Just for Fun

When I first started planning for this trip, the first thing I researched was the Tokyo railway system. Why? I grew up with this:

Ah, the good ol' SIMPLE DC Metro. Five lines that stretch across the DC metropolitan area (Woohoo MD-DC-VA!).

Now I deal with THIS:

and a bit of this, too:


Apparently, there are SEVERAL different rail systems in Tokyo. However, upon further reading, I realized that the Yamanote line on JR East would be our main link around Tokyo. Though the first map I posted up there scared the bejeezus out of me when I first saw it, it doesn't bother me since I only have to focus on this part:

You might notice that most of our sightseeing spots are located around this line, such as Shibuya, Ueno, Shinjuku, etc.

So yeah, riding around the metro in Tokyo should be an adventure whether we get lost or not. LOL.

For more information about the Tokyo subway:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Subway
and the Yamanote Line:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamanote_Line

If you can, please share any interesting Tokyo subway stories or tips!