Over the years, Tokyo, Japan has consistently experienced a rise in travellers from around the world. And like them, if you’re planning to visit the city soon, you will definitely need to save this guide to navigate through the Tokyo Subway System like a pro.
The Tokyo Subway System can be daunting even for those travelling to the city for the second or third time. With 13 lines and 285 stations, one look at the map can give you a headache. But worry not, as I’ll go step by step into everything — navigating the subway, what passes you’ll need, and tips to travel without any hassle. So read along and by the end of this blog, you’ll be an expert on the Tokyo Subway System.
For getting a look at the Tokyo Subway System map and understanding how to use the station signs to navigate your way across the system, make sure you check out my YouTube video.
Navigating through the Tokyo Subway System
Let us first understand the Tokyo Subway System in detail.
Lines and Stations
As mentioned above, it consists of 13 lines, of which 9 are covered under the Tokyo metro line and 4 under the Toei line. Each of the lines is represented by an alphabet, and each station along a line is represented by a number. In a minute we’ll come to understand why it is helpful. But first, here’s a detailed overview;
Tokyo metro line:
Alphabet | Line Name | Number of Stations |
G | Ginza Line | 19 |
M/Mb | Marunouchi Main Line (M)/ Branch line (Mb) | 25 (M)/3 (Mb) |
H | Hibiya Line | 22 |
T | Tozai Line | 23 |
C | Chiyoda Line | 20 |
Y | Yurakucho Line | 24 |
Z | Hanzomon Line | 14 |
N | Namboku Line | 19 |
F | Fukutoshin Line | 16 |
Toei line:
Alphabet | Line Name | Number of Stations |
A | Asakusa Line | 20 |
I | Mita Line | 27 |
S | Shinjuku Line | 21 |
E | Oedo Line | 28 |
Navigation
Now that we know how lines and stations are represented, let us understand how a station is coded for identification.
Let us take the example of Akasaka-mitsuke, which is the 5th station in the Ginza line (G). This station will be assigned the alphabet-number combination of G-05. This is especially useful for travellers who may not know Japanese, as the station names can sometimes be very hard to pronounce. Similarly, suppose for the Kasumigaseki station, which is the 15th station in the Marunouchi line (M), the alphabet-number code will be M-15.
Next, to understand whether you are heading towards the correct direction or not, check the signs on the platform.
Assume that you are in station M-07 and want to go to station M-15. If the sign on your platform shows M-07 > M-25, then it verifies that you are on the right platform, as M-15 would come between M-07 and M-25.
You can also find station/route information and downloadable maps of the Tokyo Subway Map here.
Passes
But which passes do we need for travelling through the Tokyo subway system? Note that you will NOT be needing a JR Pass for subways in Tokyo. JR Passes are only required when you are travelling intercity, i.e. suppose from Tokyo to Osaka, or Tokyo to Kyoto.
On the other hand, IC cards are something you will definitely need to keep in hand if you plan to explore the city through subways.
What are IC Cards
IC Cards are rechargeable e-money cards that operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. They can be used in all JR East lines in the Greater Tokyo Area, private railway lines, subways, and buses. It can also be used for purchases in convenience stores and vending machines that accept IC Cards for transactions.
Suica and Pasmo are the two most popular IC cards used throughout the Tokyo subway system.
Suica or Pasmo— Which One to Get?
Both IC cards are virtually identical, with no difference whatsoever. Both serve all the functions mentioned above and are a must-have for anyone who plans to explore Tokyo. Suica is available in two types; the Welcome Suica and the Normal Suica. Similarly, the Pasmo Card is of two types; the Pasmo Passport and the Normal Pasmo. Below is a comprehensive overview of the types, costs, and validity of the IC cards;
Suica IC Cards | Cost | Validity | Additional |
Welcome Suica | 1000 Yen | 28 days from date of activation | For one-time visitors. No deposit fee is deducted. However, unused balances will be lost after validity is over. |
Normal Suica | 1000 Yen | 10 years from date of last use | For frequent visitors. 500 Yen is kept as deposit money, and the difference is the use balance. |
Pasmo IC Cards | Cost | Validity | Additional |
Pasmo Passport | 1500 Yen | 28 days from date of activation | For one-time visitors. No deposit fee is deducted. However, unused balances will be lost after validity is over. |
Normal Suica | 2000 Yen | 10 years from date of last use | For frequent visitors. 500 Yen is kept as deposit money, and the difference is the use balance. |
How to Get a Suica/Pasmo Card?
