Tokyo has many types of train cards and passes, but no single one covers every train and subway line. Depending on your plans, single tickets or a rechargeable IC card may be better value.
- Single Tickets: This type of ticket is for a one-time ride, starting at around ¥180 and increasing with distance
- Day Passes: There are passes for unlimited travel within a set period, such as the Tokyo Metro Open Ticket, Toei One-Day Economy Pass, and Tokyo Subway Ticket, valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours
Rechargeable IC Card:
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The IC Card is recommended for travel within Tokyo and throughout Japan. It is convenient for both trains and buses in Tokyo, and can also be used to pay for purchases at convenience stores and vending machines.
- Types of IC Cards sold in Tokyo:
- Suica Card: For use on the JR rail network
- Pasmo Card: For use on private railway networks and buses
Where to buy an IC Card:
- Available at automated ticket machines in major train stations, or at ticket counters at airports and train stations
- The card requires a ¥500 deposit, and you can top it up as needed
IC Cards from other cities: Besides Suica and Pasmo, IC Cards issued in other cities can also be used in Tokyo, such as Icoca, Kitaca, Toica, Manaca, Pitapa, Sugoca, Nimoca, and Hayakaken. These cards work in many major cities across Japan — for example, an Icoca card bought in Osaka or a Manaca card bought in Nagoya can also be used in Tokyo.
Benefits of using an IC Card:
- No need to buy a new ticket every time you travel
- Works on every train and bus system in Tokyo
- Can be used to pay for goods and services at convenience stores and vending machines
More details:
- Topping up: You can top up your card at automated top-up machines at any train station
- Returning the card: You can return the card to get your deposit back at participating train stations
Using an IC Card makes traveling in Tokyo simpler and more convenient, so you don't need to worry about buying a new ticket every time you switch trains or buses.
Another option is a day pass, ideal if you plan to take many train rides in one day. These passes offer discounted travel and are sold at train stations or ticket machines. They can be used all day until the last train of the night.
Types of Train Tickets in Tokyo
1. Tokyo Subway Ticket(1 day – ¥800, 2 day – ¥1,200, 3 day – ¥1,500)
Allows unlimited rides on both the Toei and Tokyo Metro subway lines (excluding JR trains). Sold at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Bic Camera electronics stores. This ticket is sold to both Japanese residents and foreign visitors; foreign tourists must show their passport before purchase. If you want to buy it outside the Kanto region, you'll need to contact an agency.
2. Tokyo Metro Open Ticket (1 day – ¥600, 2 day – ¥980)
Allows unlimited rides on all 9 Tokyo Metro lines (excluding Toei and JR trains). The 2-day ticket is sold at Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, while the 1-day ticket is sold at automated machines in every Tokyo Metro station.
https://chikatoku.enjoytokyo.jp/en/ticket.html
3. Toei One-Day Economy Pass price ¥700
Allows unlimited rides on all 4 Toei subway lines (excluding Tokyo Metro and JR trains). Sold at automated machines in every Toei subway station.
https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/th/pass/tokunai_pass.html
4. Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass) price ¥750
Allows unlimited rides on JR lines. Sold at automated machines in every JR station.
The JR Pass and JR EAST PASS are sold only at JR train stations and Tokyo Monorail stations. These passes cannot be used on subways or other private railway companies.
▌Things Every Tokyo Traveler Should Know
