I use the Tokyo Transfer Guide almost every time I plan a trip but it has it’s limitations if you decide to take any detours. For that reason I always carry a copy of the English Route Map from Tokyo Metro with me. (Both of these resources are so handy that I have added them to the blogroll).

Prepaid Subway Card

If you are planning on traveling on the subway a lot during your stay in Tokyo I would highly recommend that you get a Suica or Pasmo Card. Both cards require a deposit of Y500 of which all but Y210 is returned to you when you turn the card back in.

These cards are similar in that they are prepaid cards that allow you to bypass the ticket vending machine and head straight for the fare gates. No more trying to decipher the fare maps! Just swipe your card across the reader at the fair gates upon entry and exit and the correct fare will be deducted from the balance on the card.

You can purchase and top up your Suica or Pasmo Card at ticket vending machines bearing the correct logo. Most of these machines have an English button which provides guidance in English. The minimum value that you can purchase is Y1,000 ($10 USD).

The Suica and Pasmo cards can also be used on buses that display the cards logo and can even be used to purchase merchandise at participating vendors. The advantage to the Suica card is that it can also be used on JR train lines and is not limited to central Tokyo and the subway.

One-Day Open Ticket

If the purchase of a Suica or Pasmo Card is not warranted in your situation then you should consider the One-Day Open Ticket. At a cost of Y710 (around $7 USD) this is an inexpensive option if you will be using the system a lot on any given day. The tickets can be purchased in advance (at pass offices) or on the day of travel at the normal ticket vending machines.

Minimum Fare

Another way to simplify the ticket purchasing process is to buy a ticket at the minimum value offered by the machine and adjust the fare at your destination. Fare adjustment machines are located near the exits of all stations and they are easy to use. Just insert your ticket into the machine and it will tell you the incremental fare. Insert your Yen and pick up the printed ticket and insert it into the fare gate as you exit. This takes a bit longer but, again, you avoid the hassle of trying to decipher the maps.

Determining Your Transfer Point(s)

Often times when you take the subway you will need to transfer at least once or twice en-route to your destination. First, locate your staring and ending points on the route map and then follow the colored lines on the map until they intersect. This is your transfer point(s). Take time to review the different options as you may be able to reduce your travel time by elimination transfers.

Even though it may appear shorter to transfer trains more than once that isn’t always the case. Each time you transfer you will need to find the correct platform and wait for another train. It is often faster to go a few extra stops to the next transfer point rather than changing trains an extra time.

Transferring from the subway to one of the JR Train lines may also require you to exit the station and buy a new ticket. So wherever possible try to stay on Tokyo Metro.

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler

Once you have determined where you are an where you want to go here are six steps that will make it easy.

Step 1 – Determine the Fare to Your Destination. There are a few options:

Many stations now offer Fare Charts in English near the ticket vending machines. This is the easiest and quickest way to determine your fare. Locate the name of your destination and the number off to the right is the fare.

If you don’t see the English Fare Chart you will need to find your destination on the maps above the ticket vending machines at each station (photo below). Note that the map is in Kanji, so you will have to match the locations and Kanji from your English Route Map to the map in the stations. Newer maps assign each subway station a letter (usually the first letter of the line) and a number (the stop number) which make this a whole lot easier but as you can tell by the photo below all of the maps have not been updated yet. The number below or off to the side is the fare to your destination. At this point you should also make a note of the end station in the direction that you will be traveling.

If you have access to a computer you can do all of this online at Tokyo Transfer Guide. Follow the on screen directions and this site will tell you the fare to your destination, and transfer points along the way and the total travel time.

Next you have to buy your ticket and find the right track, it’s not as easy as it sounds so

Step 2 – Purchase a Ticket.

Approach the ticket vending machine and insert your Yen. Correct change is not required and you may pay with bills or coin (credit cards are not accepted). Some stations cannot change bills larger that Y1,000. Once you have inserted your Yen the various fares will be on the screen in little boxes. Touch the box that corresponds to your train fare with your finger and a ticket will be printed. Pick up our ticket and any change.

Step 3 – Proceed through the Fare Gate.

Insert your ticket into slot located above the green arrow on the fare gate. Don’t forget to retrieve your ticket as you pass through the gate as you will need to use it to exit at your destination.

Step 4 – Locate your Track.

There are a minimum of two lines in each station and each line often has it’s own platform. In order to determine which platform you need to be on look for the overhead signs after you pass through the fare gate. These signs will indicate where the train on each platform is headed and will usually list a couple of significant stops along the way and the end point of the line in both English & Kanji (if the sign is electronic and you only see Kanji wait a moment – it will switch to English) . Select your track and follow the arrows to the correct platform. Remember I told you to note the end station on your map – this is why.

If by chance you head in the wrong direction simply get off at the next stop and switch platforms to head the other way.

Step 5 – Exit at your Destination.

Exit the fare gates in the same manner as you entered them only this time the machine will keep your ticket.

Step 6 – Locate the correct Station Exit. You made it!

This is not a big issue in smaller stations but in larger stations there may be exits located blocks apart that are not easily accessible without backtracking through the station itself. Most destination guides (including this one) will mention an exit name or number when it is applicable. Just follow the arrows to the correct exit.

Tokyo Metro provides an online guide titled Using the Subway and also reminds users of train etiquette. The guidelines are basic, don’t sit in seats dedicated to the handicapped, aged or pregnant and silence your cell phone. Women only cars are available late at night and during the morning rush hour. To get on or avoid (if you are a man) a Women only car look for the pink signs on the platform.

One last piece of advice that I will offer is to avoid taking the train during rush hour if at all possible as the trains are jammed packed with people and it’s not a lot of fun – trust me!

Tomorrow I will offer some tips and tricks that make this whole process a lot easier.

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler