Table of Contents
How to get to Tokyo ..................................................................................................................... 1
Transport ................................................................................................................................. 1
Subways................................................................................................................................... 2
Other railway companies........................................................................................................... 2
Tickets...................................................................................................................................... 4
Local opening times .................................................................................................................. 6
Mobile phones.......................................................................................................................... 6
Cost of living............................................................................................................................. 7
College student” visa .................................................................................................................... 7
Resident card............................................................................................................................ 7
Part time job ............................................................................................................................ 8
Insurance and Medical Services ..................................................................................................... 9
1. Insurance.............................................................................................................................. 9
How to join ........................................................................................................................... 9
2. Accident insurance .............................................................................................................. 10
How to get to Tokyo
By air - Tokyo has two airports: Narita Airport handles the majority of international flights and only a
small number of domestic flights. It is located 60 kilometers outside of central Tokyo. The more
centrally locatedHaneda Airport handles a smaller number of international flights and the majority
of domestic flights.
By shinkansen - Most shinkansen lines lead to Tokyo. The trip from Osaka/Kyoto takes about three
hours. There are also direct trains to/from Kyushu, Nagano, Niigata and various destinations in
the Tohoku Region.
Transport
Tokyo is covered by a dense network of train, subway and bus lines, which are operated by about a
dozen different companies. The train lines operated by JR East and the subway lines are most
convenient for moving around central Tokyo.
Tokyo's most prominent train line is the JR Yamanote Line, a loop line which connects Tokyo's
multiple city centres. The city's 13 subway lines are operated by two companies and run largely
inside the Yamanote circle and the areas around Ginza and Shitamachi. Most of the many suburban
train lines commence at one of the six major stations of the Yamanote Line (Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro,
Shinjuku, Shibuya and Shinagawa).
Major JR train lines in Central Tokyo
The map below shows Tokyo's major railway stations and the five JR lines that are most relevant to
people who travel within central Tokyo.
Subways
Tokyo's subway network is operated by two companies, the Toei Subways with four lines, and Tokyo
Metro (formerly known as Eidan Subways) with nine lines. Together, they densely cover central
Tokyo, especially the area inside the Yamanote circle and the areas around Ginza and Shitamachi.
Note, that at their terminal stations, the trains of some subway lines continue to operate on the
tracks of different companies on suburban train lines. For example, the Chiyoda Subway Line is
directly connected with the suburban Odakyu Line at Yoyogi-Uehara Station, and trains on the
Fukutoshin Subway Line continue to run on the tracks of the Tokyu Toyoko Line at Shibuya Station.
Other railway companies
Besides JR East and the two subway companies, most other railway companies connect Tokyo with
the metropolis' outer regions and surrounding prefectures. Their lines typically start at one of the
stations of the JR Yamanote Line. Many of the private railway companies also operate department
stores usually at their train lines' major stations.
Yamanote Line
Circle line that connects all major city centers.
Keihin-Tohoku Line
Runs parallel to the Yamanote Line on the eastern half of the circle.
Chuo/Sobu Line (Local)
Runs across the Yamanote circle (local slow service).
Chuo Line (Rapid)
Runs across the Yamanote circle (rapid service). Connects Tokyo Station with Shinjuku Station.
Saikyo Line
Runs parallel to the Yamanote Line on the western half of the circle. From Osaki Station, some trains
continue running along the Rinkai Line in direction of Odaiba.
Shinkansen
Tokaido Shinkansen trains stop at Tokyo and Shinagawa, while bullet trains to the north stop at
Tokyo and Ueno.
Tokyu Railways
Serving southwestern Tokyo and Kanagawa.
Tobu Railways
Serving Saitama and Tochigi.
Connection to Nikko.
Seibu Railways
Serving the Tokyo Tama Region and Saitama.
Keio Railways
Serving the Tokyo Tama Region.
Odakyu Railways
Serving Kanagawa.
Connection to Hakone.
