Tokyo Japan

Intimidated about traveling to Tokyo? Don’t be. Tokyo, Japan has one of the, if not the, most comprehensive subway systems in the world, otherwise known as Tokyo Metro. With subway stops conveniently located in the heart of all major areas of the city, the Tokyo subway will be your best friend. It’s literally so easy to use, that children as young as 5 often ride the subway by themselves. You can pay by single trip, or by a subway card onto which you can load money and refill. If you will be working or attending school there, you can purchase a commuters pass which will save you an immense amount of money. Pay the 7000 yen per month, equivalent of 70 US dollars Any time you take your route from work to home or back, it is covered by that initial fee. The subway opens at 6 am and closes at 12:00 midnight, with trains running until about 12:30.

Tokyo Japan Awesome Pic
Tokyo Japan
Tokyo JapanOnce in Tokyo, you will quickly notice that the normal time to get from one destination to the next is about one hour. It’s best to plan out your day in a way so as to minimize traversing from one, however, the subway is perfectly punctual, and approaching trains are displayed and announced above the tracks in both Japanese and English.

The Yamanote line runs in a loop stopping at all of Tokyo’s major areas, allowing you to experience them hassle free. Must-see stops are Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ebisu, and Ueno. The Shinjuku subway station is the size of a small airport and very difficult not to get lost in. Nearly every line runs through there, so it is a major connection place and a great station to make as a meeting point when meeting up with others coming from various starting points. The Tokyo subway system is always on time, always clean, and a general pleasure to ride. If you ride some of America’s systems you will soon realize they are no comparison!
Tokyo Japan
Tokyo Japan
Tokyo Japan
Tokyo JapanALWAYS offer your seat to an older adult, pregnant woman, or someone who is injured. Although this might sound like it goes without saying, failure to do so might invoke glares from the desiring-to-sit-party.

DO NOT talk on your cell phone when riding the subway, this is considered very rude. Most people on the subway have their cell phones out and are using them, texting is fine but talking on the cell phone is socially unacceptable.

DO NOT eat or drink on the subway. Eating in public anywhere in Japan is considered rude, but eating on the subway is exceptionally looked down upon.

WOMEN: Although no longer as common, Japanese men often grab women on crowded subway trains. There are designated women’s only cars if you prefer (they are pink and towards the front of the train), otherwise be aware of your surroundings.

MEN: In crowded cars when next to young women keep your hands visible at all times. In the event of a suspected groping, foreigners tend to be blamed first.

All in all, Tokyo is a very friendly city and if you have any trouble finding your way around ask someone and they will be more than happy to help.