As a resident of Kyoto I can honestly say Japan's transit system is second to none. Whether its the subways, local commuter lines or the Shinkansen, wherever you go It's punctual, clean, people are mindful and respectful of others and it is simply a joy to witness. I can't speak highly enough of how they operate.
My thoughts exactly - limiting praise of their public transport to only Tokyo is selling them short. We travelled around Tokyo, to Kyoto, Osaka, kawaguchiko and Hakone and every step of the way was perfectly on time, clean and easy and without knowing any Japanese. Even left a bag with our passports in it on a train at 10:30pm and had them back at 9am the next day!
@@osomorose I'm glad you agree. I've known many people who have been in the same situation as you leaving items on the train. They have always had them either handed into the nearest station or delivered back to them. Fantastic service. I also find the etiquette and manners astounding too. From lining up to board the train to how quiet the carriages are. I used to commute to Osaka and never had a single issue with noise from other passengers. I can't say the same however where I'm originally from (The UK)
From my own experience I'd say China's transit system has definitely overtaken that of Japan. Japan's system feels a bit outdated and the shinkansen having multiple operators meaning you need to walk to another side of the station is a bit tedious.
@@stijnhs Technology advancement aside, what separates Japanese train system apart from the rest is their service. Always on time, reliable, the whole management is simply polished. Even the passengers are very disciplined and polite. My 2 cents
The only criticism I would have is that most stations are very basic and have zero aesthetic appeal. But yeah, if you just wanted to move people around, Tokyo is very good. They also have a very good bus system also. Where I live the bus costs about $2 / ride and you can go anywhere in our area for the flat fee. (no trying to sort out how much is it to here, or to a different place). The buses arrive every 2-7 minutes, depending on the time of day. And very correct, the Japanese love to follow rules. Everyone lines up on the left side of the escalator so that people in a hurry can walk up quickly. No one talks on the train or subway, or in low tones if they do. You don't eat on local trains but on long trips it is considered ok. Everybody glared at me one evening as I bought KFC and took it home on the subway. The scent probably had many of them eating fried chicken by the next day.
What I appreciate a lot on this channel is that you say "This video is sponsored by X, more info down below" without talking about it in the video for like 5 minutes
There are videos like that in this channel, usually the ones about architecture software or the like, which is of course okay so long as he clearly displays it.
Fun fact: Tokyo underground metro is built in different altitudes so the stations can be stacked on top of each other or made much closer making transition distance shorter than any metro in the world.
I visited Tokyo for work and brought my 17 year old daughter with me. She traveled around during the day by herself. The city felt incredibly safe. The subway system is by far the best I have seen while traveling around the world. It is clean and on time. I wish to go back to visit with my wife.
It's normal to see 5 year olds traveling to school on trains/buses on their own in Japan. People there are surprised that you can't do that in most other countries
@@kc3302 On some rare occasions, you'll see (nicely/professionally dressed) women passed out on Tokyo subways in a drunken stupor (after going to happy hours with office colleagues.) But somehow, they ALL get home safe and sound at the end of the day. I find that astonishing and comforting at the same time!
Agreed and the Japanese people contribute to the success as well. To add context: A teenage Japanese girl, split a couple drops of chocolate milk, on my (Tall American's) boot while on the subway. Apart from saying sorry over and over, she was digging through her purse to find a rag, to clean my boot. I had a paper towel and simply wiped off the liquid, from my water-proof boots. She then bent down and wiped up the couple drops on floor. (She was almost in tears) I smiled and assured her I wasn't up set. While most people dont eat and drink, this was lightly packed car, and she was drinking a small carton with a straw. Just something I wont forget.
@@kpresnell45 That's Japan for you. I went to restaurant and I tried ordering something the menu that was sold out and the owner apologized like 3 times then he comped my meal. I was like "honestly it's fine" but he wouldn't have it.
I forgot who said it but I was a Japanese professor on a lecture, and he said something along the lines of, "The measure of a great city is if the rich ride the commuters train." He was talking about Singapore in that lecture, but he may very well be taking from his home country.
Singapore has a lot of its people using public transport but we're probably some way off from "the rich ride the commuters train" e.g. parts of the prime residential district of Bt TImah can be almost 2km away from the nearest bus stop, & such seclusion is likely due to lack of demand, but I heard could also make the area feel more exclusive & prestigious & possibly raise property values. Though we have a joke here that commoners can have Mercedes too - by riding our Citaro & OC500LE public buses (& O3/405(G)s too in the past)
well, I would say it has a lot to do with racism. When public transportation was integrated in USA, Middle class white people bought private automobiles.
Apparently you could just jump the gate and walk right in for free! amazing! ....Seriously, the people in the bay area are half the problem if you were to be honest.
Tokyo and NYC have comparable population sizes, yet the subways are worlds apart. NYC's are constantly late, extremely dirty and sometimes unsafe. During my visit to Japan I was so impressed with their mass transit infrastructure.
@@infinitejinpachi Nah the last two have a lot to do with how the lines are built and managed. The Tokyo Metro runs at a profit. How? The Metro isn't just a subway, it's also a real estate business. The Subway is the means to increase the worth of the real estate the business holds, and the real estate works to provide the passengers the subway needs. Very few other mass transit systems have the "synergy" of the two types of businesses.
@Donald Endsley The NYC could have the exact same technology and business practices as the Tokyo subway and it wouldn't matter, some crackhead would come in and piss in the corner of the cabin
NYC’s original lines were started 60 + odd years before Tokyo - and really high cost to upgrade, and dude really NYC is a whole different culture even in the US!
I love how they even designed the card reading system to start reading your IC card inches before touching the reader. It may only save you a second or less but multiply that by millions of people going through gates and its a massive time saver.
xiaoka and ic card dev started in 1992 through joint partnership of six companies in hong kong via creative star ltd. that and like others said, japan uses felica which is from sony. Not comparable.
The entire Netherlands uses one unified public transport card. It is called the OV chip kaart and can be used in buses, trains and for rental bikes and cars all over the country.
The Netherlands is a fantastic country, but you have to appreciate that its urban areas aren't anything like as crowded as major cities such as London, Seoul and Tokyo which makes things MUCH easier. Not saying they couldn't find a fantastic solution if they had to, I'm a huge fan of the country, but simply that they don't have to.
@@Tridentus But we are not talking about density are we. We are talking about unifying bus, train, metro, tram, light rail, rental bikes, and ferries ticketing for an entire country under one single card. In contrast to unifying 2 modes of transport, subway and trains, in parts of a country.
@@Tridentus surely the lower density and more fragmented administrative structure of the Netherlands would make this more complicated there than in Tokyo?
I've been to Tokyo a couple times and the subway system there is unlike any I've seen around the world on my travels! It's quite literally a city under Tokyo. There's shops from small stands to high end luxury and whole corridors devoted to just food. All run efficiently and and quietly! Truly amazing sight to see.
Fascinating! As a man that has had to endure the NYC Subway for over 30 years, I can safely say Tokyo and so many other countries put us to shame! Great video Thank You!
