Transportation is one of the biggest hurdles many tourists face when planning their trip to Tokyo. In fact, Tokyo’s public transportation system is probably the most complex in the world. What makes it more confusing is the numerous transportation passes and tickets for you to choose from. If you are unsure which transportation pass to purchase when you visit Tokyo next time, read on!
In addition to the JR Rail Pass and JR East Pass, one of the following transportation tickets might save you even more money, depending on your itinerary.
Of course, you can just get a transportation IC card, such as Suica and tap on and off as you go.
The 15 Tokyo Train Pass That Can Save You Money
- Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass, 都区内パス)
- Tokyo Metro 1-Day Pass (東京メトロ24時間券)
- Common One-Day Ticket for Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway (東京フリーきっぷ/都営地下鉄・東京メトロ共通一日乗車券) – the transportation pass allows you to explore Tokyo if you aren’t eligible for the Tokyo Subway Ticket.
- Tokyo Subway Ticket (24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour): Our favorite Tokyo transportation pass
- Tokyo Combination Ticket (東京フリーきっぷ): The ultimate Tokyo transportation pass that allows you to board JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway trains, and buses
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass (東京ワイドパス)
- Keio 1DAY Ticket (京王線・井の頭線一日乗車券)
- Tokyū Line Triangle Pass (東急線トライアングルパス)
- Toei 1-Day Pass (都営まるごときっぷ)
- Toden 1-Day Pass (都電一日乗車券)
- Setagaya Line Explorer Ticket (世田谷線散策きっぷ)
- Yokohama Yokohama Bay Area 1-Day Pass (横浜1DAYきっぷ)
- Enoden 1-Day Pass Ticket “Noriorikun” (江ノ電１日乗車券「のりおりくん」): The pass to explore Kamakura and Enoshima
- Odakyū’s Hakone Free Pass (2 – 3 Days): The pass to explore Hakone
- Karuizawa Free Pass (軽井沢フリーパス): The pass to explore Karuizawa
- Greater Tokyo Pass
Refer to HERE for Tokyo’s train/subway map.
Tips:
☛ Refer to HERE for information about the attractions in Tokyo that offer discounts or freebies when you purchase certain tickets mentioned above.
☛ If your flight arrives at Narita Airport, you can pre-purchase the Skyliner Discount Ticket to get to Tokyo. For unlimited access to Tokyo Metro, purchase the Skyliner and Tokyo Subway Ticket Combo HERE!
Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass, 都区内パス)
Sticking to the JR train system might be a good idea if it is your first time in Tokyo without a guided tour, as you only need to focus on Tokyo’s JR train lines, which are relatively simple to understand and navigate.
If you decide to do this, the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass, which gives you unlimited rides within the covered area, will most likely save you money.
With the pass pricing set at 760 yen, hopping on and off the train a few times would make the pass worthwhile to purchase, as a one-way trip from Tokyo Station to Shinjuku Station already costs around 200 yen.
The Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass enables you to travel as far as Nishi-Ogikubo (西荻窪), filled with antique and dessert shops. You can also use the pass to access Ukimafunado Station (浮間舟渡駅) for Ukima Park (浮間公園), which is renowned for its tulips and Dutch windmills.
However, please note that there are no JR train stations close to Tokyo Sky Tree or Asakusa. The Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway are more suitable for these attractions/destinations.
- Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass Price:
- 760 yen for adults
- 380 yen for children aged 6 to 11 years old
- Where to buy the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass:
- Automatic ticket vending machines are available at most JR stations on valid routes and on the Suica mobile app
- Validity period:
- One day
- Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass covered train types:
- Non-reserved seats in ordinary carriages of both rapid and local trains.
Refer to the Official Website for more information, including the Tokunai Pass Map.
Tokyo Metro 1-Day Pass (東京メトロ24時間券)
Although the train lines are slightly more complicated than JR, the Tokyo Metro is still likely the best transportation option for most tourists. The Metro company has a station close to almost all popular attractions and destinations in Tokyo’s city center, such as Asakusa. Their one-day pass is even cheaper than JR’s one-day pass!
Even better, it is valid for the entire 24 hours. So even if you first insert the ticket into the ticket gate close to midnight, the ticket won’t expire when the clock strikes 12!
Tip: If you have a PASMO PASSPORT, insert the card into a ticket vending machine. The one-day ticket information will then be printed on the card for you to use.
