Mass Transportation Systems in Tokyo

THE 10 BEST Tokyo Mass Transportation Systems

Mass Transportation Systems in Tokyo

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  • Will L
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a general review of our train experience in Tokyo and Japan in general. We Shinkasen'ed it from Osaka USJ to Tokyo Disney Maihama station. We were late by 5 minutes, missed our scheduled Shinkasen and got on the next Shinkasen. My advice is to allow time for familiarising yourself with the different train systems as sometimes you have to queue to ask questions and need time to use google translate.

    The ticket inspector was very good and arranged for us to sit together (we bought the most expensive tickets we could find) and we changed to the local line to get to Maihama.

    After several days of Disney, we decided to train it to Tokyo from Maihama station. We had 5 people in our party so taxi was not an option and booking a large taxi is almost impossible. The train counter guy did not speak English but gave us a piece of paper that told us how to get to Asakusa as we wanted to visit the temple and surrounding area.

    Unfortunately, we did not know there were several train companies operating within Tokyo. So whilst we followed the instructions on the paper, we bought tickets at the wrong ticketing area twice and had to queue up for a refund at the original place where we bought each set of tickets. This was very annoying as we had 5 ppl to get refunds for. Subsequently, we just asked each place we were about to buy tickets at to avoid buying tickets for the wrong line with the wrong train company. (Why cant a rich capitlalist guy just buy all the lines and streamline the system to make it truly efficient?) I mean all the people say how good the Tokyo rail system is but I beg to differ. The trains are frequent and all but the different train companies make ticketing a mess. In a civilised world, we would only need to input the target station into the computer screen and pay once instead of 3 or more separate times, once at each location. Also, it is ridiculous you can't buy the JR rail pass anywhere near the stations.

    The amount of information at the platform for each of the train lines also differs. Eg some show the direction the train travels with a tiny arrow while others do not even have such information. This is essential information so you do not get on the train going in the opposite direction you want to go to when you do not know the final stop of the line you are on ie when you only know the next couple of stops!

    Written December 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sora Escort
    Kyoto, Japan3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    世界に誇る新幹線
    高い定時制、簡単な手続きで高速、長距離移動できます。飛行機をも上回る利便性。
    天気が良ければ 富士山が見えます。

    World-class bullet train
    High punctuality and simple procedures allow you to travel fast and long distances.
    If the weather is good, you can see Mt. Fuji.
    Written March 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PaulSiow
    Petaling Jaya, Malaysia2,731 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The monorial complement the tokyo metro trains. We could use our JR pass on it and used it to visit Odaiba and Haneda airport. Slow ride but quite enjoyable especially when approaching Odaiba.
    Written February 29, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • HUGPOOK
    Bangkok, Thailand188 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tokyu Setagaya Line route for tourist is Gotokuji temple Makeki Neko Cat ,many local shop with style , open late morning, dont forget to stop at first stop Carrot building with above view of Tokyo
    Written April 26, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ylime
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Smooth pleasant trip with good views. Though this line is rather expensive compared to other local lines.
    Going to Odaiba area, it is easy to transfer from Shimbashi with clear signage.
    However the reflection within the train is bad.
    Written March 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Daniel A
    Beijing, China33,057 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We wanted to head to Shinagawa and so we used the the Keikyu Corporation and we didn’t have a single problem. This train looked a little older but it didn’t bother us at all as it did the job in a short time and got us to where we needed to.
    Written March 1, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joy_Sinha
    Kolkata (Calcutta), India2,388 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tokyu corporation run railway operations majorly in suburban areas of Tokyo and are a very efficient. There are operations within city as well, specially to and from Shibuya.
    There are express as well as local train services. IC cards usable.
    Written April 21, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • julia.travelinsider
    New York City, NY7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    if you travelin Japan then the best way is electric railway- on time, clean and reasonable price. Very easy to get in and drop off. Highly recommend
    Written February 7, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RayParks
    Adelaide, Australia2,865 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We can see it from Hotel Metropolitan. When we go to Seibu Railway from the hotel, it’s easier to walk through the underground passage to the underground entrance/exit.
    Written October 23, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • manucanuck
    Hong Kong, China1,903 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Rode from Tokyo to Kyoto on their Reborn bus corridor was extremely narrow so big size people would have a hard time entering thru beyond row 1. I was in 2C (single seat) and the overhead locker won’t fit my backpack so I have to keep it on the dining table, and it would slip during the ride 🙃
    There’s no pillow but only a neck rest, and that neck rest isn’t even comfortable
    The seat itself was alright it’s just like what I like to call a fake business class flight seat (no full recline). There’s no USB but there is a Japanese socket for use. Ride was around 7 hours but we get to stop 4 times enroute and it was pretty annoying to have announcement during the stops and therefore didn’t really have enough sleep.
    Written May 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joy_Sinha
    Kolkata (Calcutta), India2,388 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Nippori Toneri liner is a railway network connected Nippori with the Adachi locality in Tokyo.
    The entire route of about 10 km is elevated and takes about 20 minutes to move between the 2 terminal stations.
    The line crosses the arakawa river.
    This is an automated guideway transportation system operated by Tokyo Metropolitan.
    It is one of the efficient transportation systems and most convenient while trying to reach Adachi-ku locations.
    Written March 2, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dr. Shibuyakko
    California43,175 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Why it's included in "Things to do" as it's a railway company. They have hotels, department stores and more in the greater Tokyo area. Keio Rail to Shinjuku in the morning is super packed!
    Written March 28, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hiroaki Kaneko
    Tokyo, Japan3,521 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    東京メトロと同様に、東京23区の地下を蜘蛛の巣のように張り巡らせている地下鉄路線です。ただし、東京メトロほど東京23区の地下をカバーしている範囲は広くなく、またホームに電車が到着する間隔も5分以上の場合が多く、急ぎの用事等で都営地下鉄を利用するとやや不便と感じるかもしれません。とは言え、多くの駅で東京メトロを始め多くの路線との乗り換えが出来るため、都営地下鉄単体ではなく他の路線と併用して利用するといいでしょう。東京メトロの各路線とも併用可能な1日乗り放題のチケットもあります。
    東京メトロより都営地下鉄の方が交通機関として新しいからか、ほとんどの駅において東京メトロよりもさらに地下深くに駅や路線が建設されており、そのため地上から駅に向かう際、相当の深さに降りなければならないことが多く、昇降に煩わしさを感じるかもしれません。一方でそのような構造からか、東京メトロと比較するとエレベーター・エスカレータの設置は充実しているように思います(それでも、全て出入口や通路に設置されているわけではありません)。
    東京メトロと同じく、駅のホームにキオスクが設置されている駅は少ないですが、地下鉄の駅がある場所の周辺には魅力的な飲食店が多いため、それ程気になることではありません。

