Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetokyo
This might sound like a dumb queston, but is the train system in Japan easy to figure out?
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It's not that hard to figure out. There are exceptions, of course.... The biggest is that rail transport in Tokyo is not monopolized, meaning you may have to pay several times to get to your destination if you use lines operated by different companies, JR, Odakyu, Tokyo Metro, etc.
Most connections are made within the same station complex. There are others, like Ochanomizu where the JR (above ground) station is across the river from the Maronouchi (underground) station. You physically have to leave the station, walk for a while and then enter another station, even though it's the same name.
There's one in Asakusa (Kuramae) I think that you have to walk about 5 minutes outside to get to the corresponding transfer line, within the same station!
Other lines you may have to walk about 10-12 flights of stairs down to get to the platform. It seems you're walking to the center of the earth! Some stations are about 200-300ft deep.
It may appear daunting at first, but after your first day on it, it's a breeze. Especially coming from N.Y., I don't think you'll have all that much trouble after the first day.
Then again, there are stations that have 50-60 exits, like Shinjuku and Ikebukuro that may seem like a maze after a bit, since they add shopping malls at tunnel level there.
Ask away if you have any more concerns!