@ユジン it’s better to have 19 or 20 hours of excellent service than 24 hours of really BAD service. The NYCT has the largest bus fleet in the USA there’s no excuse for not running enhanced overnight bus service instead of trains and actually maintaining the system.
Japan as a country amazes me and its a country I'd love to be able to travel to one day. I know this video focused on Tokyo but I just wanted to praise the country as a whole
It can ruin you. Returning home is just an exercise in extended disappointment. The public transit alone is sublime, even for an English speaker. The people are polite, it's very clean and unreasonably picturesque, and a lot of things they do raise uncomfortable questions about the way we do things elsewhere. Obviously, there are problems, but there is a lot that is working too.
I lived in Japan for two years, their whole rail network is clean and litter free, trains for the most part run on time, Once a conductor went through every compartment apologising and looking extremely troubles because the train was going to be a minute late. The staff are very polite. Another country where the underground and rail network is actually fabulous is Singapore. Probably the best in the world.
I went to Tokyo a couple years ago, and man that city is a work of art. Not only is it insanely huge, it's somehow all very organized, and super clean. And yes, the subway is amazing there. Buttery smooth, super efficient and the trains are always, ALWAYS on time. I mean, the trains are never a minute early or a minute late, always exactly on time. Tokyo is awesome.
I don't know why you've separated the subway system from the rest of the rail system. They work together to cover the Tokyo metropolis and riders don't really differentiate one from the other. In Tokyo, some subway lines merge with above-ground rail lines also. When I lived there, I actually computed with one. A train started out from a suburb outside Tokyo went underground and traveled on a subway line in Tokyo then the train continues past Tokyo and travels past a neighboring prefecture onto yet another prefecture. This was done through a collaboration of 2 railway companies and 1 subway company.
Fun Fact : The number of Tokyo subway line that this video shows to us is the tip of an iceberg. This video only shows you Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. However, there are even more private corporations operating their own subway lines such as JR, KEIO, TOBU, SEIBU, and so on… maybe there are more than 100 subway lines in Tokyo metropolitan(Kanto area).
Yeah, but I think he only mentioned Tokyo Metro and Toei because they are exclusively subway companies, while Tobu, Seibu, and JR all have above ground lines. It’s probably easier for viewers to start at Tokyo Metro or Toei when they do individual research.
I don't think it's just the subway system though. The JR, Seibu, and Tokyu train lines are also extremely effective, moving millions (literally) everyday from Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Kawasaki.
There are too many different railway operators in kanto area. This video only covers 2 subways systems, which run mostly in downtown area like Minato, Chuo or Taito
@@nomadMik that’s more often the Chinese subways, I’ve never seen it when I was in japan for a year but you will be in very tightly packed train at rush hour :)
Having traveled to Japan, the transit system was honestly one of the highlights of my trip. It was surprisingly easy to use and got me to visit places in Japan quickly and efficiently. Rarely got lost as well, which is always a plus when traveling!
The production quality is too good, don't ever stop please. Also if you're up for suggestions, I'm not sure this falls within your format, but how about covering some major historical buildings that have since been destroyed?
Really nice video with so much information for 7 minutes, a lot of them really on point. You’re the only one to mention about the connections between different lines, out of all the “Tokyo Subway” videos out there. Just to let you know, the Toei-Asakusa line displayed around 4:04 actually connects through all the Keikyu, Keisei, Hokuso and Shibayama lines, whereas the Mita line only connects with the Tokyu-Meguro line.
@@PlaneSpottingBerlin Even a lot of comments says that you don't need to know Japanese to navigate easily on japanese transportation. But most importantly, check whatever vlogger's video from Japan, from subway and you will see the truth for yourself :)
@@PlaneSpottingBerlin You clearly have never been to Japan. The vast majority of signage in Japan, other then some rural towns, is in Japanese and English. Some also have Chinese and/or Korean. It has been like that for ages. If you truly were to get lost on a Japanese train line, it is a simple matter of taking a map to a staff member and point at where you want to go. Not only will they show you how to get there, but will also help you get the needed ticket.
I went to Japan 4 years ago on a holiday and Tokyo's subway system, is honestly just phenomenal, I even kept my train card as a souvenir, wonder if it'll still work if I ever visit again.
At least it is your subway falling apart. Here in South Africa the country falls apart thanks to endemic corruption and strange ideologies of the party in power.
These videos are absolutely amazing! I've been subscribed to you for a while and as an aspiring Civil Engineer, I've looked to your videos for inspiration as to what I want to accomplish. Once again, fantastic content!
So I guess my wish was heard and I absolutely can't believe it. Not just it's about Trains which are my love but also based in Japan, my favourite nation and specifically Tokyo. Can't expect anything more from B1M, I feel so much accomplished now. Thank you soooo much for this video and looking forward for more as always ❤️
Visited Japan in about 2004. Absolutely blown away by the subway. Trains arriving within seconds of the anticipated time. Mind-bogglingly efficient, clean and safe.
Your video production quality is so high that I literally thought “The B1M” was a major architecture editorial of some sort that hired professional videographers. I’m addicted to your videos now!
@@teeare9472 I love to observe Japan in google street view. It seems like no matter where you go everything is always clean and tidy and well built and no poverty to be seen
@5:02 Argentina had done away with the multiple fare zones and implemented a single fare zone across the nation since 2009. It's so convenient to use just one SUBE card for many public transportation systems and some toll roads in Argentina regardless of whether you are in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia.
I always thought the London underground could benefit from using numbers and letters to make a navigation for visitors easyer. Mabey it's a fix that isn't nead but it could help 😀
It would probably be helpful for people unfamiliar with the Roman alphabet, but the line names are so engraved in classic literature, known the world over, that I hope they stay. That said, it shits me, when I visit my friend in England, that I have to take the 'Northern Line' to get to her place, near one of the southernmost stations. 🤷♂️
@@KiLLJoYTH-cam Maybe he's talking about how all the individual carriages in each train are numbered, so when you're navigating from place to place using a maps app, you actually know where to stand on each platform to get to your destination most efficiently. As a Londoner this blew my mind. Most Londoners who have a regular commute sort of figure out what their ideal waiting spot on a given platform is, but if everybody - especially tourists - used this system by default it would make travelling so much easier and cut down on unneeded congestion at certain big stations.
Another amazing video as always! I have enjoyed my 5 years in Atsugi and their public transport is something that every other country in this planet needs to take inspirations from, and perhaps also China's. Trains are very clean and the passengers respect each other's space. It is a great example of how people will enjoy wonderful things made for the public as long as the public respects and takes care of said things as if they were their personal belongings.
Wow their railways are really inspired by aviation; 1st we have _shinkansen_ whose bodies flex slightly when entering tunnels (due to pressure/drag changes) & with small aircraft-like windows, & now we hear of subway operators performing D-checks on their rolling stock
@@solderbuff As a Japanese person, I kind of understand what s/he is trying to say. It just came out wrong. He meant "homogeneous society", where there's an extremely high sense of doing everything top-quality/right as a country. It's a form of nationalism. In this case, it's a very positive thing other countries should take notice.
