Train System

Traveling in a foreign country is definitely a scary experience, but I dedicate this post to Google Maps for making life easier.

If you have Google Maps, then the train system is as easy as follow the electronic leader.

Google Maps typically gives you several options as to which route to take, which platform to stand on, how much time it'll take you to get to your destination, etc.

What I find most useful is that Google Maps also give the estimated transportation fee so you can choose the cheapest option (unless you're rich).

If there's anything I missed about Chicago, it's definitely the relatively cheaper transportation fees.

For those who doesn't really have Google Maps, first of all, INSTALL it.

If not, I'll try to break down the train system.

The train system is divided by colors and numbers.

Color: color usually indicates what we call the train line

Yellow is Sobu line, light green is Yamanote line, etc.

Number: each line is divided into different numbers and this number correlates with which direction the train is going to.

Yellow, number 4: Sobu line heading toward Chiba

Yellow, number 3: Sobu line heading away from Chiba toward Nakano

And trust me you don't have to memorize all the lines or numbers because there are signs EVERYWHERE in a train station and yes they have English translations.

TIPS: get yourself a train pass because it'll be the best thing that'll ever happen.

A train pass basically let you buy a certain distance between two stops for a certain time. You can then travel in between these two stops as many time as you want with no additional cost. If you travel anywhere past this distance, then they will only count the difference between your stop and the stop of your destination.