There’s so much to do in the sprawling Tokyo metropolis. With so many exciting activities and destinations awaiting, deciding which area to explore can be overwhelming! Fortunately, a variety of one-day passes are available to take you around the city.

Freely Travel with the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass

An economic travel option for day trips focused around the city of Tokyo is the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass, or Tokunai Pass. The Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass lets travelers explore Tokyo easily with unlimited access to trains operated by JR within the 23 wards of central Tokyo. Passholders of the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass may hop on and off local and rapid trains with non-reserved seats, opening the city wide open for ambitious travelers.

Loop around the Yamanote Line with a Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass

The Yamanote Line is a loop that travels around central Tokyo. Along the recognizable green Yamanote Line are major stops such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Akihabara, Ueno, Tokyo, and more. In total, the Yamanote Line has 30 stops, many of which are some of the busiest stations in Tokyo. From these major stations, you can explore some of Tokyo’s most exciting and exotic areas like the bustling Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Harajuku’s Takashitadori to peaceful parks and gardens like Ueno Park or Rikugien Gardens near Komagome Station.

Enjoy Specialty Shopping Neighborhoods and Local Culture along the Chuo Line

One of Tokyo’s other major lines is the Chuo Line which crosses through the center of Tokyo, intersecting with the Yamanote Line on opposite sides of the loop at Tokyo and Shinjuku Station. The Chuo Line extends from Takao Station on the western edge of Tokyo where nature is abundant to Chiba Station by connecting with the Sobu Line. Along the way on the Chuo Line, there are many fascinating stops to experience Japan within the 23 wards of central Tokyo which are included in the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass.

Koenji Station

Koenji is a charming stop on the Chuo Line not far from Shinjuku. Down the covered shopping street near the station, there are many used clothing stores with some interesting selections. Koenji also hosts the famous Awa-odori Dance festival in summer.

Nakano Station

Nakano is another notable one of Tokyo’s specialty shopping neighborhoods. With a variety of shops appealing to Japanese pop-culture fanatics, Nakano has a similar feel to Akihabara on the other side of the city. In addition to what you might find in Akihabara, Nakano Broadway also hosts some stores selling vintage movie posters and other specialty items that may make interesting souvenirs.

How to Get the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass

The Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass is recommended for travelers who want to save money and conveniently enjoy shopping, eating, and exploring the central area of Tokyo using JR lines. The Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass can be purchased at the ticket machines inside major JR Stations in Tokyo.

Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass
Price: 760 JPY (Adults), 380 JPY (children aged 6-11)
Validity Period: One day
Website: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/tokunai_pass.html

A Deeper Side of Tokyo with the Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket

Tokyo Metro is the busier of the city’s two main subway operators. In total, there are 9 lines that carry passengers around Tokyo. Because the subway is underground, Tokyo Metro lines can reach places within the city that JR lines can’t reach. Tokyo Metro discount tickets make traveling by subway in Tokyo less stressful. By using the 24-hour ticket, you are guaranteed to be saving money if you get on and off at least five times within 24 hours.

Glamourous Stops along Tokyo Metro

Ginza Station is one of the busiest stations operated by Tokyo Metro. It is a popular stop for visitors ready to shop and enjoy the glamourous Ginza shopping district. Though it is mostly known for its luxury shops and dazzling buildings, the streets of Ginza also hold a lot of history. Ginza Station can be accessed by Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, and the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.

On the other side of the city, Omotesando is a similarly attractive area. Surprisingly, the classy Omotesando streets neighbor Harajuku, known for its outrageous fashion and lively youth. Even without shopping, strolling through Omotesando is a pleasant experience, especially in the autumn and winter when fall foliage and illuminations appear. Omotesando can be accessed by the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line.

Visit Specialty Shopping Districts by Tokyo Metro

Jimbocho is paradise for bookworms in Tokyo. Known for its charming bookstores stacked along the streets, Jimbocho attracts collectors and readers from around the city with a variety of books, old and new. Jimbocho Station can be accessed by the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Mita Line, and the Toei Shinjuku Line.

Another specialty shopping area you can visit by using Tokyo Metro is Ochanomizu, which offers an impressive range of guitars and musical instruments conveniently located along one major street. From new to vintage and entry-level to professional, Ochanomizu surely has an instrument for any guitarist. Ochanomizu can be accessed by the JR Chuo Line, JR Sobu Line, and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line.

