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Tokyo Passes Guide: 13 Essential Passes for Seamless City Navigation

Nicholas Yeo

Last updated: 10 Sept 20248 minutes

tokyo-passes

Welcome to Tokyo, the neon wonderland where the city never sleeps. With Tokyo Metro stations humming and JR Lines weaving through the city, navigating this urban jungle can be overwhelming at first. But don’t worry, brave adventurer! The key to Tokyo’s never-ending train and bus maze is one simple thing: the right pass. Whether you’re jumping between Shibuya Station and the Yurikamome Line stations, having the right pass in your hand makes all the difference.

From the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass to a common one-day ticket, IC cards and one-day passes, Pelago by Singapore Airlines' guide will cover it all. Whether it is foreign visitors new to Japan or domestic visitors residing in Tokyo, this guide will help you zip through the ticket gates at any JR station or ride the Toei Subway like a boss. Let’s get into the essential passes for Tokyo travel!

JR Whole Japan Rail Pass

The JR Whole Japan Rail Pass is a must-have if you want to go beyond Tokyo to explore more of Japan's top attractions. With 7, 14 or 21-day options, this pass gives you access to Japan’s entire JR Rail network including the JR lines, Shinkansen, limited express trains and local lines. The JR Pass is super flexible for travellers who want to explore Japan’s different regions - you can choose from the JR Pass for Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and more.

Not only does the JR Whole Japan Rail Pass cover transportation between major cities like Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima but it also allows you to take spontaneous detours to hidden gems off the beaten path. For example, you can use the JR Pass as a round-trip ticket to take day trips from Tokyo to beautiful destinations like Nikko, Kamakura or Hakone that are easily accessible by JR trains.

With travel made possible via the JR lines, you can make the most of your time in Japan without worrying about individual ticket purchases or itinerary constraints.

What's Included

Access to first-class (Green Pass) or second-class (Ordinary Pass) seats depending on your selected package

Unlimited train rides in specified areas

All JR Shinkansen, Limited Express, Express, Rapid, local trains, and the BRT (with some exceptions)

Tokyo Monorail

Aoimori Railway between Aomori and Hachinohe, Aomori and Noheji, and Hachinohe and Nohej

IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata

Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka

Local JR Buses: JR Hokkaido Bus, JR Bus Tohoku, JR Bus Kanto, JR Tokai Bus, West Japan JR Bus, Chugoku JR Bus, JR Shikoku Bus, JR Kyushu Bus

JR-West Miyajima Ferry

Access to Nozomi and Mizuho

Shinkansen bullet trains

Discount at attractions

JR East Pass 5 Days Unlimited (Tohoku, Nagano and Niigata)

Looking to explore the top things to do in Tokyo? The JR East Pass is your ticket! Only for overseas visitors, this pass gives you a validity period of 5 consecutive days of unlimited travel on JR East lines and beyond in the designated area of the Tohoku, Nagano and Niigata regions. Imagine hopping on and off at major stations like Tokyo, Sendai or Nagano with ease – whether it is the local, rapid or limited express trains, the JR East Pass has got you covered. Plus, you can ride the Tokyo Monorail and some non-JR trains in the Izu and Nikko areas. With this pass in hand, you’re all set for 5 consecutive days of hassle-free travel, which means you won't have to keep buying tickets at JR stations. Book that JR East Pass and get ready for your next Japan adventure!

What's Included (Overall)

JR East lines

Tokyo Monorail

Limited Express trains

Local and Rapid trains

JR buses within the area

What's Included For JR East Pass (Tohoku Area)

JR East lines including bus rapid transit

Izu Kyoko line

Aomori Railway

Iwate Galaxy Railway (IGR)

Tokyo Monorail

Sendai Airport Transit

What's Included For JR East Pass (Nagano and Niigata Area)

JR East lines

Izu Kyoko line

Hokuetsu Express

Echigo TOKImeki Railway: Arai-Naoetsu

Tokyo Monorail

Tokyo Skyliner and Tokyo Metro Subway Pass

Ready to zip through Tokyo like a local and make your arrival from Narita Airport a breeze? The Tokyo Skyliner and Tokyo Metro Subway Pass are the travel combo you never knew you needed! Start your adventure with the Skyliner Narita Airport Express, Tokyo’s high-speed train that takes you from Narita Airport to central Tokyo in just 41 minutes—yes, 41! Once you’ve arrived, present your ticket number or QR code to receive your ticket before your Tokyo Metro Subway Pass kicks in, giving you unlimited rides on the Tokyo Metro lines and Toei Subway lines.

