How to Take Trains in Tokyo: Tips for Smooth Travel

Taking trains in Tokyo can seem incredibly intimidating and complex at first, but I can guarantee that once you get the hang of it, it’s really easy. With a little bit of knowledge, you’ll be zipping around the city like a pro and enjoying your journey.

How to Read the Departure Board

The first thing you’ll want to do when taking trains in Tokyo is find the departure board, which is usually located above the ticket gates. This board shows a list of all the trains scheduled to depart in a given timeframe.

Train Departure Board at Shinagawa Station in Tokyo, Japan

On the board, you will find a few important pieces of information.

• Train Name or Line: The name of the train or the railway line
• Train Type: Whether it’s a local or an express train
• Departure Time: The scheduled time the train will leave
• Final Destination: The last stop on the train’s route
• Track and Platform Number: The platform number where you can board the train

The board can look a little overwhelming at first, but take your time. It’s important to note that the board usually switches between Japanese and English, so if you don’t see the English translation right away, just wait a few seconds.

The best way to quickly find your train is to look for the departure time. This allows you to rule out a ton of other trains and find the information you need much faster.

Using Ticket Gates Like a Local

Japan is incredibly efficient, and this is especially true when it comes to navigating the train station ticket gates. You’ll notice people moving very quickly, so you’ll want to have your ticket or IC card ready before you get to the gate.

Ticket Gates at Shibuya Station

The gates operate on a two-way system, so a green arrow means you can enter, while a red X means you shouldn’t.

IC Card vs Paper Ticket

IC Card: The most common IC cards in Tokyo are the Suica card and Pasmo card. All you have to do is tap your card on the designated blue or green oval, which usually has an IC sticker on it. Keep walking as you tap—it only takes a second to register. The padded gates will only close if there is a problem.

Suica IC Card and Japan Rail Pass

Paper Tickets or Rail Passes: Look for the yellow-bordered slot on the ticket gate. Insert your paper ticket or Rail Pass, and the machine will suck it up and spit it back out on the other end. Be sure to grab your ticket as you walk through because you’ll need it to exit the station.

Essential Tips

• Don’t stop in front of the gates to look for your card or ticket. Step to the side to avoid holding up the people behind you.
• If the gates close on you, simply stop, back out of the gate, and let the machine reset. Then, try again.
• If the gates won’t open, you might not have the correct ticket, or you may not have enough money on your IC card.

How to Find Your Platform

Once you’re inside the gates, you’ll want to find your platform. You can find the platform number on the departure board.

For local trains in Tokyo, just look for your train line to find the platform number. For express trains in Tokyo, look for the departure time and the train name, and that will give you the platform number.

Platform Signs at Shinagawa Station

When you know your platform number, all you have to do is follow the signs. The signs are usually hanging from the ceiling and may also be on the ground.

Most train lines are color-coded, so you can follow the color of your line all the way to your platform.

Platform Number at Stairs in Tokyo Station

Once you get to the stairs, you’ll see a massive number confirming your platform.

Finding Your Train and Car Number

When you get to the platform, you’ll see a departure board hanging from the ceiling. This board lists the trains in order, with the next train to depart at the top.

Markings on the Platform Barriers

There are signs and ground markings to help you find your train and car number. You’ll also see markings on the platform barriers and on the ground that indicate the boarding area for each door.

It’s important to know the number of cars on your train, as this affects where it’ll stop on the platform. This information is displayed on the platform departure board. Once you know your car number, stand in line at the designated spot.

Train Name, and Car Number on Side of the Train

When the train arrives, you can reconfirm all the information—the destination, train name, and car number on the side of the train near the doors.

How to Find the Correct Station Exit

When you arrive at your destination, you’ll need to find the correct station exit. Taking the wrong exit can be a mild nightmare because it could lead to a long, unnecessary walk or leave you completely lost.

Platform Exit Map

I highly recommend using the exit maps on the platform before you leave the station. These maps are a great way to find the following information.

• Your current location
• Exit numbers
• Connecting train and subway lines
• Elevators, escalators, and taxi stands
• Nearby landmarks and destinations

Once you find your exit on the map, just follow the signs.

How to Transfer Trains in Tokyo

Once you start taking trains in Tokyo, you’ll soon learn that transferring is a very common part of travel.

JR to JR

Transferring from a JR train to a JR train is very easy. All you need to do is follow the signs to the connecting JR line.

JR to Shinkansen

To transfer from a JR train to the Shinkansen bullet train, you must go to a Shinkansen transfer gate and have a Shinkansen ticket. Although the Shinkansen is part of the JR system, the bullet trains run on an entirely different track system.

Shinkansen Transfer Gates

If you have two paper tickets, insert them both into the gate. Don’t be surprised if the machine keeps one of them.

If you have a paper ticket and an IC card, insert the ticket first, then tap your IC card. Be sure to pick up your ticket on the other end of the machine. You’ll need it once you get to your final destination.

JR to Private Line or Subway

When transferring from a JR train to a private rail line or subway, just follow the signs. In many cases, you’ll need to exit the JR system and then enter the private line or subway system.

If there’s a transfer gate, just tap your IC card. If you’re using a paper ticket and an IC card, insert the ticket first, then tap your IC card.

Now that you have the basics of taking trains in Tokyo, traveling around the city should be a breeze. Have a great time exploring Tokyo and beyond!