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How to Use Tokyo Subway: A Simplified Guide for First-Timers
There are a hundred reasons why I love Tokyo, but number one has to be its ridiculously efficient public transport.
Tokyo can be a bit pricey for travellers (and even locals). But honestly, without the city’s extensive train and metro network, there’s no way we could have explored Japan’s capital for an entire week on a budget!
While I praise using Tokyo subway system, I admit it’s confusing, especially for first-timers. Sahana and I stood at Asakusabashi (our base for 7 days in Tokyo) station on day one, baffled!
It’s tricky since you have trains, metros, and subways run by different agencies – all at different levels. The Tokyo subway map looks like tangled spaghetti!
But after just two rides, we cracked it. By day two, we had mastered the system!
In this guide, I’ll explain how to use Tokyo subway, whether it’s worth buying a pass, and how to travel around Tokyo on a budget using trains and the subway.
Understanding Tokyo’s Public Transport System
Trains and subways are the backbone of Tokyo’s transport. While buses are available, they’re more for locals, and tourists rarely use them.
There’s also the Keisei Skyliner, a fast train connecting Narita Airport and Ueno, which is the second fastest in Japan after the bullet train. It’s handy for airport transfers.
Unlike Hiroshima, trams don’t exist i Tokyo. While Kyoto depends on buses more, Tokyo is all about Subways and metros.
Tokyo Hop-On Hop-Off bus, is perfect for tourists wanting a quick glance at the city’s main attractions.
Difference Between Subway, Metro, and Train Systems in Tokyo
Tokyo Train system got 3 types run by different companies : Tokyo Metro and Toei Lines that run underground and J R line runs on the surface.
In general, locals and tourists collectively refer to these Metro+Toe Lines+JR Lines as the Tokyo subway, even though some of them run above ground.
- Tokyo Metro cheaper and got 9 different lines.
- Toei Lines are newer and got 4 lines.
- JR Lines is owned by government and covers the outer city like a loop with 5 lines.
Besides these, there are 8 private rail companies mostly serving areas outside central Tokyo, along with a streetcar and a couple of monorails.
Why the Subway is the Best Option for Budget Travellers to Get Around Tokyo
For budget-conscious travellers, the subway and trains are your best bet. They cover most of the city, are quicker than buses, and way cheaper than taxis.
For example, here’s how to get from Asakusabashi to Shibuya:
- By JR line: 30 minutes and 230 yen per person (this is what we did).
- If taken Toei bus: 1 hour and costs 210 yen per person.
- Suppose we chose cab: 35 Minutes and a whopping 6,500 yen
Irrespective of the neighbourhood you stay in Tokyo, a Metro or Subway station will be within 500m from your room.
Tokyo subway ticket prices
Tokyo subway ticket prices for adults range from 180 yen for distances up to 6 km, increasing to 210 yen for 7-11 km, 260 yen for 12-19 km, 300 yen for 20-27 km, and 330 yen for 28-40 km. The fare varies slightly depending on the line used.
Is the Tokyo subway system 24 hours?
Trains in Tokyo run from 5 AM to midnight, so if you’re out super early or late, plan ahead with an expensive cab or you could end up stuck without a ride!
How to ride Tokyo subway
Download the app: Install Japan Transit Planner before you arrive, and have it ready on your phone. Available on Android and iPhone. Make sure you have data enabled local SIM to access this app.
Enter your destination: Type in the station name or pick a spot, and the app will show the nearest subway or JR station.
Set your location: The app will display walking distances to nearby Tokyo Subway stations and train options.
Choose your route: Select Fast (quickest), Low (cheapest), or Easy (fewest transfers) routes.
Check ticket coverage: Filter the route options to see if it’s covered by the JR Pass or an IC card.
Follow the icons: Tunnel icons indicate underground trains; surface icons mean above-ground lines.
Pass through the ticket barrier at station entrance: Use your Tokyo Subway Pass or tap your charged IC card (like SUICA) for payment.
Go to the right platform : Look at the platform signs at station to ensure you’re going in the right direction- whether underground subway or surface trains.
Get on the train : Board the train after verifying that the train number and “towards” label match the details in the app.
Track your stops: Use the app to monitor how many stops remain. Note the second-to-last stop to prepare for exiting.
Exit the train: Quietly exit the train as your stop approaches.
Follow exit signs: Use the numbered exit signs at the station to find your way out, as shown in the app. Famous tourist attractions are usually listed under each exit name.
Use escalators or stairs: Most stations have escalators, but some may only have stairs to the exit.
Tap out: Tap your pass or IC card again at the ticket barrier to exit. The fare will be automatically deducted.
