tokyo tourist train map

Tokyo Train Map: The Complete Guide to Tokyo Subways & Railways

Navigating Tokyo's train and subway system can be challenging for non-locals. With a complex web of JR East and other private railway companies, as well as subways, it can be overwhelming to understand. However, this guide is here to help you confidently navigate Tokyo's train system. We will explore the different train lines in Tokyo, the types of systems available, and which ones are the most convenient for sightseeing. Let's get started!

About Tokyo's rail and subway companies

Stations near popular sightseeing spots in tokyo, jr east: the convenient yamanote line and chuo line, tokyo metro: 9 subway lines, toei subway – the convenient oedo line and asakusa line, tokyo sakura tram (tokyo arakawa line): charming retro streetcar, odakyu electric railway – direct connection between shinjuku and hakone, enoshima, keio corporation: mount takao in 47 minutes, keikyu electric railway: connecting haneda airport and shinagawa station, keisei electric railway: comfortably from narita airport to ueno with the keisei skyliner, seibu railway: from ikebukuro and shinjuku to chichibu and kawagoe in saitama, tokyu corporation: from shibuya to yokohama, tobu railway: access to nikkō, tokyo monorail: quick access from haneda airport to central tokyo, yurikamome: to the odaiba area, rinkai line: direct access to odaiba from shinjuku, tokyo's railway map: not so hard after all.

Japan’s railway system can be divided into three categories: Japan Rail (JR), subway, and other private railways. JR is responsible for the shinkansen bullet train, a backbone connecting major Japanese cities, as well a network of rail that connects metro areas with rural ones. JR is also the network covered under the fabled Japan Rail Pass , which lets foreign visitors get around the country on a discounted pass. Tokyo’s subway system is split into two owners: Tokyo Metro, operated by Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd., and Toei Subway, operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation. Then there are seven major private railway companies in Tokyo: Odakyu Electric Railway, Keio Corporation, Keikyu Corporation, Keisei Electric Railway, Seibu Railway, Tokyu Corporation, and Tobu Railway. Plus, there’s the Tokyo Monorail that runs between Haneda Airport and Hamamatsucho; the Yurikamome Line that is convenient when going to the Odaiba area ; and Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit’s Rinkai Line. Large stations such as Shinjuku Station, Ikebukuro Station, Tokyo Station , Shibuya Station, and so on are served by multiple lines and allow convenient transfer between the different railway companies without having to leave the station.

A lot of Tokyo’s major sightseeing spots and areas are within walking distance of a station, at least in and around central Tokyo. Some lines even circle such areas conveniently, so take a look below and it might just help you plan a perfect day of sightseeing!

JR East doesn’t only operate the Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, and the Keihin Tohoku Line, but also the Narita Express . While sightseeing in Tokyo, you’ll find yourself using the Yamanote Line quite often. If you plan on going to Tokyo’s suburbs and outer areas, limited express trains are recommended.

JR East: Major Lines and Stops

Yamanote Line: A circular line around the city ・The sotomawari (外回り) trains go clockwise, the uchimawari (内回り) trains go counter-clockwise. ・Convenient connection between many main stations, such as Tokyo Station , Shinjuku Station, Ikebukuro Station, and Shibuya Station ・The color of the train is a yellowish green. Chūō-Sōbu Line: through Tokyo from East to West ・Runs through the center of the Yamanote Line, connecting Tokyo’s east and west. ・The Sōbu Line is yellow and a local train bound for Chiba. ・The Chūō Line is orange and features local, express, and limited express trains.

