交通
Transportation
You can travel around Tokyo easily with public transportation.
Below you can find instructions on how to take public transportation in Tokyo in particular and Japan in general.
Navigation
How to search up your routes using navigation tools like Google Maps.
Google Maps is very accurate in Japan. You can search for names of buildings, landmarks, etc. on Google Maps in both English and Japanese. (Please note that in some cases, the results will only show up if you search in Japanese)
Address format in Japan: Example
Postcode
Prefecture
City
Ward
Street name and number
(Building)
(Room number)
150-6236
Tokyo-to
Shibuya-ku
Sakuragaoka-cho 1-1
Shibuya Sakura Stage
Shibuya Tower 36F
150-6236
東京都
渋谷区
桜丘町1-1
渋谷サクラステージ
渋谷タワー36階
Transportation
Card
How to buy and charge your PASMO or SUICA card
You can use IC cards to travel on buses and trains around Japan. The two cards you can get in Tokyo are called PASMO and SUICA. All IC cards function the same way - you charge money into the card, tap whenever you get on the bus or the train, and it automatically deducts money from your card balance.
Currently, there is a shortage of physical PASMO and SUICA cards. We highly recommend you get a mobile version of these cards. Instructions can be found below.
If you cannot get a mobile card, you can get a personalized card at the airport or major stations. That means you will have to register your information in order to get the card.
Commuter's Pass
Monthly pass for trains and buses
If you're staying in Japan for more than 4 weeks, you can buy a commuter's pass to save on transportation costs.
The commuter's pass allows you to go from point A to point B unlimitedly. You can buy a commuter's pass for 1, 3, or 6 months.
To buy a commuter's pass, you need to know which stations and which train lines you're taking. Your commuter's pass will only cover that one route. For other routes, you can charge your card and pay as usual.
Example:
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Normal cost of commute between EF Tokyo Campus and Social Residence Tama Plaza = 290 x 2 ways x 5 days a week x 4 weeks = 11,600 JPY
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Cost of commuter's pass for 1 month = 10740 JPY
You can only have one commuter's pass on one card at once. If you need to get a commuter's pass for both train and bus, you will need two separate cards.
You can get the physical commuter's pass at the vending machines at your stations, or through the SUICA/PASMO app on your phone. Please note that the app is only available in Japanese. If you need help, please come to the school's reception desk.
タクシー Taxi
Taxis in Japan are safe and reliable but can get expensive and might not always take credit cards. Always confirm accepted payment methods before getting on the taxi.
It will cost a small fee to reserve a taxi in advance. But, there are usually taxi stands at the airport and train stations.