Let's Ride The Train!

One of the highlights of visiting Tokyo is getting around the city by train or subway.  My children love being able to jump on the train, grab a seat or ride standing up among the Japanese people.  If you ask them, riding the train is one of their favorite parts about being in Japan. 

The initial step in using one of these modes of transportation is purchasing a ticket or Pasmo card.
 http://www.thejapanguy.com/what-is-a-pasmo-card-what-is-a-suica-card/

On our first train ride attempt, we bought a ticket to our destination since we weren't able to purchase the Pasmo card at the Shin Yokohama Train Station.  Be sure to hold onto your ticket since you will need it to get out of the train station.  If you walk into the wrong entrance or leave the wrong exit, a red X will appear on the screen of the ticket gate, and there will be a loud beep.  The doors will also remain closed.  This happened to us a few times before we found our way through every station.

Getting A Pasmo card:
http://www.pasmo.co.jp/en/buy/

Using A Pasmo card:
http://www.pasmo.co.jp/en/buy/

The Pasmo card can be used on the train, subway, bus and at stores in the city.  As we got better at using the train, we also started using the subway.  In some cases, this is cheaper than riding the train.

You can also order your Pasmo card before leaving for Japan.
 http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_001.html

If you get lost or need directions, just ask!  Each time we got to the platform of a train or subway we always asked someone if we were in the right place.  If that person couldn't help, someone else listening in would always answer.  Everyone is so nice and willing to help!