Which Japan Maps Do You Need For Your Tokyo Vacation?

Knowing which Japan maps you'll need to help you get around is an essential part of your Tokyo vacation planning. Imagine winding up on a train platform not knowing which line you need to take next. Or what about getting lost in the middle of the city and not having the right map to get you back on the right track. Tokyo is a big city and, even though we've lived here since 2001, we still use these maps to keep us on the straight and narrow!

First on your list of Japan maps should be your Tokyo train map.

What's so important about a Tokyo train map? Well the odds are that the train will probably be the mode of transport you use the most while you're in Tokyo. It's convenient and will get you just about anywhere you want to go. Add to that some rather sweet deals you can get as a tourist and you really need to know how to use this one.

Go get your Tokyo train map now and take a few minutes figuring out where you'll be staying and what your nearest station will be. Then you can start to plan how you're going to get to the places you want to see : )

This interactive Yamanote line map has all the most important stations on it

The next item on your Japan maps is the Yamanote line map. Why? The Yamanote line is the central line that loops around Tokyo and connects all the major hubs in the city. It's pretty safe to say wherever you're staying, you're going to need to use this line some time or other. It's kinda like the main artery that connects everything else together.

What about a map of Tokyo city? Have you got yours?

This map of Tokyo helps you to figure out where all the main attractions are in relation to the train stations you'll find on the Yamanote line. Again it's a good idea to figure out where your hotel is as well so you can start to get a picture of where in the city you'll be staying. It'll help you avoid that whole losing your bearings thing that I told you about earlier!

What about the bullet train routes? Which ones go where in Japan?

This bullet train map shows you the names of the different lines and where in Japan they go. From Tokyo you'll see different lines go north, south and west. You'll need to buy tickets for whichever line gets you where you need to go. For example, if you're visiting Kyoto, it's the Joetsu/Sanyo line you'll need.

Remember, if you've bought your Japan Rail Pass before you came to Japan, all you need to do is make sure you can get on the train at the time you want. No need to buy a ticket - your rail pass will cover you for all but the most expensive shinkansen.

Got your Japan maps ready to go? Time to go to step 4 on our getting around Tokyo planner.

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Article written by Honor Dargan.

Taming Tokyo: The Guidebook

Wouldn't you love to find a guidebook that is just for first-time visitors to Tokyo. Find those all important things that only a local would know like: what to expect at the airport, what Japanese is most useful for a traveler to know, what packing tips are specific for Tokyo, what should you do in an emergency, the basics of using the trains, and much more. Head over to Taming Tokyo today and judge for yourself.