Tokyo is one of the world's largest cities and has one of the world's most ingenious public transport systems. If you don't mind walking around, the metropolis is also very pedestrian-friendly and you can see a lot in a day on foot if you plan the day well. While exploring Tokyo, finding the best accommodations can enhance your overall city experience. If you wish to stay closer to the city center, consider booking your accommodation at the Central Hotel in Tokyo at central.tokyo-hotels-stay.com. However, Tokyo offers a wide range of hotels for different budgets and needs. For more options, you could look at the best hotels on tophotels.com, which provides a comprehensive list of top-rated hotels in Tokyo. If you are looking for a unique stay experience, try Hananogo Ikebukuro - Vacation STAY 16098v. It can offer you a homely vibe in the heart of the bustling city. But with so many ways to get around Tokyo, let's not forget to take a look at the alternatives that exist to experience it fully!
Luup
One of the latest additions to Tokyo's transport arsenal is the electric scooter system called Luup. It seems to be rapidly gaining in popularity, particularly among Tokyo's 20- and 30-somethings. The scooters go up to 15 km/h and are used like bicycles, so you have to use the cycle path or the roadside instead of the pavement. There are numerous pick-up and drop-off points throughout central Tokyo, and you can easily check the app to see where Luup scooters are still available near you. At the moment, the app is only available in Japanese, but this may change if the system proves successful. They also hire out electric bikes using the same system, so if they run out of scooters or you want to travel slightly longer distances, you can opt for a bike too.
Hire bikes (electric)
Electric bikes are ubiquitous in Tokyo, and many citizens, young and old, like to use them to get around quickly and without breaking a sweat. There are quite a few bridges, small hills and tunnels in the city, so an electric bike makes it easier to get around than a push bike. Tokyo summers are also notoriously hot and humid, so that's another good reason to buy an electric bike. There are plenty of places to hire them in the city, both rental shops and rental systems. The most convenient rental system is Tokyo Bike Share by Docomo, which has docking portals throughout central Tokyo and the nearest suburbs. You can buy a day pass from convenience stores if you only want to use them once, and if you plan to use them more often, you can download their app.
Rickshaws
If you want to spoil yourself a little, why not take a ride on a towed rickshaw? Popular tourist areas like Asakusa and Kamakura have young men (and sometimes women) waiting for customers who want to see the area from the back of their rickshaws. Of course, the pullers are happy to share stories about the area as you stroll along with flair and good humour. Trips take around 20 minutes and, as the rickshaw moves easily through the narrow streets, you'll be able to see the quiet, picturesque lanes that are relatively unknown to the crowds of tourists on the main streets.
Boat-bus
Of course, you can take the metro to and from Asakusa, but how about seeing a bit more of Tokyo on the way to the Bateau-bus? The boats that shuttle between Asakusa, Hamarikyu Gardens, Toyosu and Odaiba not only get you to your destination, but also give you the unique opportunity to see Tokyo from the water. You can enjoy a snack or drink they sell on board, and if you're lucky, you might even get to board the futuristic-looking Hotaluna boat.
Tram
Although trams aren't as common as they used to be in Japan, there are still a few throughout the country. The only tram ride you can still make in central Tokyo is the Toden Arakawa line, also known as the 'sakura tram' for the many cherry blossoms you can see along the way during the season. But it's also worth taking a ride outside the cherry blossom season, as you'll get to see the more local and residential side of Tokyo on the journey from Waseda to Minowabashi. Getting on and off is highly recommended if you want to see the quieter, more everyday side of Tokyo. We particularly recommend visiting Sugamo, which is also famous as Tokyo's older people's answer to young, trendy Harajuku.
Train and Metro
If you just want to get somewhere cheap and quick and don't really care what you see on the way, then the train or metro is the best choice. Tokyo has one of the most efficient and extensive public transport networks in the world, and there are always plenty of ways to get where you need to be in central Tokyo. Buying an IC card when you arrive in Japan is a good idea if you plan to take the train, metro or bus anywhere in Japan more than a few times. That way, you'll save yourself the effort of having to buy separate tickets for each journey.
If you make more than 3 train and/or metro journeys in a day, you should get a one-day pass, as this will save you a lot of money. You can get a pass for the metro or JR trains for the best deal, both are available from ticket machines at their respective stations. Here's an overview of public transport in Japan for more comprehensive practical travel information.
Taxi
Sometimes you just want to get somewhere quickly without having to worry about which train to take or how to get there. Or maybe it's raining and you just want to get to your next destination as comfortably as possible. If you don't mind spending a bit more, taking a taxi can be a great option for journeys between ~3 and 7 km. Compared to many other major cities in the world, taxis in Japan are not as expensive as elsewhere, and if you're travelling with 2 or 3 companions it can sometimes even be cheaper than taking the train if you're only travelling a few kilometres. Most taxi drivers don't speak English, but if you show them the Japanese name of the place you want to go to on your phone, you should have no problem getting to your destination.