Tokyo's subway system is a thing of beauty... Having visited twice in five years you could appreciate not only the progress in renovations but also a spotless maintenance. The kindness of its personnel, and Japan's people in general, is a subject that deserves complete admiration
We’ve been riding trains throughout the pandemic in Japan and they are packed. No shortage of passengers here! This is such a cool video. Love learning more about the trains we use daily.
Just before the pandemic I spend 2 weeks in Tokyo for vacation. That's when I understood that toyko subway is in a whole other level than any of the others I visited. It was easy to find my way even if I didn't understood Japanese, the suica card is extremely easy to use
Thanks, B1M for the awesome video. Visiting Japan and experiencing their Shinkansen has always been on my bucket list. Now I've added Tokyo subway to the list as well.
It is absolutely incredible how many subway stations there are in Tokyo. Some of these tunnels go extremely deep (up to 42 meters) and the amount of escalators going up and down is insane.
One thing I love about the Tokyo subway system is that they show you which subway car you should get on to exit your destination as quick as possible! So smart, and so efficient!
Having been to Tokyo, I can attest to how amazing the subway/rail system is. I never struggled to get anywhere, payment is seamless. You can even buy a rail pass for greater Japan and get to major cities in no time flat. It was a true lesson in good engineering and maintenance. I sincerely wish state governments in the US would do more to emulate this kind of success.
Japan is renowned for their trains........ their subways are indeed some of the best if not the best in the world. So modern, fast, clean and convenient..............
Keep in mind that the subway isn't the only and not even the biggest rail transit system operating in the Tokyo area. The video mentions suburban commuter rail (because of the through connections with the subway), but there is also JR East. JR East operates the busiest lines, including the Yamanote - with an annual ridership of 1.5 billion on that line alone. According to Wikipedia, JR East ridership in the Greater Tokyo region was almost 6 billion in 2017. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Greater_Tokyo
I spent almost 3 months in Tokyo leading up to the pandemic last year. The subway system is exactly how you have described it. Travelling on it was a pleasure, even being squished on in the morning rush hour is event-free and punctual! It really puts the system in the UK to shame and frustrates me even more every time a train is delayed...
I would be happy with a pre paid card for the public transport and not different payment systems/apps in each city. I really liked the Pasmo/Suica/Icoca card in Japan.
Beautiful video, thank you. But the Greater Tokyo area ( more 38 milllions people) has more than 100 train lines, operating outdoors, in addition to 13 underground lines!! It's a huge trasportation system . The best in the world !!
The one thing i would critisise on this video, is the fact that you only talked about its subway. JR runs a massive overground system on top of the subway which is used pretty much inter-changeably with the subway. In london, a major reason why theres no track sharing with normal trains is because they wouldnt be compatible with the tunnels.
It's worth noting that quite a bit of the stock footage used actually features the JR suburban rail network and not the subway. JR operates by-in-large on the British model with major interchange stations like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Tokyo Sation to name just a few.
Yes! I was looking to see if anyone would comment on the JR lines, the vid glosses over the JR and other system lines that work in tandem with the official subway system. In fact, the Yamanote JR line, imho, is the most important line in Tokyo and is technically not a subway. It’s a skyway rail line that circles the city and is indispensable for getting many places in Tokyo. I use it every time I’m in Tokyo.
I always found it fascinating how in Japan going by Subway is more chill even though there are even more people than in London (from how it feels anyway). The trains are modern, quiet, clean and just overall great... in Tokyo I always enjoyed my subway rides, whereas in London I hate every single day I have to use the tube.
If it's anything like Singapore's then I don't really know the difference (to suburban rail). One is underground and has more trains running I guess? Won't be that much more in the future anyway. Besides that, my dad's been on the Tube, the Singapore MRT and the subway in Athens and described London's as the best transport system in the world. Said the trains "Come like that" IE you don't have to wait at all, and that he could go anywhere on it (He said that of Athens too though)
I think you miss something like, Tokyo can keep in clean and quiet, people follow the decided flow, all this good things are part of the characteristic of Japanese
I am really excited about my upcoming career transition towards construction logistics for big railway construction projects. This decision was partly based on the inspiring videos on your channel. Thank you for that!
I would love to see a video on the Shinkansen highspeed rail also. Japan sure knows its trains and rails. Would be intresting to see your take on their railway as a whole or something simillar
Unlike Europe their fares are the same irregardless of how far in advance you buy them, but seat reservations are more expensive (~¥2500/€20/£16, unless you have a rail pass, then it's free, but can't be reserved online) & most train cars can't have both reserved & unreserved seats. Buffet cars are uncommon too (including on the Sunrise Express overnight train); you buy food in advance instead at the train station (though not all retailers there have heating services I think). Like Europe, they have a rail pass for foreigners too but you can't leave gaps in it's validity period (when you choose when you want to activate/use it for) i.e. valid on 1 day but not on the next, but valid again on the 3rd day
Thanks for the great content. The subway system in Tokyo doesn't simply equate to "the train system of Tokyo". As mentioned in the video, the underground system itself includes two systems Tokyo Metro and Toei. And then there are overground systems like JR (largest passenger railway company in the world) and 7-8 other rail operators (companies), plus monorail system, tram, automated rail system (no driver). I am confident to say Tokyo is probably the most connected city in the world, in terms of rail transportation. If you have visited the city, you'd know what I mean :)
So true. Subway is defined in Japanese as underground railroad (地下鉄), which fits T-Metro and Toei. However, JR and other many private companies play a great roll in the same way and have the direct connection systems like Tokyu line→T-Metro line→Tobu line, so that they are also de facto subway. Also, the concept Rigion/Intercity, which is often seen in Europe, is almost not used in Japan.
In addition to the so-called subways, there are many commuter trains in Tokyo. For example, JR East, Tokyu, Odakyu, Keio, Seibu, Tobu, Keisei, Keikyu, etc. All of these have 8 to 15 cars running every 3 minutes during rush hour. Many of these trains operate from satellite cities about 50 km away from central Tokyo. The Yamanote line, the most famous and busiest line in Tokyo, is operated by JR East (the former national railroad company that operates Bullet trains).
Many of these railroad companies are completely independent and privately owned. However, all of them can be accessed via Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway without changing trains. In addition to the railroad business, these railroad companies have expanded into many other fields such as real estate, hotels, retail, and construction, making them some of the most famous companies in Japan.
Came to mention the Yamanote line as well. It's not technically part of the subway, but carries 4 million riders per day *on a single line*. All of the NY Subway only carries 5.5 million riders.
@@agntdrake Yeah. The Tamanote line passes through all of the popular hubs; Shibuya, Ikebukuro, etc. I actually prefer the above ground lines more than the Subway. Actually 80-90% of my travels around the city are on the above ground lines when I visit.
Great video, and I very much agree that it's the world best subway system. Two additional reasons for that, which were not commented on in the video: affordable fares (in relation to the general cost of living in Tokyo) while still turning a profit and recently a huge effort to construct platform doors that has made traveling much safer at a majority of stations already, with plans to complete all stations on the subway and commuter train lines within another few years. The only drawback I can come up with is the lack of nighttime mass transit (around 1am to 5am everything stops).