Keisei Railways
Serving Chiba.
Connection to Narita Airport.
Keikyu Railways
Serving Haneda Airport and Kanagawa.
Tsukuba Express
Connecting Akihabara with Tsukuba City, Ibaraki
Tickets
A whole variety of day passes is available for the Tokyo area, however, most of them are overpriced
and/or not very practical because they do not cover all of Tokyo's train and subway lines.
Consequently, single tickets or prepaid cards usually come cheaper, especially if you plan your city
sightseeing in a geographically wise way.
Prepaid IC cards are generally the recommended way to get around Tokyo. Prepaid cards don't give
you any discounts over single tickets, but they provide convenience as you can ride virtually any train
or bus in Greater Tokyo (and many other major cities in Japan) with just a simple swipe over a card
reader. They can also be used to make quick purchases at a constantly increasing number of shops in
Tokyo (and across the country).
Two types of IC cards are available for purchase in Tokyo: Suica cards at JR stations and Pasmo cards
at non-JR stations. Furthermore, eight IC cards from other major cities of Japan can also be used on
the trains and buses of Tokyo, including Icoca, Kitaca, Toica, Manaca, Pitapa, Sugoca, Nimoca and
Hayakaken.
Foreign tourists note that there are packages that combine a prepaid card with airport
transportation:
Suica & NEX (for foreign tourists arriving at Narita Airport)
The Suica & NEX package combines a ticket for the Narita Express airport train with a Suica
prepaid card at a heavily discounted cost. It is available as one way or round trip version and
can be purchased at Narita Airport only by travelers who hold a non-Japanese passport.
The one way version for 3500 yen (5000 yen for green car) consists of 1) a one way trip
from Narita Airport to Tokyo (or Yokohama) by Narita Express and 2) a Suica card worth 2000
yen (500 yen refundable deposit plus 1500 yen worth of train fares).
The round trip version for 5500 yen (8000 yen for green car) consists of 1) a round trip from
Narita Airport to Tokyo (or Yokohama) and back to Narita Airport within a two week period
and 2) a Suica card worth 2000 yen (500 yen refundable deposit plus 1500 yen worth of train
fares).
Suica & Monorail (for foreign tourists arriving at Haneda Airport)
The Suica & Monorail package combines a ticket for the Tokyo Monorail with a Suica prepaid
card at a slightly discounted cost. It is available as one way or round trip version and can be
purchased at Haneda Airport between 11:00 and 18:00 by travelers who hold a non-Japanese
passport. Note that the ticket cannot be purchased during the hours when most
intercontinental flights arrive at the airport!
The one way version for 2400 yen consists of 1) a one way trip from Haneda Airport to
Hamamatsucho Station in central Tokyo and 2) a Suica card worth 2000 yen (500 yen
refundable deposit plus 1500 yen worth of train fares) at a discount of 70 yen.
The round trip version for 2700 yen consists of 1) a round trip from Haneda Airport to
Hamamatsucho Station and back to Haneda Airport within a 10 day period and 2) a Suica card
worth 2000 yen (500 yen refundable deposit plus 1500 yen worth of train fares) at a discount
of 240 yen.
Suica & NEX: Suica Card (left) and the NEX ticket (right)
Only on days when you use trains or subways a lot, can it make sense to consider one of Tokyo's day
passes. Day passes are sold at train stations and vending machines and are valid from the first train
in the morning until the last train in the evening rather than for a 24 hour period.
Tokyo Free Kippu (1580 yen)
Unlimited use of all subway lines (Toei and Tokyo Metro) and JR trains in the central Tokyo
area on one calendar day. It is also valid on buses and streetcars operated by Toei. The pass is
overpriced and will unlikely provide any savings over regular tickets or prepaid cards.
Toei and Tokyo Metro One-Day Economy Pass (1000 yen)
Unlimited use of all subway lines (Toei and Tokyo Metro) on one calendar day. The pass only
pays off if you use the subways excessively. The pass is not valid on JR trains.
