Getting around — Kanto

Kanto has the world's densest and most punctual public transport network. Inside Tokyo, the metro (13 lines, 285 stations) and JR lines (including the Yamanote loop, which circles the main districts in 63 minutes) reach every part of the city. A rechargeable IC Card — Suica (JR East) or Pasmo (Tokyo Metro) — works across all operators and doubles as a contactless payment card in convenience stores and many restaurants. Budget ¥200-300 (USD 1.50-2) per metro ride.

For excursions from Tokyo, links are fast and reliable. Kamakura: Shōnan-Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku (55 min, ¥930) or Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station (1h, ¥940). Nikko: Tobu Nikko Express from Asakusa (2h, ¥1,360 with Nikko All Area Pass) or Shinkansen to Utsunomiya then JR (2h total). Hakone: Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku (1h25, ¥2,470 with reservation) — the Hakone Free Pass (from ¥6,100 for two days) includes the outward journey and all local transport. Kawaguchiko: Fuji Excursion direct from Shinjuku (1h55, ¥4,130).

The Japan Rail Pass is good value once you combine Kanto and Kansai destinations or take several Shinkansen legs. A 7-day pass (¥50,000) covers Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka return plus intra-regional JR services. For a Kanto-only stay, IC Cards and standard regional tickets are almost always cheaper.

A rental car is unnecessary and discouraged in central Tokyo, but useful for exploring the Izu Peninsula or the mountain roads around Nikko off the main rail routes. Rental bikes are available in most Tokyo neighbourhoods and in Kamakura — an excellent way to discover Kamakura's temples at your own pace.