Discover Japanese Culture by Tokyo Metro

Meiji-jingumae is adjacent to the famous Harajuku station. Though the area has gone through some dramatic changes, modernizing the station, Meiji-jingu Shrine located nearby the station still exudes traditional culture. Many visitors come here over the New Year Holiday to pray. Meiji-jingumae Station can be accessed by the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line and the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshine Line.

Another stop on the Tokyo Metro with cultural significance is Nezu Station. Within the quaint, local area surrounding Nezu Station, is Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi. Collectively, this melding of shitamachi became known as Yanesen. Yanaka Cemetery where the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, was laid to rest, also makes a great stop for visitors interested in Japanese history.

Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket
Price: 800 JPY (Adults), 400 JPY (Children)
Validity Period: 24 hours

Tokyo Metro 48-Hour Ticket
Price: 1,200 JPY (Adults), 600 JPY (Children)
Validity Period: 48 hours

Tokyo Metro 72-Hour Ticket
Price: 1,500 JPY (Adults), 750 JPY (Children)
Validity Period: 72 hours
Website: www.tokyometro.jp/tst/en/index.html

Convenient Travel with the Tokyo 1-Day Ticket

In addition to the ability to use JR lines that comes with the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass and the metro with the Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket, the Tokyo 1-Day Ticket (東京フリーきっぷ) train pass allows visitors to enjoy unlimited travel buses within Tokyo’s central 23 wards.

This is one of the most versatile 1-day transportation passes a visitor can get for use within Tokyo’s central 23 wards. In addition to the money you save, the pass is also very convenient because you don’t have to worry about buying the correct tickets for each stop.

How to Get the Tokyo 1-Day Ticket

The Tokyo 1-Day Tickets can be purchased by using the reserved seat ticket vending machines, multifunctional ticket vending machines, and automatic ticket vending machines at major stations operated by JR EAST. Machines typically have options for multiple languages, however, if you need help, feel free to ask a nearby JR staff member.

Tokyo 1-Day Pass
Price: 1,600 JPY (Adults), 800 JPY (children aged 6-11)
Validity Period: One day
Website: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/tokyo_free.html

Use the Toei 1Day Pass to Travel around Tokyo

Toei Subway is Tokyo’s other major subway system after Tokyo Metro. The Asakusa Line, Mita Line, Shinjuku Line, and Oedo Line make up the Toei Subway system in Tokyo. With the Toei 1Day Pass, you can make use of the Toei Subway, Toei Bus (including Tama area), Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line), and Nippori-Toneri Liner.

Ride the Tokyo Sakura Tram with the Toei 1Day Pass

The charming Tokyo Sakura Tram, also known as Toden Arakawa Line, remains the last running Toden tram line left in Tokyo. The Tokyo Sakura Tram runs from Minowabashi Station to Waseda Station. The quaint stations and delightfully nostalgic tram cars stand out on the modern Tokyo streets. Fans of unique trains can visit the Toden Memorial Square to see old-fashioned trams for free.

Discover Japanese Traditional Culture with the Toei 1Day Pass

The Asakusa Line, operated by Toei Subway, of course makes a stop at Asakusa Station, where you will find traditional Japanese culture at Senso-ji temple. The Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center offers plenty of information about the area and its history, as well as spectacular views of Asakusa.

The Mita Line, also operated by Toei Subway, grants access to Hakusan Station where you will find the lovely Koishikawa Botanical Garden. This botanical garden maintained by Tokyo University is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Japan. The garden features a Japanese landscape garden and many varieties of cherry trees.

Visit Tokyo SKYTREE® at Oshiage Station with the Toei 1Day Pass

Standing 634-meters-tall, Tokyo SKYTREE® is a modern marvel of engineering that has become an iconic symbol of Tokyo. The observation deck at 350 meters of this impressive broadcast tower reveals a breathtaking view of Tokyo, especially at night. Also, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions at the base of the Tower inside Solamachi.

How to Get the Toei 1Day Pass

Tickets for the Toei 1Day Pass can be purchased in advance at the counters of most Toei Subway stations. For same day tickets, the Toei 1Day Pass can be purchased from ticket vending machines of Toei Subway, Toei Bus, Toden, and Nippori-Toneri Liner.

Toei 1Day Pass
Price: 700 JPY (Adults), 350 JPY (Children)
Valid on: Toei Subway, Toei Bus, Tokyo Sakura Tram, Nippori-Toneri Liner
Validity Period: One day
Website: www.tokyometro.jp/lang_en/ticket/value/1day/index.html

Find Unique Tokyo Areas along Private Railway Lines

Though you can get around most of Tokyo using JR lines, there are some interesting areas, especially outside of the city centers, that are available using private lines that are operated by other railway companies.

