500 Yen for a Whole Day! Tokyo’s Hidden “Budget Travel Hack” — Toei Bus Pass Guide

Take it slow and enjoy the city views!

 

When you travel in Tokyo, how much do you usually spend on transportation? Every time you dive into the crowded subway, you also miss out on the street scenery and the local atmosphere above ground. Actually, besides the subway, there’s a more relaxed and economical option — the Toei Bus One-Day Pass.

 

For just the price of a cup of coffee, you can ride freely around Tokyo’s 23 wards and experience the city’s rhythm from a different angle.

 

I. What is the “Toei Bus One-Day Pass”?

The Toei Bus One-Day Pass (都営バス一日乗車券) is a discounted ticket valid for one day. With it, you can ride most Toei buses within Tokyo’s 23 wards as many times as you like. Perfect for travelers who want to explore at a slower pace while sightseeing.

👉 A quick reminder: not all buses on Tokyo’s streets are Toei Buses. Companies like Odakyu, Keio, Tokyu, Seibu, and Kanto also run buses. Their passes are separate and not interchangeable with the Toei Bus One-Day Pass.

How to recognize Toei Buses:

• Green + white body
• “都営バス / Toei Bus” written on the front or side of the bus

As long as you spot this logo, you won’t board the wrong bus with your pass.

 

Price

• Adult: 500 yen
• Child: 250 yen

Valid Area

• All Toei Buses within Tokyo’s 23 wards
• Not valid on: Koto 01 route
• Night buses: additional fare required (Adults 210 yen / Children 105 yen)

Where to Buy

• On the bus: Pay cash directly to the driver when boarding
• IC card version: Use IC cards such as Suica or PASMO. The fare is deducted automatically, and the system won’t double-charge you when you ride again on the same day.
• Sales offices: Some Toei Bus depots, branch offices, and commuter pass counters

How to Use

• Paper ticket: Show it to the driver when boarding
• IC version: Simply tap your card when boarding, unlimited rides for that day

 

II. Recommended Routes

Route 1: Shinjuku West Exit ⇄ Shibuya Station

• Highlights: Travel between two major shopping districts without fighting the subway crowds. Passes by Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Gaien — perfect for casual street photography.
• Best for: Shoppers, young travelers, photo lovers.

Route 2: Ueno Park ⇄ Akihabara ⇄ Tokyo Station (Marunouchi)

• Highlights: Museums, anime culture, and department stores all on one line. Morning at Ueno for art, afternoon in Akihabara for figures and goods, evening at Tokyo Station for a night view.
• Best for: Families, anime fans, culture seekers.

 

 

Route 3: Tokyo Tower ⇄ Odaiba Seaside Park

• Highlights: From urban landmarks to Tokyo Bay. Ride past Hamamatsucho and Harumi Bridge, and watch Rainbow Bridge and bay scenery unfold through the bus window. Offers a sense of Tokyo’s “layers” that subways can’t.
• Best for: Couples, photo hunters, romance seekers.

Route 4: Asakusa Temple ⇄ Ginza ⇄ Shimbashi

• Highlights: Pray and stroll the old streets of Asakusa in the morning, shop in Ginza in the afternoon, and experience Tokyo’s after-work izakaya culture at Shimbashi in the evening.
• Best for: First-time Tokyo visitors who want a balance of tradition and modernity.

💡 Note: Some sections may require a transfer or a short walk. Always check a map app or the Toei Bus website for real-time routes and timetables.

 

III. Things to Know

• Validity: Pass is only valid on the day of purchase.
• Cross-day rides: Between midnight and 4 a.m., you can still use the pass from the previous day.
• Frequency: Daytime buses usually run every 10–20 minutes; night buses run less frequently. Check schedules in advance.
• Line restrictions: Not valid on the Koto 01 route. Riding night buses requires an extra fare (Adults 210 yen / Children 100 yen, IC child fare 105 yen).
• Special offers: Only available with the paper version (magnetic ticket). On the day of use, show your ticket at select shops or facilities along the route for discounts or freebies. (Not available with IC version. Details depend on participating stores.)

 

Conclusion

The Toei Bus One-Day Pass lets travelers experience Tokyo’s everyday life at a fraction of the cost. Compared to the hurried pace and underground environment of the subway, a bus ride gives you time to slowly take in the cityscape through the window.

Next time you’re in Tokyo, hop on a bus, grab a window seat, and enjoy your own “slow travel” journey.

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