With the AIPPI World Congress in Yokohama fast approaching, many attendees are beginning to finalize their travel and meeting arrangements. While the main event takes place in Yokohama, it is likely that some participants are also planning to hold business meetings in Tokyo. As a Tokyo-based firm, we would like to offer some practical advice to help you plan effectively.
How Far Is Tokyo from Yokohama?
Although Tokyo and Yokohama are considered neighboring cities, it is helpful to understand the actual distances and travel times involved. The straight-line distance between Tokyo Station and Yokohama Station is approximately 30 kilometers, about the same as the distance between Times Square and JFK Airport in New York.
A direct train from Yokohama Station to Tokyo Station takes just 25 minutes. However, this does not account for local travel—such as the time required to reach Yokohama Station from your hotel or to travel from Tokyo Station to your final destination.
Tokyo’s business districts are geographically extensive, and it is not uncommon for the journey from Tokyo Station to your meeting location to take an additional 30 to 45 minutes. To avoid stress and delays, we recommend allowing at least 1.5 hours one way from your Yokohama hotel to your Tokyo meeting venue. If your destination is outside central Tokyo or if you anticipate the possibility of getting lost, consider allowing up to 2 hours one way to ensure a smooth arrival.
Planning Around Your Meeting Schedule
Given the proximity of Tokyo and Yokohama, commuting between the two cities is entirely feasible—especially if you only have one or two business meetings in Tokyo. In such cases, staying at a hotel in Yokohama throughout the AIPPI Congress and making short trips to Tokyo as needed can be a convenient option.
However, if you anticipate having multiple meetings in Tokyo, or if you plan to extend your stay in Japan after the congress, it may be wise to consider relocating to a hotel in Tokyo either before or after the event in Yokohama. This can help minimize long commutes and optimize your time for both business and rest. Of course, it is also entirely possible to stay in Yokohama, travel to Tokyo in the morning, attend several meetings throughout the day, and return to Yokohama the same evening.
Recommended Mode of Transportation: Take the Train
For those traveling between Yokohama and Tokyo during the AIPPI 2025 Congress, we recommend using the train rather than taxis or Uber. While both taxis and Uber are available, they are significantly more expensive and less time-efficient, especially during peak traffic hours.
A taxi ride from Yokohama Station to Tokyo Station typically takes 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately JPY 13,000 to 17,000 (roughly USD 90 to 120). It is important to note that Uber in Japan does not use private drivers; instead, it dispatches vehicles from licensed taxi companies. As a result, Uber fares are virtually identical to taxi fares.
In contrast, the train is fast, reliable, and inexpensive. A ride on the JR Tokaido Line or Yokosuka Line from Yokohama Station to Tokyo Station takes about 25 minutes and costs around JPY 480 (approx. USD 3.00).
If you plan to travel between Tokyo and Yokohama multiple times, the train is by far the most practical option. However, if you are moving between hotels with large luggage, taking a taxi or Uber just once may be worth considering for convenience—despite the higher cost.
