Traveling in Tokyo
In this article, JapanVisits.com will introduce the method of traveling in Tokyo and some important information to keep in mind.
Traveling in Tokyo
First of all, you don’t need a car. Tokyo public transport is much faster and cheaper.
If you plan to travel more than 3 different places a day while traveling in Tokyo, we will recommend you to buy “a day pass train ticket.” Otherwise, just a normal train ticket purchase will do.
For details: Click here
* One Day train Pass: There are different type of pass, and the best is to choose (Tokyo Combination Ticket) which covers all lines of Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Toei Streetcar (Toden), Toei Bus (except special late-night buses and buses with seating capacity restrictions), all routes of Nippori-Toneri Liners, and all JR lines within the Tokyo metropolitan area. ( Please do not put the ticket in the machine. Just show the staff the ticket and they will let you pass the gates ) .
You dont need to pre-book the ticket, just buy the ticket when you reach Tokyo at the JR Ticket Center ). Available at most of the station. For more info visit the link above.
* Taxi: Taxi is kind of expensive in Tokyo. However, if you are lazy to walk you can always get a taxi. ( Japan doesn’t allow Uber or Grab )
9 Things to know when traveling in Tokyo.
1. Tip No.1: Try to avoid rush hours trains.
Unless you want to try a rush hour trains, otherwise, never onboard one. Normally rush hours are from 7:45 am to 9:00 am during weekdays and the few last trains during Wednesday to Friday. ( People finish drinking and wanted to go home. )
2. Tip No.2: Don’t tip
3. Walk right — on the left
4. Only smoke at smoking area.
5. Use Train lockers to store your big pieces of luggage
Don’t carry your huge luggage around. Most of the train station provide lockers for you to store your luggage bags. If you couldn’t spot one, ask the staff and they will tell you the nearest location of the lockers.
6. Japanese does speak English.
Recently, lots of English schools were established and English is a compulsory subject in school as well. Well, maybe they speak like people in the US because this it is not their first language but most of the Japanese do speak conversational English. Don’t be afraid to ask around. If English couldn’t do the job, body language will.
7. Free WiFi
8. Not Vegetarian or Halal friendly
It is hard to get vegetarian or halal food in Japan. Some restaurant does provide these options however it won’t be around the corner. You would need to travel to that location. The easiest way for vegetarian is to bring your lunchbox or buy a rice-ball at convenience stores.
9. People seldom negotiate for the prices or ask for a discount.
When you are shopping in Japan, especially souvenirs, there will be a price tag attached and normally the price is fixed. Of course, you can try to ask for a discount but normally they won’t reduce the price. ( Except Electronics. For electronics, try to google the price on the internet and compare with the one in the store. They might reduce the price accordingly. However, Japanese seldom do that because they know that the stores required rental but Internet shops doesn’t. )
A Request from us:
We would love to hear your experience when you are traveling in Tokyo. Please share your thoughts and experiences or any tips in the comment section below for us and all the travelers who are planning to visit Tokyo soon.
