest you use it.
2. IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo/Toica/etc.) are mostly on the same system, meaning that you can use any designated IC card for pretty much every rail line in the Kanto region, and most of the urban lines. Unless you're going to a very niche or local area far from the cities you should have no problem with getting on trains with a IC Card. Here's a map of how IC cards are linked together, anything in the red square is fine: ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/地域連携ICカード#/media/ファイル:ICCard_Connection.svg
3.The Suica app is extremely convenient, and with the recent semiconductor shortage I would suggest using that, because nothing will be different compared to the card Suica.
4.There are multiple types of trains that skip different stations, which can also differ in name depending on the company and line, as well as the hour. You may see 通勤快速/通勤急行(Commuter express/rapid) trains during rush hour, 急行/快速(express/rapid) trains which skip the most stations at usual times, 準急(semi-express) which skip less stations, 区間快速/急行(also translated as semi-express) which stop where express trains also stop plus every stop in a certain area, and 各停/普通(local) trains which stop at every station. There are also 特快(limited/special express) trains on the Chuo Line, which stop at even fewer stations than the commuter express and express trains. Therefore, check what google maps recommends and make sure to not get on the wrong train (which could skip your stop).
5. (also in comments) Japan has a lot of trains that continue on to a different line (直通列車), but what it essentially means is that you don't need to change trains because the train will just go on to the next line. The important thing about this is to make sure you get on the right train, because depending on the line (ex. Tokyu Toyoko Line, etc) it will continue onto different lines, so make sure you check the destination.
6. (also in comments) The Tokyo 72 hrs ticket, the example you gave, only is valid in lines operated by the Tokyo Metro and the Toei (City-Operated) Subway, so you can't use it on JR or any other 私鉄(ie:Tokyu, Keio, Seibu, Tobu, etc.)
7. (also in comments) The suggestion of using IC cards is mainly for convenience, for example you can put all of your travel money into one card, and you can use that card to buy stuff. Also, I'm just saying that if you end up having some money left over in your IC card, you can spend it at places such as convenience stores.
8. You can use your IC card in many places, especially in Tokyo, but you should also always have cash with you, as you not only will not be able to use your IC Cards as much outside of the urban areas, and many stores in Japan still do not accept IC cards and even credit cards.
9. On Ichiran, it is a slightly unique experience, but you can go to the many other ramen shops for the same quality without the lines. Ichiran ramen is pretty good, but not worth the wait (unless you go at midnight or in the morning, when it is less crowded). Ichiran is particularly crowded in the most touristy areas (Shibuya etc.) but I personally didn't wait as much when I went to Ichiran in Tennoji (though that may have been chance).
10. Some trains have designated areas for strollers, and the station staff will give additional assistance if asked. The same goes for any disabilities (like when boarding a train with a wheelchair, etc.)
11. The rush hour is generally from 7:00-9:00 in the mornings and 17:00-20:00 though it may be slightly different depending on the train and direction.
12. Children pay half price for train tickets in Japan.
Feel free to ask any questions and I will try my best to answer!
Great insight
Just when I thought I was prepared Lol thank you for this info
thanks man
Thanks. I live in Shimane so I never had to deal with this level of train lines and stuff.
But I knew something was up with the video after 5 minutes. Plus, hearing his こんにちは was a big red flag to me.
How do I use the train system if I have no cash? Only VISA
Once you get off at Tokyo station, good luck in Navigating within the station!!
Both Tokyo and Shinjuku station are massive with so many exits it makes you head spin!!
OMG! I have to find my long lost Japanese friend first...and then i'll book the flight 😂
It's worse when you're traveling as a group; there's the time lost deciding which line to take and which station to go to, and there's the time lost while walking and waiting for the others to catch up.
Despite the comment nitpicking, I found this video extremely helpful as I'm not familiar with train or subway use at all. I had no clue about individual lines or the numbering pattern until I watched this. Thank you.
As a Japanese who lived in Asakusa for a few years, I can tell you that some of the metro transfers require a long walk. Sometimes the line is deep down or other times the navigation wants to you use a neighboring station that is connected underground. If you have a big bag to carry, chose the options with shorter transfer/walking time.
Oh yes, there was this one time I came back from Tokyo Disney and had to transfer in, I think, Tokyo station, If I remember correctly, Google maps told me it was about 900 meters.
@@Hans-gb4mv京葉線はもはや東京駅じゃないとよく言われる
I think there are some extra rules that were important to discuss when talking about train etiquette that didn't make it into this video. The way Japanese people queue up to the train is very organized - they form lines sort of adjacent to the door on both sides to allow room for people to get off. Once everyone who needs to gets off, that's when the people on the platform begin boarding.
Additionally, there is an order in which the train seats are filled. They start with the corners, then fill every other spot until all vacancies are filled. If someone creates a vacant space that leaves two spots open, the person sitting next to the vacancies will slide over to give the person next to them more room. Particularly if it's a corner seat! (though, on very popular lines like the Yamanote where there's always someone to fill vacant seats, people tend not to shuffle around because they know it will be filled immediately)
Some foreigners misinterpret this seating system as people intentionally avoiding them, but in fact, they're trying to respect personal space. It sounds complicated, but in practice, it's easy to follow.
