I'm not japanese, so I'm wondering how tough it is for tourists to get around Tokyo? Arigato!
2007-09-15 22:12:16 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
I would suggest getting an English (romanized) map and a Japanese one of the subway. You can figure out the signs along the way by comparing the two. You can also ask the guy at the ticketing counter. JR lines are quite simple to navigate for someone with no knowledge of Japanese. Here's the english map for JR lines in Tokyo: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/info/map_a4ol.pdf
Once you reach the station, try to look for the ticket vending machines. Some of them offer English instructions. Just follow the instructions and collect the little slip that they dispense. Don't press the button for assistance when you want to know which train to take. The guy that pops out behind the machines (yes they do that) won't help you unless it's about the machines.
Do be careful of the the numerous exits though as well as rush hour. When in doubt you can try asking the Japanese. I usually pick salarymen for advice. Most of them can speak really well.
I managed to get around but I did do a little research (find out which train to change to and everything). You might want to try that or just rough it out. Hope you enjoy your trip!
2007-09-16 00:23:11 · answer #1 · answered by xuan 2 · 2⤊ 3⤋
I was in Osaka for 3 months, and when I went to Tokyo for a week I wanted to scream. Unlike everyone else who says its easy, I'll be honest with you--it wasn't for me. There is LESS English in the Tokyo subways than there are in Osaka! You will definitely need to have an English subway map before you get to Tokyo. I didn't have one, and I was surprised when I got to the stations and found the subway maps ALL in Japanese!
Because Tokyo's subways are run by two different companies, transferring between subway lines can be a pain. Sometimes you have to go ABOVE ground and walk several blocks to get to the other subway line. The signs pointing to the subway station you want to transfer over to can be few and far between.
The stations themselves can be confusing as well. In some of them there aren't enough signs telling you how to get to a place and it can be very annoying. Thankfully I know some Japanese so I was able to ask people for directions.
Overall, as long as you stick to the usual tourist attractions, I think you will be fine. If you want to explore, however, then you may run in to trouble. Have an English map before you go!
2007-09-16 12:19:17 · answer #2 · answered by SMS 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is easy, so long as you know the station you are in and the one you want to go to, (have the money), and a train map.
For the most part, in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka, it is trains, and Japanese are great at making trains. Most of the trains are clean and the people not so bad..
Forget buses, because you pay by the mile.
2007-09-16 09:16:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Pretty easy to get around with the trains. The signs will be in English so you shouldn't have a problem. The only problem I encountered was using the train system outside of Toyko thats when the signs turn to only Japanese, but there are attendants that can help you.
2007-09-16 10:53:35 · answer #4 · answered by Brian F 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The buses are a little bit tricky but the subway system will get you to just about anywhere without much hassle. If you run into problems you can always ask an attendant for help. You would be surprised at how many people can speak decent English in Japan.
2007-09-16 05:21:05 · answer #5 · answered by Secret Asian Man 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
All the stops on subways and trains are written in English! You can buy a Tokyo Atlas with all the info you may need!
2007-09-16 07:15:59 · answer #6 · answered by Selena 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Easy as pie! On the subway each route is a different colour. So find your destination colour and follow that coloured lines on the ground. Take you right to the train door. (When it stops of course!)
2007-09-16 06:00:21 · answer #7 · answered by Horizontal 4 · 2⤊ 3⤋