The basic steps which help you travel around Japan by taking the subway or local trains.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 5
Here's How:
- At the station, find a ticket vending machine.
- Look at the large map or chart displayed above the machine and find the name of your destination.
- The price indicated under the name of your destination is the fare to your destination. (In large stations, it's written in English, but if not, go ask someone to tell you the fare.)
- Insert coins or bills in the slots and press the button that indicates your fare.
- If you are taking JR limited express trains (Tokkyu), you are required to pay an additional fare.
- For the Tokkyu ticket, go to a ticket counter and buy your tickets. You can reserve your seat for limited express trains at this time with an additional fee.
- Look at the time table displayed on the wall in the terminal and find the departure time of your train and the platform number where the train departs.
- Go to the gate and hand your ticket to the officer.
- If you are going through the automatic gate, insert your ticket in the slot so the gate will open.
- Go through the gate and retrieve your ticket from the other side.
- Go to the platform and wait behind the white line.
- If people are lining up in one line, go line up behind the last person. If you are taking a limited express train and haven't reserved your seat, line up in the area where the self-seating cars stops.
- When a train arrives, wait until people get off the train, then get in and find your seat. When you are taking a subway or local train, you can sit down in any open seat.
Tips:
- If you have trouble using the vending machine, don't hesitate to ask for help. It's sometimes difficult, even for Japanese people.
- During rush hours on weekdays, it's best to avoid taking the subway or local trains. It's extremely crowded.
- If you need additional help, there is the Japan Railways's English-language telephone service. Call 03-3423-0111.