Also, at 15:37 we can see Johnny Harris resting his backpack in a way that intrudes on the space in the seat to the left of him. Given he mentioned that it's important to be mindful of your bags, I think that's also a thing the Japanese public will care about.
Just a note that locals are not familiar with the numbering system of the stations. If you'd ask a local "is this station 6?" 99% won't be able to answer. I'd definitely recommend to memorize the names of the key stations and destination stops.
Yep, the numbering system was created for foreigners. The japanese announcements never mention the station number while the english ones always do.
Or just use Google maps and never ask anyone anything. Also it‘s hilarious to me that remembering station names is considered „a great deal of stress“ by the video maker. I speak business level Japanese, so maybe I‘m not the right person to judge, but in my opinion, even if you don‘t speak a single word of Japanese, it‘s not hard to remember a few station names. But yeah, like I already said, not even necesarry as Google Maps will tell you exactly at which station you have to exit.
@@mojabaka yep, Google Maps has been really good the last few years.
@@mojabaka My first time in 2018 I used Google Maps the entire time without memorizing anything and within a couple days I was zipping around no problem. Probably helps to "know things" to some degree but it's not worth stressing about.
@@mojabakaI speak very little Japanese, just basics and tourist level stuff, but it’s honestly an extremely basic skill to memorise a few place names. You’re travelling, put in just a little effort haha
This is one of the most easy-to-digest educative videos about Tokyo trains. I've gone through tons of videos to learn how Japanese trains work and only found myself in confusion. But everything's clear now after watching yours!!! THANKS!
My man, you have totally demystified this system, much appreciated
I just came back from my trip from Tokyo and I was so impressed by their train system. They're clean, quick, punctual, well-maintained, extensive and efficient! If Canada had transit system like this, I'd have ditched my car! Riding on these trains are such a joy!
Same here in the USA. The only time I take public transportation is when I'm in Europe or Asia.
dub be silly, Canada infrastructure is so different from Japan.
@@deebusoh9023finally someone recognizes that the USA and canada infrastructure arent built to have massive bullet train lines spanning thousands of miles
Useful video, thanks. Just got back from Tokyo and here's a pro tip I learned too late: take time (but get out of the way) to look at the signs usually painted on pillars that tell which carriage will end up near the exit you need for the line you want in the transfer station. Your aching legs and feet will thank you. 😊
the reason the yamanote line said for shinjuku/shibuya on google maps is because the yamanote line is a loop, if the train line is a loop line its going to say "for", if it isnt its just gonna say the terminus station
Alternative video title "How to use public transport for Americans"
bros j a hater lol always talkin bout america lame ahh mf
not possible
Addendum: “who aren’t from NYC.” Growing up here has indoctrinated me completely. 😂
@@Enkijamenk Ha good point
you mean how to use public transport for texans
Loved the simplicity of your production. Good job. Thanks for sharing.
My whole life Japan has been a dream destination of mine and next month I’ll be making that dream a reality. And the whole train system has been causing my anxiety! Thank you for this video!
It will be intimidating at first, but you'll get it very quickly. Good luck and have fun
Google maps is really helpful, especially with live view. Just stay calm in the crowds and don't let people rush you. Take your time and after two or three rides you will get used to it.
Most important: enjoy your rides! There is so much to see!
Have a great journey!!!
@@familieperrone99 thank you so much. Nobody warned me about the amount of walking I’d do 😂
@@shecklesmack9563Ah yes, I remember my first day in Japan, landed in Narita, found my train towards Shinjuku and I knew I had to find the west exit. Sounds simple enough, Except you're in the busiest and one of the biggest train stations in the world. Unfamiliar with the signage and the station itself, I think it took me close to an hour to actually be on my way to my accomodation. Once I parked my suitcase, I went straight back to ensure that never happened again :D But yes, after a few goes, you understand the system, and the signage and you're good to go.
Also, you might have heard of the jr pass, unlike home where theres like qld rail, nsw vic etc, theres like a hundred diferent compeating companies in the rails system here, so its a spider web where occasionally one meets with another but to get anywhere takes at least 20 minutes plus walking time.
15:56
Just a small big detail is that the Yamanote and Chuo lines are not part of the metro, they are JR lines that run on the surface. But for navigational purposes it is ok
@@ChrisHeart-kr1uq？？？
@@ChrisHeart-kr1uq I have reported it.
This video is fantastic! It gets right down to the point and answers all of the questions. I feel a lot more confident using transit with this information.
THANK YOU ! THANK YOU ! My wife and I will be traveling to Tokyo and Osaka for our anniversary in March 29-April 8 and the one thing that was really intimidating for me and has been in any major city is the public transporation system. I can't tell you how many times I got completely lost while traveling around S. Korea. Not that getting lost is always a bad thing but this time, I'd like to spend more time at my destination that on a train. Truly appreciate your video and walk through ! Extremely informative!