- Tokyo Metro 1-Day Pass Price:
- 700 yen for adults
- 350 yen for children aged 6 to 11 years old
- Where to buy a Tokyo Metro 1-Day Pass
- Automatic ticket vending machines at most Tokyo Metro stations and Tokyo Metro Pass Offices
- Validity period:
- 24 hours
- Valid train routes:
- All Tokyo Metro lines
- Refer to HERE for the Tokyo Metro Subway route map.
Refer to the Official Website for more information.
Common One-Day Ticket for Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway (東京フリーきっぷ/都営地下鉄・東京メトロ共通一日乗車券)
While the Tokyo Metro covers most of Tokyo’s popular attractions, visiting spots such as Tokyo Tower and Kiyosumi Gardens (清澄庭園) may be more convenient by taking the Toei Subway.
If you want to travel more freely around Tokyo, consider upgrading your one-day pass to the Common One-Day Ticket for Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway for just an additional 300 yen.
Refer to the Official Website for more information (click on the Ride All Tokyo Metro Lines + Toei Subway Lines Freely box).
- Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway One-Day Ticket Price:
- 900 yen for adults
- 450 yen for children aged 6 to 11 years old
- Where to buy a Common One-Day Ticket for Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway
- Automatic ticket vending machines at most Toei Subway offices and most Tokyo Metro stations, and Tokyo Metro Pass Offices
- Validity period:
- On the day of the issue
- Valid train routes:
Tokyo Subway Ticket (24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour)
In our opinion, he best Tokyo transportation ticket to get is the Tokyo Subway Ticket. The Tokyo Subway Ticket provides unlimited rides on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway for 24, 48, or 72 hours from the time the ticket is inserted into the ticket gate. Particularly, the 72-hour ticket, the one-day transportation cost is as low as 500 yen!
After you arrive at the airport, remember to purchase one before heading to the city center. If your flight gets to Tokyo outside of the business hours of the ticket vending facilities, you can still buy one in Tokyo. You just need to find the nearest facility that sells it.
Important: Tokyo Subway Ticket doesn’t cover the train trip from the airport to Tokyo. But you can purchase the Keisei Skyliner & Tokyo Subway Ticket, which includes a one-way or return trip to Narita Airport and a Tokyo Subway 24-Hour Ticket, Tokyo Subway 48-Hour Ticket, or Tokyo Subway 72-Hour Ticket.
Tip: If you have a PASMO PASSPORT, insert the card into a ticket vending machine. The one-day ticket information will then be printed on the card for you to use.
Refer to the Official Website for more information.
- Tokyo Subway Ticket Price:
- Tokyo Subway Ticket 24-Hour Price: 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for children
- Tokyo Subway Ticket 48-Hour Price: 1,200 yen for adults, 600 yen for children
- Tokyo Subway Ticket 72-Hour Price: 1,500 yen for adults, 750 yen for children
- Where to buy a Tokyo Subway Ticket
- Haneda Airport’s International Terminal Visitor Information Center
- Narita Airport’s Keisei Bus Ticket Counter
- Pre-purchase HERE and pick it up when you arrive in Japan.
- Refer to the Official Website for other places to buy the Tokyo Subway Ticket
- Validity period:
- 24, 48 or 72 hours after the first use
- Valid train routes:
Tokyo Combination Ticket (東京フリーきっぷ)
If you want to use Tokyo’s public transportation with minimal restrictions, we recommend getting the Tokyo Combination Ticket. It is the ultimate transportation pass in Tokyo, allowing you to travel freely on the JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway’s train lines, and Toei buses.
This ticket is most suitable for those who have a limited time in Tokyo but want to visit all major attractions without worrying about which train companies to use.
Refer to the Official Website for more information (click on the Tickets for Free Travel on Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway Lines, and JR Lines Within the 23 Wards box).
- Tokyo Combination Ticket Price:
- 1,600 yen for adults
- 800 yen for children
- Where to buy a Tokyo Combination Ticket
- Automatic ticket vending machines at most JR, Toei Subway and most Tokyo Metro stations
- Validity period:
- On the day of issue or any one day within one month of purchase for an advance ticket
- Valid train routes:
JR Tokyo Wide Pass (東京ワイドパス)
If you plan to travel to destinations close to Tokyo, such as Nikkō (日光), Kinugawa (鬼怒川), Izu (伊豆), Atami (熱海), Mt. Fuji (富士山)/Kawaguchiko (河口湖), Kusatsu Onsen (草津温泉), or Karuizawa (軽井沢), save yourself some money by purchasing the JR Tokyo Wide Pass. The three-day pass provides unlimited access to trains within Tokyo and the aforementioned popular destinations near Tokyo.
