>> Having recently spent six days sightseeing in Tokyo, I used the subway
>> twice (out to Asakusa).
>> 90% of the sights in central Tokyo lie on the JR Yamanote Line and the
>> train is a much quicker way to get around.
>> It is also free to JR Pass holders.
>
> I've been visiting almost every year for about the same period of time.
> I'm on the subway a lot at least half the coming-and-going. Clearly we
> have differing viewpoints of what "the sights" are in Tokyo.
There are several places not on the JR network, better served by the
subway: Roppongi, Akasaka, Asukusa, Tsukiji, Kabuki-za, Jimbocho.
On the other hand Tokyo Disney Land is beside a JR station (Maihama),
while the nearest subway stop requires a bus ride.
Tokyo Metro sightseeing page:
http://www.tokyometro.jp/global/en/travel/spotindex.html
JR East also has info for foreign tourists. These pages cover the whole
of eastern/northern Honshu and there is no focus on Tokyo:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/trips/index.html
The subway offers a fine mesh in Tokyo but there are shortcomings.
1. There are two subway companies (Tokyo Metro and Toei). Through
tickets are available, but expensive. In fact it takes effort just to
figure out which lines belong to which from the subway map.
2. Transfers between subway lines often involve long walks. In some
places you have to leave the station once and re-enter. If you use the
automatic gate in such places, the machine, not knowing that you intend
to travel further, will swallow your ticket. (You should use the manned
booth in such cases or whenever you feel unsure.)
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