Railway operators in Japan can broadly be divided into three main categories: JR lines, subways, and private railways.

1. JR (Japan Railways)
JR is short for Japan Railways and refers to the group of privatized companies that evolved from the former national railway. JR lines form the backbone of Japan’s nationwide rail network and play a central role in travel within Tokyo as well as between cities.

2. Subways
Tokyo’s subway system is operated by two companies: Tokyo Metro, run by Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd., and the Toei Subway, operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Together, they create a dense underground network that covers much of central Tokyo.

3. Private Railways
Private railways are run by independent companies and mainly connect central Tokyo with surrounding suburbs and nearby cities. Major operators include Odakyu, Keio, Keikyu, Keisei, Seibu, Tobu, and Tokyu.

In addition, Tokyo is served by lines such as the Tokyo Monorail, which connects the city to Haneda Airport; the Tokyo Rinkai Railway; and the Yurikamome, the main public transport system for the Odaiba area.

At major hubs like Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station, and Shibuya, lines operated by multiple companies intersect. Once you understand these categories, choosing the right train and transferring smoothly at stations becomes much easier.

JR (Japan Railways) is Japan’s largest railway group, with an extensive network that connects Tokyo’s key urban hubs and stretches across the country. Within central Tokyo, the heart of the JR system is the famous Yamanote Line.

The Yamanote Line is a loop line that links major transport and commercial centers such as Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro. For first-time visitors, understanding the Yamanote Line means gaining easy access to most of Tokyo’s main sightseeing areas. Trains run very frequently, making it a convenient “arrive and ride” option throughout the day.

Other Major JR Lines
In addition to the Yamanote Line, JR operates several other important routes across Tokyo, including:
・Chuo Line and Sobu Line: Connect key east–west stations such as Shinjuku, Tokyo, Ochanomizu, and Akihabara.
・Keiyo Line: Commonly used to reach Tokyo Disney Resort (Maihama Station).
・Tokaido Line and Utsunomiya Line: Serve medium- to long-distance travel to suburban areas.

JR lines are especially convenient for travel between major stations. They are also the primary choice for travelers using a JR Pass or planning trips that extend beyond Tokyo to other regions of Japan.

Key JR Lines and Major Stops
JR East operates numerous important lines in and around Tokyo. Below are the routes travelers most commonly use, along with their main features.

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Tokyo’s subway system forms the most extensive and convenient transportation network in the city center. It is made up of two main systems: Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway.

Tokyo Metro operates nine major lines that are especially popular with visitors, including the Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line, Tozai Line, Chiyoda Line, Yurakucho Line, Hanzomon Line, Namboku Line, and Fukutoshin Line.

Tokyo Metro: Key Lines and Major Stations
Tokyo Metro operates nine lines that together form the core underground transport network in central Tokyo.

Toei Subway: Key Lines and Major Stations
The Toei Subway operates four lines: the Asakusa Line, Mita Line, Shinjuku Line, and Oedo Line.

Together, Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway run a total of 13 lines that cover nearly all major sightseeing areas, business districts, and accommodation zones within Tokyo’s 23 wards. Although the two systems are operated by different companies, many stations are shared, making transfers relatively easy. Do note, however, that transferring between different operators usually requires purchasing a new ticket or paying an additional fare, which is automatically calculated if you are using an IC card.

With reliable schedules and no interference from road traffic, subways are one of the most efficient ways to get around central Tokyo.

Private railways are experts at connecting central Tokyo with nearby suburbs. Their lines often run directly to popular sightseeing areas or residential districts outside the city center. Below are some of Tokyo’s most important private railway operators and their main roles.

The main advantage of private railways is that they often offer discounted area passes in partnership with nearby attractions, allowing travelers to explore Tokyo’s surrounding regions at a better value.

In addition to JR lines, subways, and the seven major private railways, Tokyo also has several unique lines that play an important role for specific travel and sightseeing needs.

For international travelers, understanding how to buy tickets is the second step to mastering Tokyo’s transportation system. While the network itself is complex, the widespread use of IC cards has made traveling and transferring between different operators and lines smoother and more convenient than ever.

In Tokyo, the two most widely used transportation IC cards are Suica, issued by JR East, and PASMO, issued by private railways and subway operators. If you already have other major regional IC cards such as ICOCA from Kansai, Kitaca from Hokkaido, or TOICA from the Tokai area, you can use them in Tokyo as well without purchasing a new card.

・Functions: Both cards offer identical functions and coverage. They can be used on all JR lines, subways, private railways, and buses in Tokyo, as well as at most convenience stores and vending machines.

・Purchase and top-up: Cards can be purchased at ticket machines or staffed counters at major stations. Topping up is equally easy and can be done at station machines and many convenience stores.

・Physical card availability: Due to ongoing global chip shortages, the availability of physical Suica and PASMO cards, including Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport for visitors, may change without notice. If physical cards are unavailable, consider using a smartphone wallet such as Apple Pay or Google Pay to use a virtual IC card instead.

If you still have a balance on your IC card before leaving Japan, you can usually request a refund.

・Refund locations: Suica cards can be refunded at JR East stations, while PASMO cards must be refunded at subway or private railway stations. Any remaining balance on the card will be returned to you at the time of refund.

・Refund handling fee: A handling fee of about 220 yen is usually charged. If the remaining balance is less than the fee, only the deposit will be refunded.

・Deposit: Both cards require a 500 yen deposit, which is refunded in full when you return the card.