As the JR Tokyo Wide Pass also includes the train lines to Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, it is another transportation pass, in addition to the JR Rail Pass and JR East Pass, that you can start using as soon as you land in Tokyo.
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass Price:
- 15,460 yen for adults
- 7,730 yen for children from the age of 6 to 11
- Where to buy a JR Tokyo Wide Ticket
- Validity period:
- Three days from the first use
- Valid train routes:
- Refer to the official website HERE for a list of valid train routes
Important: The JR Tokyo Wide Pass can only be purchased by overseas visitors. You can only buy one JR Tokyo Wide Pass at a time. If you require another one, you can purchase it at the major stations in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku or Ueno.
Refer to the Official Website for more information.
Keiō 1-Day Ticket (京王線・井の頭線一日乗車券)
If you have had your fill of Tokyo’s city center and plan to head to other destinations such as Mt. Takao (高尾山), Kichijōji (吉祥寺), or Chofu (調布), purchasing Keiō train’s Keio 1-Day Ticket can be a nice option.
With the Keio 1-Day Ticket, you can ride the Keiō Line and Inokashira Line as many times as you want on the day of issue. This ticket is especially convenient if you are based in Shinjuku or Shibuya, as Keiō Railway has a station.
Refer to the Official Website for more information.
Tip: For those heading to Mt. Takao, grab the Keiō One-Day Ticket with Mt. Takao Cable Car and Chair Lift Tickets HERE!
- Keiō 1-Day Ticket Price:
- 1,000 yen for adults
- 500 yen for children
- Where to buy a Keio 1-Day Ticket
- Automatic ticket vending machines at Keiō Line and Inokashira Line
- Pre-purchase your Keio 1-Day Ticket with Yomiuriland Admission Ticket HERE
- Validity period:
- On the day of the issue
- Valid train routes:
- Keiō Line and Inokashira Line
Tokyū Line Triangle Pass (東急線トライアングルパス)
If you want to visit boutique shops, trendy cafes, and Izakayas in Tokyo, consider utilizing Tokyū Railway’s Tokyū Line Triangle Pass.
The Tokyū’s Shibuya Station, Jiyūgaoka Station, and Futako-Tamagawa Station form a triangular area for anyone to enjoy fashionable Tokyo.
With just 470 yen, you can travel to Daikanyama (代官山) for Tsutaya Books (蔦屋書店), Naka-Meguro (中目黑) for cherry blossoms and Starbucks Reserve Roastery, shopping, as well as the gorgeously made cakes at Jiyūgaoka during the day. At night, you can then head to Sangenjaya (三軒茶屋) and/or Futako-Tamagawa (二子玉川) to experience dining in Izakaya!
Refer to the Official Website for more information.
- Tokyū Line Triangle Pass Price:
- 470 yen for adults
- 240 yen for children
- Where to buy a Tokyū Line Triangle Pass
- Automatic ticket vending machines at stations on Tokyu’s Tōyoko Line, Denentoshi Line, and Ōimachi Line
- Validity period:
- On the day of the issue
- Valid train routes:
- Tokyū’s Tōyoko Line between Shibuya and Jiyūgaoka Station, Denentoshi Line between Shibuya and Futako-Tamagawa Station, Ōimachi Line between Jiyūgaoka and Futako-Tamagawa Station
Tip: You can also purchase the Tokyū Line 1-Day Pass HERE to access all Tokyū’s train lines!
Toei 1-Day Pass (都営まるごときっぷ)
Toei Subway also has a station near many of Tokyo’s popular attractions, such as Tsukiji, Ryōgoku for Sumo tournaments, Roppongi for museums, Shinjuku, and Ueno. In addition, Toei Transport also owns a bus and a tram company. If you aren’t eligible to purchase the Tokyo Subway Ticket and your destination is closer to a Toei bus stop, consider getting the Toei 1-Day Pass when you visit Tokyo.
Refer to the Official Website for more information.
- Toei 1-Day Pass Price:
- 700 yen for adults
- 350 yen for children
- Where to buy a Toei 1-Day Pass
- Automatic ticket vending machines are available at most of Toei’s subway stations and bus stops.
- Validity period:
- On the day of issue or any one day within 6 months of purchase for an advance ticket.
