The whole of Tokyo's public transport system is efficient, clean and safe, but as a visitor you'll probably find the trains and subways the best way of getting around; the simple colour-coding on trains and maps, as well as clear signposts (many in English) and directional arrows, make this by far the most gaijin -friendly form of transport. And, while during rush hour (7.30-9am & 5.30-7.30pm) you may find yourself crushed between someone's armpit and another person's back, only rarely do the infamous white-gloved platform attendants shove commuters into carriages.

Lack of any signs in English makes the bus system a lot more challenging. However, once you've got a feel for the city, buses can be a good way of cutting across the few areas of Tokyo not served by a subway or train line and, as long as you have a map, fellow passengers should be able to help you get to where you want to be. For short, cross-town journeys, taxis are handy and, if shared by a group of people, not that expensive.

Once you've chosen the area you wish to explore, walking is the best way to get yourself from one sight to another; you're almost guaranteed to see something interesting on the way. Cycling , if you stick to the quietback streets, can also be a good way of zipping around .

Given the excellent public transport facilities, the often appalling road traffic, the high cost of parking (if you're lucky enough to find a space) and Tokyo's confusing street layout, you'd need a very good reason to want to rent a car to get around the city .

The subway
Its colourful map may look like a messy plate of yakisoba (fried noodles), but Tokyo's subway is relatively easy to negotiate. There are two systems, the eight-line TRTA (which stands for "Teito Rapid Transit Authority",...
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Trains and trams
Spend any length of time in Tokyo and you'll become very familiar with the JR Yamanote train line that loops around the city centre . Other useful JR train routes include the Chuo line (orange), which starts at Tokyo...
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Buses
Although Tokyo's buses are handy for crossing the few areas without convenient subway and train stations, none of the buses or routes are labelled in English, so you'll have to get used to recognizing the kanji names of places or...
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Ferries
Double-decker ferries , known as suijo basu (water buses), ply the 35-minute route between the Sumida-gawa River Cruise stations at Asakusa, northeast of the city centre and Hinode Sanbashi, on Tokyo Bay (daily every 40min; to...
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Taxis
For short hops around the centre of Tokyo, taxis are often the best option, though heavy traffic can slow them down. The basic rate is ¥660 for the first 2km, after which the meter racks up ¥80 every 274m, plus a time charge when the taxi is...
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