Official Resources Hub for Tokyo Travel

GO TOKYO (Tokyo’s Official Travel Guide)

GO TOKYO is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s official travel guide. It offers seasonal highlights, neighborhood guides, event calendars, and practical visitor information curated by the city itself.

Best for

• Current events and seasonal picks (festivals, illuminations, exhibitions)
• Neighborhood overviews and curated itineraries
• Official sightseeing info (museums, parks, attractions)

Traveler tip

Before building your itinerary, check GO TOKYO’s “Things to do this month” or “What’s new” so you don’t miss limited-time events.

Visit GO TOKYO

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)

JNTO is Japan’s national tourism authority. It provides country-wide information that complements Tokyo-specific guidance — useful if Tokyo is only one stop on your Japan trip.

Best for

• Japan-wide travel basics (customs, money, connectivity, accessibility)
• Regional ideas if you plan day trips or multi-city itineraries
• General safety and travel tips for visitors to Japan

Traveler tip

Use JNTO when comparing Tokyo with other regions (Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido). It helps you decide how many days to allocate outside Tokyo.

Visit JNTO

Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) — Official Information

TMG’s English portal offers official announcements and city services information. While it’s not a tourist guide, it’s authoritative for city policies, alerts, and administrative updates.

Best for

• Official city announcements and policies
• Public information from Tokyo’s metropolitan government

Traveler tip

During unusual events (citywide alerts or large public initiatives), check this site to understand the official stance or guidance.

Visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government (EN)

Tokyo Metro — Official

Tokyo Metro operates most of the subway lines in central Tokyo. Its official site provides route maps, fare tables, first/last train times, ticket information, and station facilities.

Check these first

• Route map to visualize your journey and transfers
• Ticket & day-pass pages if you plan multiple rides in one day
• Service notices for planned works or disruptions

Traveler tip

Day passes can be cost-effective for heavy sightseeing days. Compare expected rides vs. pass price before you buy.

Visit Tokyo Metro (EN)

Toei Transportation — Official

Toei operates additional subway lines (e.g., Asakusa, Oedo), buses, and trams that complement Tokyo Metro. The official site publishes fares, maps, and information on joint tickets used on both Metro and Toei.

Check these first

• Tickets & passes (including options that cover both Toei and Metro)
• Network maps to see where Toei lines fill gaps in your plan
• Bus routes for surface travel between areas not directly linked by subway

Traveler tip

If your day involves lots of transfers across different subway operators, a combined pass can save time and money.

Visit Toei Transportation (EN)

JR East — Official (East Japan Railway Company)

JR East runs major urban and regional rail lines across Tokyo and eastern Japan (including Yamanote Line around central Tokyo and many lines to suburbs and beyond).

Check these first

• Route & station pages for platform details and transfer guidance
• Service status (delays / suspensions) when weather is severe
• IC card (Suica) information for tap-and-go travel on most trains, subways, and buses

Traveler tip

For city sightseeing, the JR Yamanote Line loops many major districts (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Ueno, Tokyo Station). It’s a handy backbone for your itinerary.

Visit JR East (EN / Multilingual)

JAPAN RAIL PASS — Official

The JAPAN RAIL PASS is an intercity rail pass valid on JR Group trains (with some exceptions). It’s best for long-distance travel days (e.g., Tokyo ⇄ Kyoto / Osaka / Hiroshima) rather than short hops inside Tokyo.

Check these first

• Eligibility & rules — confirm you qualify before purchase
• Coverage & seat reservations — understand where the pass works and how to book
• Price & validity — compare against your intercity plans

Traveler tip

Do a quick calculation: add up your planned bullet-train trips (e.g., Tokyo–Kyoto round trip + a day trip). If the total is near or above the pass price, the pass may be worth it; if not, buy single tickets.

Visit JAPAN RAIL PASS (Official)

Narita International Airport — Official

Narita (NRT) handles most long-haul international flights. The official airport site lists live flight information, terminal maps, immigration and customs guidance, and detailed ground-transport options to central Tokyo.

