Tokyo Travel: Train Ride Time and Routes to Asakusa and Major Destinations

Travel in Tokyo - Ride Time on Public Transportation

A train on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
Tokyo is regarded as one of the largest cities in the world, with a massive metropolitan center of 23 wards spanning 627 square kilometers (242 square miles). The entire Tokyo area, consisting of several municipalities and the Ogasawara Islands, spans 2,193.96 square kilometers or 847 square miles.

Due to its astonishing size and complex transit systems, travel in Tokyo takes time. Some spots are within walking distance or only take a few minutes via train. However, for example, getting from Asakusa to Odaiba may take more time than you expect. Knowing how long it takes to get from one spot to the next will make it easier to plan and enjoy your day in the big city.

This article covers the time required to travel around Tokyo using public transportation like JR trains, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway. Continue reading to find out the fastest and simplest ways to get to Shibuya from Asakusa, Roppongi to Ginza, and other routes to major neighborhoods.

We highly recommend travelers use the JR Pass and the Tokyo Subway Ticket to save money on traveling on JR trains, the Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway. These discount passes help you navigate efficiently throughout Tokyo and beyond.

Details and Reservations: JR Pass, Tokyo Subway Ticket

Asakusa to Shibuya

View of Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Picture from Shibuya Scramble Crossing - 5 Best Viewing Spots (Photo by Pixta)
Getting from Asakusa to the Shibuya area takes some time, as you need to pass through Ueno, Akihabara, the Tokyo Station area, and Omotesando. The simplest and fastest way to go between Asakusa Station and Shibuya is listed below.

Public Transit Line(s)	Stations	Required Time (One-way)	Fare (One-way)
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line	Asakusa Station, Shibuya Station	34 minute-ride	250 yen

Please note there are different Asakusa stations and several lines at Shibuya Station. Follow the signs, which will have English on them, and ask an employee should you have any questions.

Asakusa to Odaiba

Rainbow Bridge in Odaiba
Traveling between Asakusa and Odaiba, famous for TeamLab museums, shopping, and gaming, requires riding two trains. The transfer involves walking from one train to the next, so changing train lines can take some time. It is recommended to prepare for taking an extra five or ten minutes for this purpose. Refer to the methods below for efficient ways of navigating.

Public Transit Line(s)	Stations	Required Time (One-way)	Fare (One-way)
Toei Asakusa Line, Yurikamome	Asakusa Station, Shinbashi Station, Daiba Station	35 minutes minimum	550 yen
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Yurikamome	Asakusa Station, Shinbashi Station, Daiba Station	45 minutes minimum	530 yen

The Yurikamome travels above ground and gives riders gorgeous views of the bay area, riding from Shimbashi Station. Please note there are multiple stops on the Yurikamome in the Odaiba area. The station nearest to most main attractions is Daiba Station.

Ueno to Tokyo

Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station
JR Ueno Station and JR Tokyo Station are directly linked via multiple train lines, making it easy to travel between them easily.

Public Transit Line(s)	Stations	Required Time (One-way)	Fare (One-way)
JR Yamanote Line	Ueno Station, Tokyo Station	8 to 9 minute-ride	160 yen
JR Keihin-Tohoku Line	Ueno Station, Tokyo Station	7 minute-ride	160 yen

Ueno to Akihabara

Akihabara Chuo-dori Street
Ueno and Akihabara are two popular destinations that are easy to travel between. The distance is walkable, taking around 20 minutes, but riding the train or subway takes just three minutes.

Public Transit Line(s)	Stations	Required Time (One-way)	Fare (One-way)
JR Yamanote Line	Ueno Station, Akihabara Station	3 minute-ride	140 yen
JR Keihin-Tohoku Line	Ueno Station, Akihabara Station	3 minute-ride	140 yen
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line	Ueno Station, Akihabara Station	3 minute-ride	170 yen

Choose the transportation method that fits best with your budget and location; those with a valid Japan Rail Pass should travel using a JR line, and those with a Tokyo Metro pass should use the Hibiya Line.