Nice explanation of a very complex, efficient system. It is transit nerd heaven. There are a couple of nuances to add: there are at least 3 different transportation systems (Tokyo Metro, Toei subway, JR trains). With an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) you can generally move through these systems seamlessly. If you don't have an IC card, you'll need to buy separate tickets or have to add a small amount of money to exit the system (such as when going between the Tokyo and Toei systems). The staff in the stations can help you sort that out if your ticket won't let you pass. You can put your Suica card on your smartphone as an additional option. If you have a JR train pass, you can ride that system free as long as your JR pass is valid. The JR Yamanote line and other cross town JR lines are very helpful if you need to go long distances across the metropolis. Moving around Tokyo with luggage is a bit of a pain, and one of the few times you might consider taking a cab. There are a large number of stairs scattered about and you'll be often going up or down a few steps when transferring between lines. I find the JR system a bit more friendly if you have luggage (trains are larger, there may be fewer stairs or there are more escalators/elevators). In addition to taking your backpack off and not eating, you'll notice that the trains are very quiet, despite the crowds. Loud talking or talking on your cell phone are frowned upon. Since it is relatively quiet, start to listen to sounds of the system--the chirping birds to alert you to stairs, or the unique jingles along the Yamanote line that let you know what station you are at.
Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro stations have elevators at each station. That can help with moving with luggage. Just look for signs that say エレベーター or ask station staff. The entire system is pretty luggage friendly.
Agree on the taxi thing. We flew into Narita and took the train to Tokyo Station. We realized after a few days we could have taken trains all the way to our hotel, but because we had just gotten to Tokyo for the first time, we weren't yet acclimated to the system, and it was downpouring, so we hopped in our only taxi of the trip.
Does anyone know which offline app is for Android? I can't find this app in the google playstore...
The JR pass is no longer something worth considering, with the price increase and it still being a magnetic strip paper ticket which is easily damaged or lost, it's only got value if you're in Japan to ride trains more than see Japan (somewhat important to remind people that the value is not there if you're not hopping onto a shinkansen every other day). It's no longer recommended to get the pass because the added hassle of trying to tell the system you only want to ride JR trains is a pain in the ass, and it can actually limit where you can go (Trying to get to the Tokyo Skytree on the JR pass is not possible for example). They are trying to sell you more train fare all at once so foreigners that don't know how much their train travel in Japan will cost will buy a bunch of fare they wont use.
You can only put your suica card on your phone for tap and pay if it is an Iphone or Japanese android, NOT a regular worldwide android phone, they use a different frequency NFC than the rest of the world.
I’m going in spring and you have no idea how much this video has relieved my stress about transportation. Thank you so very much
Yea! That was the precise goal of the video!!
Thank you so much for making this super helpful video! We are ready to explore Tokyo today by taking the train system for the first time! We are confident now after watching your terrific video. You win the GOLD medal my friend! TYSM!
I also recommend walking. Tokyo is such a compact city! You can walk from Ueno to Asakusa, or from Tokyo station to Akihabara in just 30 mins.
It's a good walk in the pleasant seasons of April, May, October, and November, but we don't recommend it in the winter or summer.
Really? It looks so wide spread out. I might walk then because I love walking to explore. I walked several days in Barcelona.
@@inquisitvem6723 You are right. It is very spread out. The area this person is talking about is only within the circle of Yamanote line, which is just a central section of Tokyo.
Tokyo is huge, not compact at all. The places you are talking about are just the areas within Yamanote line. If your interests are all within the line, yes, you can get to those places on foot. Please take a look at the map of Tokyo.
Compact????? Hhahahahahhaa. Good luck walking to Shinjuku from Ueno.
Absolutely loved your version of travelling Tokyo subway and I have watched heaps of these but it just adds to what Iv been learning in a simplistic and calm way. Thank you.
As of august 2, JR East stopped selling new Suica cards, and private transportation companies of Kanto region stopped selling new pasmo cards. You can still buy new icoca cards from JR West in west Japan and use it in Tokyo just like Suica and pasmo. But if you really want an card at Tokyo, JR Central sells TOICA cards at Tokyo and Shinagawa stations, but be careful, because they are only selling them at the Shinkansen ticket counter.
Why did this happen?
@@JM-kv2kn It is due to a shortage of semiconductors. www.jreast.co.jp/press/2023/20230731_ho02.pdf
@@JM-kv2knsemi conductor shortages
@@JM-kv2kn There's shortage in the technology needed to produce IC cards.
@@patrickponce4838 wow its that bad. I'm going in September next year so a year from now hopefully it goes back to a seamless product
Excellent informative video! We just got back from Tokyo a week ago, and for visitors, we can purchase a Welcome Pasmo card that is valid for 28 days. The maximum we can load, at the start, is 1500 yen. No deposit needed. Whatever is left on the card cannot be redeemed, so spend it all before you leave Japan.
One thing that got me confused the first couple of days is there are two systems that I used, one is the Tokyo subway and the other is the JR lines. These are two separate lines with entrance/exit points close to each other within the same stop. So, I had to make I sure which of these two systems I am taking. I found both very useful as well as the local bus system in various cities (e.g. Tokyo, Nagasaki, Kanazawa).
As someone making a first visit to Tokyo this is the BEST video I've watched on the train systems. Thanks So Much!
Agreed!!
Anyone who is still nervous after this, don't be. As a stupid 14 year old with pretty limited knowledge of Japanese, I was able to navigate through the city by myself looking for random anime shops I found listed on some random website in the early 2000's. This was before Suica/Passmo was a thing and before google maps. All I had was that subway map to go by, but it was pretty easy to figure out.
