(Photo Credit: JR East. You can also download an updated pdf version here)

When I was planning for my itinerary for Japan, I was already taken aback with their confusing train system because of its many lines, colors, as well as intersections (for train transfers). I didn't know how to use their train map especially when the map itself is quite big with all those words appearing in small fonts. As a Filipino, we are not really reliant on our train systems - I mean, major destinations are not usually accessible by train all the time. And if they are, the train system that we have right now is marked with inefficiency because of delays, long queues, as well as lack of trains (this might change in the future, I hope). On the other hand, I was fascinated with the train system of Japan wherein almost major destinations are accessible using the train with combination of short walks (exercise!). And yes, Japanese trains are always on time and if delays happen, they announce it on the train itself using the monitors and state the reason for being delayed. Basically, you are given the time-frame of when will your train arrive and the time you'll arrive on your target station. And yes, it's not an estimation but the actual time travel.

When I used the train system of Tokyo (or Kanto), I was quite nervous at first because I didn't know much Japanese and I do not know the codes on the train system or something relevant to that. The good thing is, the train stations (eki) are tourist-friendly where there are many directions for transfer of lines (they even tell you the distance in meters) as well as popular tourist attractions and the appropriate train station exits. There are many signage, information maps, and exit guides in all train stations (as well as outside the stations themselves). If lost, there is always the help of free wifi in Japan where you have to download the Japan Connected-free Wifi app (which are also applicable to various places with free wifi, especially convenience stores like 7-11, Family Mart, etc).

When buying tickets, it is suggested to purchase a Pasmo or Suica card, available at ticket machines in major train stations. You can also use this to purchase from various vending machines (though not all). This is very convenient because you do not have to worry about the fare you have to pay - and there are always fare adjustment machines which will be of great help if ever your IC card does not have any balance anymore. The best thing about this is that you can use this on many lines and subways. While I was taken aback of how confusing their train system is at the beginning, you'll be nonplussed about the train fares which are equally expensive compared to our train fares in the Philippines.

My accommodation in Japan was in my aunt's house in Yokohama in Kohoku ward, which was quite far from various tourist destinations. I had to use the Yokohama Municipal Subway from Takata Station to Hiyoshi Station (¥210.00 or roughly ₱94.00, which is just two stations apart), then transfer to Tōkyū Tōyoko, going from Hiyoshi Station to Shibuya Station (¥220.00 or roughly ₱99.00). Then from Shibuya Station, navigating to other train stations will prove to be expensive and I spent an average of ¥1500 ~ ¥2000 yen daily just for transportation alone. It was a late occurence to me that there exists what we call a Tokyo Subway Ticket for Tourists (further details can be viewed here). I purchased the 72-hour pass which can be used for Tokyo Metro and Oedo Subway Lines unlimited. This is useful especially when you want to visit multiple places in a day without hurting your wallet too much. I suggest you download the app (details here) because this will show you on how to go to your desired train station including the transfers you need to do. I have heavily used this in all of my travels and I might get lost without this application.

Always remember the importance of the train code (in letters; example: H for Hibiya Line) and its corresponding number. This is pretty much your guide in remembering the station number of where you are headed to and it's easier to memorize compared to the names itself (and in due time, you'll memorize both). In addition, you should be knowledgeable as well with the tagging of same trains when it comes to the speed of your travel.

If you are a traveler and has no plans of buying the JR Pass (which is quite expensive!), I suggest you buy the Tokyo subway Ticket instead because a 72-hour pass is just for ¥1500.00. Plus, there are Tourst Information Centers available in the train stations should you need assistance if you speak English but you do not speak Japanese (Nihongo). Also, I suggest that you visit Tokyo and other places in Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc) on separate visits because I stayed for fifteen (15) days in the Kanto Region and yet it was not enough for me to visit various attractions I wanted to visit.