Transportation option in Japan is unique compared to other countries as it is not managed by a single national or unified authority.
This means that transferring between different transportation option systems often incurs additional costs, and individual fares can be relatively high.
As a result, you may need to budget more for transportation expenses.
However, JR (Japan Railways) is a major player in the transportation network, and they offer options like the Japan Rail Pass and day passes, which can be cost-effective for frequent travelers.
In Japan, There are useful cards which we can use almost all of the transportations in Japan.
I will compare some transportation option to make your Tokyo trips easier and cheaper
If you would like to know which places you should go for free in Tokyo, click this
Using an ID Card every time
There are two representative IC cards in Japan: Suica and Pasmo.
Currently, physical card sales are temporarily suspended, but you can register them on Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Generally, a single bus ride fare around 220 yen, and a single train fare averages about 300 yen. Therefore, using both the train and the bus from your hotel for just one direction would cost about 550 yen, which is approximately 5 dollars.
Using One Day Pass
As I mentioned before, Japan has unique transportation systems which is not managed by a single national or unified authority. So there are many one day passes in Tokyo.
And I will compare those passes below this.
Explore How to purchase a pass
Tokyo 1 day Ticket
This one-day pass allows unlimited use of major transportation systems such as the Toei Subway and JR.
An important feature of this pass is that it also covers Toei buses. And the price of this pass is not expensive to travel around Tokyo. So personally, this pass is the most reasonable.
Railway Companies and Lines Available
JR East Lines: Regular trains (including rapid trains) on local lines within Tokyo.
Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway: All lines.
Nippori-Toneri Liner: Accessible.
Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line): Accessible.
Toei Bus: All lines (excluding night buses and buses with reserved seating).
Cost
Adult：1600yen
Child: 800yen
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Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass)
This pass is the most affordable among the three options. It covers only major stations and is recommended for those who want to visit popular tourist attractions. However, please note that it does not include bus services.
Railway Companies and Lines Available
JR Line(Only Ordinary Train)
Cost
Adult: 760yen
Child: 380yen
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NONBIRI Holiday Suica Pass
It’s particularly recommended for those who wish to explore some of the suburbs of Tokyo.
Because if you buy express pass, you also can take on the express train(except Shinkansen), and Rinkai Line and Tokyo Mondrail are available.
However, if you do not plan to travel to the suburbs, this pass may not be considered cost-effective.
Railway Companies and Lines Available
JR Line, Rinkai Line, Tokyo Mondrail.
Cost
Adult: 2670yen
Child: 1330yen
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Summary
Based on my servey, for those who want to thoroughly explore Tokyo, the Tokyo One Day Pass is recommended. However, if you only plan to visit a limited number of places or if your hotel is not located along JR Lines or Tokyo Metro lines, the Tokunai Pass would be a better option than the Tokyo One Day Pass.