Do you still have that list of anime things?
@@naomihooks658 judging from his profile pic, yep he still has them, truly a man of culture
This is just the type of video that I was looking for...Thank you, Sir! That transit map looked like a bowl of ramen to me on my 10 day trip to Japan. I had to hire a guide to get me to the tourist attractions. You have explained each step of the way to get to the train and some of the symbols on the map. I believe that now, even at my old age, I can at least get to the main attractions, and what the heck, if I get lost, simply reverse the route. Like some of the other commenters said, after arriving at your destination, the next challenge is finding the proper exit to get out of the station. I got lost several times in Shinjuku Station. Great video that all newbies should see..thumbs up!
I have watched maybe 10,000 hours of videos on Japan. I am blown away how GOOD this one is. This gets a book mark, you get a sub, and I will share this with anyone I know going to Japan from now on.
Thank you so much!
Absolutely an amazing video. You took the “fun” out of being lost for months while trying to get to the next stop. Tokyo tourism needs yo use your video for all tourists. Many thanks!
I never knew how much I hated driving until I visited Tokyo. We need more trains everywhere.
Yeah, here in Switzerland, trains and public transportations are a huge thing
Thank you very much for this information. Straight to the point, succinct, clear, no wordy words, no commercial, actual examples and respectful of local culture. Bravo 👏!
A well presented, reassuring video. Nice work! I've followed my Japanese wife through these stations many times and felt my head spin. All those names really threw me off. Now I feel like I can get around on my own the next time we're there. Thank you!
Fantastic!!! By far the most comprehensive train system video I've seen. It has all but removed the anxiety I have for our first trip to Japan. Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!! And yes... I'm now subscribed.
at 13:00 , Yamanote line is a city loop line. Which mean, whichever direction you're taking, you'll end up in your destination, BUT, one direction will take wayyyy longer than the right one :D
Very informative! Thank you for this vlog. I am going to Tokyo first by myself and of all that I watch about going around, your video made me more confident travelling alone.
I think it is also important to know about the different type like "Local", "Express", etc. because sometimes the train on the exact same platform that departs at a different time from the one mentioned on Google Map will bypass certain station in the case if the train is "Express" or "Semi-Express".
This means that if you happen to miss a train mentioned in Google Map, you need to ensure that the next train if it is going to your destination
When riding the subway, you usually don't need to worry about the type.
Thank you!!!! Going to Japan for the first time in a few months and bringing two young kids along so this is super helpful!
I've got my first trip to Japan in a couple of weeks, I've viewed plenty of transport videos and I'l pleased to say that this is the most easily understood set of instructions I've seen...THANKS!!!
How was your trip? Anything to add to this video about your own experience?
@@jennesont4791 Absolutely brilliant trip...so much so that I'm going back again in a couple of months time. Had a few moments early on where I could feel myself getting anxious about finding my way around but you just need to stay calm, follow the guides (English signs everywhere) and don't rush. If you can navigate your way in & out of Shinjuku station you know you've got it sorted :) Loved every minute of it!
this is so informative! i just wish i can remember and apply everything during the actual tour, thank you!
As an Indian, this is quite good to watch. The Delhi Metro service, which was built with Japanese collaboration, works almost the same way. Lines designated with colours and interchange stations and the "smart cards (as we call it)" for transit which you can topup and in case you get confused there is mobile application as well.
problem this video doesnt show is that multiple difering companies will often use the same colour so you might be looking for the "green" line but theres three diferent companies that use green.
The shades and names are different. I don't see a problem. In Delhi, we got red,pink and magenta lines and people are not confused@@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi
I don't think this is Japan or Delhi specific. It's how a lot of contemporary metro systems work worldwide.
One of the most lucid and useful videos on the Tokyo Metro system! thank you for your exceptional attention to detail and "real time" examples!!
It should be noted that the Tokyo commuter rail system has one feature that makes navigating central Tokyo a *LOT* easier: the JR East Yamanote Line. If you know how to navigate around this line (which stops at just about all the major transfer stations in Tokyo), it's highly unlikely you'll get lost.
Thank you for that info!!!
And this train line is build in 60s and 70s and still amazing compare to newyork😂😂😂
@@suwirwong I believe the Yamanote Line loop as we know it today was completed in 1932.
@@Sacto1654 how amazing is that👏👏👏👏🙌 considering it still amazing today.
Please note that the Yamanote Line does not go to Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Asakusa, or Odaiba.
We’re pretty comfortable navigating subways in other cities but I found this video very helpful before traveling to Tokyo. It gave us confidence to use the Tokyo subway. We crisscrossed the city for several days. Thanks for all the tips.
An interesting Tokyo transit line is the Disney Resort Line at Tokyo Disney Resort. On the map at 1:37, it's labelled a private railway. The system opened in 2001 and is operated by the Maihama Resort Line Company, Ltd, a subsidiary of The Oriental Land Company (itself controlled by another railway, the Keisei Electric Railway Company) that owns and operates the resort. The line operates a small loop that connects Maihama station (the Disney Resort Line has its own station next to it called Resort Gateway), which is served by the Keiyō and Musashino Lines, with the Tokyo Disney Resort. Besides Resort Gateway, it serves stations like Tokyo Disneyland, Bayside (for official non-Disney hotels), and Tokyo DisneySea.