Check these first

• Flight status before you leave for the airport
• Access for trains (Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner), buses, and taxis
• Terminal maps to plan your path from gate to transport

Traveler tip

For speed to central Tokyo, consider Narita Express to Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, or Keisei Skyliner to Ueno/Nippori. Compare arrival time, hotel location, and total cost.

Visit Narita Airport (Official)

Haneda Airport (Tokyo International) — Official

Haneda (HND) is closer to central Tokyo and has excellent late-night and early-morning options. The official site offers live flights, maps, and comprehensive access details (monorail, Keikyu line, buses, taxis).

Check these first

• Flight status and arrival terminal
• Access maps for the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho or Keikyu to Shinagawa
• Facilities & services (luggage delivery, lounges, information counters)

Traveler tip

Late arrival? Pre-check the last train times. If you’ll miss them, look at airport buses or book a taxi/shuttle in advance.

Visit Haneda Airport (EN)

Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) — Official Weather & Typhoon Information

The JMA is Japan’s official weather authority. Its site provides the most reliable forecasts, heavy-rain/wind warnings, and typhoon tracking used by transport operators and local authorities.

Check these first

• Typhoon track & warnings during summer/autumn storm seasons
• Heavy rain / wind advisories that may affect trains
• Short-range forecasts to plan indoor vs. outdoor days

Traveler tip

If JMA shows strong winds or typhoon warnings, expect possible train slowdowns or suspensions. Recheck your airport and railway official pages (linked above) for service updates and allow extra time.

Visit JMA (Official)

Scenario 1 — Planning Your Trip This Month

• Start at GO TOKYO for seasonal highlights and neighborhood ideas.
• Cross-check general travel basics at JNTO if you’re visiting multiple regions.

Scenario 2 — Building Your City Transport Plan

• Map out central subway travel with Tokyo Metro and Toei.
• Use JR East for JR lines (e.g., Yamanote Line loop) and Suica info.

Scenario 3 — Deciding on the JAPAN RAIL PASS

• Open the official JR Pass site to verify eligibility, coverage, and price.
• If you only ride trains inside Tokyo most days, single tickets/IC cards usually make more sense.

Scenario 4 — Flying In / Flying Out

• For Narita flights or access: Narita Airport (official).
• For Haneda flights or access: Haneda Airport (official).

Scenario 5 — Bad Weather or Typhoon

• Check JMA first to confirm warnings.
• Then re-check JR East and Tokyo Metro/Toei for service notices.
• Flying soon? Confirm with your airport page: Narita or Haneda.

Transport Pages

Maps & Lines

Navigating Tokyo for the first time can feel overwhelming because the city’s train and subway networks are vast and interconnected. A good starting point is to look at an official route map provided by operators like Tokyo Metro, Toei, and JR East. These maps show every line, the stations they stop at, and how they connect with other lines. Color-coded routes make it easier to spot your path and identify transfer stations.

When checking a map, think about your trip in terms of clusters of destinations rather than single points. For example, if you plan to visit Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku in one day, you can see from the map that all three are connected by the JR Yamanote Line, so you don’t need to switch to the subway in between.

It’s worth downloading a PDF map or saving a screenshot to your phone so you can access it even without internet. Many official maps also show travel times between stations, which helps you estimate how long each journey might take. For visitors unfamiliar with Japanese station names, maps with English labeling and station numbers are especially helpful, as you can follow the numbers in sequence without worrying about pronunciation.

Tickets & Passes

Tokyo’s public transport system offers a variety of ticket options, and understanding them before you travel can save you both money and time. The most basic choice is a single-ride ticket, which is purchased for each trip based on the distance you travel. These are straightforward for occasional rides but can become expensive if you plan multiple journeys in one day.

For visitors who will be using trains or subways several times daily, day passes can be a good value. These allow unlimited rides within a set time frame, usually one calendar day, on specific lines or networks. For example, the Tokyo Subway Ticket covers all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours. This is convenient if your sightseeing plan involves crisscrossing the city to visit different neighborhoods.

Another popular option is an IC card such as Suica or Pasmo. These rechargeable cards work on most trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo and many other parts of Japan. They save you from buying individual tickets and automatically deduct the correct fare when you tap in and out at the ticket gates. You can also use them for small purchases at convenience stores and vending machines.