Tokyo Metro Open Ticket (1-day: 600 or 710 yen; 2-day: 980 yen)
Unlimited use of the nine Tokyo Metro subway lines, but not the four Toei subway lines and
JR trains. A regular one day pass costs 710 yen, while a tourist version is available for 600 yen
(one day) and 980 yen (two consecutive days). The tourist version is only available to foreign
tourists at Narita Airport andHaneda Airport.
Toei One-Day Economy Pass (700 yen)
Unlimited use of the four Toei subway lines, buses and streetcars on one calendar day. It is
not valid on the nine Tokyo Metro subway lines and JR trains.
Tokunai Pass (730 yen)
Unlimited use of JR trains in the central Tokyo area on one calendar day.
Local opening times
Shops
Generally Daily 10:00 - 19:00/20:00
Some shops stay open later and some 24 hours!
Banks
Generally Mon - Fri 09:00 - 15:00
Restaurants
Various opening times! Many open all day, others close around 2pm/3pm then re-open 6pm/7pm to
11pm or later.
Mobile phones
Having a cell phone is quite handy in Japan. Cell phones can be purchased in cell phone shops
around town. Required documents vary by shop so please check with each company. The followings
are the list of major cell phone companies in Japan:
NTT DOCOMO
http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/
au
http://www.au.kddi.com/english/index.html
SoftBank
http://mb.softbank.jp/en/
Cost of living
The Japanese currency is the Yen (¥). The 3 main denominations of bills are ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and
¥1,000 while the 6 denominations of coins are ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1. Cash payment is
common in Japan though many shops do accept credit cards. Checks are not normally used in Japan
for payment of everyday expenses.
Exchange of major currencies can be done at banks handling foreign currency exchange. The
exchange rate is standard at any bank.
Japan is well-known as one of the countries with an expensive cost of living. The following is a few
examples of goods. (Calculated at US$1 = ¥90).












Rice (5 kg) ¥ 1,997 (US$22.2)
Bread (1 kg) ¥ 416 (US$4.6)
Milk (1000 ml) ¥ 195 (US$2.2)
Eggs (10 eggs) ¥ 202 (US$2.2)
Apples (1 kg) ¥ 433 (US$4.8)
Cabbage (1 kg) ¥ 181 (US$2.0)
Coca Cola (500 ml plastic bottle) ¥ 97 (US$1.1)
Hamburger ¥ 86 (US$1.0)
Gasoline (1 liter) ¥ 133 (US$1.5)
Toilet paper (12 rolls) ¥ 279 (US$3.1)
Movie ticket ¥ 981 (US$10.9)
Taxi ¥ 626 (US$7.0
College student” visa
Exchange students who are not Japanese citizens must have a ‘college student’ or other suitable visa
status in order to register for courses at Sophia University. A ‘College student’ visa is valid for one
year. The visa should in principle be obtained in a student’s home country. In order to apply for a
College Student Visa, the student will need an Acceptance Letter from Sophia University and a
CERTIFICATE OF ELIGIBILITY issued by the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau.
Resident card
All students with a "College Student" status of residence will be issued a resident card at Narita,
Haneda, Chubu, and Kansai Airports, besides having a seal of landing verification stamped in your
passports. At other ports of entry/departure, a seal of landing verification will be stamped i n the
passport and the description which states "a resident card will be issued later" will be made near the
stamp. In this case, after you follow the residency procedure at the municipal office of the
city/town/village, a resident card will be mailed by the Regional Immigration Office to the reported
place of residence. You must carry the resident card all the time during your stay in Japan.
Part time job
Before starting a part-time job, you must receive "permission to engage in activity other than
permitted by status" from the Immigration Bureau.