Get walking directions: Switch to Google Maps for walking directions to the place you wanted to see – Like Tokyo Tower or Zojo ji temple.
How to Transfer Between Lines Easily
Make a note of your transfer station: If your destination requires a transfer, note your intermediate station once you board.
Follow the signs at transfer stations: Once your intermediate Tokyo subway station arrives, get off and look for signboards directing you to Tokyo Subway lines operated by other companies.
Be aware of different platforms: In some stations, Toei, Tokyo Metro, and JR lines operate on different floors or platforms. Bigger stations like Shinjuku or Shibuya might require a 5-10 minute walk between platforms. The Japan Transit Planner app shows everything clearly, so just follow the directions.
Know your ticket: If you’re using a JR Pass, IC card, or subway pass, make sure it covers the lines you’re taking. IC cards make transfers smooth without needing new tickets.
How to Read the Tokyo Subway Map
The Tokyo subway might seem overwhelming at first, but all you really need is a subway map (either PDF on your phone or a physical copy) and the Japan Transit Planner app.
Each subway line has a letter and a colour. For example :
For example, the Ginza line is orange and marked by the letter G.
The Oedo Line, which takes you to the Ryogoku district—home to Sumo training centres and tournaments—is marked in magenta.
JR lines are marked in grey, and private railways are in thin turquoise. Each station also has a number that goes up or down depending on the direction.
All station names are shown in English, and trains have LED displays with the station name and number, so you won’t get lost!
Best App for using subway in Tokyo
The Japan Transit Planner is a the best Tokyo Subway App. It’s user-friendly, available in English, and packed with infographics, giving you all the info you need.
It even labels routes as “cheap,” “easy,” or “fast,” so you can pick what works for you.
And it’s not just for trains or the metro—it also covers city buses, trams in other Japanese cities, trains between two cities, Shinkansen and even ferries around Miyajima known for deers roaming in front of a floating Tori!
You can filter routes by “IC Card” or “JR Pass” to see if your route is covered. When I used it in 2022, it was free, but now it’s around 360 yen a month (about 2 USD)—and totally worth it!
What I loved most about the Japan Transit Planner are the clear infographics that show whether you’re underground or above ground.
For instance, the Hanzomon Line’s icon of a train in a tunnel lets you know it’s underground.
The app also uses distinct icons for buses, JR lines, bullet trains, and trams, making navigation a breeze!
Where to Buy Tokyo subway tickets
You can buy subway tickets at the station using vending machines or from station officers, but it’s not the best option.
It restricts you to one particular line. For example, if you buy a ticket from Nihonbashi to Shijo Me Station to visit Toyosu Fish Market, the easiest route involves taking the Tokyo-Metro Ginza Line and transferring to the Yurikamome private line at Shimbashi.
This involves two different train systems—private and Tokyo Metro—and your ticket will only be valid for that route.
If you miss your train and decide to take a different route that involves a JR line, your ticket won’t be valid anymore.
So, buying individual tickets for each ride isn’t the best way to navigate subways in Tokyo. Go for either a Tokyo Subway Pass or a rechargeable IC card.
Best way to pay for Tokyo Subway Tickets
The best card for the subway is an IC Card. It’s prepaid and rechargeable, so you can easily top it up with cash when needed. Just tap it on the card reader, and your fare gets deducted instantly.
It’s like a prepaid debit card, but for travel. IC cards don’t offer discounts on subways, but the good news is one card works across all lines!
IC Card Suica for Subway
Suica and Pasmo are the popular choices, but for tourists, the Welcome Suica is the best . No cash deposit is needed, and we used it everywhere in Tokyo, plus on buses in charming Osaka and Nagoya.
Check out my detailed guide on how to get your Welcome Suica here.
Overview of Subway Pass Options
There are plenty of passes for the Tokyo subway, but as a tourist, you likely won’t need them.
Tokyo Tour Ticket (Tokyo Free Kippu)
It costs 1600 yen for one day, covers all the subway and train lines in Tokyo. – But pricey not worth it. Honestly, you won’t spend 1600 yen in a day on transport as a traveller. Tokyo is huge, and you’ll explore attractions area by area.
Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket
This covers only 9 out of 13 subway lines for unlimited rides in 24 hours. It’s a hassle having to stick to just Tokyo Metro lines when getting from A to B.
Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket (IC)
This Tokyo subway 24 hour pass costs 600 yen per day and includes both Toei and Tokyo Metro lines – But I still recommend you have Suica IC card than this.
Does the jr pass cover Tokyo subway?
No, the JR Pass doesn’t cover Tokyo’s subway, as it’s run by private companies. The pass only works on JR trains and the Tokyo Monorail.
But it does cover the Yamanote line, which hits top tourist spots like Ueno, Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku.