- Valid train routes:
- Toei Subway, Toei Bus (including Tama area), Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line), and Nippori-Toneri Liner.
Toden 1-Day Pass (都電一日乗車券)
If you visit Tokyo in March, May or June, consider hopping on Toden’s Toden Arakawa Line (都電荒川線), commonly known as Tokyo Sakura Tram. The trams that drive past some of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossoms, roses, and hydrangea spots are probably the best way to get to these places.
For unlimited rides on the Sakura Tram, consider purchasing a Toden 1-Day Pass!
Refer to the Official Website for more information.
- Toden 1-Day Pass Price:
- 400 yen for adults
- 200 yen for children
- Where to buy a Toden 1-Day Pass
- Toden/Arakawa Streetcar office, Toden commuter pass sales office (Oji station square, Otsuka station, Waseda station, etc.), and Minowabashi Omoidekan
- Validity period:
- On the day of issue or any one day within 6 months of purchase for an advance ticket
- Valid train routes:
- Tokyo Sakura Tram
Setagaya Line Explorer Ticket (世田谷線散策きっぷ)
For experienced Tokyo travelers, you might be interested in Tokyu’s Setagaya Line. The Setagaya ward is a residential area with stylish cafes and a relatively relaxing atmosphere. In fact, so many locals yearn to be residents of Setagaya!
Along the Setagaya line are also unique shopping streets, temples and shrines.
If you are interested in beckoning cats, get off at Miyanosaka Station (宮の坂駅) for Gōtokuji Temple (豪徳寺). The temple filled with thousands of beckoning cats will certainly make your visit to Tokyo more memorable. If you are lucky, the tram you board might even be painted as a beckoning cat!
In the morning, you can purchase the Setagaya Line Explorer Ticket and start your day at Shimotakaido Station (下高井戶駅) for the old-style market at the station’s north exit, where the locals source fresh ingredients and daily necessities.
Refer to the Official Website for more information.
- Setagaya Line Explorer Ticket Price:
- 380 yen for adults
- 190 yen for children
- Where to buy Setagaya Line Explorer Ticket
- Setagaya Line Sangen-jaya, Kamimachi, and Shimo-Takaido Station
- Validity period:
- On the day of the issue
- Valid train routes:
- Tokyu’s Setagaya Line
Tip: You can also purchase the Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass HERE to access all Tokyu’s train lines!
Yokohama 1-Day Pass (横浜1DAYきっぷ)
Yokohama is one of the top destinations close to Tokyo. If it is on your itinerary, consider getting a Yokohama 1-Day Pass.
This ticket includes a return trip from any of Keikyū’s stations to Yokohama and unlimited rides along the Minatomirai Line (みなとみらい線), a segment of Yokohama City Blue Line (横浜市営地下鉄ブルーライン) and Yokohama City Bus (横浜市営バス). So, whether you’re visiting the Yokohama Air Cabin, shopping and dining at Yokohama Red Brick, or admiring the gorgeous night view of Yokohama, you can rely on this pass for your transportation needs.
Refer to the Official Website and use Google Chrome’s translation function, located to the right of the address bar, for more information.
You can also refer to Keikyū’s English webpage HERE for other Yokohama-related passes.
- Yokohama 1-Day Pass Price from Shinagawa Station:
- 1,350 yen for adults
- 560 yen for children
- Where to buy a Yokohama 1-Day Pass
- Most of Keikyū’s stations
- Validity period:
- On the day of the issue
- Valid train routes:
- Refer to and translate THIS PAGE.
Enoden 1-Day Pass Ticket “Noriorikun” (江ノ電１日乗車券「のりおりくん」)
Another popular destination around Tokyo is Kamakura. But it would be a waste if your journey to the Kanagawa Prefecture stopped there. We recommend also taking the Enoden to Enoshima, as the sacred island is just simply too stunning to miss out on!
Close to many of Enoden’s stations, there are also a couple of additional attractions that receive much tourist attention. So consider getting the Enoden 1-Day Pass for unlimited rides on the Enoden train, as well as discounts on shopping and dining!
Refer to the Official Website for more information. For a full list of facilities with special benefits, refer to the Japanese webpage HERE and use Google Chrome’s translation function, located to the right of the address bar, to translate it into English.
