Cheapest way to get around in Tokyo

I'm traveling to Tokyo this August and I've been wondering what's the cheapest form of public transportation in Tokyo.

Last time I went to Tokyo I made a PASMO card and paid whenever I took a train, but I have a feeling that it's not optimal.

Since this depends on where I want to travel I'll share my schedule as detailed as possible.

I'm going to stay in a guest house in Warabi, and I'm going to go to the suidobashi station every weekday to visit a language school.

1. Arrival at Narita, getting to Warabi Station
1. Ginza
1. Tokyo Big Site, then Akihabara
1. Shimokitazawa
1. Minamiaoyama
15-16. Tokyo Big Site
1. Hachioji, then Ikebukuro
1. Back to Narita

I'm also planning to go to more or less every major station at least once. Is there such a thing as a one month railpass for Tokyo, and is it worth the price if I take the train an average 5 times a day?

Alternatively, can I rent a bike for a month, and if yes, how viable is it opposed to public transport? I'm worried that August would be too hot to cycle for longer periods.

Best Answer

A one-month pass from Warabi to Suidobashi is 9050 yen, or 300 yen/day. You can get off anywhere in the middle (Akihabara, Ueno) for free and if you ride farther (Ginza/Shinbashi) the remaining fare is calculated as if you entered at the nearest station (to your destination).

A bonus hint: getting to Big Site by train is expensive. There is some bus service, which is cheaper -- basically from Shinagawa, Hamamatsucho, and Tokyo stations if I remember correctly. It's also possible to walk the Rainbow Bridge, but not bike across.

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What is the best way to get around in Tokyo?

The Takeaway

Subways and trains are the best way to get around Tokyo.

A prepaid Suica or Pasmo card is the BEST way to pay for transport.

You can buy a Suica card online at Voyagin.com for pickup at the airport.

Taxis are excellent but rather expensive.

Buses aren't recommended for short-term visitors.

What is the cheapest way to travel around Japan?

Highway buses are one of the most economical ways to travel medium to long distances in Japan. While slower than trains, buses cost usually less than half, especially on the competitive Tokyo routes where discount fares can be incredibly low.

Can you get around Tokyo without a car?

A dizzying array of train and subway lines, taxis and buses can take you literally anywhere you need to go but for most travellers, the train will be your best bet as the fastest and cheapest. There are however some basic things you need to know about Tokyo's transit as you start planning that dream trip.

Is getting around Tokyo easy?

The world's most populous city, Tokyo has a metropolitan area that sprawls over more than 5000 sq miles. Fortunately, thanks to a public transport system that's efficient, reliable, clean and generally safe, getting around the region is easy.

Tokyo Transportation : How to Get Around Tokyo

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