While IC cards are extremely convenient, travelers whose plans focus on central Tokyo or specific suburban destinations can often save a significant amount on transportation by using discount tickets and area passes.

The Tokyo Subway Ticket is one of the best value options for visitors traveling mainly within central Tokyo. It allows unlimited rides on all 13 Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines during the valid period.

Coverage:
Valid on all 13 subway lines operated by Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway. Not valid on JR lines or private railways.

Latest prices:
・24-hour pass: Adults 800 yen / Children 400 yen
・48-hour pass: Adults 1,200 yen / Children 600 yen
・72-hour pass: Adults 1,500 yen / Children 750 yen

Where to buy:
Passport required. Available at airports, subway station tourist information centers, and selected convenience stores.

Money-saving tip:
If you plan to take the subway five times or more in a single day, this pass usually pays for itself.

▼ Read More Articles About Tokyo Subway Day Passes ▼

For travelers who mainly plan to get around using JR lines, there are several dedicated discount tickets worth considering.

JR Tokyo Metropolitan Area Pass
Allows unlimited rides on JR lines within Tokyo’s 23 wards, including the Yamanote Line and Chuo Line. This pass does not cover subways or private railways.
・Price: Adults 760 yen / Children 380 yen
・Money-saving tip: Ideal if your day centers on major Yamanote Line hubs such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station. It usually pays off after four or more rides.

Tokyo One-Day Ticket
This is one of the most comprehensive one-day passes available, offering unlimited rides on JR lines, Tokyo Metro, the Toei Subway, the Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line), and Toei buses.
・Price: Adults 1,600 yen / Children 800 yen
・Money-saving tip: Best for packed itineraries with frequent transfers across different transport systems, especially if you are unsure which option offers the best value.

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If your itinerary includes destinations outside central Tokyo, area passes offered by private railway companies are often the most cost-effective choice.

Odakyu Railway: Hakone Freepass
This pass includes round-trip travel on Odakyu lines from Tokyo, as well as unlimited use of local transportation in the Hakone area, such as mountain trains, cable cars, ropeways, and sightseeing boats.
・Money-saving tip: An essential pass for exploring Hakone efficiently.

Keio Railway: Mount Takao Discount Ticket
Includes round-trip travel on the Keio Line and discounts on the Mount Takao cable car or chairlift.
・Money-saving tip: A must-have for travelers heading to Mount Takao for hiking.

Tobu Railway: Nikko Pass
Covers transportation from Tokyo to Nikko or the Kinugawa Onsen area, along with unlimited use of local buses.
・Money-saving tip: Designed specifically for visitors exploring Nikko’s World Heritage sites.

Once you understand Tokyo’s rail systems and discount passes, the following practical tips and answers to common questions will help you get around the city more smoothly and with greater confidence.

Even though station layouts and route maps in Tokyo can look overwhelming, route planning becomes surprisingly simple with a smartphone.

・Best tool: Google Maps is one of the most accurate and up-to-date tools for navigating Tokyo’s transportation system. It shows fares, travel time, and even platform numbers for transfers.

・Avoiding crowds: When planning your route, check the crowd level indicators shown in Google Maps. This is especially useful during rush hours from 7 AM to 9 AM and 6 PM to 8 PM, when choosing a slightly longer but less crowded route can make your trip more comfortable.

・IC cards and passes: Many route-planning apps allow you to set whether you are using an IC card or paper tickets, which can affect the displayed fare. If you are using a one-day pass, be sure to factor in the pass cost and prioritize the most direct routes rather than the cheapest single fare.

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Whether you are arriving at or departing from Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), there are several fast and convenient transportation options to choose from.

Narita Airport (NRT)
・Best train options: If speed is your priority, the Keisei Skyliner reaches Ueno in as little as 36 minutes. If you prefer a direct ride or are using a JR Pass, the JR Narita Express (N’EX) offers direct service to Tokyo Station and Shinjuku.
・Best bus options: Travelers with large luggage may find the Limousine Bus convenient, with direct service to major hotels. For the most budget-friendly choice, the TYO-NRT Airport Bus is available for around 1,500 yen.

Haneda Airport (HND)
・Best train options: Take the Keikyu Line for direct access to Shinagawa, or use the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho and transfer to JR lines.
・Best bus options: Limousine Bus services cover a wide range of routes and offer direct access to major hotels across central Tokyo.

・Keep right: In stations, on platforms, and on stairs, people in Tokyo generally keep to the right. In the Kansai region, including Osaka, the rule is the opposite, so be mindful when traveling between regions.

・Escalator etiquette: In Tokyo, stand on the left side of the escalator and leave the right side clear for people in a hurry.

・No phone calls on trains: Keep conversations quiet and avoid making phone calls on trains to maintain a calm and comfortable environment for everyone.

・Avoid rush hours: Trains are extremely crowded during commuting hours, especially on the Yamanote and Chuo lines. If possible, plan your travel outside peak times.

Although Tokyo’s rail network is vast and complex, understanding the basic roles of JR lines, subways, and private railways, and using IC cards such as Suica or PASMO, makes getting around much easier.

By choosing the right discount passes, such as the Tokyo Subway Ticket or private railway area passes that match your itinerary, you can also reduce transportation costs significantly. With this practical guide, you are well prepared to navigate Tokyo’s transportation system smoothly and enjoy a comfortable, stress-free trip.

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