World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
Tokyo has one of the most sophisticated and efficient public transport systems in the world – a combination of an extensive train network operated by a number of private companies, 12 underground lines, bus services and several monorails. However, the service does not operate 24 hours. Nevertheless, there are many 24-hour pubs and cafs in the city and waiting for the trains to start running in the early morning is a long established tradition among the revellers wishing to avoid ruinously expensive night-time taxi fares. The Tokyo Tourist Information Office (tel: (03) 3201 3331) can provide detailed service and timetable information for all the different service providers.

The complexity of the network and the sheer size of some of the stations can be rather daunting. However, public transport is very safe, even after dark, and staff and passers-by are generally quick to help confused foreigners. Despite very frequent services, trains are uncomfortably crowded during rush hours (0730–0900 and 1700–1900); trains run from approximately 0500–2400/0100. Tickets are available for purchase from vending machines located inside stations; most journeys within the centre of the city cost less than 200.

The Tokyo Combination Ticket (Tokyo Free Kippu) is a travel pass valid for one day on all Japan Rail, underground and bus services within the city and costs 1580. The One-Day Open Ticket is valid on eight of the 12 underground lines and costs 710.

Taxis
Tokyo’s taxis are numerous and easily can be hailed on the street or found at taxi ranks. It is also possible for one to reserve a taxi in advance, from one of the many companies, such as Nihon Kotsu (tel: (03) 3586 2151) and Checker-Musen (tel: (03) 3573 3751). Approximately 500 will be charged for this service. Fares vary slightly between taxi companies but are uniformly expensive at around 660 for the first two kilometres (one mile), then 80 every 274m (900ft) thereafter. There is a 30% supplement after 2300. Tipping is not customary and could offend.

Taxi drivers are very professional but rarely speak English, so it is advisable for tourists to have their destination written out in Japanese or to be able to point to it on a Japanese map. During rush hour, it is often quicker to take the train. Unoccupied taxis become scarce at around 0100, once the train services have finished. A peculiarity of all Japanese taxis is that the rear doors are operated automatically by the driver – visitors should not try to open or close the doors themselves.

Limousines
Hinomaru Limousine (tel: (03) 3505 1717; e-mail: mailmaster@hinomaru.co.jp; website: www.hinomaru.co.jp/indexe.html) offers a variety of luxury cars and can provide English-speaking drivers. Rates are from 6000 per hour, for a minimum of three hours.

Driving in the City
Tokyo’s public transport network and taxis are excellent and driving in the city is therefore not advised. Traffic is heavy, navigation is greatly complicated by the fact that streets rarely have names and parking is expensive and difficult to find.

Car Hire
The biggest car hire company, with 150 branches in the Tokyo area, is Nippon Rent-A-Car, 5–5 Kamiyamacho, Shibuya-ku (tel: (03) 3485 7196). Other companies include Avis, 3–13–19 Ginza, Chuo-ku (tel: (03) 5550 1011; website: www.avis.com) and Hertz, 1–8–21 Shiba Koen, Minato-ku (tel: (03) 5401 7651; website: www.hertz.com).

Car hire in Japan costs from 5000 per day for the smallest class of car. Basic insurance is usually included in the price. Both a national driving licence and an International Driving Permit are required. Drivers must have held their licence for at least a year and the minimum age for hiring a car varies between 19 and 26, although is usually 21 years.

Bicycle & Scooter Hire
SCS, 2–1–16 Hakusan, Bunkyo-ku (tel: (03) 3827 5432), arranges scooter hire from 5000 per day. Bicycles often can be hired at suburban train stations for around 1000 per day. However, train stations in the central areas of the city do not offer this service.