Tokyo Metro almost covers the entire area of Tokyo’s 23 wards with 9 lines. This includes convenient sightseeing lines such as the Marunouchi Line or the Yūrakuchō Line that go around the Imperial Palace, as well as the Hanzōmon Line that takes you to shitamachi (old downtown ) areas in the east. Tokyo Metro also offers the very convenient “Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket” for 600 yen, as well as a lot of reasonably priced special tickets in collaboration with other railway companies,

Tokyo Metro: Major lines and stops

Ginza Line: connecting Asakusa and Shibuya ・Passes many downtown areas such as Asakusa , Ueno , and Kanda. ・Great access to Omotesando Station, Shibuya Station, Aoyama Itchome Station, etc. ・Transfer to JR lines at Shibuya Station, Kanda Station, Ueno Station, etc. Hanzōmon Line: connecting Asakusa and Shibuya ・Goes to Oshiage Station right next to Tokyo Skytree . ・Goes by Shibuya and the north side of the Imperial Palace. ・Also stops at Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station since recently.

Toei Subways operates 4 lines. Especially the Ōedo Line is very handy for sightseeing, as it connects major downtown areas such as Aoyama, Roppongi , and Shinjuku . So is the Asakusa Line, offering excellent access to East Ginza , Nihonbashi, Asakusa , and Tokyo Skytree ’s Oshiage.

Toei Subway: Major lines and stops

Asakusa Line: to Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree ・Great access to Oshiage Station next to Tokyo Skytee. ・Stops at major areas such as East Ginza and Nihonbashi. ・Transfer to JR lines and Tokyo Monorail at Daimon Station after a short walk to Hamamatsuchō Station. Ōedo Line: to Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree ・Stops at many old downtown areas such as Monzen-Nakachō, Tsukishima, and Ryōgoku. ・The line goes in a 6-shape starting at Shinjuku ’s Tochōmae Station. ・Offers access to the Nakano area.

Tokyo used to have several trams, but the Sakura Tram (also called Tokyo Arakawa Line) is the only one that still operates. It travels about 12.2 kilometers between Waseda Station in Shinjuku Ward and Minowabashi Station in Arakawa Ward. The tram makes stops at 30 stations, most of which are unmanned, and has only one driver who manages passengers getting on and off. Notable stops include Kishibojimmae Station, near Kishimojin Temple and Takeyoshi Inari Shrine , Kōshinzuka Station, next to Sugamo's famous Togenuki Jizo (a Buddhist statue believed to cure ailments), and Ōji-ekimae Station, near Asukayama Park .

Odakyu Electric Railway operates 3 lines that all start at Shinjuku Station. The Odawara Line takes you to Odawara , which is the gateway to the popular sightseeing area Hakone , while the Enoshima Line offers direct access to Enoshima. Finally, the Tama Line goes to Tama New Town. All lines feature local trains, express trains, limited express trains, and so on, but especially convenient for visiting Hakone , Enoshima, and Kamakura is the Limited Express Romancecar . It takes you to Hakone -Yumoto Station in 85 minutes and the seats can be rotated all the way around, perfect for savoring the scenery outside the window. For exploring the Hakone area thoroughly, the Odakyu Line round-trip ticket called “ Hakone Free Pass” is recommended, as it includes 8 different trains, lines, and other transportation, such as the Hakone Tozan Railway, the cable car, the ropeway, sightseeing boats, and so on. (Valid for 2 days from Shinjuku Station, 5,140 yen).

Keio Corporation operates two lines: the Keio Line from Shinjuku and the Keio Inokashira Line from Shibuya . The Keio Line goes from Shinjuku Station to Chōfu Station and Takahatafudō Station, also stopping at Keio Hachioji Station and Takaosanguchi Station, the station that is closest to the beautiful and popular Mount Takao . The Keio Sagamihara Line branches off at Chōfu Station and takes you to the closest stations for Yomiuriland , as well as to Keiō-Tama-Center Station, the closest station for Sanrio Puroland . The Keio Inokashira Line runs between Shibuya Station and Kichijoji Station, also stopping at Shimokitazawa Station and Meidaimae Station. Transfer between the Keio Line and the Keio Inokashira Line is possible at Meidaimae Station. A 1-day ticket is available for 900 yen (450 yen for children) and grants unlimited use of both the Keio and the Keio Inokashira Line. For Mount Takao , there’s the Mt. Takao Discount Ticket that comes in a set with the Mt. Takao One Day Trip*. That deal includes a round-trip from all stations on the Keio and Keio Inokashira Line to Takaosanguchi Station, a round-trip ticket for the Mt. Takao cable car or lift, as well as meals. Another option is the Keio Amusement Passport that includes a free pass for all rides in one of the amusement parks on the Keio lines (Yomiuriland, Tokyo Summerland, Sanrio Puroland) alongside a one-day train ticket for a great price.

