Tokyo Metro (Tokyo Subway)

The Basics

Visitors to Tokyo will immediately notice the above-ground rail throughout the city, but hiding beneath the surface is the world’s busiest underground network, with around 8 million passengers using it daily. Two operators run the service and together have 278 stations on 13 lines. Wherever you want to go in central Tokyo, a subway station isn’t far away. Plus, the lines connect to Japan Rail and other above-ground lines to go farther afield. Taking the subway is much more efficient than driving or taking taxis, as there’s no chance of getting stuck in traffic.

Travelers can catch the subway while traveling independently around the city. A number of organized sightseeing tours also use the subway to get around.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Ticket machines in stations offer the option of English-language instructions.

• Station names are transliterated into English, so travelers who don’t read Japanese needn’t worry.

• Passengers can buy single-trip tickets as well as day and multi-day passes.

• If connecting between different lines, or between the subway and above-ground rail, be aware that not all stations with the same name are connected. It’s sometimes necessary to leave one station and enter another, down the road.

How to Get There

Tokyo’s subway covers many points of interest throughout the central city, and connects with other rail lines. Visitors are never too far from a subway station.

When to Get There

Tokyo is a heavily populated city, and many locals commute to work via the subway. During rush hour, trains are intensely packed and very uncomfortable to ride. Avoid subway travel between 8am and 9am, as well as between 5pm and 6pm, especially if you are traveling with kids, have mobility issues, or suffer from claustrophobia.

Travel by Monorail

From underground to above the city: Visitors to Tokyo can trade in the subway and instead travel by monorail for an aerial view. The Tokyo Monorail primarily connects the city to Haneda Airport but it also follows the coast of Tokyo Bay, so it’s a good way to check out this part of the city.

Ways to explore

Visitors to Tokyo will immediately notice the above-ground railways, but hiding beneath the surface is one of the world’s busiest underground networks. In total, the two operators have 286 stations on 13 lines. Wherever you want to go in central Tokyo, a subway station is nearby, and the lines connect to Japan Rail and other above-ground lines to go farther afield. Taking the subway is much more efficient than driving or hailing taxis, as there’s no chance of getting stuck in traffic. Many organized sightseeing tours incorporate travel by subway or metro into their itineraries.

Accessibility

The system is generally very accessible, with many accommodations made for passengers with special needs. Some older stations on Tokyo’s outskirts may be less accessible.

Age limits

None; up to two kids aged 1–6 ride for free if accompanied by an adult or older child. Infants under age 1 are always free.

What to pack

Face mask and hand sanitizer for personal hygiene in confined spaces.

What to wear

Lightweight jacket, small bag

Not allowed

Luggage, eating, talking loudly

Amenities

Coin lockers at many stations, vending machines, restrooms

Address

The subway network covers most of urban Tokyo and extends into parts of neighboring Chiba and Saitama prefectures. To visit some outer-Tokyo attractions, you may need to combine subway travel with other forms of transportation.

Driving

There’s generally no need to drive to a subway station—just take another train there! If you are traveling with a car, parking lots are often located near stations.

Public transportation

Look out for the stylized M symbol for the Tokyo Metro or the green leaf-like symbol for the Toei Subway, which help differentiate these services from JR and other train networks.

Best times to visit

Avoid the morning and evening rush hour: typically 8am to 9am and 5pm to 6pm.

Best days to visit

Stations near major office areas may be more hectic during the week, while those near leisure attractions experience the highest footfall on weekends.

Best months to visit

Tokyo is a year-round destination, but tends to be busiest with tourists in spring (March–May) and fall (October–November). The subway is always well-utilized, though.

Special events

Subway stations may be exceptionally busy during major festivals or events, so do some route planning before heading out.