DESTINATIONS japan tokyo getting-around-by-train

TRAVEL TIPS

Getting Around by Train

Shinkansen: The JR Shinkansen bullet trains travel up and down Honshu and into Kyushu. Tokyo Station is Tokyo’s main hub, with lines heading north, south, and west. There are two seat classes offered: ordinary and green; the latter is roughly 30% more expensive, but the cars are less crowded and marginally more comfortable. Smoking and nonsmoking cars are both available.

Regional trains: About 70% of Japan's railways are owned by Japan Railways (JR Group), the other 30% are owned by private companies. In Tokyo, the Japan Railways Yamanote Line loops around the city, while its Sobu and Chuo lines split that circle into east and west directions. Tokyu’s Toyoko Line travels between Shibuya Station and Yokohama to the south. For Tokyo Disneyland take the JR Keiyo Line east. The main line of the Odakyu company and Keio Inokashira Line use Shinjuku and Shibuya, respectively, as hubs to serve Tokyo to the west. Many of these rail companies also offer express trains, similar to the Shinkansen, for extended destinations away from Tokyo.

Subways: The easiest way to explore Tokyo is via subway. There are two subway companies: Tokyo Metro and Toei. Each system operates separate lines and has separate fares, and it's cheaper to complete a journey on lines operated by one company. Tokyo Metro operates the majority of lines. The Ginza Line moves between Asakusa and Shibuya, which is also served by the north–south-running Fukutoshin Line and the east–west-bound Hanzomon Line. Like the JR Yamanote Line, the Oedo and Marunouchi lines loop around the city center. The Namboku Line begins in residential Meguro and heads through Korakuen, the station for Tokyo Dome. The Chiyoda, Hibiya, and Tozai lines also cut through central parts of Tokyo. At the outer edges of the subway networks, private companies operate the line; be prepared to pay an additional fare.

Tokyo Monorail: Beginning at Hamamatsu-cho Station, the monorail provides the simplest access to Haneda Airport.

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