Overview
Tokyo’s subway system is a marvel of efficiency—fast, clean, and reliable—but its complexity can be intimidating for first-time visitors. With over 280 stations and 13 lines operated by two main companies (Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway), navigating Tokyo’s underground can seem overwhelming at first. This 2025 guide breaks it all down into simple, actionable steps so you can travel around the world’s biggest city like a local.
Main Operators and Coverage
| Operator | Number of Lines | Key Coverage Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Metro | 9 | Central Tokyo, Shibuya, Ginza, Ueno, Ikebukuro |
| Toei Subway | 4 | Shinjuku, Roppongi, Asakusa, Otemachi |
| JR East (Yamanote Line) | 1 loop line | Major hubs like Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno |
The Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks overlap in many places but require separate tickets unless you use an IC card. JR East operates surface-level lines like the Yamanote Loop, which connects all major neighborhoods—making it essential for sightseeing.
Tickets and IC Cards
There are several ways to pay for your subway rides in Tokyo. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Ticket Type | Price | Validity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Ticket | ¥180~ | One trip | Short-distance travelers |
| Tokyo Subway 24-hour Ticket | ¥800 | 24 hours on Metro + Toei | Active sightseeing days |
| 48-hour / 72-hour Ticket | ¥1,200 / ¥1,500 | For 2 or 3 days | Multi-day explorers |
| IC Card (Suica / PASMO) | Deposit ¥500 | Pay-as-you-go | Convenience and flexibility |
Tip: If you plan to ride frequently or transfer between Metro and JR lines, IC cards (Suica or PASMO) are your best friend. Simply tap in and out—no need to worry about fares or line ownership.
Recommended Routes for Tourists
- Shinjuku → Asakusa: JR Yamanote Line + Ginza Line (approx. 38 min, ¥390)
- Shibuya → Ueno: Ginza Line (approx. 27 min, ¥210)
- Shinjuku → Roppongi: Oedo Line (approx. 9 min, ¥220)
- Shibuya → Akihabara: Yamanote Line (approx. 30 min, ¥210)
If you’re holding a JR Pass, you can use the Yamanote Line for free to reach many of these areas, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ueno—no subway fare required.
Navigating Transfers and Signs
Tokyo’s subway signage is multilingual (Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese), making it easy to follow. Each station has a letter and number code (e.g., “F16” refers to Fukutoshin Line, Station 16.), helping travelers identify routes quickly.
Inside trains, digital displays show the next stop and exit information in English. Google Maps and Japan Travel by NAVITIME are highly accurate and can even suggest the best train car for easy transfers.
Cost Comparison: JR vs. Subway vs. Day Pass
| Option | Coverage | Cost Example | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| JR Lines (Yamanote Loop) | Central Tokyo | approx. ¥150–400 per ride | Free with JR Pass |
| Tokyo Metro/Toei Subway | Wider downtown coverage | approx. ¥180–300 per ride | Great for inner-city travel |
| 24-Hour Subway Pass | Unlimited Metro + Toei | ¥800 | Best for busy sightseeing days |
If you plan to visit 3 or more areas in one day, the 24-hour subway ticket usually saves money.
Travel Tips
- Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM, 5–7 PM) to skip crowded trains.
- Always stand on the left side of escalators in Tokyo.
- Free Wi-Fi is available in most stations.
- Keep your IC card charged—top up at convenience stores or machines.
Example 1-Day Itinerary Using the Subway
- Morning: Start from Shibuya (Hachiko statue, Scramble Crossing)
- Late Morning: Take Ginza Line to Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple)
- Afternoon: Go to Ueno for museums or Ameyoko Market
- Evening: Return to Shinjuku for dinner and nightlife
With a ¥800 24-hour pass, you can explore all these destinations without worrying about individual tickets.
Final Thoughts
The Tokyo subway might seem like a maze, but once you understand the color-coded lines and transfer points, it becomes one of the most enjoyable and efficient systems in the world. Whether you’re heading to ancient temples, neon-lit districts, or hidden cafés, the subway connects every corner of the city seamlessly.