Whether you’re heading to the neon streets of Shibuya, temple-hopping in Asakusa or café-hopping in Harajuku, the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines have you covered! With 13 routes, a 24-hour ticket, 48-hour ticket or 72-hour ticket and over 250 stops at your disposal, getting around the city has never been this easy—or this fun! Say goodbye to ticket machines and hello to Tokyo’s best sights, all while saving time and yen.

What's Included

One-way Skyliner ticket between Narita Airport and Central Tokyo (Kaiser Ueno Station or Nippori Station)

Tokyo Subway Metro Ticket (24-hour ticket, 48-hour ticket or 72-hour ticket available)

Access to rides on Tokyo Metro lines and Toei Subway Lines for 72 hours

Greater Tokyo Pass

If you want to travel unlimited across Greater Tokyo, the Greater Tokyo Pass is your ticket! Covering railways, tram lines and Toei buses, you can travel to Tokyo and beyond. Hop on any of the 13 participating operators, such as Toei Bus, Odakyu Electric Railway and Tokyo Metro to explore the Kanto area’s neighbourhoods. Whether you’re walking in Yokohama or cruising in Shibuya, this pass keeps you moving. Just take note Toei buses are included but the JR trains and Tokyo Monorail are not. For the ultimate sightseeing experience, this pass is for you!

What's Included

Railway: Odakyu Electric Railway, Keio Corporation, Keisei Electric Railway, Keikyu Corporation, Sagami Railway, Seibu Railway, Tokyu Corporation, Tokyo Metro, Bureau of Transportation Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tobu Railway, Transportation Bureau, City of Yokohama, Yokohama Minatomirai Railway Company, and Yurikamome Line.

Bus: Bureau of Transportation Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Toei Bus)

Tokyo Subway Tickets

The Tokyo Subway Ticket is your all-access pass to the city’s vibrant streets and hidden gems! Offering unlimited rides for 24, 48, or 72 hours, this Tokyo Subway ticket is the perfect companion for exploring Tokyo’s iconic sights—from the historic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa to the buzzing Shibuya crossing. Whether you're getting lost in Kabukicho’s neon glow or indulging in Tsukiji’s freshest seafood, the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines have you covered. With over 350 exclusive offers, options for a one-day pass, two-day pass or three-day pass, and no worries about an expiry date mid-adventure, this ticket ensures you’ll soak up every moment of your Tokyo journey.

What's Included

Tokyo Subway Ticket (service range: all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines)

Seibu Kawagoe Pass in Ikebukuro Tokyo

For a taste of old Japan just a stone’s throw from Tokyo, the Seibu Kawagoe Pass is your ticket to Kawagoe. Located in Ikebukuro, this pass allows unlimited rides on the Seibu Line and takes you to Kawagoe’s Edo-period streets where you can walk among historic merchant houses, try local food and soak up the town’s nostalgic atmosphere. Kawagoe is called “Little Edo” and is a lovely escape from the chaos of Tokyo. With cobblestone streets, clay-walled warehouses and kurazukuri (clay-walled warehouse) architecture the town is a glimpse into Japan’s past.

What's Included

Rides on the local Seibu Railway within the designated area, which includes the city of Kawagoe and its surrounding areas in Saitama Prefecture, Japan

JR Hokuriku Arch Pass

Experience the best of central Japan with the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. This pass allows unlimited travel on JR trains between Tokyo and the Hokuriku region, including Kanazawa, Toyama and Takayama. With this pass, you can travel through the heart of Japan, from the historic Kanazawa castle town to the hot spring resorts of Yamanaka and Yamashiro.

Along the way, don’t miss Takayama’s old town and traditional festivals or venture into the mountains of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route for stunning views and outdoor activities. For those who want to explore the cultural and geographical Japan, this pass is for you. Not only does it connect Tokyo and Osaka JR Pass, two of Japan’s biggest cities, but it also opens up a world beyond the city. Get out of the cities and discover the peaceful Japan, go to the Japanese Alps where mountains and valleys await or soak in the hot springs of Takasaki where relaxation and rejuvenation is abundant.

For those who want adventure, the pass opens up the famous ski resorts of Nagano where pristine slopes and winter sports await all levels. Whether you’re a culture vulture, nature lover or foodie, this pass gives you access to Japan’s diverse landscapes and experiences, so you’ll have an amazing time of discovery and fun. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff or foodie, the Hokuriku region has something for everyone.

