Getting around Kanto is almost entirely a question of trains. Tokyo’s rail network - combining the Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, JR East, and multiple private railways - is the largest and most complex urban transit system in the world. Once you understand the basic structure, it becomes efficient and reliable. Outside Tokyo, each day-trip destination has its own optimal rail route.
Kanto transport at a glance (fares as of 2026):
| Route or pass | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Narita Express to central Tokyo | 53-90 minutes | ¥3,070-¥4,290 |
| Keisei Skyliner, Narita to Ueno | 41 minutes | ¥2,570 |
| Tokyo Metro 24-hour pass | All 9 Metro lines | ¥600 |
| Hakone Free Pass, 2-day | From Shinjuku | ¥7,100 |
| Tokyo to Kamakura | About 56 minutes | ¥920 |
| Tokyo to Nikko via Tobu | Direct from Asakusa | Revaty seat surcharge ¥1,390 plus base fare |
Getting to Tokyo
From Narita Airport: The fastest option is the Narita Express (N’EX) to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Yokohama (53–90 minutes depending on destination; ¥3,070–4,290). JR Pass holders can use the N’EX free of the limited express surcharge with a reserved seat booking.
Budget alternative: the Keisei Skyliner from Narita to Ueno (41 minutes, ¥2,570) is faster than the N’EX to that part of the city. The cheaper Keisei Access Express (¥1,330 to Asakusa, 58 minutes) is fine if you’re not in a rush.
From Haneda Airport: The Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho (18 minutes, ¥500) and Keikyu Express to Shinagawa (13 minutes, ¥300) are both fast and frequent. Most central Tokyo hotels are within 15–30 minutes of Haneda.
For groups or travellers with bulky luggage, pre-booked private airport transfers can be a practical alternative to navigating the rail network on arrival.
IC Cards: The Essential First Purchase
Buy a Suica or PASMO card at any JR East station or Tokyo Metro station on arrival. These rechargeable IC cards are accepted on every train, bus, and subway in the Tokyo metropolitan area (and across most of Japan). They also work at convenience stores, vending machines, and many restaurants.
Initial purchase: ¥1,000 (¥500 refundable deposit + ¥500 credit). Top up at any ticket machine in increments of ¥1,000–10,000. The card eliminates the need to calculate fares and buy individual tickets - hold it against the reader at entry and exit gates.
From 2024, Suica is also available as a digital card in Apple Pay and Google Pay for compatible devices, which removes the need for a physical card entirely.
Tokyo Metro Passes
For a day of intensive sightseeing, daily passes are often worthwhile:
- Tokyo Metro 24-hour pass: ¥600 (unlimited rides on all 9 Tokyo Metro lines)
- Tokyo Metro 48-hour pass: ¥1,200
- Tokyo Metro 72-hour pass: ¥1,500
- Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway 1-day pass: ¥1,000 (covers all 13 metro and subway lines in the city)
These passes are not always better value than IC card pay-as-you-go - individual fares start at ¥170. The 24-hour pass breaks even at roughly 4 rides and is worth it for a temple-hopping day in different neighbourhoods. For a focused day in one area, just use the IC card.
The JR East Tokyo Wide Pass (¥15,000/3 days) covers JR lines in the Tokyo area including the Shinkansen to Nikko and Narita Express - useful if you plan multiple day trips to JR-served destinations.
Day Trip: Kamakura
Take the JR Yokosuka Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line direct from Shinjuku (57 minutes, ¥920) or from Tokyo Station (56 minutes, ¥920). Kamakura Station is the main stop; Kita-Kamakura (one stop before) is better for the Engaku-ji temple complex.
Within Kamakura, the Enoden tram (¥260 per ride, or ¥800 all-day pass) runs along the coast between Kamakura and Fujisawa, stopping at Hase (for the Great Buddha) and Enoshima. The Kamakura-Enoshima Day Pass (¥1,520 from Tokyo area stations) bundles the round-trip JR fare with all Enoden tram rides.
Day Trip: Nikko
Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa is the most direct and cost-effective option. The cheapest route uses the Tobu Revaty Express (¥1,390 reserved seat surcharge, base fare included) to Tobu Nikko Station in approximately 1 hour 50 minutes. Total cost: approximately ¥2,780 round trip including the limited express fee.
JR route from Ueno: Shinkansen to Utsunomiya (50 minutes, ¥4,290 reserved) then local JR Nikko Line (45 minutes, ¥750). Total: approximately ¥10,080 round trip - faster but significantly more expensive. JR Pass holders save on the Shinkansen portion.
Within Nikko, the Nikko Pass World Heritage Area (¥1,060) covers unlimited buses to all the major shrine and waterfall areas. Taxis are also available from the station but cost approximately ¥1,200–2,000 per journey.
Day Trip: Hakone
Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (85 minutes, ¥1,290 limited express surcharge + ¥920 base fare = approximately ¥2,210 one way). The Romancecar is comfortable and scenic - worth paying for over the slower local train.
The Hakone Free Pass (¥7,100 from Shinjuku, ¥6,000 from Odawara) is the best value option for a 2-day Hakone trip. It includes the Romancecar from Shinjuku, unlimited transport within Hakone (Hakone Tozan Railway, ropeway, Ashinoko lake cruise, and all buses), and discounts on major attractions. The pass pays for itself within the first day of use.
JR Pass Considerations for Kanto
The JR Pass covers the Narita Express, the Tokaido Shinkansen (for travel to Kyoto, Osaka), JR local lines to Kamakura and Nikko (Utsunomiya route), and the Yokosuka Line. It does not cover Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway, Tobu Railway to Nikko, Odakyu to Hakone, or most private railways.
If you are spending more than 2 days in Tokyo before heading west, the IC card (pay-as-you-go) is usually more flexible than any pass for intracity travel. Calculate your expected JR trips before committing to the pass - the 7-day pass at ¥50,000 (2024 pricing) requires approximately ¥7,000/day in JR-covered travel to break even.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Tokyo taxis start at ¥500 (day rate) or ¥600 (night rate, after 10pm) for the first 1.1km, then approximately ¥100 per 255 metres. For short journeys within a neighbourhood (hotel to restaurant, station to temple), taxis are not unreasonable. For longer journeys in traffic, trains are almost always faster.
GO (taxi app) and S.RIDE both work with international credit cards and show real-time vehicle locations. DiDi is also available with English-language support.
Once the transport is sorted, see what to do in our best things to do in Kanto guide, and book a base from our where to stay in Kanto guide.
This page is part of our wider Kanto region guide, which covers the main cities and sights.