Yes, this is my latest focus. I have studied urbanisation and urban rail for 2 decades as part of our business in property. Moscow is quietly building quite a system. I have nothing more to say than that until I have explored every urban railway in Moscow and its wider urbanised area to be fair - the Oblast and beyond where necessary.
Their subway system is sometimes confusing because of how many subway trains are available. But it is very efficient. I loved visiting and seeing all of Tokyo.
Japanese subway is best in the world because of its people, it’s so clean, safe, and everyone gets along. Other cities are a different story altogether.
As a Tokyoite, it is interesting that foreigners see subways and other railway networks like JR are different things. In Tokyo, urban and interurban railways are completely continuous, so we never distinguish them when we move around the city. For example, when you get from Tokyo Sta. (the central business district) to Shinjuku Sta.(a subcenter of the city), you will take either JR's Chuo Line (an interurban railway connecting Tokyo and Hachioji) or Tokyo Metro's Marunouchi Line, on both of which trains depart about every five minutes with the exact same price.
Tokyo’s “subway(地下鉄)” is smaller than that of those cities you mentioned, but no one says “I’m going to use the subway” in Tokyo. People say 「電車(electric trains)」 because the majority of Tokyo’s railway system is not either Tokyo Metro or Toei subway. In fact the majority of them are ground level trains like those of JR, Keio, Keisei, Odakyu, etc. And these are much more similar to the “subways” people from other cities talk about and are definitely not similar those so-called “commuter trains”. If you combine them, Tokyo has the single largest metropolitan railway system on the planet without a doubt. Map for all railway lines in Tokyo Metropotican area: www.meik.jp/2rosenzu/14_tokyo_yokohama.html Map for Tokyo subway: www.tokyometro.jp/station/
I thought same thing. Why he mentioned only 2 company of underground? Tokyo has lot of railway company. I think 90% of Tokyo People use other railway company (JR, Seibu, Tobu, Odakyu, Keio, Tokyu, Keikyu, Keisei, yurikamome, Monorail, etc, First Railway System of Tokyo (Shinbashi to Yokohama) opend in 1872.
After living in Tokyo for 5 years the transportation system is indeed top class - clean , punctual and having a smart card or app that you can load to purchase items at any store + works country wide 🔥
One of the only youtube channels that I have notifications turned on for. Love your videos!!
A.K.A, A man with no time wasted
@Pisapati Srinivas how to
@@khoco88 Compare 1961 East Berlin Vs 2021 Hong Kong IN YOUR NEXT VIDEO!!!!
@@matpk What?
I don't have a TH-cam channel
Investing in Bitcoin trading is the best investment that's more profitable🤑🤑
As a resident of Kyoto I can honestly say Japan's transit system is second to none. Whether its the subways, local commuter lines or the Shinkansen, wherever you go It's punctual, clean, people are mindful and respectful of others and it is simply a joy to witness. I can't speak highly enough of how they operate.
My thoughts exactly - limiting praise of their public transport to only Tokyo is selling them short. We travelled around Tokyo, to Kyoto, Osaka, kawaguchiko and Hakone and every step of the way was perfectly on time, clean and easy and without knowing any Japanese. Even left a bag with our passports in it on a train at 10:30pm and had them back at 9am the next day!
@@osomorose I'm glad you agree. I've known many people who have been in the same situation as you leaving items on the train. They have always had them either handed into the nearest station or delivered back to them. Fantastic service. I also find the etiquette and manners astounding too. From lining up to board the train to how quiet the carriages are. I used to commute to Osaka and never had a single issue with noise from other passengers. I can't say the same however where I'm originally from (The UK)
So this is opposite of Indian railways 😂
From my own experience I'd say China's transit system has definitely overtaken that of Japan. Japan's system feels a bit outdated and the shinkansen having multiple operators meaning you need to walk to another side of the station is a bit tedious.
@@stijnhs Technology advancement aside, what separates Japanese train system apart from the rest is their service. Always on time, reliable, the whole management is simply polished. Even the passengers are very disciplined and polite. My 2 cents
"Make public transportation something people want to use, not just tolerate." Amen!
The only criticism I would have is that most stations are very basic and have zero aesthetic appeal. But yeah, if you just wanted to move people around, Tokyo is very good. They also have a very good bus system also. Where I live the bus costs about $2 / ride and you can go anywhere in our area for the flat fee. (no trying to sort out how much is it to here, or to a different place). The buses arrive every 2-7 minutes, depending on the time of day.
And very correct, the Japanese love to follow rules. Everyone lines up on the left side of the escalator so that people in a hurry can walk up quickly. No one talks on the train or subway, or in low tones if they do. You don't eat on local trains but on long trips it is considered ok. Everybody glared at me one evening as I bought KFC and took it home on the subway. The scent probably had many of them eating fried chicken by the next day.
Ive been to tokyo... the trains are nice but expensive compared to New Yorks.
@@b3at2 NYC trains are filthy
Check out China Amazing safety walls so you don't trip and die getting on a train... This is what usa has ready for you soon... THREADS
@@b3at2 Justified due to how clean and efficient they are… meanwhile, New York’s cheapness may as well make up for them lacking in those qualities.
What I appreciate a lot on this channel is that you say "This video is sponsored by X, more info down below" without talking about it in the video for like 5 minutes
There are videos like that in this channel, usually the ones about architecture software or the like, which is of course okay so long as he clearly displays it.
He just gets less money from it that's all
Fun fact: Tokyo underground metro is built in different altitudes so the stations can be stacked on top of each other or made much closer making transition distance shorter than any metro in the world.
just like in Moscow
I thought altitude is the height above sea level 🤔
@@ogone1465 he should’ve said ‘depths’
Just like London....
In HK you have to walk a lot
I visited Tokyo for work and brought my 17 year old daughter with me. She traveled around during the day by herself. The city felt incredibly safe. The subway system is by far the best I have seen while traveling around the world. It is clean and on time. I wish to go back to visit with my wife.
It's normal to see 5 year olds traveling to school on trains/buses on their own in Japan. People there are surprised that you can't do that in most other countries
There is a molestation and creepshot problem, so be warned.
@@UmamiPapi just avoid morning rush hour if you're a tourist.
@@kc3302 On some rare occasions, you'll see (nicely/professionally dressed) women passed out on Tokyo subways in a drunken stupor (after going to happy hours with office colleagues.) But somehow, they ALL get home safe and sound at the end of the day. I find that astonishing and comforting at the same time!
Until you go to Shanghai and Beijing subways
I cannot speak highly enough of the subway system in Tokyo and the wider system in Japan, it just incredible.
then go marry it, Eddie
Agreed and the Japanese people contribute to the success as well. To add context: A teenage Japanese girl, split a couple drops of chocolate milk, on my (Tall American's) boot while on the subway. Apart from saying sorry over and over, she was digging through her purse to find a rag, to clean my boot. I had a paper towel and simply wiped off the liquid, from my water-proof boots. She then bent down and wiped up the couple drops on floor. (She was almost in tears) I smiled and assured her I wasn't up set. While most people dont eat and drink, this was lightly packed car, and she was drinking a small carton with a straw. Just something I wont forget.
