6. चलो अब मेट्रो पकड़ते हैं! Ready to ride the rails?

Japan’s public transportation is clean, affordable, and surprisingly easy to use.

In Tokyo, stations are just a few hundred meters apart—most places are reachable with a short ride and a quick walk. Owning a car? Not really necessary. Fares start at ¥150, and trains are much cheaper than taxis. It’s also incredibly safe—kids ride trains to school on their own (Want to see what that looks like? Check out this video: CBS Morning “Japan encourages parents to let kids walk to school solo”).

This guide will help you ride trains with confidence—and hop on a local bus when needed.

New to your neighborhood? Before hopping on a train, you might want to check out our guide on how to explore your area on foot.
→ [Walking Around Your Neighborhood]

Here’s a quick look at the two major train maps you’ll want to know: This is the Tokyo Metro map—showing the subway network that runs through the central city area.

And this is the JR network—covering not only central Tokyo, but also connections to Narita and Haneda airports, and other nearby cities.

In reality, the system is even more complex, with many private railway lines connecting into the mix. But don’t worry—we’ll help you navigate it step by step.

Step One: Get Yourself an IC Card!

If you’re planning to ride trains in Japan, you absolutely need a SUICA or PASMO card. Think of it like a prepaid travel card—you won’t need to buy a paper ticket every time. Just tap and go!

Whether it’s called SUICA or PASMO depends on where you buy it—but they work the same. These IC cards can be used not just for all trains, but also for buses, taxis, and even at convenience stores across Japan. With over 85 rail lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area alone, having one is practically essential.

You can buy one at ticket machines near the station gates and recharge it anytime. Keep around ¥5,000 loaded, and you’ll be set for a few days of travel!

Now that you’ve got your card, let’s board a train!

Train stations in Japan use automated ticket gates. Just tap your IC card on the reader—if there’s enough balance, the gate opens and you’re in. If not, a red message appears and the gate won’t open. In that case, head to a nearby machine to recharge and try again.

Most stations are mini transit hubs with several lines running through. Each line is color-coded, so just follow the signs in your line’s color to reach your platform. Many signs even show how many meters are left—handy when you’re not quite sure how far you need to go.

Some platforms are located deep underground, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself gliding down three or more escalators. It’s all part of the journey.

At the platform, you’ll notice marks on the ground showing where to wait—on both sides of where the train doors will be. People line up neatly along these marks. When the doors open, let passengers exit first, then board in order.

All doors are monitored by station staff via cameras, and the train won’t leave if someone is standing too close. So there’s no need to rush—just board calmly when it’s your turn. Don’t worry, it’s not a game of musical chairs.

Inside the train, try to keep your voice down—people value quiet spaces, especially during their commute. Loud conversations or phone calls are seen as inconsiderate (or sometimes just… a little clueless). If you really need to talk, a quiet voice goes a long way.

Above the doors, you’ll find a monitor showing your current location and the next station. And before each stop, you’ll hear clear announcements in both Japanese and English, so no worries—you’ll know exactly when to get off.

You might not use the bus often, but when you’re tired of walking and there’s no train in sight—it can be a real lifesaver. Just in case that moment comes, here’s how to ride a local bus.

Local buses in Tokyo run through a very dense and convenient network. Their biggest advantage? No stairs, and bus stops are often much closer to your actual destination than train stations. Because of this, buses are especially popular with elderly passengers.
(There are also highway buses connecting the airport or traveling between cities, but we’ll focus on local routes here.)

Buses don’t come as frequently as trains—usually 1 to 10 per hour—and they run from around 6 AM to 10 PM.

You’ll see stops like this every few hundred meters. Check the timetable posted there, match your route number, and find out when your bus is coming.　

When the bus arrives, board through the front door (in Tokyo). Right next to the driver is the fare machine—just pay as soon as you get on. Fares are flat: ¥200 in Tokyo. You can pay with cash, but if you have an IC card, simply tap and go.　

Inside the bus, a screen at the front shows the current location and the next stop. There’s also an announcement before each stop. When your destination is the next stop, press the nearby button to request a stop.　

To get off, wait until the bus comes to a full stop, then exit through the middle door. You’ve already paid—so all that’s left is to hop off.

At first, taking public transport in Japan might feel a little intimidating—but once you try it, you’ll see just how easy and efficient it really is.

With just one IC card, you can ride trains and buses across the city with confidence.
And now that you know the basics, getting around is no longer something to worry about—it’s something to enjoy!

So go ahead—hop on, ride smart, and explore more.

If you’re planning to go beyond the city—say, to Kyoto or Hokkaido—check out our guide on long-distance travel by airplane and Shinkansen.
→ [Travel Farther by Plane or Shinkansen★]