Getting around移動
Getting around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
The lines that matter in each city and how to read the stations.
Last reviewed · Sep 2026
Tokyo
The JR Yamanote loop connects Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, Ueno and more. Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines fill in the rest. Every station has a letter-and-number code (e.g. G09) — follow those, not the names.
Kyoto
Two subway lines, several private railways and a dense bus network. For Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama, take JR or Keihan/Hankyu rather than crowded buses.
Osaka
The Midosuji subway line runs north–south between Umeda, Namba and Tennoji — it's the only line many visitors need. JR Osaka Loop Line reaches the castle.