@@kpresnell45 That's Japan for you. I went to restaurant and I tried ordering something the menu that was sold out and the owner apologized like 3 times then he comped my meal. I was like "honestly it's fine" but he wouldn't have it.
Japan has build the best subway system, But the prevention of COVID 19 is chaotic, horrible things.
Eric Gz Ok. Not related. But OK.
I forgot who said it but I was a Japanese professor on a lecture, and he said something along the lines of, "The measure of a great city is if the rich ride the commuters train." He was talking about Singapore in that lecture, but he may very well be taking from his home country.
That’s the measure of great public transport you mean
I think he tried to avoid bias on his own country
Singapore has a lot of its people using public transport but we're probably some way off from "the rich ride the commuters train" e.g. parts of the prime residential district of Bt TImah can be almost 2km away from the nearest bus stop, & such seclusion is likely due to lack of demand, but I heard could also make the area feel more exclusive & prestigious & possibly raise property values. Though we have a joke here that commoners can have Mercedes too - by riding our Citaro & OC500LE public buses (& O3/405(G)s too in the past)
well, I would say it has a lot to do with racism.
When public transportation was integrated in USA, Middle class white people bought private automobiles.
@@davidjacobs8558 Oh NO! those white people!
This channel motivates me to continue studying architecture. And also the videos look like short documentaries and I love that.
We're on the same page
Same here!
Same, only second semester but its hard
same but I'm bad at math 😔
Me too!
"Making public transportation systems something people *want* to use, not just tolerate..."
:: cries in BART ::
Or the old London tube carriages that smell of motor oil and do not have airconditioning.
fixing bart would require a japanese prison system
not going to happen lol
Apparently you could just jump the gate and walk right in for free! amazing! ....Seriously, the people in the bay area are half the problem if you were to be honest.
I like to use BART. But the smell, especially from homeless people, the noise, the schedule, the reach, etc… make me so sad and tired of the system.
ah yes, the Bay Area...leftist "utopia"
Tokyo and NYC have comparable population sizes, yet the subways are worlds apart. NYC's are constantly late, extremely dirty and sometimes unsafe. During my visit to Japan I was so impressed with their mass transit infrastructure.
The last 2 are more to do with the people living in the city than the train network itself
@@infinitejinpachi Nah the last two have a lot to do with how the lines are built and managed. The Tokyo Metro runs at a profit. How? The Metro isn't just a subway, it's also a real estate business. The Subway is the means to increase the worth of the real estate the business holds, and the real estate works to provide the passengers the subway needs. Very few other mass transit systems have the "synergy" of the two types of businesses.
@Donald Endsley The NYC could have the exact same technology and business practices as the Tokyo subway and it wouldn't matter, some crackhead would come in and piss in the corner of the cabin
NYC’s original lines were started 60 + odd years before Tokyo - and really high cost to upgrade, and dude really NYC is a whole different culture even in the US!
Take into consideration that Japan has much less drug abuse than the U.S.
I love how they even designed the card reading system to start reading your IC card inches before touching the reader. It may only save you a second or less but multiply that by millions of people going through gates and its a massive time saver.
I just had my card in my wallet and put my wallet close to the reader (didnt even have to touch it). Very convenient!
Upass from Korea was the first contactless RFID payment system. Implemented in 1996.
Suica was 5 years later.
@@xiaoka suica uses different proprietary tech from Sony.
Thats because of Felica, it's proprietary NFC from Sony that existed years before actual standardized NFC.
xiaoka and ic card dev started in 1992 through joint partnership of six companies in hong kong via creative star ltd. that and like others said, japan uses felica which is from sony. Not comparable.
As a B1M lover and a Japanese person living in Tokyo I had to watch this!
dude same lol
英語上手です。
アメリカの出身がありますか？
The entire Netherlands uses one unified public transport card. It is called the OV chip kaart and can be used in buses, trains and for rental bikes and cars all over the country.
The Netherlands is a fantastic country, but you have to appreciate that its urban areas aren't anything like as crowded as major cities such as London, Seoul and Tokyo which makes things MUCH easier. Not saying they couldn't find a fantastic solution if they had to, I'm a huge fan of the country, but simply that they don't have to.
@@Tridentus But we are not talking about density are we. We are talking about unifying bus, train, metro, tram, light rail, rental bikes, and ferries ticketing for an entire country under one single card. In contrast to unifying 2 modes of transport, subway and trains, in parts of a country.
Same in Denmark, creatively named "rejsekort"
@@Tridentus surely the lower density and more fragmented administrative structure of the Netherlands would make this more complicated there than in Tokyo?
@@MrJakson112 which means travelcard
I've been to Tokyo a couple times and the subway system there is unlike any I've seen around the world on my travels! It's quite literally a city under Tokyo. There's shops from small stands to high end luxury and whole corridors devoted to just food. All run efficiently and and quietly! Truly amazing sight to see.
Fascinating! As a man that has had to endure the NYC Subway for over 30 years, I can safely say Tokyo and so many other countries put us to shame! Great video Thank You!
@ユジン Not all trains there are 24/7 tho. There are some that ends at a certain time
@ユジン it’s better to have 19 or 20 hours of excellent service than 24 hours of really BAD service. The NYCT has the largest bus fleet in the USA there’s no excuse for not running enhanced overnight bus service instead of trains and actually maintaining the system.
Almost every subway system outside the US is better than NYC in experience USA is bottom of the barrel in mass transit
@ユジン In NYC during Covid the subway stopped running at midnight but it starts 24 hours again today 5/17!
@@qjtvaddict Why dont you look at manila. They're even worse
Japan as a country amazes me and its a country I'd love to be able to travel to one day. I know this video focused on Tokyo but I just wanted to praise the country as a whole
I want to praise ANIME as a whole.
yeah, thats a decent country
If you ever visit you will not be disappointed
It can ruin you. Returning home is just an exercise in extended disappointment. The public transit alone is sublime, even for an English speaker. The people are polite, it's very clean and unreasonably picturesque, and a lot of things they do raise uncomfortable questions about the way we do things elsewhere. Obviously, there are problems, but there is a lot that is working too.
@@superchroma Lol so right
As an American in Tokyo i was sooo lost at first but once i figured out how the trains worked i realized it is the best subway in the world
I lived in Japan for two years, their whole rail network is clean and litter free, trains for the most part run on time, Once a conductor went through every compartment apologising and looking extremely troubles because the train was going to be a minute late. The staff are very polite. Another country where the underground and rail network is actually fabulous is Singapore. Probably the best in the world.
I went to Tokyo a couple years ago, and man that city is a work of art. Not only is it insanely huge, it's somehow all very organized, and super clean. And yes, the subway is amazing there. Buttery smooth, super efficient and the trains are always, ALWAYS on time. I mean, the trains are never a minute early or a minute late, always exactly on time. Tokyo is awesome.
