What if I get lost in the underground passages?

Look for numbered exits (like B1, B2) and follow them to street level. Every major station has English signage. Use your phone's compass to orient yourself once outside.

How early should I arrive for business meetings?

Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Japanese business culture values punctuality extremely highly. Build in 30 minutes extra travel time during rush hour.

Can I use my phone to pay for trains?

Yes, if you have Apple Pay or Google Pay with a compatible card. Add your Metro pass to your phone wallet for tap-and-go convenience. Physical cards work just as well.

What if trains stop running?

Last trains run around midnight. Taxis are expensive ($50+ to most areas) and hard to find. Many business hotels are near major stations specifically for this reason. Plan to stay near your meeting location if working late.

How to Get Around Tokyo's Business Districts

Tokyo's business districts are connected by an extensive rail network. Get a 7-day Tokyo Metro pass for $20, download the Hyperdia app, and stick to JR Yamanote Line stations as your main hubs. Most business meetings happen in Marunouchi, Otemachi, and Shimbashi—all within 15 minutes of each other by train.

Get the right transit pass. Buy a 7-day Tokyo Metro pass at any major station for 1,590 yen ($20). This covers all subway lines that connect business districts. Skip the JR Pass—it doesn't cover subway lines you'll actually use.
Download essential apps. Install Hyperdia (train schedules) and Google Translate with camera feature. Hyperdia works offline and shows exact platform numbers. Google Translate reads station signs instantly.
Learn the main business district stations. Marunouchi: Tokyo Station (JR lines) and Otemachi (subway). Ginza: Ginza Station. Shimbashi: Shimbashi Station. Akasaka: Tameike-sanno Station. Roppongi: Roppongi Station. These five areas handle 80% of business meetings.
Master the Yamanote Line. Use JR Yamanote Line as your circular backbone. It connects Tokyo Station (Marunouchi), Shimbashi, Shinagawa, and other major hubs. Trains run every 3-4 minutes from 5:30 AM to midnight.
Plan for rush hour. Avoid 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM if possible. If you must travel during rush hour, allow double the normal time and expect packed trains. Consider walking—many business districts are 10-15 minutes apart on foot.
Know the underground connections. Tokyo Station has a massive underground network connecting to Marunouchi and Otemachi districts. Follow signs carefully—it's easy to walk 10 minutes underground between buildings without going outside.

What if I get lost in the underground passages?: Look for numbered exits (like B1, B2) and follow them to street level. Every major station has English signage. Use your phone's compass to orient yourself once outside.
How early should I arrive for business meetings?: Arrive 10-15 minutes early. Japanese business culture values punctuality extremely highly. Build in 30 minutes extra travel time during rush hour.
Can I use my phone to pay for trains?: Yes, if you have Apple Pay or Google Pay with a compatible card. Add your Metro pass to your phone wallet for tap-and-go convenience. Physical cards work just as well.
What if trains stop running?: Last trains run around midnight. Taxis are expensive ($50+ to most areas) and hard to find. Many business hotels are near major stations specifically for this reason. Plan to stay near your meeting location if working late.