If your itinerary includes travel outside Tokyo, especially long-distance train journeys on JR lines, you might want to consider regional passes or the Japan Rail Pass. These passes can offer significant savings on intercity trips, but they only make sense if the total cost of your planned journeys is higher than the pass price. Always check the coverage map and rules before purchasing to ensure the pass includes the trains you need.

Before choosing a ticket or pass, map out your sightseeing plan and count the number of rides you expect to take each day. This small amount of preparation helps you select the most cost-effective option and avoid paying for rides you don’t use.

Service Notices

Service notices are official updates from train, subway, or bus operators that inform passengers about changes to normal operations. These changes might be planned, such as scheduled maintenance or construction work, or unplanned, such as delays caused by accidents, severe weather, or technical issues. For a first-time traveler in Tokyo, knowing where and how to check these notices can make a big difference to your day.

Most transport operators, including Tokyo Metro, Toei, and JR East, post service notices on their official websites and mobile apps. They often provide real-time information in multiple languages, showing which lines are running normally and which are delayed or suspended. Some stations display electronic boards at ticket gates that summarize the current service status for all lines passing through that station.

If you see a notice about “suspended service” or “delays over 30 minutes,” it usually means you should consider an alternate route. This could involve switching to another train line, taking a bus, or walking a short distance to a different station. During bad weather, like typhoons or heavy snow, service notices may also include advice on expected recovery times, so you can decide whether to wait or adjust your plans entirely.

Checking service notices before you leave your accommodation each day can help you avoid surprises. If you are already at a station when you see a disruption notice, look for station staff or use a navigation app that incorporates live service updates. These small habits help you stay flexible and keep your trip running smoothly, even when the unexpected happens.

Airport Pages

Flight Status

Flight status refers to the latest operational information about a specific flight, including whether it is on time, delayed, rescheduled, or canceled. For a first-time traveler arriving in or departing from Tokyo, checking flight status before heading to the airport can prevent unnecessary stress and wasted trips.

Both Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport provide real-time flight status updates on their official websites. These updates usually list the airline, flight number, destination or origin city, scheduled departure or arrival time, gate number, and any changes to the schedule. Many airlines also offer their own tracking tools through apps or websites, which can send notifications directly to your phone.

If your flight is delayed, the status page may show a revised departure time, and in some cases, an updated boarding gate. This is important in large airports where gates can be far apart. Arriving passengers can use the flight status page to see if their incoming flight has landed early, on time, or is still en route, which is especially useful if someone is meeting you at the airport.

It’s a good habit to check your flight status a few hours before departure and again right before leaving your hotel or accommodation. If you see any significant delays or cancellations, you can contact your airline immediately to explore rebooking options. For connecting flights, keeping an eye on both segments helps you prepare for possible changes and make adjustments to your onward travel plans.

Access

Access refers to the different ways you can travel between the airport and your destination in Tokyo. For first-time visitors, understanding your access options can make the arrival or departure process much smoother, especially after a long flight. Both Narita and Haneda airports offer multiple transport choices, each with its own balance of speed, cost, and convenience.

From Narita International Airport, the fastest train options are the Narita Express, which goes directly to major stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Yokohama, and the Keisei Skyliner, which runs to Ueno and Nippori. Both have comfortable seating, space for luggage, and clear English signage. Slower but more budget-friendly are the regular commuter trains and airport limousine buses, which can take you directly to certain hotels or districts.

From Haneda Airport, the Tokyo Monorail connects to Hamamatsucho Station, where you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line. Another option is the Keikyu Line, which runs to Shinagawa and Yokohama. Buses from Haneda can be a good choice if your hotel is in an area not directly served by train lines, and they often operate late at night after train services have ended.

When planning your access route, consider the time of day, the amount of luggage you have, and your comfort level with transfers. For example, if you arrive during rush hour, a direct bus to your hotel may be more comfortable than navigating crowded train platforms. On the other hand, if you need to reach central Tokyo quickly, an express train is usually the most efficient choice. Checking official airport websites before you travel will give you the latest timetables, fares, and route maps, ensuring you choose the option that fits your schedule and budget.

