Navigating through train stations in Tokyo can be overwhelming for first timers due to the massive crowds passing through them. Greater Tokyo Area has held the title as the most populous metropolitan area in the world since 1955 (see the table below for the 10 Largest Cities in the World by Population).
I recommend downloading the Japan Transit Planner app beforehand and purchasing the PASMO card by following the steps outlined below. I found it to be more useful and accurate compared to Google Maps.
Before you arrive at the Tokyo airport or at the airport after joining the free WiFi
Download the Japan Transit Planner Smartphone App (best to have) or webpage (link) to look for the train path from the Haneda or Narita airport (any terminal) to Tokyo station (or another station near your hotel).
Navigating the Japan Transit Planner Smartphone App
Once you open the smartphone app, you can type the station names in the search fields. For example, I typed Haneda terminal 1 and Tokyo stations in the search fields (see image below).
There is a sub-menu called “Route Options” above the Search bar (see image above). I recommend clicking on it and turning-off all the options for buses and bullet trains (Shinkansen). Shinkansen routes require you to purchase another paper ticket that must be inserted into the machines in addition to using the PASMO card. Shinkansen rides are expensive and not necessary for the regional Tokyo travel. I typically don’t like mixing bus travel with trains, and turning off these options will make the results appear more focused.
Japan Transit Planner Route Map
The typical route map will show the names of the Railway Lines (e.g., Keikyu, Yokosuka or JR), the number of station stops (you can click on them to expand the list) along with platform numbers for arrival and departure (see image below).
After you arrive at the Tokyo airport
- U.S. issued credit and debit cards (even with a PIN) WILL NOT work at the kiosks at Japanese train stations.
- Take out cash (Japanese Yen) from an ATM inside the airport or railway station. Use your Charles Schwab debit card to save money on ATM fees (review).
- You should carry some amount of Japanese Yen (e.g., $200 USD) while in Japan, since there are several small businesses (including restaurants) that only take cash.
- Buy either PASMO or Suica card (using cash) at the train station customer service counter, that enables you to transit between several train lines by simply tapping at the entry & exit points.
- You need one PASMO card per person in your group for easier transportation at the station entry and exit points.
- I have only used PASMO cards for my Japan trips and only their use will be described in this review.
- Go to any kiosk inside the train station and change the display language to English on the menu from the top right corner.
- Place the PASMO card on to a dedicated slot on the machine to register it before accepting funds and click on “Charge to IC Card“.
- Load money onto the PASMO card by inserting bills into the slot. The maximum amount you can load onto a PASMO card is ¥20,000 ($128).
- PASMO card essentially works like a debit card when you are inside Japan and any remaining funds can be used to purchase goods from several participating stores in Japan (e.g., at the airport) along with its use for transportation (e.g., taxi, bus and train rides).
- Once you have a loaded PASMO card, you simply figure out which train line (e.g., Keikyu Line or JR Line based on your search on the Japan Transit Planner or Google Maps) you are taking and tap the card at the scanner to enter that particular station.
- Once you are onboard inside a particular train, the conductor will come and scan your PASMO card for the required amount based on your travel distance.
- Taking express trains and Shinkansen requires purchase of separate tickets and seat reservations can be done by going to a ticket counter. They are not necessary for traditional train hopping to get to your destination inside Tokyo metro and are needed for long distance travel (e.g., Osaka).
Apple Pay & PASMO
- Apple Pay can be linked to your purchased PASMO card (link) and it will transfer all your balance from the physical card to the device. Once this process is complete, it will make the physical card unusable for future reload.
- Android Pay on US-based devices DO NOT have a similar feature at this time.
- You don’t have to download the PASMO app (which is in Japanese language) for this feature (simply link the Apple Pay with your PASMO card).
- US credit cards registered with Apple Pay can be used to reload the card without any additional fees.
- US issued Amex and Master cards seem to work without any issues, but US-issued VISA cards may result in an error when loading funds. This is unfortunate, as train rides get coded as travel from PASMO and you can earn 3x points when using the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Ink Preferred cards.
- See the series of images below outlining the process of loading money on to the PASMO digital account from the Apple Wallet; I had success only with a US-issued AMEX but NOT with Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Conclusion
Train travel in the Tokyo metro region is very easy once you download the Japan Transit Planner Smartphone App (or use Google Maps) and understand the process of getting the PASMO card and loading cash on to it at the station. If you are an iPhone user, you can transfer the physical PASMO card as a digital copy and link your Apple Wallet with the ability to add funds as needed with any US-issued credit card.