How to get from the airport to the city in Tokyo?
From Haneda Airport to the City
Tokyo Monorail: Takes15 minutes to Hamamatsucho Station, where you can hop on the Yamanote Line to get to other Tokyo areas. Costs about 500 yen, and JR Pass is valid. Runs from 5:30 am to 11:45 pm. We used it for an easy trip back to Haneda Airport – super convenient!
Keikyu Airport Line: 15 minutes to Shinagawa Station, where you can transfer to other JR Lines to get to other areas in Tokyo. Costs around 330 yen, but no JR Pass. Operates from 5:30 am to 11:50 pm.
Airport Limousine Bus: Direct to many Tokyo high end hotels for about 1,200 yen. Takes around 45 minutes, traffic depending. Runs from 8 am to 11 pm from three terminals. JR Pass not included.
Private Airport Transfers: Costly but useful, around 10,000 to 12,000 yen for groups. After our Cathay Pacific flight landed late post 11PM. The immigration and stamping at Haneda took more than an hour and the last Monorail and Keikyu lines passed before we were done.
We had to pay 12,000 yen for a cab to Asakusabashi.
From Narita Airport to the City
Narita Express (N’EX): Costs around 3100 yen and takes between 60 to 90 minutes to reach central Tokyo. It’s covered by the JR Pass and operates from 7:30 AM to 9:45 PM.
Keisei Skyliner: The fare is approximately 2500 yen, with a travel time of 40 to 45 minutes. It’s not covered by the JR Pass and runs from 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
JR Sobu Line (Rapid Service): Costs about 1350 yen and takes 90 minutes. It’s not covered by the JR Pass and operates from 5 AM to midnight.
Keisei Access Express: Priced at 1500 yen, this train takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. It’s not covered by the JR Pass and runs from 5 AM to midnight.
Airport Limousine Bus: Priced at around 3200 yen, the journey takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic. It’s not covered by the JR Pass, and there are multiple buses every hour running between 7 AM and 10 PM.
Private Car Transfer : The priciest option, takes around 90 minutes, costs 25000yen (200 USD) and is available 24/7.
Tips for Using Tokyo’s Subway System Like a Pro
Avoid Google Maps Transit: It can be inaccurate and confusing.
Carry a subway map: A PDF or physical map (in Japanese and English) is helpful if you get lost, especially in big stations like Shinjuku.
Download Japan Transit Planner: Have it ready before you arrive. It’s your go-to app for everything.
Choose “easy” routes: For beginners, pick routes with zero or one transfer to avoid confusion
Watch the infographics: The app shows whether you’re underground or above ground.
Expect some confusion: The first couple of rides might be tricky, but you’ll catch on fast – We were shown exit gate to Memory lane by a kind Japanese women when we stood clueless at Monstrously big Shinjuku station on the 4th day.
Follow etiquette: Let passengers exit first, and stay on the left side of escalators.
Keep it quiet: The subway is quiet; if you need to talk, whisper.
No eating: Eating on the subway is considered rude, so avoid it. You can’t even eat like Sweet treats like Wagashi or Chew Gum.
Common Mistakes to Avoid while using Tokyo Subway
Relying on the JR Pass for subways: It only covers a small part of the system, so it’s not useful for local travel.
Buying unnecessary subway passes: Most are designed for daily commuters and aren’t worth it for tourists.
Not Getting a Welcome Suica card: It’s the easiest way to pay for subway tickets—don’t skip it!
Not buying Local Japanese SIM Card with Data : You always need to use Data while using Tokyo metro and subways. Buy a Local SIM.
Not planning your sightseeing area wise : Stick to one area at a time to avoid extra trips and save on fares.
Underestimating the amount of walking;: Tokyo’s transport means a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes
Avoiding Rush hours: Tokyo subway Prices remain the same, but trains get crowded. And you really don’t have to avoid the peak hours- Well mannered Japanese handle this smoothly even with crowd pushing.
Not returning to room by midnight; : If you’re out late, you’ll need an expensive cab since trains stop running by 11:30 PM.
Key facilities in Tokyo subway stations
- Ticket vending machines for purchasing or recharging IC cards
- Vending machines for non alcoholic drinks and water
- Restrooms in most stations
- Free Wi-Fi in major stations
- Lockers for luggage storage
- Escalators and elevators for accessibility
- Convenience stores and kiosks
- Food Joints : Sushi places and Desserts
- Information desks for assistance
- Signage in multiple languages (including English)ATMs for cash withdrawal
- Entertainment : Few stations have Gatcha Gatcha and small Taito stores.
31000 for NeX… a zero too much
Hello. Thank you so much for pointing out the mistake – I updated it, it is about 3100 not 31000