Suica and Pasmo IC cards are available in both Narita and Haneda airports, as well as in shops and convenience stores. You can recharge them in portable vending machines available across the city.
However, due to the recent chip shortages in Japan, you may find IC cards are unavailable when you arrive. In the next section, I’ve highlighted how you can resolve this problem simply.
Apps
While travelling on the Tokyo subway, you would want to keep some smartphone apps handy, as they’ll make your journey much smoother. So, take note, because this is important.
Google Maps
Honestly, there’s no better app for exploring the Tokyo subway system than Google Maps. It is available for iOS and Android for free and uses the same alphabet-number coding system for navigating the subway.
Enter your starting station and destination on the app, and it will give you the correct entry point, line name, platform number, and the direction it is headed towards. This information is particularly important for when you are travelling through some of the bigger stations, like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Tokyo. More on this in the next section.
Japan Train Card Balance Check
Finding a vending machine every time you want to check your Suica/Pasmo balance is a hassle, right? You might even miss out on a train if your card does not have adequate balance. To avoid that, download the Japan Train Card Balance Check app available for both iOS and Android systems.
Once installed, hold your Suica/Pasmo card below the phone, and it will show you your card’s current balance.
Suica/Pasmo on Apple Pay
If physical Suica/Pasmo cards are unavailable (as is the case sometimes, due to the recent IC card shortages in Japan), there’s no need to fret. Apple Pay offers Digital IC card services. Simply search for Suica or Pasmo on your Apple Pay, and you’re good to go! You can even top-up your card using Apple wallet.
Tips
- Enter Through the Correct Entry Point: Before entering a subway station, check and use the entry point suggested by Google Maps. This is especially important for the bigger stations, as you may get lost for hours if you enter from the wrong entry point. It is highlighted in yellow in the app and you can easily find it.
- Keep Additional Time in Hand: When leaving for a metro station, allocate some additional time to what Google Maps may suggest. This is because going between lines can be quite a walk, and Tokyo metros wait for no one. So, if you want to catch your train at the correct time, leave early.
- Avoid Travelling During Peak Hours: Unless absolutely essential, it is best to avoid travelling on metros during peak hours. The crowd can be quite overwhelming for some visitors and is best avoided when travelling with elders or children.
Final Take
Now you know everything there’s to know about the Tokyo Subway System. Save this guide and explore the city seamlessly like a seasoned local. Feel free to use this as a checklist to ensure you have all the right passes, apps, downloads, and tips in hand before you set off for the trip!
Tokyo Subway System FAQs
You can download the PDF version of the Tokyo subway system map in English here.
Understanding the alphabet-number combination is the best way to navigate the Tokyo subway system. Each of the 13 subway lines is assigned an alphabet. Each station along the line is given a number. Any station can thus be represented as a code of an alphabet and a number. For example, the Kasumigaseki station, which is the 15th station in the Marunouchi line (M) will be given the code M-15.
More on this in the Navigating Through the Tokyo Subway System section above.
Using Google Maps for Tokyo subway is a great option, because in addition to the correct platform number and destination, it also shows you the correct entry point for entering a subway station. This is crucial, as entering from the wrong entry point may cost you a lot of time.
You can purchase a Suica or Pasmo IC card from the Narita and Haneda international airports. Alternatively, you can also get them from vending machines and convenient stores across Tokyo.
If physical IC cards are unavailable, you can get a virtual Suica/Pasmo card. Look for Suica/Pasmo on Apple Pay, which you can top-up with your Apple Wallet.
It is advisable to avoid rush hour in metros unless absolutely necessary. The carriages can be overcrowded, which may be daunting if you are travelling with elders or children.
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