Activities Other Than Permitted by Status (Part-Time Job)
(1)What is permission to engage in activities other than permitted by status of residence?(Before
starting a part-time job)
People with the status of residence "College (Pre-college) Student" are allowed to work part-time up
to 28 hours per week. This application is called "permission to engage in activities other than
permitted by status." Before starting a part-time job, apply for this permission directly to
immigration. Once received, you are allowed to engage in activities other than permitted by status
until your period of stay expires.
International students are permitted to study at universities and conduct research in Japan. Parttime jobs should not interfere with studies or research.
NOTE: Students on absence from school may not apply.
※There is no longer a need to submit a "fukushin-sho" issued from the university.
※The University does not handle bulk applications to immigration. Apply directly yourself.
There is a limit to how many hours you can work part-time. Undergraduate and graduate students
may work up to 28 hours, and non-degree students, auditing students, research students attending
entire lectures may work up to 14 hours. During long university breaks (summer/winter/spring
break), students can work part-time up to 8 hours per day.
(2) Apply for permission to engage in activities other than permitted by status
1. Apply at Immigration
Go to immigration to apply for "permission to engage in activities other than permitted by status".
There are no fees.
[Documents required for application]
Permission to Engage in Activities Other than Permitted by Status Application Form, Certificate of
Alien Registration, Passport
2.Receive Notice
Notice from immigration delivered to home address (2 weeks - 2 months from application)
3.Go to Immigration
Go to immigration within the time period stated on the notice to get the permission.
[Documents required for receiving permission]
Inspection Results Notice, Certificate of Alien Registration, Passport, Student ID
4.Start Part-Time Job!
Start your part-time job
※Download applications at the Immigration Bureau homepage:
→http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/tetuduki/kanri/shyorui/09.html
Insurance and Medical Services
1. Insurance
In principle, all exchange students have to join Japanese National Health Insurance after you arrive in
Japan. The insurance fee differs according to resident area. With the Japanese National Health
Insurance, students only have to pay 30% of the medical costs when they go to see doctors.
At the same time, we strongly recommend exchange students to make arrangements for study
abroad insurance or travel insurance in their home countries that covers emergencies other than
medical costs overseas throughout their exchange period.
The insurance premium has to be paid monthly once registration is completed. The premium varies
according to local councils and one’s income. However, in most cases, the premium is about JPY
20,000 per year.
How to join
Apply to the Medical Insurance Section at City Hall within 14 days of residence registration or
registering your change of address. You will be issued a National Health Insurance card upon
enrollment.
* You are automatically entered into your employer's health insurance scheme. Confirm your
insurance status with your place of employment.
Requirements to join
・Registered as a resident of the City
(*You are obliged to join if you will be in Japan for three months or longer.)
(Required documents)
・Either a residence card, a special permanent resident certificate, or an alien registration card
・Personal seal
Insurance premiums
Calculated according to factors such as the total income for all insured persons, and the number of
insured persons (the number of people in your family).
* There is a system whereby households may apply for a reduction if their income for the previous
fiscal year was below a stipulated level, or if they find it difficult to pay the insurance premium due
to some kind of disaster.
Benefits provided
・Partial coverage of medical costs (See the table below)
・A payment when high medical treatment costs are incurred
・A fixed one-time payment for childbirth and childcare
・A fixed funeral allowance
・An allowance for medical expenses
(Portion of costs that insured individuals must bear themselves)
Withdrawing from the scheme
If you join the social insurance scheme of your place of employment, you must complete the
procedures to withdraw from the National Health Insurance plan, and return your National Health
Insurance Card.
2. Accident insurance
Sophia requires all exchange students to take out "Personal Accident Insurance for Students
Pursuing Education and Research", which covers physical injuries due to sudden, accidental and
external causes which the insured (student) suffers while taking part in educational and research
activities at the university (i.e. during regular classes or school events, during extracurricular
activities reported to the university and while the insured is within the school facilities for reasons
other than the above.Diseases are not covered by this insurance), and during commuting to School.
The fee is 800 yen and the term of insurance is 1 year.