The Most Crucial Detail Many Tourists Probably Don't Know About Tokyo's Train Stations

The nightlife in Tokyo is world-famous, and plenty of bars, game centers, and karaoke clubs stay open well into the wee hours. Japan's capital is also considered one of the safest cities in the world, despite its extreme density and a population of over 13 million. This is all good news for night owls, who can knock back drinks or sing for roomfuls of strangers for hours and hours. When the evening finally winds down, one of the best ways to get around Tokyo is on its comprehensive subway system, so surely the trains run all night, right?

Wrong. Tokyo trains do not run all night, a fact that many travelers have learned the hard way. Some lines run until 5 a.m., but a great many stations close as early as midnight. This takes some newcomers by surprise, because it might mean a long (and expensive) taxi ride back to a hotel. When that isn't possible, visitors might even get stranded in a random neighborhood. While some partygoers may make it their mission to stay out until dawn — and well-trod districts like Roppongi may make this goal possible — anyone hoping to catch some shuteye before sunrise may be in for a rude awakening if they miss the last train. 

So, you've missed your train. Perhaps you ran down the platform and watched in horror as the doors slid shut. Or maybe you just stumbled into the train station at a late hour, and the main entrance was already locked up. Either way, you're now stuck in the urban jungle of Tokyo and have no easy way to get back. Night has fallen, and the streets are a dizzying blur of vertical signage.

If you're staying somewhere in the city and have it in your budget, you can take a taxi. Taxis are a routine sight in Tokyo, and you can hail one from the curb; taxi stands are scattered throughout main streets, and a little red sign in the windshield indicates that the car is available. Another option is to visit a hotel and ask the desk manager to call one for you (for a small fee). Be aware that official fares can be quite a bit higher than daytime fares. The Uber app also works in Tokyo, though trip prices tend to be the same. Either way, remember to let the taxi driver open the door for you; opening your own door is one of the many mistakes a tourist can make in Japan.

What if you were expecting to travel pretty far to a distant suburb? You wouldn't be the first traveler to wander around Tokyo until daybreak. Again, the city is generally safe, so just take basic precautions. Cafes often stay open late, and a cup of coffee or tea will help you stay awake until the station opens. If you absolutely must lie down in a safe location, you may seek out a capsule hotel; these cozy compartments were invented in Japan, and you can reserve one for as little as $20 per night.

One great place to kill time is a 7-Eleven; locations are everywhere, and they're usually open all night and have basic seating. You can buy a meal or coffee and camp out for a couple of hours without raising any eyebrows. Hanging around a 7-Eleven, or their rival FamilyMart, is one of the great Japanese travel hacks. Whatever you do, get back safe — and get some sleep!