    Like the Tokyo Metro, the Toei Subway line runs like a spider's web beneath the 23 Wards of Tokyo. However, the coverage is not as extensive as the Tokyo Metro, and the interval between the arrival of the next train at the platform is 5 minutes or more, which may be somewhat inconvenient if you are using the Toei Subway for urgent business. However, since it's possible to change trains at many stations with the Tokyo Metro and many other lines, it is recommended to use the Toei Subway not only by itself but also in combination with other lines. There is also a one-day unlimited ride ticket that can be used in combination with other lines(the Tokyo Metro).
    Perhaps because the Toei Subway is newer than the Tokyo Metro as a transportation system, most stations and lines are built even deeper underground than the Tokyo Metro, so when going from the surface to a station, you often have to descend to a considerable depth, which can be a hassle when ascending and descending. On the other hand, perhaps because of this structure, elevators and escalators seem to be more fully installed than in the Tokyo Metro (still, not all of them are installed at entrances and passageways).
    Like the Tokyo Metro, few stations have kiosks on the station platforms, but this is not a major concern since there are many attractive restaurants around where the subway stations are located.
    Written August 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Hiroaki Kaneko
    Tokyo, Japan3,521 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    東京23区内を縦横無尽に行き来する公共交通機関は多数ありますが、都営バスほど、まるで毛細血管のように地下鉄でさえ駅が無い場所に至るまでカバーされている公共交通機関は他に無いでしょう。流石に大型車両が通れない道路の通行は無理ですが、ほとんどの道路はカバーされている、と言っても過言ではありません。
    しかしそれでも、都営バスをメインの公共交通機関としてお勧めすることはありません。東京23区の道路の渋滞事情はさることながら、地下鉄とは比べ物にならないくらいに路線の種類が極めて多いことが挙げられます。そのため路線を間違えやすく、一度間違えると目的外のところに運ばれるだけでなく、お金(運賃)を無駄にされる可能性があります。逆に、一日乗車券を購入し、探検目的で利用するのはいいかもしれませんが、決められた時間までに目的の場所に行くための交通機関としてはお勧めできません。
    運転手のサービスの質もバラツキがあります。丁寧に接客し、運転技術も丁寧な運転手もいれば、非常にぶっきらぼうな接客で運転も荒々しい運転手もいます。場合によっては不愉快に感じるかもしれません。

    There are many public transportation systems that crisscross the Tokyo's 23 wards, but none of them cover as much ground, as the Toei buses, which are like capillary vessels that go to places where there are no stations even for subways. It's no exaggeration to say that most roads are covered, although it's impossible to pass through roads where large vehicles cannot pass.
    Even so, we would not recommend the metropolitan buses as the main form of public transportation. In addition to the traffic congestion on the roads of Tokyo's 23 wards, there are an extremely large number of different routes that are incomparable to the subway. Therefore, it is easy to make a mistake on a route, and once you make a mistake, not only will you be transported to a place other than your intended destination, but you may also be wasting your money (fare). On the other hand, although it may be a good idea to purchase a day pass and use it for exploration purposes, it is not recommended as a mode of transportation to get to your intended destination by a predetermined time.
    The quality of driver service is also variable. Some drivers are courteous and courteous in their driving skills, while others are very blunt in their service and rough in their driving. In some cases, you may feel uncomfortable.
    Written August 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KLsWanderlust
    Houston, Texas1,063 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were happy to be able to use so many different rail services in Japan. This service was just as clean and prompt and as easy to use.
    Written April 28, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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