Weather & Typhoon Pages

Warnings & Advisories

Warnings and advisories are official alerts issued by government agencies or transport operators to inform the public about potential safety concerns or disruptions. In Tokyo, these messages are especially important during extreme weather events, natural disasters, or large-scale public gatherings. For a first-time visitor, knowing how to interpret and respond to them can help you stay safe and make informed decisions during your trip.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issues weather-related warnings for conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, snow, or typhoons. These alerts are color-coded and often displayed on their official website, weather apps, and public information boards in train stations. A warning generally indicates a higher level of risk than an advisory and may signal the likelihood of transportation delays, event cancellations, or temporary closures of attractions.

Transport companies, including Tokyo Metro, JR East, and airport authorities, may also release advisories about service changes. These could include early suspension of train services ahead of a typhoon, reduced flight schedules during strong winds, or crowd control measures at popular festivals. Such notices are usually available on official websites, mobile apps, and social media channels.

If you receive a warning or advisory, first confirm its details on an official source. Then adjust your plans accordingly, whether that means postponing a day trip, choosing indoor activities, or allowing extra travel time. Keeping track of these updates not only helps you avoid inconvenience but also ensures your safety while exploring the city. Having a backup plan and staying flexible will make it easier to enjoy Tokyo even when conditions are less than ideal.

Short-Range Forecasts

Short-range forecasts provide weather predictions for the next few hours up to about two days ahead. For travelers in Tokyo, these forecasts are valuable because the city’s weather can change quickly, especially in transitional seasons like spring and autumn. Knowing what to expect in the near future helps you decide whether to carry an umbrella, adjust sightseeing plans, or prepare for temperature changes.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) offers detailed short-range forecasts on its official website, covering temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and humidity. These forecasts are updated several times a day and often include hourly breakdowns for major cities, including Tokyo. Many smartphone weather apps also pull data from official sources, allowing you to receive alerts when conditions are about to change.

For example, if the forecast shows heavy rain in the late afternoon, you could plan to visit outdoor spots like gardens or temples in the morning, then switch to museums or shopping centers later. In summer, a forecast indicating high heat and humidity might prompt you to schedule more breaks indoors or carry extra water.

Short-range forecasts are also important when planning day trips from Tokyo. A sudden change in conditions, such as coastal winds or mountain fog, can affect transport schedules and visibility at scenic spots. Checking the forecast before you leave in the morning gives you time to make adjustments, ensuring you get the most out of your plans while staying safe and comfortable.

Simple Decision Rules

• Mostly in Tokyo? Use single tickets or an IC card (e.g., Suica). Day passes only on heavy sightseeing days.
• Intercity trips (e.g., Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima)? Price out those bullet-train fares. If the total is close to the pass price, consider the JAPAN RAIL PASS.
• Bad weather? Check JMA then your rail operators for status. Swap in museums, shopping arcades, or indoor towers if needed.

Money-Saving Habits

• Group sights by area to reduce zig-zagging rides.
• Travel outside peak rush where possible (weekday mornings/evenings are busiest).
• Compare airport trains vs. buses by arrival time and hotel location — a bus might drop you closer to your door.

Do I need a day pass for the subway?

Only if you expect many rides in the same day. Otherwise, tap-and-go with an IC card (like Suica) or buy single tickets. Check pass prices on Tokyo Metro and Toei, and compare with your plan.

Is the JAPAN RAIL PASS good for Tokyo subways?

No — it’s primarily for JR trains, especially intercity trips. For most subway rides inside Tokyo, use single tickets or an IC card. See details on the official JR Pass site.

Narita or Haneda — which is better?

Haneda is closer to central Tokyo and often more convenient for late-night/early-morning flights. Narita has many long-haul options and clear rail links to the city. Check access details on each official airport site: Narita or Haneda.

What if a typhoon is coming?

Check JMA for warnings, then look at your airline/airport pages and the rail operators. Build in extra time and consider shifting outdoor plans.