Legally speaking, the line is built as a "railway", just like the ordinary rapid transit or commuter rail lines in Japan, and so, it isn't free to ride, you can get day passes, commuter passes, group tickets. The rolling stock is quite cute, each monorail features a wave in a different color, and the windows are Mickey-shaped! Similarly, Tokyo Disneyland's railroad doesn't make a loop around the park, just around Frontierland and Adventureland with one station at Adventureland, and the reason this is, is because if it had more than one station, it had to be charged separately. So to go around this law, they built the Western River Railroad.
Later, when DisneySea was built, regulations were relaxed and the Disney Electric Railway now operates between two stations.
I was avoiding planning our activities because what I heard from people about how hard the train system. Watching this video makes it all easy and makes so much sense. I could have watched this early on.
Dear Bright Trip Founder, this message is to applaud the wonderful way in which you have tried to explain how the entire system works and how one can easily use the train network for travel. Many many thanks for this helpful video.
You have quelled my concerns entirely. Thank you so much for the detailed explanation. As a clueless American, I feel ready to take on the Tokyo metro
One thing to mention is, that some lines will turn into other lines at 01 like the Hanzomon will continue as Denen-Toshi in Shibuya. Also the difference between Suica and Pasmo is important if you are a longterm stayer. Like if you are a student there and have to commute between your university and your accomodation, it is cheaper to get a commuters pass, so you can travel unlimited times depending on how long you want your commuters pass to last. I had to get the Pasmo for my commuters pass. Also dependent on the line and private railway company.
This is the best video I've found online about how the Tokyo subway works!
Suica and Pasmo cards have been discontinued due to a chip shortage. Apple wallet option exists for Mastercard. 28 day tourist cards also still available. Take backpack off on the train and put on floor (video shows still wearing), no loud talking (in person or on phone). Just look around and behave like the locals. So simple to do.......
Well the train was not very busy while he was doing that. Not like you need to take a small backpack off on train that isn’t very busy.
Thank you for the refresher course, will be there again next Monday, I'm excited to finally be back! 😀
Such an helpful video! Thank you for creating this!
My whole life Japan has been a dream destination of mine and next month I’ll be making that dream a reality. And the whole train system has been causing my anxiety! Thank you for this video!
How was your trip?
even as an australian i'm so bad with public transport because of my anxiety. i feel like i need videos that tell me exactly what's going to happen so i can be prepared. i was thinking about going to tokyo next year so this video is super helpful!
i'm glad to see that it's not too different from our public transport with suica and pasmo. i went to berlin this year and everything was done with tickets, it was so hard to get my head around it.
order the cards today online, there are a few sites, ours arrived 3 days after ordering to melbourne, at a slight extra cost but valid for 10 years.
Is that the Suica or pasmo card you ordered online and had posted to Melbourne?
Dude, if you get anxious you will NOT survive in tokyo. Im Aussie as well and its an utter mess, ive been here over a month now during one of the busiest times of the year, but its just an utter mess the transport system here, i hate to say it because i really dont like korea much, but its a far better place to dip the toe in the travel pond first. Theres no simple way to explain the metro, underground and train stations in general here in japans cities.
Very coherent, cohesive, effective, and helpful guide. Thank you! 😁
You forgot to mention that the service type (listed below the platform number on Google Maps) is also pretty important. Getting on a rapid train when your final destination is a local stop would mean you'd miss your stop.
google maps tells you the right train to get on
if your station is not rapid line google wont show you.
Not if you are just going in the metro except Toei Shinjuku line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line and Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.
The rapid train won't be on the same platform at the same time the local train was due.
@@kc3302 Not at the same time but it uses the same platform. If you are standing there and suddenly you have this train coming into the platform 1 minute early. If you are not aware there are different services you would mistake it for your train.
A very detailed video. Beautifully explained. Videos like this can make travel so easier.
Don't forget to mention the biggest rule of riding trains in Japan, that being NEVER to talk on your phone. Switch to silent mode (called "Manner mode" in Japan) and enjoy the quiet.
Also, when you are near the private seats, which are for elderly people, they want you to put the phone into flight modus...
Yeah I miss that. I‘m currently living in Croatia again (will probably go to live back in Japan next year) and people in our public transport constantly talk on the phone or even play music. So fucking annoying.
Thank you. Your help took all the drama out of our first time trip to Tokyo. Many thanks.
Have just returned from Tokyo and found the train/subway system really wonderful, efficient and much better than the roads. I found the numbering system helpful, but did have to wonder about the jingles played at each of the stations. I found it very difficult to remember the Japanese names of the stations. I used Apple maps, which provides the important information on directions, train times etc. I had my Pasmo on my iPhone wallet and it made use of the transit system so much easier than buying tickets for each journey. This is a really helpful video. Wish I'd seen it before going to Tokyo, but fortunately my son lives in Setagaya and helped me familiarise with the use of the subway system.
First of all, cheers Johnny Harris, welcome to Japan. I really love watching your documentaries in your main channel, always very high quality material and explanations! I really hope you enjoy your stay here.
