Do I need a Japan Rail Pass?

If you are only staying in Tokyo, do NOT buy a JR Pass. It is only worth it if you are taking multiple long-distance shinkansen trips in a 7-day window.

Ask a station attendant. They are incredibly helpful and often have English-language maps. Even if they don't speak English, pointing to the station name on your phone map works wonders.

When do the trains stop running?

Trains stop between midnight and 5:00 AM. If you miss the last train, you'll need a taxi, which is expensive, or you'll have to find a 24-hour cafe.

Navigating Tokyo's Subway and Train System

Use a digital IC card like Suica or Pasmo on your phone to tap in and out of every gate. Stick to Google Maps for real-time routing and always look for the exit numbers on signs to find your specific destination above ground.

Set up your IC card. Open your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet and add a new Transit card. Select 'Suica' or 'Pasmo'. You can load it directly with a credit card. If you have a physical iPhone, this works instantly.
Read the subway map. Don't get overwhelmed by the spiderweb. Look for the color-coded lines and the letter-number code for each station (e.g., Shinjuku is S-01 on the Shinjuku line). Match these codes to the signs in the station.
Passing the ticket gates. Hold your phone over the reader marked 'IC'. You don't need to unlock your phone or open the wallet app; your device uses Express Transit mode. If the gate beeps red, you didn't have enough credit or didn't tap out at your last stop.
Find your exit. Tokyo stations are massive. Before you leave the platform, look for the 'Exit Guide' boards. They list major landmarks by exit number (e.g., 'Exit A4 for Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building'). Picking the right exit saves you a 15-minute walk.

Do I need a Japan Rail Pass?: If you are only staying in Tokyo, do NOT buy a JR Pass. It is only worth it if you are taking multiple long-distance shinkansen trips in a 7-day window.
What if I get lost?: Ask a station attendant. They are incredibly helpful and often have English-language maps. Even if they don't speak English, pointing to the station name on your phone map works wonders.
When do the trains stop running?: Trains stop between midnight and 5:00 AM. If you miss the last train, you'll need a taxi, which is expensive, or you'll have to find a 24-hour cafe.