According to Japanese news sources, the JR Chuo Line Rapid often departs BEHIND SCHEDULE.
B1M never disappoint me
Copying others comment disappoints everyone
Except with their praise piece on the hyperloop. Just laughable and ridiculous. Other than that, this is probably the best engineering channels.
The only time when this channel is disappointing is when I haven't seen new content in a week.
Tokyo metro is farrrr from the best in the world. Laughable!!!
Ignorance is bliss.
i am soooo obsessed with Tokyo’s metro system, the organisation and the effort that everyone puts just to make their work is amazing
Just look into moscow meteo system. It's even better than tokyo's
@@adidasboy132 I hate how deep Moscow's stations are
I don't know why you've separated the subway system from the rest of the rail system. They work together to cover the Tokyo metropolis and riders don't really differentiate one from the other. In Tokyo, some subway lines merge with above-ground rail lines also. When I lived there, I actually computed with one. A train started out from a suburb outside Tokyo went underground and traveled on a subway line in Tokyo then the train continues past Tokyo and travels past a neighboring prefecture onto yet another prefecture. This was done through a collaboration of 2 railway companies and 1 subway company.
Fun Fact : The number of Tokyo subway line that this video shows to us is the tip of an iceberg. This video only shows you Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. However, there are even more private corporations operating their own subway lines such as JR, KEIO, TOBU, SEIBU, and so on… maybe there are more than 100 subway lines in Tokyo metropolitan(Kanto area).
Yeah, but I think he only mentioned Tokyo Metro and Toei because they are exclusively subway companies, while Tobu, Seibu, and JR all have above ground lines. It’s probably easier for viewers to start at Tokyo Metro or Toei when they do individual research.
I don't think it's just the subway system though. The JR, Seibu, and Tokyu train lines are also extremely effective, moving millions (literally) everyday from Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Kawasaki.
There are too many different railway operators in kanto area. This video only covers 2 subways systems, which run mostly in downtown area like Minato, Chuo or Taito
That is why he was talking about through trains...
Tokyo subway really is incredible.
Tokyo is really incredible
I hope to visit someday, top of my bucket list.
Isn't that the subway where people are employed to squeeze passengers into trains when the doors close?
@@timmmahhhh I had plans to go last year, but… yeah…
@@nomadMik that’s more often the Chinese subways, I’ve never seen it when I was in japan for a year but you will be in very tightly packed train at rush hour :)
Having traveled to Japan, the transit system was honestly one of the highlights of my trip. It was surprisingly easy to use and got me to visit places in Japan quickly and efficiently. Rarely got lost as well, which is always a plus when traveling!
Use Google Maps app and you'll never get lost lol they're specially integrated with Japan's transit.
And the main reason they are smarter and no diversity
The production quality is too good, don't ever stop please.
Also if you're up for suggestions, I'm not sure this falls within your format, but how about covering some major historical buildings that have since been destroyed?
I love it when y’all showcase anything about Tokyo. It’s such a fascinating metropolis.
I visited Japan for the first time in 2020. I was blown away by their Metro system. Can't wait to go back! Cheers from the US!
Really nice video with so much information for 7 minutes, a lot of them really on point. You’re the only one to mention about the connections between different lines, out of all the “Tokyo Subway” videos out there.
Just to let you know, the Toei-Asakusa line displayed around 4:04 actually connects through all the Keikyu, Keisei, Hokuso and Shibayama lines, whereas the Mita line only connects with the Tokyu-Meguro line.
When things return to normal after Covid-19, I’m looking forward to going to Japan and check out their subway.
hope you can read their sign language :D
Almost no signs in English
@@PlaneSpottingBerlin Why do you lie? Everything is written both Japanese and English.
@@ErenRaven thats what i heard a few years ago. Not at the touristy parts but everywhere else
@@PlaneSpottingBerlin Even a lot of comments says that you don't need to know Japanese to navigate easily on japanese transportation. But most importantly, check whatever vlogger's video from Japan, from subway and you will see the truth for yourself :)
@@PlaneSpottingBerlin You clearly have never been to Japan. The vast majority of signage in Japan, other then some rural towns, is in Japanese and English. Some also have Chinese and/or Korean. It has been like that for ages.
If you truly were to get lost on a Japanese train line, it is a simple matter of taking a map to a staff member and point at where you want to go. Not only will they show you how to get there, but will also help you get the needed ticket.
I went to Japan 4 years ago on a holiday and Tokyo's subway system, is honestly just phenomenal, I even kept my train card as a souvenir, wonder if it'll still work if I ever visit again.
You can survive in Japan without a car and rely on their train systems entirely in most cases.
Unless you want to shop at IKEA lol.
True
Even though Japanese can survive without cars, they still make the best cars in the world😂
@@GlaciaDay delivery to your door is about 3000¥ (around $30) flat, making it not much of an issue imo
@@abaddonloc idk the items I wanted were always out of stock online. Even Kallax storage units.
Meanwhile in Mexico, our newest metro line fell apart after less than 10 years of service
It's an absolute embarrassment :(
At least it is your subway falling apart. Here in South Africa the country falls apart thanks to endemic corruption and strange ideologies of the party in power.
wdym by saying metro systems falling apart
@@ishansharma1920 A section of the elevated metro literally fell apart, killing around 30 people
@@rodrigodelacuesta9771 wt sad to hear
These videos are absolutely amazing! I've been subscribed to you for a while and as an aspiring Civil Engineer, I've looked to your videos for inspiration as to what I want to accomplish. Once again, fantastic content!
So I guess my wish was heard and I absolutely can't believe it. Not just it's about Trains which are my love but also based in Japan, my favourite nation and specifically Tokyo. Can't expect anything more from B1M, I feel so much accomplished now. Thank you soooo much for this video and looking forward for more as always ❤️
Visited Japan in about 2004. Absolutely blown away by the subway. Trains arriving within seconds of the anticipated time. Mind-bogglingly efficient, clean and safe.
Your video production quality is so high that I literally thought “The B1M” was a major architecture editorial of some sort that hired professional videographers. I’m addicted to your videos now!
I'm Japanese and happy to pick our country up!
Your English is very good 🙌
Japan is peak humanity
@@james_holder Yours isn't.
I feel like Japan is such a well-developed and innovative country. No wonder people keep on praising Japan!
@@teeare9472 I love to observe Japan in google street view. It seems like no matter where you go everything is always clean and tidy and well built and no poverty to be seen
I appreciate how you share why their system is so successful.
Going back to your roots was the best thing you did B1M. Great to see new and unique stories which aren’t necessarily linked to any particular SaaS
I've been there once, and i must admit it is so organized, cleaned, and people are so polite.
@5:02 Argentina had done away with the multiple fare zones and implemented a single fare zone across the nation since 2009. It's so convenient to use just one SUBE card for many public transportation systems and some toll roads in Argentina regardless of whether you are in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia.
I always thought the London underground could benefit from using numbers and letters to make a navigation for visitors easyer. Mabey it's a fix that isn't nead but it could help 😀
Why use numbers and letters if you have colours?
Ayy Armenian's here!