Harajuku to Shinjuku

View of Shinjuku Station area. Photo by Pixta
Harajuku and Shinjuku are one station apart from each other, making it possible to walk between them. However, the walk is around 20 minutes, making it is simpler and faster to take the train. It takes 4 to 5 minutes to get to either JR Harajuku or JR Shinjuku Station and requires no transfers. See the table below for details.

Public Transit Line(s)	Stations	Required Time (One-way)	Fare (One-way)
JR Yamanote Line	Harajuku Station, Shinjuku Station	4 to 5 minute-ride	140 yen

For those traveling to specific areas in Shinjuku, like Shinjuku Sanchome, known for its excellent restaurants and bars, taking the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line from Meijijingu-mae Station is another option.

Tokyo to Shinagawa

Shinagawa Station at night. Photo by Pixta
Tokyo and Shinagawa stations are main stops on the Shinkansen. They are very large stations, operating multiple train lines and railway companies. To get from JR Tokyo Station to JR Shinagawa Station, the stations the Shinkansen run on, it takes around 8 to 12 minutes, depending on which train you ride. See the table below for times and which lines to use.

Public Transit Line(s)	Stations	Required Time (One-way)	Fare (One-way)
JR Tokaido Main Line	Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station	8 minute-ride	170 yen
JR Keihin-Tohoku Line	Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station	9 minute-ride	170 yen
JR Yamanote Line	Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station	12 minute-ride	170 yen

The fastest way to travel in this case is by using the JR Tokaido Main Line, not the Yamanote Line.

Please note that there is also a Keikyu Shinagawa Station, which is convenient for getting to Narita and Haneda airports, Asakusa, and Yokohama. The Shinkansen, however, does not run on this station, so make sure you are walking through the correct ticket barrier if you depart from Shinagawa. Keikyu Shinagawa Station does not connect directly to Tokyo Station, either.

Ginza to Roppongi

Roppongi Avenue
Ginza and Roppongi are popular neighborhoods offering different forms of entertainment. Ginza is mostly known for its high-class shops and cafes, while Roppongi has museums and a lively nightlife. Going between these spots only requires one train and is quick.

Public Transit Line(s)	Stations	Required Time (One-way)	Fare (One-way)
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line	Ginza Station, Roppongi Station	4 to 5 minute-ride	170 yen

Ginza Station and Roppongi Station are relatively close to another, making it easy to visit both in one day.

Ikebukuro to Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree from across the Sumida River.
Ikebukuro and the Tokyo Skytree area in Sumida are full of things to do, from great shopping for fashion and anime merchandise to astonishing views of the city. These popular destinations are located relatively far apart from each other, however, and require train transfers.

Public Transit Line(s)	Stations	Required Time (One-way)	Fare (One-way)
Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line	Ikebukuro Station, Otemachi Station, Oshiage Station	44 minute-ride minimum	250 yen

Changing trains at Otemachi Station may take some time to do, especially if it is rush hour. Be patient and be sure to follow signs for the Hanzomon line (there is English signage).

Tips for Riding Trains, Subway, and Metro

Picture from 16 Etiquette Tips When Riding Trains In Japan (Photo by Pixta)
The times mentioned above only display the time required to go from station to station. It takes longer to walk to the station, find the appropriate line, and walk to the platform. Riders are encouraged to leave an extra ten to fifteen minutes to navigate correctly and smoothly. Crowds and the potential of getting lost inside the station may slow down your departure. When in doubt, ask a train station employee for directions.

Be sure to make use of the Japan Rail Pass for the JR train lines and discount passes, like the Tokyo Subway Ticket, allowing for unlimited rides on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for a specific amount of time (24-, 48-, and 72-hour passes are available). In doing so, you will save money and time on buying individual tickets.

Plan Your Day and Ride Public Transportation in Tokyo!

The time it takes to travel around Tokyo is something helpful to be aware of for a smooth, less stressful trip. People new to Tokyo are recommended to plan day activities in areas close to another for the most memorable trip.

Main image by Pixta