01 — QUICK ANSWER
To get around Tokyo, download a digital Suica or Pasmo card to your Apple Wallet / Google Wallet, combine Tokyo Metro with JR lines (like the Yamanote Line), and use Google Maps for real-time route and platform updates.
01 — GETTING AROUND
The city is best enjoyed at a slower pace.
Tokyo rewards a layered route: pair Tokyo Metro with JR lines, use a Suica or Pasmo, and leave time to explore side streets between major districts.
Search flights to Tokyo on Aviasales ↗Suica & Pasmo
Add it to your digital wallet or buy a physical IC card at stations. Works across metro, trains, convenience stores, and vending machines.
Subway & Train
Combine Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and JR lines. Check Google Maps for optimal transfer stations.
Schedules
Trains run frequently from 5:00 AM to midnight. Rush hours are 7:30–9:00 AM and 6:00–7:30 PM.
02 — STAYING SAFE
Stay aware, travel smooth.
As in any major city, keep your phone away when crossing busy avenues, keep bags closed, and stick to well-lit streets at night. Your best tool is staying aware.
03 — ESSENTIAL GUIDE
Everything you need to know upon arrival.
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Vita Tokyo Editorial
Specialized team in travel curation, urban mobility, and experience design in global metropolises. We craft clear, structured, and cliché-free guides.
04 — MINI FAQ
Questions travelers ask before visiting.
Which transport card is best for Tokyo: Suica, Pasmo, or JR Pass?
For getting around Tokyo, a Suica or Pasmo IC card is best. The Japan Rail Pass is only cost-effective if you plan long-distance Shinkansen (bullet train) trips to cities like Kyoto or Osaka.
Can I pay for public transit with credit cards or contactless?
While credit cards are accepted in most stores, subways and buses require an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) or cash. Digital Suica in Apple Wallet works seamlessly with linked credit cards.
How do I get from Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport to downtown Tokyo?
From Haneda, take the Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line. From Narita, take the Narita Express (N'EX), Keisei Skyliner, or Limousine Bus.
Should I get an e-SIM or rent a Pocket WiFi for Japan?
An e-SIM is the most convenient and cost-effective choice for solo travelers with unlocked phones. Pocket WiFi is ideal for groups or connecting multiple devices.
Do I need cash in Tokyo?
Yes. Although Tokyo is modern, many small restaurants, ramen vending machines, izakayas, and shrines only accept cash (Yen). You can withdraw cash easily at 7-Eleven ATMs (7Bank).
Which neighborhoods should I visit first in Tokyo?
Essential first-timer districts include Shibuya and Shinjuku (modernity & nightlife), Asakusa (tradition & temples), Akihabara (tech & pop culture), and Ginza (shopping).
Does Uber work in Tokyo?
Uber works mainly by dispatching licensed taxis. Taxis in Tokyo are expensive compared to the metro system and are mostly recommended late at night after trains stop.
Do I need to book Tokyo attractions in advance?
Yes, popular attractions like teamLab Planets, Shibuya Sky, Ghibli Museum, and Tokyo Disneyland sell out weeks in advance. Book ahead on platforms like Klook.
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