To Japan!!! 🇯🇵
It would probably be helpful for people unfamiliar with the Roman alphabet, but the line names are so engraved in classic literature, known the world over, that I hope they stay.
That said, it shits me, when I visit my friend in England, that I have to take the 'Northern Line' to get to her place, near one of the southernmost stations. 🤷♂️
@@KiLLJoYTH-cam Tokyo has all 3. Colors, Letters, and Numbers. Colors and letters are for lines, and numbers are for stations.
@@KiLLJoYTH-cam Maybe he's talking about how all the individual carriages in each train are numbered, so when you're navigating from place to place using a maps app, you actually know where to stand on each platform to get to your destination most efficiently.
As a Londoner this blew my mind. Most Londoners who have a regular commute sort of figure out what their ideal waiting spot on a given platform is, but if everybody - especially tourists - used this system by default it would make travelling so much easier and cut down on unneeded congestion at certain big stations.
Another AMAZING B1M Video!
One of the best channels on TH-cam!
My wife lived in S. Tokyo. She always raved about Tokyo's subway.
Another amazing video as always! I have enjoyed my 5 years in Atsugi and their public transport is something that every other country in this planet needs to take inspirations from, and perhaps also China's. Trains are very clean and the passengers respect each other's space. It is a great example of how people will enjoy wonderful things made for the public as long as the public respects and takes care of said things as if they were their personal belongings.
5:34 Gosh I can’t even imagine living in a country that takes that much care
Yeah, meanwhile NYC's signals are still over 80 years out of date....
Wow their railways are really inspired by aviation; 1st we have _shinkansen_ whose bodies flex slightly when entering tunnels (due to pressure/drag changes) & with small aircraft-like windows, & now we hear of subway operators performing D-checks on their rolling stock
that's what happens when there is no diversity.
@@everythingbutthegirlfan762, how is it related to diversity?
@@solderbuff As a Japanese person, I kind of understand what s/he is trying to say. It just came out wrong. He meant "homogeneous society", where there's an extremely high sense of doing everything top-quality/right as a country. It's a form of nationalism. In this case, it's a very positive thing other countries should take notice.
B1M deserves 10 million subscribers
We always learn new things from Japan.
Thanks B1M.
Tokyo's subway system is a thing of beauty... Having visited twice in five years you could appreciate not only the progress in renovations but also a spotless maintenance. The kindness of its personnel, and Japan's people in general, is a subject that deserves complete admiration
We’ve been riding trains throughout the pandemic in Japan and they are packed. No shortage of passengers here! This is such a cool video. Love learning more about the trains we use daily.
I completely forgot about the Olympics. Tokyo really deserves a better return for all its investment.
We in Tokyo have completely forgotten about the Olympics. In fact, we do NOT want the Olympics. At all.
I hope they japan can also in charge of winter olympics of 2022.
B1M and Tokyo subway, both are incredible
Haha, thanks!
Yeah, I mean the modern, 13-line subway system is cool, but can we talk about this dope TH-cam channel?
Just before the pandemic I spend 2 weeks in Tokyo for vacation. That's when I understood that toyko subway is in a whole other level than any of the others I visited. It was easy to find my way even if I didn't understood Japanese, the suica card is extremely easy to use
Thanks, B1M for the awesome video. Visiting Japan and experiencing their Shinkansen has always been on my bucket list. Now I've added Tokyo subway to the list as well.
It is absolutely incredible how many subway stations there are in Tokyo. Some of these tunnels go extremely deep (up to 42 meters) and the amount of escalators going up and down is insane.
+Gary. Deep? Have you ever been in St.Petersburg?
One thing I love about the Tokyo subway system is that they show you which subway car you should get on to exit your destination as quick as possible! So smart, and so efficient!
Having been to Tokyo, I can attest to how amazing the subway/rail system is. I never struggled to get anywhere, payment is seamless.
You can even buy a rail pass for greater Japan and get to major cities in no time flat.
It was a true lesson in good engineering and maintenance. I sincerely wish state governments in the US would do more to emulate this kind of success.
Woke up to the b1m notification . . . I couldn't resist.
Japan is renowned for their trains........ their subways are indeed some of the best if not the best in the world. So modern, fast, clean and convenient..............
Yup. Living in Japan for almost 4 years now. And their transit system is amazing.
Keep in mind that the subway isn't the only and not even the biggest rail transit system operating in the Tokyo area. The video mentions suburban commuter rail (because of the through connections with the subway), but there is also JR East. JR East operates the busiest lines, including the Yamanote - with an annual ridership of 1.5 billion on that line alone. According to Wikipedia, JR East ridership in the Greater Tokyo region was almost 6 billion in 2017. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transport_in_Greater_Tokyo
I spent almost 3 months in Tokyo leading up to the pandemic last year. The subway system is exactly how you have described it. Travelling on it was a pleasure, even being squished on in the morning rush hour is event-free and punctual! It really puts the system in the UK to shame and frustrates me even more every time a train is delayed...
Something i can only dream about as a german. Our trains are "punctual" if they are only 5 minutes late...
I would be happy with a pre paid card for the public transport and not different payment systems/apps in each city. I really liked the Pasmo/Suica/Icoca card in Japan.
If you think German trains are bad you should try the British network 😂especially anywhere outside London.
...and Germany is one of the more efficient ones
Damn, didn't expect that from Germany... I thought you were crazy about punctuality and all
@@Kar90great The best days of "German efficiency" have passed.
I didn't spend much time in Tokyo, but I was extremely impressed with the public transportation system in Osaka and Kyoto (they're connected).
Yep, Tokyo's transportation is on time, clean and expand all over the city.
I’m impressed by Japan subways and public transportation. Always on time 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Super efficient railways. So well managed. Indeed one of the best railway systems in the world.
Greetings for Tokyo, I wish some politicians around the world learn something about that.
Beautiful video, thank you. But the Greater Tokyo area ( more 38 milllions people) has more than 100 train lines, operating outdoors, in addition to 13 underground lines!! It's a huge trasportation system . The best in the world !!
The one thing i would critisise on this video, is the fact that you only talked about its subway. JR runs a massive overground system on top of the subway which is used pretty much inter-changeably with the subway. In london, a major reason why theres no track sharing with normal trains is because they wouldnt be compatible with the tunnels.
It's worth noting that quite a bit of the stock footage used actually features the JR suburban rail network and not the subway. JR operates by-in-large on the British model with major interchange stations like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Tokyo Sation to name just a few.
Yes! I was looking to see if anyone would comment on the JR lines, the vid glosses over the JR and other system lines that work in tandem with the official subway system. In fact, the Yamanote JR line, imho, is the most important line in Tokyo and is technically not a subway. It’s a skyway rail line that circles the city and is indispensable for getting many places in Tokyo. I use it every time I’m in Tokyo.
