Using the Metro in Tokyo (Julien)

              According to most statistics over three quarters of the gaikokujin (foreign) population in Japan lives in urban areas. Therefore, whether you are a working or studying in Japan you will probably use one of Japan’s many metro systems. For Japan’s urban residents it is a way of life, though for foreigners it is one of the most tumultuous parts of living in a Japan. Many foreigners, especially tourists, have left Tokyo’s metro with a bad taste in their mouth. A common complaint is that it provides no English translations and makes no effort to help non-Japanese speakers. Though this first seems to be apparent, it can be no further from the truth.

              The first thing you will notice on the Tokyo Metro is that most maps and signs are predominantly in Japanese characters and kanji. Evidently, you’re in Japan so this shouldn’t shock you. On the New York and DC transit lines there are no signs in Spanish or Chinese (or any other languages), though large populations of ethnicities speaking those languages are present. Luckily for you, however, signs and translations in English do exist. You just have to look for them.  The most predominant one is a four-foot by four-foot map of the entire metro system, which can be found next to or around the ticket counter of every station. On it is labeled every station and line in both Japanese and English. It has also been standard for the past decade to have signs at every station in both English and Japanese, showing your location. On the street, as well, you will find signs indicating a stations presence in both languages.

             

In total there are about 9 lines, with each line having multiple transit stations. To make things easier they are all are distinctly color coated. Perhaps, the only strenuous part about the Tokyo metro is that distinct companies own the different lines; meaning that you must buy your ticket for a specific line. If you need to change lines, don’t worry, all tickets transfer into other lines. If you are going to be using the metro a lot, however, it is suggested that you buy a SUICA or PASMO card. Like the METROCARD or SMARTRIP cards of New York and DC, they can be used with any metro line or city bus. For 5 to 10 dollars, they can save you a lot of hassle and time.

             

As far as cleanliness and danger go, Tokyo’s metro is remarkably safe and clean compared to that of New York or Paris. You will also be surprised to find that, contrary to myth, it is not always crowded, except for the rush hours; early morning, 5-6 O’clock, and of course the last train. If you are looking for another option, try the bus. As taxis are expensive, a bus is cheap, efficient and clean. Like the Tokyo metro its prices are about the same as in New York or Paris.

              As the Tokyo Metro is the larges of its kind in the world, it may seem scary. If you make an attempt to find these keys, though, you will have no problem deciphering the Tokyo metro system, which is no more complicated than in any other large urban area.