- Enoden 1-Day Pass Ticket Noriorikun Price
- 800 yen for adults
- 400 yen for children
- Where to buy an Enoden 1-Day Pass Ticket “Pass”Noriorikun”
- All of Enoden stations’ ticket vending machines
- Validity period:
- On the day of the issue
- Valid train routes:
- The entire Enoden train line
Tip: Refer to our articles on Enoshima to plan your visit!
Odakyū’s Hakone Free Pass (2 – 3 Days)
For those who want to visit Hakone, Odakyū Railway will be your best buddy. With Odakyū’s Hakone Free Pass (2 – 3 Days), besides the unlimited rides on trains and buses in Hakone, you can board the Hakone Ropeway and Sightseeing Cruise as well!
Additionally, special perks and discounts are available at many attractions and restaurants in Hakone!
- Odakyū’s Hakone Free Pass Price from Odakyū’s stations in Tokyo:
- 6,100 yen for adults
- 1,100 yen for children
- Where to buy a Hakone Free Pass
- All of Odakyū’s stations’ ticket vending machines, online, or Odakyū Sightseeing Service Centers
- Pre-purchase your Hakone Free Pass HERE.
- Validity period:
- Two or three days
- Valid train routes:
- Refer to the official website HERE
Karuizawa Free Pass (軽井沢フリーパス)
For a resort-style destination close to Tokyo, consider Karuizawa. It is a renowned summer resort that is beautiful throughout the year.
By bullet train, it only takes around an hour from Tokyo. Once you get there, use the Karuizawa Free Pass to explore the picturesque town.
Shinano Railway’s one or two-day pass gives you unlimited rides on trains between Karuizawa (軽井沢) and Komoro (小諸) and most buses in Karuizawa’s tourist area. For those who love soba noodles, take a train to Komoro!
- Karuizawa Free Pass Price
- One-Day Pass: 2,500 yen for adults, 1,250 yen for children
- Two-Day Pass: 3,600 yen for adults, 1,800 yen for children
- Where to buy a Karuizawa Free Pass
- Karuizawa Station (軽井沢駅), Naka Karuizawa (中軽井沢駅), Miyota Station (御代田駅), and Komoro Station (小諸駅)
- Validity period:
- One or two days
- Valid train routes:
- The entire Enoden train line
Refer to the Official Website and use Google Chrome’s translation function, located to the right of the address bar, for more information.
Greater Tokyo Pass
Greater Tokyo Pass is like the Kantō region version’s Kansai Thru Pass. The pass has two versions. The 3-Day Pass allows unlimited train rides on all Kantō region’s train lines, excluding the JR lines. In addition to all the region’s train lines operated by private companies besides JR, the 5-Day Pass also gives you unlimited access to the 31 bus companies’ bus services.
However, we wouldn’t recommend this pass unless you have a detailed itinerary that allows you to calculate the total transportation cost, as you would if you pay for each journey separately. Although the catchphrase of unlimited rides on all train lines and bus routes, excluding JR, sounds enticing, it wouldn’t be a pass worth purchasing for most itineraries.
Unlike the Kansai region, where you can still reach your desired destinations by taking private rail lines, not being able to access JR’s network in the Kantō region can be inconvenient.
Each private rail company has its own discounted passes. Purchasing these passes separately is usually cheaper than purchasing the Greater Tokyo Pass. If it is your first time visiting Tokyo, the Tokyo Subway Ticket is usually more than enough for you.
To conclude, in addition to comparing the total transportation cost without a transportation pass to the cost of the Greater Tokyo Pass, you also need to consider if purchasing the discount passes offered by the private rail companies would be cheaper.
Note that a PASMO Card/Passport is required to purchase the Greater Tokyo Pass. The cost of getting a PASMO Card is 500 yen.
For more information, refer to the Greater Tokyo Pass’s website HERE.
Getting a Better Understanding of Tokyo’s Train System
If you had a chance to look at Tokyo’s train map, you might be startled at first glance. With numerous train companies owning train lines and stations in Tokyo, the city’s train map can be confusing and complicated for many tourists.
So if you want to gain a better understanding of Tokyo’s train system, refer to our Guide to Tokyo’s Transportation System and Train Routes!
Tips for Planning Your Next Japan Trip
Japan, where traditions, culture, and history intersect with the most advanced technology and modern conveniences, also boasts some of the most picturesque landscapes. It is no wonder that Japan has been voted one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world!
So if you are planning to travel to this beautiful country, refer to our article, Plan Your Next Japan Trip – When and Where to Start, for some helpful information, advice, and tips to keep in mind when planning your visit.