Second, this is absolutely a great explanation as it is to be expected of you all the time.
I live in Japan but not in Tokyo and I can say now that I've grown to really love trains here. Tokyo is an absolute maze of train lines and it is not only the amount of lines there but also the amount of layers in which they are laid (there is about 3 underground levels, the ground level and one or two levels above that...). It would take several lifetimes to memorize all train stations and train lines there...
In the town I live in which is Nagoya things are way less complex and I can say I have memorized almost all the subway train stations here in all the lines, line names and colors, and can remember which stations connect with which. The most confusing thing for me here is when let's say a same train platform is shared by trains going on different lines (here there is a train company called Meitetsu which also operates the subway. The subway is very easy to understand, however the ground rail lines from Meitetsu use this time division platform sharing scheme which makes things pretty confusing at times...also adding to that local and express trains in the mix)
On the other hand JR and Tokyo Metro usually do not share boarding platforms for trains going on different lines and this simplifies things a lot since you know that you will not ride a mistaken train as all trains on said platform go on the same line all the way. This same platform/different line scheme has made me ride the wrong trains more than once...it is quite frustrating, specially when it is trains that do not run that often...so even after checking google, i still occasionally ask the station staff to know if I am about to ride the right train or not...
We absolutely loved taking the trains when we were in Tokyo. Our hotel was only a 5 minute walk to the Hibiya Line and it went to almost every place we had planned to go to. I would say the biggest issue we ran into were larger stations like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, etc. the signage is pretty good, but it can be really easy to get lost in the station trying to find out where your connecting train's platform is just due to the sheer number of lines that pass through. Also I recommend the Suica/Pasmo card because with the paper tickets, you can easily lose them and also we ran into an occasional problem while having to exit a station or make a connection where we couldn't get through the ticket gate because we had accidentally bought the wrong ticket or had some issue with it. Luckily the staff are more than happy to help and most of them speak enough English that you can get by.
Unfortunately, the sale of Suica and Pasmo have been suspended.
Tokyo Station is gigantic. I spend a week there and it took me 3 days to find all those stores you'd see on instagram because they were mostly on the Marunoichi side and my hotel was on the Yeasu side. getting from one side to the other is ..... challenging
@@satorudoAt Tokyo Station, there is only one passage outside the ticket gates that goes between the Yaesu side and the Marunouchi side.
For the first-time Tokyo visitor, I'd keep it real simple - just use the Yamanote Line only. Since the Yamanote is a complete loop going around both ways, you really can't go the wrong way because you'll eventually arrive at your desired station. In your hypothetical trip from ShinOkubo to Tokyo, I would've simply remained on the Yamanote going either way and you would get to Tokyo about the same time because you didn't transfer. The Yamanote loop line will cover 80% or your sightseeing needs, and since the newbie visitor can't see it all there's no need to stray from the Yamanote loop. You can get a Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass from Yamanote's operator JR East for JPY760/day.
Yamanote line can be a bit long. Taking Ltd. Exp. on Asakusa, Shinjuku (Toei Subway) and Chuo - Sobu (JR East) lines is usually quicker.
Sticking to the Yamanote line while convenient, it may take longer to get to certain destinations. There are rapid lines like Toei or Chuo that can get to your destinations quickly. For example, when I had to go from Kanda to Shinjuku. I had to take the Chuo line instead of going back to the Kanda or Akihabara station and taking the Yamanote line to Shinjuku. But honestly, the train system isn't that complicated once you get the hang of it. And plus, as long as you have Google Maps installed. You'll have no problem going around. Even many locals are using Google Maps or Yahoo japan's transit app to get around.
I think it would be quite difficult for foreigners to use the intra-city pass, which can only be used on JR trains. In the first place, you won't be able to instantly determine which railway company it is, so you will incur additional fares the moment you use Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway.
Yamanote Line FTW
Thanks
Leaving for Tokyo in 5 days with little to no experience with public transit (American). I’ve been watching a lot of videos to try and prepare for the trains in Tokyo and this is without a doubt the best one I’ve seen. Thank you so much for explaining it in this way.
Awesome video! You made the train trips in Tokyo very easy!
Its wonderful to see how mrt systems around the world are so similar...google maps integration is awesome...you should also review delhi metro which so similar to Tokyo metro
What a helpful video!! Thank you so much! I’m headed to Tokyo for the first time very soon
Personally I will first looking for the platform number which you should take the train. It is easier to navigate the station following the platform number, then reconfirm the direction at the platform. You may also need check which departure it is, as different lines share the same platform.
Excellent video, thank you so much for it, very very helpfull, the best video about japan metro system ever!
Japan is really the destination of the moment…. You can tell when famous UA-camrs go there and make videos about it
This is a good video for a first-time visitor to Tokyo. Thank you!!
So, my first trip to Japan is coming up in 2 short weeks, so of course google read my mind and served up this video, which was EXACTLY what I needed, as I was vainly trying to make sense of the Japan railway system on my own.
Many thanks for the simple and practical explanation, which cleared up my lingering doubts as to how to interpret the train system. It will most definitely prove useful.
