Table of contents
Is Tokyo's Transit Really That Good?
Yes. Tokyo's public transportation is the best in the world for daily use. Trains run on time (literally to the second), cover every corner of the city, and are clean and safe at all hours. As a nomad, you'll rarely need a car, taxi, or ride-share.
Step 1: Get an IC Card
An IC card (Suica or Pasmo) is your all-access pass to Tokyo. It works on:
- All trains and subways
- Buses
- Convenience stores, vending machines, and many shops
How to get one:
- Physical card: Buy at any JR station ticket machine. Costs ¥500 deposit + whatever you load.
- Digital (iPhone/Apple Watch): Add a Suica via Apple Wallet. Instant setup, no deposit.
- Digital (Android): Use Google Pay to add a Suica or Pasmo.
Tip: The digital version is easier — no need to visit a machine to reload. Just top up from your phone.
Understanding the Train System
Tokyo has multiple train operators, which can be confusing at first:
- JR East (Japan Railways): The Yamanote Line (the green loop) is the backbone. Connects Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno, Tokyo, and Shinagawa.
- Tokyo Metro: 9 subway lines covering the city center. The Ginza, Marunouchi, and Hibiya lines are most useful.
- Toei Subway: 4 additional subway lines. Fills gaps that Metro doesn't cover.
- Private railways: Keio, Odakyu, Tokyu, etc. Connect central Tokyo to the suburbs.
Your IC card works on all of them. You don't need to know which operator runs which line — just tap in and tap out.
Essential Apps
- Google Maps: Works well for Tokyo transit. Enter your destination and it shows exact train times.
- Yahoo! Transit (Japan): More accurate for Japan-specific routes. Available in English.
- Navitime: Popular among locals. Great for finding the cheapest route.
Key Routes for Nomads
- Shibuya ↔ Shinjuku: JR Yamanote Line, ~7 min
- Shibuya ↔ Shimokitazawa: Keio Inokashira Line, ~3 min
- Shinjuku ↔ Koenji: JR Chuo Line, ~10 min
- Shibuya ↔ Asakusa: Ginza Line, ~30 min
- Tokyo Station ↔ Narita Airport: Narita Express, ~60 min
- Shinagawa ↔ Haneda Airport: Keikyu Line, ~15 min
Airport Access
Haneda Airport (HND)
Closer to central Tokyo (~30 min). Handles most domestic flights and many international routes.
- Keikyu Line: To Shinagawa, ~15 min, $3
- Monorail: To Hamamatsucho, ~15 min, $5
- Taxi/ride-share: To Shibuya, ~$50–70
Narita Airport (NRT)
Further out (~60–90 min). Primarily international flights.
- Narita Express (N'EX): To Tokyo/Shibuya/Shinjuku, ~60–90 min, $30
- Access Express (Skyliner): To Ueno/Nippori, ~40 min, $25
- Bus (Airport Limousine): To major hotels and stations, ~90 min, $30
Tip: If arriving late at night, Narita's last trains leave around 9 PM. After that, you'll need a bus or taxi (~$200).
Cycling
Tokyo is surprisingly bikeable, especially within neighborhoods. Many nomads rent monthly bicycles for daily commutes.
- Docomo Bike Share: Station-based bike rental. ¥165 per 30 min, or monthly pass ~¥2,200.
- Luup: Electric scooter/bike sharing. App-based, pay per minute.
Tip: Riding on sidewalks is common and generally accepted in Tokyo, unlike many other cities.
Monthly Transport Costs
| Style | Monthly Cost | |-------|-------------| | Occasional rides (walking + train 3x/week) | $40–60 | | Daily commute (train) | $80–120 | | Train + occasional taxi | $120–180 | | Bicycle (Docomo monthly) | $15 + occasional train |
Most nomads spend $80–120/month on transport. Tokyo's compact layout and excellent trains keep costs low.
For more on getting settled, see our first week checklist.