You guys do a fantastic job. Interesting, no drawn out explanations and easy to understand. Thank you and cheers Ausgranny 🇦🇺🇦🇺👍👍👍👍👍
This video really made me miss going to Tokyo
We'll be there in heart & spirit 🗻🌅🍃 😇💫
I always found it fascinating how in Japan going by Subway is more chill even though there are even more people than in London (from how it feels anyway). The trains are modern, quiet, clean and just overall great... in Tokyo I always enjoyed my subway rides, whereas in London I hate every single day I have to use the tube.
If it's anything like Singapore's then I don't really know the difference (to suburban rail). One is underground and has more trains running I guess? Won't be that much more in the future anyway.
Besides that, my dad's been on the Tube, the Singapore MRT and the subway in Athens and described London's as the best transport system in the world. Said the trains "Come like that" IE you don't have to wait at all, and that he could go anywhere on it (He said that of Athens too though)
Great infrastructure video! Thanks B1M!
I think you miss something like, Tokyo can keep in clean and quiet, people follow the decided flow, all this good things are part of the characteristic of Japanese
I am really excited about my upcoming career transition towards construction logistics for big railway construction projects. This decision was partly based on the inspiring videos on your channel. Thank you for that!
I would love to see a video on the Shinkansen highspeed rail also. Japan sure knows its trains and rails. Would be intresting to see your take on their railway as a whole or something simillar
Unlike Europe their fares are the same irregardless of how far in advance you buy them, but seat reservations are more expensive (~¥2500/€20/£16, unless you have a rail pass, then it's free, but can't be reserved online) & most train cars can't have both reserved & unreserved seats. Buffet cars are uncommon too (including on the Sunrise Express overnight train); you buy food in advance instead at the train station (though not all retailers there have heating services I think). Like Europe, they have a rail pass for foreigners too but you can't leave gaps in it's validity period (when you choose when you want to activate/use it for) i.e. valid on 1 day but not on the next, but valid again on the 3rd day
Tokyo is such an amazing city.
I see a new B1M video upload, I click. Man I love your channel. The information you provide is spot on digestible. Keep up the good work. 🤛
And for regional, Japan built Shinkansen lines. Super smart!
Thanks for the great content.
The subway system in Tokyo doesn't simply equate to "the train system of Tokyo".
As mentioned in the video, the underground system itself includes two systems Tokyo Metro and Toei.
And then there are overground systems like JR (largest passenger railway company in the world) and 7-8 other rail operators (companies), plus monorail system, tram, automated rail system (no driver).
I am confident to say Tokyo is probably the most connected city in the world, in terms of rail transportation. If you have visited the city, you'd know what I mean :)
So true. Subway is defined in Japanese as underground railroad (地下鉄), which fits T-Metro and Toei. However, JR and other many private companies play a great roll in the same way and have the direct connection systems like Tokyu line→T-Metro line→Tobu line, so that they are also de facto subway.
Also, the concept Rigion/Intercity, which is often seen in Europe, is almost not used in Japan.
Tokyo is like the safest place in the world, i love living here without the fear of getting mugged!!!
In addition to the so-called subways, there are many commuter trains in Tokyo. For example, JR East, Tokyu, Odakyu, Keio, Seibu, Tobu, Keisei, Keikyu, etc. All of these have 8 to 15 cars running every 3 minutes during rush hour. Many of these trains operate from satellite cities about 50 km away from central Tokyo. The Yamanote line, the most famous and busiest line in Tokyo, is operated by JR East (the former national railroad company that operates Bullet trains).
Many of these railroad companies are completely independent and privately owned. However, all of them can be accessed via Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway without changing trains. In addition to the railroad business, these railroad companies have expanded into many other fields such as real estate, hotels, retail, and construction, making them some of the most famous companies in Japan.
@@RS-bb6tb i mean a lot of them make more profit in other areas. nishi tetsu in kyushi are more of a bus company i think!
Came to mention the Yamanote line as well. It's not technically part of the subway, but carries 4 million riders per day *on a single line*. All of the NY Subway only carries 5.5 million riders.
@@agntdrake Yeah. The Tamanote line passes through all of the popular hubs; Shibuya, Ikebukuro, etc. I actually prefer the above ground lines more than the Subway. Actually 80-90% of my travels around the city are on the above ground lines when I visit.
Always amazing instructive videos, base on facts... No drama, no politics.. Love B1M.
As a resident who uses the Tokyo Train system, I can attest to it's awesomeness!
Great video, and I very much agree that it's the world best subway system. Two additional reasons for that, which were not commented on in the video: affordable fares (in relation to the general cost of living in Tokyo) while still turning a profit and recently a huge effort to construct platform doors that has made traveling much safer at a majority of stations already, with plans to complete all stations on the subway and commuter train lines within another few years. The only drawback I can come up with is the lack of nighttime mass transit (around 1am to 5am everything stops).
Moscow has a great underground system. And undergoing a big upgrade of its suburban rail system.
Yes, this is my latest focus. I have studied urbanisation and urban rail for 2 decades as part of our business in property. Moscow is quietly building quite a system. I have nothing more to say than that until I have explored every urban railway in Moscow and its wider urbanised area to be fair - the Oblast and beyond where necessary.
Their subway system is sometimes confusing because of how many subway trains are available. But it is very efficient. I loved visiting and seeing all of Tokyo.
Japanese subway is best in the world because of its people, it’s so clean, safe, and everyone gets along. Other cities are a different story altogether.
As a Tokyoite, it is interesting that foreigners see subways and other railway networks like JR are different things. In Tokyo, urban and interurban railways are completely continuous, so we never distinguish them when we move around the city. For example, when you get from Tokyo Sta. (the central business district) to Shinjuku Sta.(a subcenter of the city), you will take either JR's Chuo Line (an interurban railway connecting Tokyo and Hachioji) or Tokyo Metro's Marunouchi Line, on both of which trains depart about every five minutes with the exact same price.
i've been fairly early to the latest b1m uploads and i'm proud of it
Tokyo’s “subway(地下鉄)” is smaller than that of those cities you mentioned, but no one says “I’m going to use the subway” in Tokyo. People say 「電車(electric trains)」 because the majority of Tokyo’s railway system is not either Tokyo Metro or Toei subway. In fact the majority of them are ground level trains like those of JR, Keio, Keisei, Odakyu, etc. And these are much more similar to the “subways” people from other cities talk about and are definitely not similar those so-called “commuter trains”. If you combine them, Tokyo has the single largest metropolitan railway system on the planet without a doubt.
Map for all railway lines in Tokyo Metropotican area:
www.meik.jp/2rosenzu/14_tokyo_yokohama.html
Map for Tokyo subway:
www.tokyometro.jp/station/
I thought same thing. Why he mentioned only 2 company of underground? Tokyo has lot of railway company. I think 90% of Tokyo People use other railway company (JR, Seibu, Tobu, Odakyu, Keio, Tokyu, Keikyu, Keisei, yurikamome, Monorail, etc, First Railway System of Tokyo (Shinbashi to Yokohama) opend in 1872.
5:41 that’s the key! Culture counts!
This channel inspires me to do more curls so that I can have biceps like Fred Mills.
After living in Tokyo for 5 years the transportation system is indeed top class - clean , punctual and having a smart card or app that you can load to purchase items at any store + works country wide 🔥