How to Get Around Tokyo by Subway
Discovering Tokyo's Underground
Tokyo is the most heavily populated city in the world, and its public transportation network is equally massive. There are multitudes of ways to get where you need to go, but navigating these interconnected systems can be challenging, even for people who have lived in Japan their whole lives.
The Japanese subway in particular is known to be one of the most complicated of those systems, but mastering Tokyo's underground will make it so much easier for you to travel anywhere in the city. And since Japanese subways are some of the safest and most reliable in the world, it is worth taking the time to learn how to navigate the different lines so that you can experience everything Tokyo has to offer.
So let's talk about what makes Tokyo's subway seem so complicated on the surface, why you shouldn't be intimidated by it, and then learn about the apps you can use to navigate the city like a local!
Demystifying Tokyo's Subway System
Much of the confusion about the Tokyo subway comes from the fact that there are more than 10 different lines operating in the city. There are two subway operators in Tokyo: The Tokyo Metro, a private railway company; and the Toei Subway, run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Each has separate rail lines they operate.
There are four train lines operated by the Toei Subway: the Oedo Line, the Asakusa Line, the Mita Line, and the Shinjuku Line.
Tokyo Metro operates nine train lines: the Ginza Line, the Marunouchi Line, the Hibiya Line, the Tozai Line, the Namboku Line, the Chiyoda Line, the Yurakucho Line, the Hanzomon Line, and the Fukutoshin Line.
All this can seem overwhelming, but it is not as intimidating as it looks. Every train line is color-coded, and no matter the line you can pay using a fare card like Suica, making transferring between subway lines easy--even if they are not operated by the same company. As long as you know in advance which trains you need to take, navigating them won't be a challenge.
The fact that there are so many routes means that it is possible to go across all of Tokyo by subway, making it easy for you to get to wherever you want to go. And because subway trains in Japan are almost always on time, you can be confident that the route you plan will get you where you want to go, when you want to go there.
Apps to Master the Tokyo Subway
The best way to master Tokyo's subway system is to use an app that shows you the best route to take to get to your destination. Here are some of the best apps for navigating Tokyo's subway system as well as other forms of public transportation.
・Japan Travel by NAVITIME
Japan Travel by NAVITIME is an app designed for tourists visiting Japan. It supports multiple languages, allows you to search routes and check timetables, and can also prioritize routes that you can take with the Japan Rail Pass. It even features guides and tourist information to enhance your trip to Japan.
・Norikae Annai -Japan Transit-
Norikae Annae is an application that allows you to check timetables, transfer information, route maps, and fares. It is also available in multiple languages. If you prefer not to use the app version, there is also a browser-based version called Japan Transit Planner that you can check on your computer or smartphone.
・Google and Apple Maps
If you don't want to download Japan-specific apps, both Google Maps and Apple Maps allow you to search subway routes, see fares, and plan your route. While they lack the extra functionality that makes the Japan-specific apps more convenient for tourists, they will still be able to help you get to your destination with little difficulty.
Tokyo Subway Ticket
To make traveling using the subway even smoother for tourists, the Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau offers day passes you can use to travel the subway as often as you want.
You can use the entire Toei Subway Line and the Tokyo Metro Line for 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours from the start of your travel, depending on which ticket, you buy. These passes can be bought all over Tokyo, at locations including Haneda and Narita Airport, tourist information offices, hotels, and even some electronic stores.
For more information about the Tokyo Subway Ticket, click here.
Other Things You Should Know
Here are a few more details you should know about to make your journey on Japanese subways smoother and more comfortable.
・Women-only Train Cars
Many Japanese railways, especially in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, have women-only train cars that are clearly labeled and designated to be for women only. These specific train cars are usually in operation during rush hour on weekdays, but the policy varies by the railway operator.
If you are a man and accidentally get onto a women-only car, there are no legal penalties, but you should quickly move to a different car once you realize your mistake.
・The trains are extremely crowded during rush hour
Every train line will be crowded, but it is worth noting that the Tozai Line and Chiyoda Line in particular have very high boarding rates and some people liken the experience of riding these lines during rush hour as "hell."
If you can, avoid using the subway during peak times. In particular, 7 a.m.-8:30 a.m. and around 6:00 p.m. in the evening are the most crowded times.
Get Out and Explore!
With a travel app in hand and all the information we went over in this article, you should now be well-equipped to navigate Tokyo's subway system with ease. If somehow you do run into problems or get lost, you can always try to ask station attendants for assistance.
Now that we've demystified Tokyo's subway system, you are ready to have a smooth, stress-free, fantastic time exploring everything Tokyo has to offer!
