Tokyo : transportation

Le Métro

The mean of transportation that you will use at first will the metro. It's nice, very clean and very full. Especially at peaks hours. It's also a good mean to remember your Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana. You will see... Look at the japanese pubs. You can go alsmost anywhere with the metro. I advise to quickly point the nearest metro station near your living place and to get used to this mean of transportation.The Tokyo metro map

The cab

The cabs are absolutly everywhere at any hour of the day or night. Warning, the drivers do not speak english, but they will do there best to help you and to drop you where you want to go. Even if your state doesn't allow you to say where you want to go. Yes, it happens. The cabs in Tokyo are quite expensive. Going in cost you already 600 Yens, plus 90 Yens every 347 metres. There is an additional charge of 30% after 23pm.

Motorbike, scooter

It's the privileged mean of transportation of the army cooperatives and of some expatriates. No need to get a licence to drive a scooter. From a 125cm3, the licence is obligatory. The french equivalent is recognized. If you don't have your motorbike permit, you can pass it as a open candidate. This solution is not recommended. Your chances of success are very low. There are a few schools which will teach you to drive a motorbike. The course last about 10 days. it will cost you between 80,000 and 100,000 yens.

The car

It's also the mean of transportation for the expatriates. With a driver for the big frogs. For the other small frogs, see option number 1.

The french permit is recognized in Japan. You just have to go to the licence center (Samezu), pass an eye test and a few other paperworks, and that's it, you can drive in Japan. (See the AFJ page for complete guidelines)

It's a must to come to Japan with an international licenceI. You will have a lot of paperwork to settle when you arrive. A permit is always useful at the begginning. If I remember well, count on a half day to settle the driving licence problem.

Contact: The SAMEZU center:  Higashi Oi 1-12-5 Shinagawa Tokyo   Tel: 3474-1374