Cheers!
how did it go
I just came back from Tokyo and I do not speak Japanese. I didn't see your video until after I returned but basically it hit a lot of the points I used. I would refer to the train lines by the letters instead of the colors and also noticed the station numbers. Using google maps I would make mental notes using station numbers and platform numbers. So go to station, get on C platform 1. Then get off station C6 for T platform 2, then get off station T8 for station exit A5. It was really simple. The only thing I would recommend you look out for is to see if you are on an express train. If you board a car and see that your stop will be skipped, get off and wait for the next train. Announcements are in English and the trains are usually quiet so it's not an issue to hear. You just have to listen for them or look at the digital signs in the train car. There are signs outside the train cars showing if it's an express train but it doesn't show which stops are skipped until you are inside.
I have watched numerous Tokyo train vlogs and this is by far the best explanation. Many thanks.
I loved my time in Japan. I could walk like 15mins at most and get to a station and take a train to nearly anywhere.
Your vid does give us the confidence to use the trains in Tokyo, thank you.
Thats how i got by when i went to Tokyo using letter and number. Yah trying to remember each name station is crazy. At the end of the day they all run together. Now the best line is the Yamanote line even it may take longer to get there it circles the city and you can get most places. Now you can only get welcome suica and welcome Pasmos at the airports.Hanada and Narita. They no longer sell regular suica and pasmos. Very helpful videos.
Finally, after watching so many videos and getting overwhelmed, this has easily explained the myriad of coloured lines on the map. Thank you for explaining it so thoroughly.😅 Seeing it as numbers rather than names makes it easy.
Very logical way to make me understand Tokyo railway/ metro system. I'm Japanese expat in the UK for over 40 years and I have felt assured on the coming occasion of visiting my friends and relatives in Tokyo. Thanks
One of most informative videos on the train system I have seen. I plan on visiting Japan hopefully within the next couple of years and your content will be used. Thanks again from Texas!
I could have done with your explanation of the map when I was in Tokyo. I was so overwhelmed by the sheer size of the map and information overload. Still managed to get around ok after a few days of getting use to the different lines
Extremely helpful! thank you for the in-depth explanation ! Really solved my puzzles
Just some additional points. Some trains are actually rapid trains which skip some stops on the same line. So if you're at a particular platform, one train might be a rapid train, while the next one isn't. This is so, especially during rush hour. Be sure you get on the right train. One trick is to check Google Maps what time the train you should go on is supposed to arrive at the platform. The train cars have a small LCD display on their sides which will show whether it is a rapid train or not.
Also, a Suica or Pasmo card will allow you to get on the Metro or the JR Lines, but if you only have a JR Pass, you can only use it with the JR Lines. You do that by passing through the booth with a human attendant beside the gates. Just show the JR Pass and you will be able to get through. For the Metro, there are also 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour cards which you can buy from the machines at the stations. This will allow you unlimited number of rides in the Metro for the time specified in the card you buy. The time starts when you first use it at the train gates.
As to the choice of lines, it appears that there are more Metro stations throughout the city than JR stations. Maybe that's just me, but it's easier to get to certain locations through the Metro because the stations tend to be nearer to the spots themselves.
when was it the last time you been to Tokyo? JR Pass is now a card that is inserted into the turnstiles like any other tickets.
He didn't mention anything about travelling with a JR Pass. And you're a bit out of date as the JR Pass is now a magnetic ticket that can be used in ticket gates.
You don‘t have to show anything to the staff, the new JR pass is a paper tickes which you just put into the gate. But JR Pass is a scam after the price hike. Not worth it at all. It‘s cheaper to buy all tickets individually now.
@@mojabakaIt is wrong to say that JR Bus is a scam. Please keep in mind that it was very cheap until now. Since the yen is already cheap, the total travel cost will be cheap, right?
@@kc3302IC cards are not widely used throughout Japan, so there are still areas where a strand of hair is required. Therefore, the JR Pass, which can be used nationwide, is inevitably a paper ticket.
Maybe some guys have already pointed out but I dare to say the additional tip for his explanation around TC 12:00; the word 'for' is only used in the circle lines including JR Yamanote-line (green: JY) and Oedoline（Pink/ E), operating in clockwise/ anti-clockwise ways. For other linear lines there should only be the indication of the terminal sta.
Absolutely fantastic video!!! You have helped subside a great deal of anxiety for my upcoming trip!!! THANK YOU!!
Tokyo Station is super cool! It was first planned in the 1890s, however construction was delayed by the outbreak of the First Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War, but finally commenced in 1908. When the station first opened in 1914, it only had just four platforms! The Marunouchi side of Tokyo station is gorgeous! It was designed by Tatsuno Kingo, the father of modern Japanese architecture. It dates back to the station's opening year in 1914 and remains as a historical building, representing the style of western buildings in the Meiji and Taisho periods. The broadly Neo-Baroque design is distinctive for its use of extensive steel framing and red brick with ribbed domes crowning the north and south wings of the structure.
Much of the original steel framing was imported from England and the sturdiness of the design enabled the structure to survive both the Great Kantō earthquake in 1923 as well as wartime bombing and fires in 1945. A sympathetic 5-year renovation of the 1914 structure was completed in October 2012, restoring the domed roof structures that had been a feature of Tatsuno's original design.
didn't know that you are fan of Japan, Supreme Leader
This is a great video. I have a buddy heading to Japan at the end of the year and this is a really great video to help them understand and navigate the train system. thanks so much for this.