Experience Tokyo’s Local Culture with the Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass

The Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass discount ticket allows unlimited use of all Tokyu lines for one day. Tokyu lines unclude the Toyoko Line, Meguro Line, Den-end-toshi Line, Oimachi Line, Ikegami Line, Tokyu Tamagawa Line, Setagaya Line, and the Kodomonokuni Line.

Using the Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass, you can visit Sangenjaya, a cozy area not far from Shibuya that has a trendy, yet local atmosphere. Enjoy shopping, dining, and local culture at Sangenjaya, accessible by using the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line or the Tokyu Setagaya Line.

Also along the Den-en-toshi line is Futako-Tamagawa, an upscale suburban area in southern Tokyo. Though the area rests on the edge of Tokyo, it is quite lively thanks it its many shopping centers and attractions like Futakotamagwa Park and Tama River where yearly fireworks festivals are held. Visit the Tokyu website for even more discount tickets.

Tokyu 1-Day Pass
Price: 680 JPY (Adults), 340 JPY (Children)
Valid on: Toyoko Line, Meguro Line, Den-en-toshi Line, Oimachi Line, Ikegami Line, Tokyu Tamagawa Line, Setagaya Line, Kodomonokuni Line
Validity Period: One day
Website: www.tokyu.co.jp/global/railway/ticket/value_ticket/onedayopen_ticket/

Enjoy Tokyo Attractions Near and Far with Keio Discount Tickets

Keio Corporation is a private railway operator with a network of train lines running mainly in the western area of Tokyo. Included in the Keio network is the Keio Line, Keio New Line, Keio Sagamihara Line, the Keibajo Line, the Dobutsuen Line, the Takao Line and the Keio Inokashira Line. With the Keio 1Day Ticket, riders can travel freely along the Keio Line and Inokashira Line for an entire day.

Kichijoji is also known, for its narrow, atmospheric streets that are packed with delicious restaurants and bars. Inokashira Park is also a desirable stop in spring for cherry blossom viewing. Kichijoji Station is at the end of the Inokashira Line.

Near Shibuya on the Inokashira Line is a popular stop called Shimokitazawa. This trendy area is a hotspot for youth culture with plenty of second-hand clothing shops and music venues. In addition, there is a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries, and niche shops to explore. Shimokitazawa appeals to anyone interested in Tokyo subculture.

The Keio Line can take you farther outside the city to find a quieter side of Tokyo. Mount Takao is a popular destination for people in Tokyo looking to spend a day out in nature. Known as a charming mountain that anyone can climb, Mount Takao offers casual slopes and spectacular views. The Keio 1Day Ticket will take you as far as Kitano Station before you need to transfer. However, there is a Mt. Takao Discount Ticket that includes a round ticket as well as a Mt. Takao Cable Car or Chair Lift ticket.

Keio 1Day Ticket
Price: 900 JPY (Adults), 450 JPY (Children)
Valid on: Keio Line, Inokashira Line
Validity Period: One day
Website: www.tokyu.co.jp/global/railway/ticket/value_ticket/onedayopen_ticket/

Now that you know there are many affordable options for traveling around Tokyo, the only hard part is deciding what to see! Be sure to check out the website for even more specific options that may suit your plans. Once you’ve had your fill of Tokyo, you can try venturing out to nearby areas like Hakone or other places there are easily accessed from transportation hubs like Shinjuku.

Expand Your Travel Options with the JR Tokyo Wide Pass

If you are using Tokyo as your base to explore nearby regions in Japan, the JR Tokyo Wide Pass is an excellent option to save money while you travel. The JR Tokyo Wide Pass allows travelers to freely use the trains and Shinkansen bullet train within the covered area. Using the three-day JR Tokyo Wide Pass allows easy access to popular places like Lake Kawaguchiko near Mount Fuji and Nikko. Travelers who enjoy relaxing in Japanese hot springs can conveniently travel from Tokyo to onsen areas such as Karuizawa, Kusatsu, or Izu. Of course, the Tokyo metropolitan area is also included.

JR Tokyo Wide Pass
Price: 10,180 JPY (Adults), 5,090 JPY (children aged 6-11)
Validity Period: Three days
Website: www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/tokyowidepass.html

Now that you know there are many affordable options for traveling around Tokyo, the only hard part is deciding what to see! Be sure to check out the websites of these discount tickets for even more specific options that may suit your plans.