Tokyo`s subway network is operated by two companies, Tokyo Metro and Toei, with 13 subway lines , that run mostly inside the Yamanote loop and in areas around Ginza and Shitamachi. The Metro system uses the symbol `M` which vaguely resembles the famous McDonalds golden arches. The metro is safe, efficient, clean and easy to use with all stations written in English and display the next station in English on board as well as announcing stops in English. Each line is color-coded, for example, the Ginza line is orange so all trains and signs are in orange, so it’s simple to follow, and find the Ginza `G` line if you are transferring from another line. Each station along the Ginza line is assigned a number in chronological order so G1 – G19. The metro system also extends outside the city with direct connections with private train lines. The subway runs from 5 am – Midnight daily and run every 3 – 5 minutes, schedules are posted in the stations. Tickets prices start around 160 yen ($1.45 USD) per adult for the shortest distance, children 6 – 11 are half price and children under 5 ride for free.

A Suica card is a contactless prepaid card that can be used in virtually all modes of transportation in Tokyo. Purchase from a vending machine in the station for 2,000 yen ($18.07 USD) which includes a 500 yen deposit. A similar card is the Pasmo which can also be used on various modes of transportation in Tokyo and gives options including a 1 day only and Metro only card. The Tokyo Free Kippu costs around 1580 yen ($14.27 USD) allowing unlimited travel for 1 day on all metro subways, JR trains, and Toei buses.

For more information visit www.tokyometro.jp/global.en or Toei Subway at www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp

One of the best ways to get around Tokyo is by train with the most important train lines being the JR Yamanote Line which runs in a loop around Tokyo connecting multiple city centers, making stops at 29 stations, all announced in English. The Yamanote Line is green and gives you a great roundtrip view of Tokyo, passing through Shinjuku, Tokyo, Harajuku and Ueno.

The Chuo Line is orange and cuts across Tokyo between Shinjuku and Tokyo stations with an express (fewer stops) and a local train.

The Sobu Line is yellow and runs between Shinjuku and Akihabara and beyond to Chiba. For all lines look for JR Lines at the station.

Electric commuter trains run by the East Japan Railway Company run aboveground, the trains are color-coded and tickets start around 130 yen ($1.17 USD), tickets can be purchased from vending machines located in the stations.

Trains generally run between 5 am – 1 am, running every 3 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes in the early morning and late at night.

Consider purchasing the 1-day Tokunai Pass if you will be traveling on JR lines for any given day, it allows unlimited travel for around 730 yen ($6.60 USD). The Suica card can also be purchased for use on the trains.

For more information please visit www.jreast.co.jp/e. or call tel. 050-2016-1603.

The Tokyo bus system is extensive and efficient but not as easy to use as the subways and trains, the end destination is written on the bus and not in English and many drivers don’t speak English. You need exact change to drop in the fare box which is usually around 200 yen ($1.81 USD). The Tokyo Shitamachi Bus is user-friendly for sightseeing and follows a fixed route to seven major sightseeing destinations. The bus departs from Marunouchi which is the station north of Tokyo Station, it makes stops at Nihombashi`s Mitsukoshi Department Store, Akihabara featuring Anime and electronics, Ueno Park, Kappabash-dougugai Dori popular for kitchen stores and Asakusa then the journey terminates at Ryogoku Station where the Edo-Tokyo Museum can be found. A bus travels in both direction every 30 minutes and runs daily from 9 am – 6:30 pm and costs around 200 yen ($1.81 USD) every time you board or use your Suica card. For more information visit www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp there is a free Toei bus map available at the Tokyo Tourist Information Center.

A Taxi in Tokyo can be an excellent way to get around the city when traveling outside of rush hour and if you want to get to a place that is not close to a train or subway station. A taxi is practical but can be expensive and is not recommended for long distances. Finding a taxi in Tokyo is easy there are numerous found on the streets as well as outside of the stations, have your destination written down in Japanese as most drivers do not speak English. Taxis can be hailed from the street and have a red light on above the dashboard when they are available and the light turns yellow when they are occupied. The basic fare for a taxi is about 710 yen ($6.41 USD) for the first 1 ¼ miles and increases 90 yen ($0.81 USD) for each additional 950 feet or 40 seconds of waiting time. From 10 pm - 5 am there is an extra 30% added to your fare. Be sure to stand clear of the back left door as they open and close automatically.

To call a major taxi company for pickup you can contact Nihon Kotsu for an English-speaking operator at tel. 03/5755-2366

Riding a bicycle in Tokyo is faster than walking, the law says bikes are supposed to ride on the road with cars but there are no bicycle paths making this difficult and sometimes dangerous. It is ok to ride on the sidewalk in Japan just watch out for pedestrians. The city is not flat and you will come across some very steep hills especially on the west side of the city. Daily bike rentals are available around the city and you can borrow bikes at the Yurakucho`s Muji to ride around Ginza or Marunouchi.

Tokyo is not really designed for pedestrians and some of the main streets are not very nice for walking along and it can be easy to get lost on smaller streets and the distance is always greater than you might think. Shopping areas like Ginza and Akihabara are great to walk around and closed down to traffic on Sundays. Parks areas are a great place for a stroll, like Ueno and Chichumbaya

A sightseeing boat is a great way to see some of the sights on the Tokyo Bay or the Sumida River. It makes for an enjoyable journey and a great way to see the skyline of Tokyo. Boats depart from Hinode Pier and Hinode stations traveling to Asakusa via the Sumida River the trip is about 40 minutes and costs around 760 yen ($7.00 USD). For more information visit www.suijobus.co.jp or call tel. 03/5733-4812.

You can take a rickshaw ride in some parts of the city, not really a means of transportation more for the experience of riding one. Neighborhoods to go to for a jinrikisha ride would be Asakusa, Yanaka, and Otowaya.