What's Included

Hokuriku Shinkansen, Express Trains, Rapid Services, and local trains

Enjoy 7 Consecutive Days of unlimited train rides in specific areas

Reserved seats on Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo to/from Kanazawa), Limited Express, Rapid Services, and JR-West Conventional Lines

Non-reserved seats on Haruka and all Tokyo Monorail Lines within the area

Tokyo Sky Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass

The Tokyo Sky Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass gives you a new view of Tokyo’s attractions, hop on and off an open-top double-decker bus and see the city from the comfort of your seat. This flexible pass allows you to hop on and off at any bus stop, enabling you to create your itinerary.

From Tokyo Tower and Meiji Shrine to Harajuku and Ginza, the Sky Hop-on Hop-off Bus Pass is the easy and fun way to see it all. Hop on and start your sightseeing adventure now.

Service Range

Red Line: Asakusa - Tokyo Skytree (Ueno/Skytree/Asakusa/Akihabara/Shin- Nihombashi Station/Marunouchi)

Blue Line: Tokyo Skytree, Odaiba (Tokyo Tower/Tsukiji Ginza/Zozo-ji Temple/Marunouchi/Odaiba)

Green Line: Shinjuku - Shibuya (Shinjuku Gyoen, Shinjuku South Station, Shinjuku West Exit, Shibuya City Hall (Miyashita Park, Harajuku, Meiji Jingu Shrine), Tokyo Tower)

Tokunai Pass

Looking for a budget-friendly way to explore Tokyo’s 23 wards? The Tokunai Pass is your golden ticket! With this one-day pass, you get unlimited access to local and rapid JR trains across Tokyo’s hottest spots. Whether you're hopping on the Yamanote Line to hit up Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Harajuku, or venturing down the Keihin-Tohoku and Chuo-Sobu Lines to discover hidden gems like Koenji or Ryogoku, this one-day pass lets you explore Tokyo’s cultural hotspots without breaking a sweat (or your wallet!). Grab your Tokunai Pass at JR’s handy ticket vending machines or travel service centres, and enjoy a day packed with adventure—no extra fares needed!

What's Included

The Yamanote, the JR Yokohama Line, the Keihin-Tohoku Line, Chuo-Sobu Lines and the Rapid Chuo (up to a certain point)

BONUS: One-Day Passes for Local Lines

If you’re going to be hopping around Tokyo for the day, a one-day pass is your ticket to ride around different areas with ease!

For Odaiba, the Rinkai Line 1-Day Ticket is the way to go for riding the Rinkai Line via the Seikyu Line, and get to this futuristic island in no time.

If you’re jumping between Shimbashi, Toyosu and Odaiba, the Yurikamome One-Day Pass will have you zipping between these hotspots—just grab one from vending machines at any Yurikamome Line station.

Feeling playful? The Setagaya Line Explorer Ticket lets you ride the cute tram straight to the famous Gotokuji Cat Temple.

And for those looking to hit up Yokohama’s waterfront, the Tokyu Line Minatomirai Ticket is a bargain with as many rides as you would like on the Minatomirai subway line—perfect for urban explorers!

Unlocking Passes to Discover the City

Planning a Tokyo itinerary doesn't have to be difficult if you have the right ticket or tickets in hand. Whether you’re swiping IC cards at the station gates or holding a one-day pass for your rides, you can through stations, hop on trams and make the most of your trip with our guide. From the moment you buy your pass, you’re set to hit up Tokyo’s famous spots, from neon streets to peaceful shrines. So pick a date, get your pass and let the city’s transportation system take you to your next amazing location. Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is covered by Tokyo Pass?

Tokyo Pass unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.

What pass do I need in Tokyo?

The pass you need depends on your travel plans and preferences. But most op for JR passes for Japan-wide travel, regional passes and attraction passes.

Do you need a JR Pass to get around Tokyo?

While a JR Pass is useful for travel outside of Tokyo to other parts of Japan, you don’t need one to get around the city. Tokyo has a comprehensive subway and bus network that can get you to most attractions and neighbourhoods.

How much is a train day pass in Tokyo?

The cost of a train day pass in Tokyo varies depending on the pass and duration. Prices are around SGD 9.60 to SGD 24 for a one-day pass, with discounts for passes with a longer duration.

Is Shinjuku line covered by JR Pass?

No, the Shinjuku Line is not included.

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Written by Nicholas Yeo

Veni, vidi, vici - Nicholas counts among his conquests, Europe, Scandinavia, the Balkans and more. A well-travelled wordsmith, he is an experienced writer for the travel industry & translates his travels into stories. Read about his next adventure here.

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