Asakusa is a must-visit destination in Tokyo, known for its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. But beyond its charm, Asakusa also serves as a convenient gateway to nearby hotspots like Akihabara, Tokyo’s electric town famous for anime and manga, and Ueno, a lively area filled with museums, parks, and street markets.

If you’re wondering how to easily get between these popular areas, the Tsukuba Express line offers a quick and stress-free solution. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the city’s anime culture or cultural treasures, here’s everything you need to know to ride the Tsukuba Express like a local.

Take the Tsukuba Express for Quick, Easy, and Stress-Free Travel between Asakusa and Akihabara!

The Tsukuba Express, abbreviated TX, is an urban express railway line that connects central Tokyo with suburban Ibaraki Prefecture, passing through Chiba and Saitama Prefectures. Tsukuba Express spans 20 stations, including popular tourist destinations such as Akihabara (TX01), Shin-Okachimachi (TX02) and Asakusa (TX03), making it a convenient choice for travelers staying in the East Tokyo area.

The Tsukuba Express offers four types of service: Rapid, Commuter Rapid, Semi-Rapid, and Local. Although each type of service stops at a different set of stations, all four types stop at Asakusa, Shin-Okachimachi and Akihabara stations. This makes traveling between the three locations quick and hassle-free, with the journey taking just 2 to 4 minutes.

💡Pro Tip: Guests staying at HOTEL TAVINOS Asakusa have the added benefit of easy access to the Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station—just a quick 4-minute stroll from your hotel doorstep to the A1 exit. Simply exit the hotel and turn toward Kokusai-dori Street, and within a few minutes, you'll see clear signs guiding you directly to the station entrance!

Travel from Asakusa to Akihabara by Tsukuba Express in Only 6 Minutes!

Heading from Asakusa to Akihabara, Tokyo's famed district known for electronics, anime culture, and quirky cafes? The Tsukuba Express will whisk you there in a flash.

Simply board a train heading towards Akihabara (TX01), and after just two stops and about 4 minutes, you'll arrive at Akihabara Station—no transfers required. This straightforward journey costs just ¥210 (adults), and you can purchase a ticket at the vending machine or conveniently tap your prepaid IC cards such as SUICA or PASMO.

Clearly displayed English signs and announcements ensure you won't miss your stop. Once you arrive, you'll find yourself in the heart of Tokyo's vibrant tech and pop-culture paradise. Don't forget to explore our recommended spots in Akihabara for insider tips on the best spots to visit!

●　Mandarake Complex: A Manga and Anime Treasure Trove in Akihabara
●　Savor the Best Sake Tastings in Tokyo: Unlimited Pours & Unique Experiences
●　Satisfy your Hunger for Japanese Beef at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

Planning to go from Akihabara to Asakusa? The same line makes it just as quick and easy—a two-stop, about-4-minute ride in the opposite direction.

Easy Access from Asakusa to Ueno and Okachimachi

Interested in historic temples, vibrant markets, or world-famous museums? Then Ueno and Okachimachi are your next stops. Simply board the Tsukuba Express at Asakusa Station and ride just one stop to Shin-Okachimachi Station (TX02)—a quick 2-minute journey costing ¥170 for tickets (adults) and ¥168 for IC cards.

From Shin-Okachimachi station, it's an easy walk to popular locations such as Ueno Park, the bustling Ameya-Yokocho (commonly known as “Ameyoko”) shopping street, and numerous museums. This short, stress-free journey makes it easy to experience more of Tokyo without complicated transfers or crowded subway rides. Be sure to explore one of Tokyo’s charming yokocho alleys for a nostalgic glimpse into its retro charm!

●　Time travel through Tokyo's charming yokocho alleys

Venture Outside of Tokyo: Day Trips to Ibaraki Prefecture

Want a quick escape from Tokyo’s busy atmosphere? Besides Asakusa and Akihabara, the Tsukuba Express line opens opportunities to explore other exciting destinations outside of the metropolitan area.

For example, in under an hour, you can reach Tsukuba City in Ibaraki Prefecture, famous for its beautiful scenery and unique attractions. For a perfect day trip, start your morning with a hike up Mount Tsukuba to enjoy breathtaking views, then stop by Tsukuba-san Jinja Shrine, famous for the blessings of marital harmony and good fortune. Wrap up your day at JAXA’s Tsukuba Space Center, where you can dive into Japan's advancements in space exploration, before heading back to the city!

Useful Travel Tips when Boarding the Tsukuba Express

Exploring Tokyo is exciting, but getting along with transportation can sometimes feel overwhelming. Here are some useful travel tips to keep in mind when boarding the Tsukuba Express:

• Railway Passes Validity: Passes such as the Japan Rail Pass, JR TOKYO Wide Pass, and Tokyo Subway Ticket are not valid for the Tsukuba Express as they do not cover this line. Instead, Tsukuba Express offers options like The Tokyo Explorer Ticket and TX Tokyo Metro Pass, which provide discounted round trips and special offers at various tourist attractions. For more information, please refer to the official website.
• Language Support: Announcements on the train are in both Japanese and English. Ticket vending machines at the station also offer easy-to-use English interfaces.
• TX Free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available at all stations on the Tsukuba Express Line. It is a free-of-charge service accessible to anyone.

With the Tsukuba Express, whether you're travelling between Asakusa and Akihabara or venturing further, you'll navigate Tokyo comfortably and quickly, ensuring your travels remain hassle-free and enjoyable!

Tsukuba Express
Website: https://www.mir.co.jp/en/

writer

Rachael Aoki
Originally from the East Coast of the United States, Rachael has called Japan home for over a decade. She enjoys discovering destinations that are popular with locals from quaint cafes to hole-in-the-wall eateries and sharing that information with visitors from overseas. She also loves taking trips to onsen and is always up for a trip to Hakone, Kanagawa.