Tokyo's Metro System

Getting around Tokyo (and Japan in general) can be easily mastered with Japan's outstanding metro- and railway system. Familiarize with Tokyo's metro system in the article below, including both subway and JR lines to find the best possible solution for your upcoming trip!

Tokyo's Metro System

Tokyo's metro system is one of the best and most convenient ways to travel around the city. Quick, easy, punctual and reliable. It is a combined network, operated by Tokyo Metro (privately-owned subway system operating a total of nine lines) and Toei Subway (operating four lines).

Covering a total of 13 subway lines collectively, each subway line is represented via a certain colour and alphabetical letter. For instance, the Ginza line is outlined with a capital "G" (G for Ginza) circled in orange (orange = colour of Ginza line). Beneath each capital letter, you will find a numeric number representing the station number along the line, e.g. G 16 (= Ginza line, station number 16).

Next to Tokyo Metro and the Toei line, there are several JR Lines, for which you can use a JR Pass. Please not that for all Tokyo subway lines, the JR Pass cannot be used!

For a holistic overview on Tokyo's subway route map, check out the following link: https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/subwaymap/index.html

Also not that physical subway route maps are available at all stations for free (usually close to the ticket vending machines).

Navigation through Tokyo's Metro via Google Maps & Apple Maps

The easiest and most convenient way to find out how to reach your destination is to plan, cross-check and navigate with the help of Google Maps, alternatively Apple Maps. These apps will show you different options of train (connections) + possibly applying transfers. In addition, you will see the overall price of getting back- and fourth, which is convenient to check your card balance and top it up in case needed. Another plus is that the apps state the respective exit to take when getting off the train, easing your travels tremendously, as, depending on the station, the uncountable options of exits might be a bit confusing. Last but not least, you will be able to see which stations you are approaching prior to exiting the train in real live modus when pressing "start" once you get on the train. If the arrow on your app is not moving closer to your final end destination ... you probably picked the wrong train.

Japan's unwritten Subway Rules

Taking the metro in Japan is connected with a couple of unwritten cultural norms you should take into consideration when riding the trains:

No talking on the phone and/or taking phone calls (there are even public announcements at the station and/or inside trains pointing that out sometimes)
Put your mobile phone on mute to not disturb others
When listening to music, kindly use headphones
No loud talking and/or laughing
No eating or drinking (only outside the subway gates where you will also find several bakeries and/or convenience stores)
No pushing or shoving! Japanese are very structured when it comes to entering trains. The respective entry points are clearly marked on the ground for adequate queuing. Get in line and wait for your turn.
Priority seats should be dedicated to elderly people, pregnant women, families with kinderwagen, people with special requirements and/or disabilities. In case the train is overly crowded and you have a seat, you might also want to offer your seat to others

Subway Operating Times: pay attention to morning- and night fares!

Tokyo's subway is the most convenient way to travel, whether during day- or night time. Even if crowded during peak times, you will prevent getting stuck in traffic for hours. The only downside of the metro system are the respective operating hours to which you should pay attention to! Trains usually start running between 5 - 6am, whereas they stop running between 11pm - midnight. There are no night buses operating and taxi fares can be quite expensive, especially during late hours when no other alternative of transportation is at-hand. Hence, if you are planning a night out partying or have to catch a super early flight the next morning, it is wise to pre-check your transportation options at an early stage (please note that taxis usually do not operate any earlier than trains themselves).

Japan's IC Cards: Suica and Pasmo

Getting the most out of your travel experiences trough Japan, Tokyo and other cities, purchasing a Suica or Pasmo Card is a highly recommendable thing to do to flexibly hop onto different metro lines and buses all across the city!

What are Suica and Pasmo Cards?

Suica and Pasmo are both prepaid and rechargable IC Cards, allowing you to take advantage of Japan's public transport system all around the country, including Tokyo's subway, buses & even boats, cash-free and without buying single tickets prior to every ride you're getting on. This allows you to travel both flexibly and time- efficient without any further huzzle to worry about.

What is the difference between Suica and Pasmo?

The only difference between the Suica and Pasmo Card is that they are operated by different companies. Suica, for instance, is run by JR East, whereas Pasmo is operated by Tokyo Metro & Keikyu Electric Railway. Regardless of their operators, both IC cards can be used for all Tokyo subway lines.

Where can I purchase Suica and Pasmo?

You can purchase both IC cards at a ticket automat or at the ticket counter (at bigger train stations or the airport, for instance). The easiest way is to directly purchase them at the airport one you arrive. Make your way towards the subway lines and stop at one of the ticket counters. With the purchase of either IC card, you can already top up your desired amount of money (1000 - 20.000JPY).

How and where to recharge Suica and Pasmo?

Can Suica and Pasmo solely be used for Tokyo's metro system?

How to use Suica and Pasmo when taking the metro?

How to use Suica and Pasmo when taking public buses?

Using Suica and Pasmo for purchasing purposes

Japan's Railway & JR Pass

The term JR refers to Japan Railway, a company which is owned by the government. Compared to Japan's subway, these trains run on the surface, not the underground. The JR network is spread all around the country, covering an area of over 19.000km, connecting Japan's most desired scienic spots & sight attractions. As for Tokyo in specific, the most commonly used lines for travellers will be the Yamanote Line, also known as "Loop Line" (covering areas of central Tokyo in a circle/loop) & the JR Chuo Line (crossing Yamanote line basically in its centre)

The JR lines can be accessed with either a Suica or Pasmo Card or via a JR Pass.

What is the JR Pass?

A JR Pass is a, for tourists designed ticket, which can be used for all existing JR lines throughout Japan. Tickets can be purchased online to receive a digital QR code. The pass then needs to be used within the matter of three months to keep its validity. You can choose between different time period, e.g. 7, 14 or 21 days.

The Pass offers the benefit for reserving seats free of charge when using it, which is a great thing, as taking the Shinkansen can be a pricey matter when trying to reserve additional storage room for your luggage.

Which lines does the JR Pass cover?

Is it worth purchasing the JR Pass?