He might find our entire guide helpful as well! Here it is: www.brighttrip.com/courses/experience-tokyo
I just moved to Western Tokyo in Aug 2023.
Never been happier!
Love it!
It's intriguing that in the train announcements, the station numbering system is used in English only, but in Japanese, they simply state the station name. As if the numbering system was specifically made for tourists.
99% of Japanese people do not use station numbering.
Thank you for all of this great info!! I’ve just returned from Japan, and your video was so helpful, especially about the specific info listed in Google maps.
Also you forget to mention the subway 3 days/2 days/1 day pass(not usable for railway lines, aka, JR lines). For tourists these passes are extremely cheap compared to buy ticket every time using Suica/Pasmo card. And it's convenient, as 99% of tourist attractions can be covered by subway systems.
So, subway pass + one Transit card is the best option for tourist to navigate through Tokyo
cant locals buy these 72 hour metro tickets?
@@kernelskytrain probably no, I thought they checked my flight ticket/passport, not sure
@@wendaoliu9447 Locals can buy a variation of the 24 hour pass for either just Toei or Tokyo Metro, but they cannot buy the 24/48/72 Toei/Tokyo Metro combined passes
I spent few days there in 2019, found daily passes much more economical. You can make up for the amount you paid in 5-6 trips, than rest is free. I stayed at a hotel by the JR Yamanote line, was able to visit most of major attractions.
There's also a separate pass for JR subway lines.
Additionally there can be big differences between the type of trains even when you find the correct platform, direction, line, etc. Local, Rapid, Local Rapid some skip certain stations, important to look at the map as well on the platform to know which train you are getting on and that it doesn't fly by the stop you want. They are marked on the side of the train in English.
For someone who never used a train for transportation before. Using the trains in Tokyo was really simple to use when I first visited Japan back in March. Your right about the crowds. It can get really crowded. Wouldn't recommend it if your claustrophobic. However, there not always crowded (just depends on when you're riding).
Physical Suica and Pasmo cards have been unavailable since August unless you get the special “Welcome” Suica at the airport.
If you have an iPhone, you can add a Suica or Pasmo to Apple wallet. I think Android requires you to have a Japanese phone to do this.
Not too relevant, but if you go to Kansai (or most places outside of Tokyo), you can still get their IC cards (Icoca for Kansai). Might be useful if you land at KIX instead of HND or NRT
@@illiiilli24601keep in mind if people do that, the ICOCA cards won't work on local buses around the Kanto area. The local buses usually display which IC cards are acceptable.
@@illiiilli24601 Are the cards from other parts of Japan valid in the entire country? If, for instance my plan is to fly to Sapporo and travel with JR trains to visit several places and use local transit, flying home from Nagasaki, do I have to buy a new card for every JR company or can I use a Kitaki card throughout Japan? I only fount conflicting or confusing answers for it...
@@Frahamen (I haven't been, but I'm planning a trip right now, and have been reading up on it)
Suica, Pasmo, Icoca and seven more of Japan's most popular IC cards were made compatible with each other in 2013, making it possible to travel on almost all trains, subways and buses in most of Japan's largest cities with just a single of these cards.
Thanks!
A very heartfelt thank you 😊
Excellent video! Helpful to know that they still sell physical cards for tourists. I'm not a big fan of using smart phones for public transport payment. Just last week I saw someone in Sydney tapping his phone repeatedly trying to enter/exit a train station. And I bet it was an Android phone. So many different Android brands and versions, so compatibility becomes a big issue. Contrast that to Opal cards which were designed and tested to work with the card readers.
cards are stopped for the foreseeable future, due to chip shortages, buy a transit pass for 2 or 3 days, is better value and costs nothing extra to go through the gates. The only android issue is that japan chose a different frequency for their NFC readers so only japanese android phones and iphones work.
The NFC standard used in Japanese watermelons is FeliCa, a special standard found only here in the world. The reason for this standard is to ensure processing speed so that passengers can pass through the ticket gates without delay during rush hours, when they are extremely crowded.
Very helpful tips for first time travellers greatly appreciated thanks!
Great explanation of a complex system that is, as you say, quite easy to understand when you look at it piece by piece.
The main thing I suggest is that it is better to go by the line code (the 1 or 2 letters at the start of the station number) instead of the line colour, as line colours can be similar - e.g. The Ginza Line (G) and the Chuo Line (JC) are both orange. It is much easier to say that you need to go from G4 to G9 instead of orange 4 to orange 9.
By the way, the line codes consisting of one letter are subway lines and the 2 letter choices are other lines - which can consist of the 1st letter representing the company name and the 2nd letter is different for each line (e.g. JR East = J_, Seibu = S_) or the 2 letters are the same for all lines of the company (e.g. Keisei = KD, Keikyu = KK.
P.S. Being a little pedantic, you're not "at the metro" when catching the JR East Yamanote Line as it is not a Subway line, it is a suburban train line. But the difference between subway/metro and non-subway/metro stations/lines in Japan is minor and with the complicated matter of suburban trains (including JR trains) operating "through services" onto the subway lines it makes it difficult to differentiate them.