Trains in Tokyo

Apr 26

There are many above ground high speed trains within central Tokyo that also span out to the suburbs and other parts of Japan. JR East operates 102 lines serving over 40 million riders every day. Traveling on trains in Tokyo can be a bit overwhelming for new visitors, so it is best to plan your trip as best as possible beforehand.

Plan Your Trip

Enter your destination into Google Maps to find your line name, direction, track number and departure time. There are lots of signs in stations that will show you all this information, just make sure you have the line name and direction you need to travel. The direction is named after the terminus station along that route. There are also different classes of service for the same route: local, express, rapid express, etc. Make sure your stop is serviced by the train you are boarding. Local trains stop at every station along the route while the other classes (express, rapid express, etc.) will skip some stations. Use the signs in the station to confirm which class of service stops at your desired station.

Rush Hour

7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

You might also want to consider planning your trip to travel outside of rush hour. Rush hour in Tokyo can be very overwhelming for new visitors to the city. I'm sure you’ve seen the videos of people getting squeezed into packed trains by train staff members. If you have to travel during rush hour and don't want to go through that experience, you may want to consider an alternate method of transportation.

Japan Rail Pass

If you will be doing a lot of travelling in Japan, it’s best to get a Japan Rail Pass. The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited travel for 7, 14 or 21 days on all JR routes in Japan. This includes all services operated by JR-East in Tokyo and JR Kyushu, Shikoku, West, Central and Hokkaido. We’re an official vendor of the Japan Rail Pass, which offers you 62% savings!

Buy Japan Rail Pass (62% Savings)

Train System Map

The JR Line System Map with some Tokyo Metro and Toei Subways included.

How to Board & Exit a Train

Follow the markers on the floor of the platform to line up for your train. When the train comes to a complete stop, every door will open up on each train car automatically. Allow riders to exit the train before you board. When it comes times to exit at your stop, you do not need to request stops or press any buttons or levers to open the doors. The doors are controlled by the driver.

Transfer Rules

If you are transferring from one line to another, you will most likely have to go through a transfer gate at your exiting station on your way to your new train. To go through the transfer gate, tap your IC card or insert your paper ticket in the wicket to transfer. If you are transferring from JR East train to Tokyo Metro, you will often have to exit the JR Train network and enter the Metro tapping your IC card or entering your ticket each time. You may need to use a fare adjustment machine if your original ticket did not include this transfer.