The easiest way to get around Tokyo is via
the extensive rail and subway network. Tokyo's rail networks are
mostly privately owned and its not uncommon to find two or more
stations next to each other that may or may not both take you
where you want to go. With over 1000 stations in the
metropolitan area the service is frequent fast and always on
time. The majority of tourists who stay around the Central Tokyo
or Ginza area will find that Tokyo's Metro Subway one of the
most convenient lines to get around on. Other lines popular with
tourist include the Yurikamome Line that heads out to the Odaiba
entertainment island and the JR Keiyo Line that
can get you to Tokyo Disneyland.
Most
stations do feature a small amount of English signs
around the place but it still can be very daunting to the first time
visitor, one thing to note is that there will be normally at least one
ticket machine that has an English button. If you are not sure of the
fair to your desired stop you can buy the cheapest fare and then use the
fare adjustment machine when you get off at your desired stop. you put
your ticket into the fair adjustment machine and it tells you what you
need to pay extra before it will return your ticket so you can exit the
station.
Other popular forms of transport
around Tokyo include buses and taxi's. Its most likely the bus you board
will have no English anywhere and the bus driver will probably wont know
English either, so you should be prepared if you intend to use the bus
or just find a subway that will go close to where you need.
Taxi's can be reasonably priced for short trips but you wouldn't
want to go to the airport in a taxi as it could end up quite expensive.
A good tip when using a taxi is to have the place name and address
written down on some paper as the driver may not know English and it can
be difficult navigating Japan's weird street number conventions.