General Tips
The most convenient way to get around Tokyo is, without a doubt, the train system. It rarely fails, trains run on average every 6 minutes, and all major areas have numerous access points. Signs are usually in English as well as Japanese. Once you get your head around how it works, it's relatively easy to navigate. Buses, on the other hand, require that you know when your stop is coming up. An understanding of Japanese would really help with this one! As for taxis. In one word - expensive.

Rail Passes
If you are planning on staying inside the Tokyo zone and not traveling to other areas of Japan, buy a local train pass once you get here. There are 1 day passes as well as re-chargeable cards called Pasmo or Suica. Essentially these two work in exactly the same way. The only key difference is that Pasmo is run by the metro network, while Suica is offered by JR East.

Planning on going further afield in Japan? Consider buying a Japan Rail Pass. You can purchase it for 1, 2, or 3 week periods and use it on almost any public transport in Japan. The major exception is the nozomi shinkansen, the fastest one, but you have access to all the other bullet trains. The journey may take half an hour longer but it will save you a chunk of change.

Yamanote Line
The Yamanote Line is the circular line that connects all the major areas of Tokyo. A complete city loop takes about 1 hour. If you are spending any length of time in the big T, you're bound to use this line at least once. It's user friendly with English maps on the platforms and near the exits. In the bigger stations like Shinagawa or Tokyo, be sure to check which exit you need - there are many! Most guidebooks will tell you the nearest exit to the attractions that they list.

Other Trains
There are about 40 train lines, both subway and overground, criss-crossing the city. In the Greater Tokyo area you can travel just about anywhere you need to go with no more than a 10 - 15 minute walk when you get off. Our number one tip for using the trains is not to carry heavy bags or large items. If you need to change trains, lines are often connected by a series of walkways and stairs. The last thing you need, especially if this is all new to you, is the hassle of maneuvering bulky items through the crowds.

Rush Hour
Rush hour is, to say the least, hectic! Avoid the trains during the following times, especially if you have children with you - 7:00 - 9:30 in the morning, and 17:30 - 19:30 in the evening. Of course, if you want to know what it's like to travel on a Tokyo rain during rush hour, go ahead. Just be ready to be jostled and squashed. It's all part of the adventure.

If you want to find out more about buying your tickets and passes, maps of the train lines, or other Tokyo facts, check out our website below. Have a great vacation.

Author: Honor Dargan
Goal: Tokyo Made Simple
Website: http://www.tokyotopia.com