Keikyu Electric Railway’s Keikyū Main Line connects Sengakuji Station in Tokyo’s Minato Ward with Uraga Station at the coast in southeast Kanagawa Prefecture . It is convenient for comfortable access to Kawasaki , Yokohama , Yokosuka, Misakiguchi, and so on. Within Tokyo, transfer to the Asakusa line is possible at Sengakuji Station, while transfer to JR East’s Yamanote Line is possible at Shinagawa Station. Next to the main line, the company also operates the Keikyū Airport Line that branches off at Keikyū Kamata Station and takes you to Haneda Airport’s domestic and international terminals . Using the Airport Limited Express (Kaitoku) is the shortest route between Shinagawa and Haneda International Terminal, with only 11 minutes of travel time.

Keisei Electric Railway operates several branch lines in northeast Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture , centering on two lines called Keisei Main Line and Narita Sky Access Line, connecting Narita Airport and Ueno . The company is famous for its Keisei Skyliner , a limited express train requiring a special ticket that connects Narita Airport Terminal 2 to several stations. The shortest ride is from Ueno Station with only 41 minutes, but the Skyliner can also be accessed from Oshiage Station, Asakusa Station, Nihonbashi Station, Higashi- Ginza Station, and more. The Narita Sky Access Line to and from Terminal 2 is also convenient for straight access to several sightseeing spots in Tokyo. Keisei Ueno Station is just a 1-minute walk away from Ueno Station, where transfer to JR’s Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro’s Ginza and Hibiya Line is possible. The nearby Oshiage Station offers access to Toei Subway’s Asakusa Line, Tokyo Metro’s Hanzomon Line, and Tobu Railway’s Tobu Skytree Line.

Seibu Railway’s Ikebukuro Line runs between Ikebukuro Station and Seibu Chichibu Station , stopping at Tokorozawa. The Hajima Line branches off at Kodaira Station on the Shinjuku Line and takes you to Hajima Station in Tokyo’s west. If you want to go to Seibuen Amusement Park , use the Tamako Line. Several branch lines connect Tokyo’s northwest to Saitama Prefecture ’s southwest, such as the Sayama Line that runs between Nishi-Tokorozawa Station on the Ikebukuro Line and Seibu-Kyūjō-mae Station, where the MetLife Dome can be found, home to the Saitama Seibu Lions. Seibu Railway also operates several express trains, including the Red Arrow. One Red Arrow Line runs between Ikebukuro and Seibu-Chichibu, while another connects Seibu- Shinjuku and Hon-Kawagoe. On weekends and national holidays only, there’s also an express train called S-TRAIN between Motomachi-Chūkagai Station ( Yokohama ’s famous Chinatown ) and Seibu-Chichibu Station.

Tokyu Corporation operates 8 lines in total, including the Toyoko Line from Shibuya Station and the Den-en-toshi Line. Especially the Toyoko Line is convenient for sightseers, as it doesn’t only offer a convenient connection between Shibuya and Yokohama but also stops at noteworthy stations in Shibuya and Meguro, including Daikanyama Station, Naka-Meguro Station, Yūtenji Station, or Jiyūgaoka Station. The Den-en-toshi Line also runs from Shibuya Station to Chūō-Rinkan Station in Kanagawa Prefecture , stopping at stations such as Sangen-Jaya, Komazawa-daigaku, and Futako-tamagawa.

Tobu Railway offers convenient access from Tokyo’s east to Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture and Nikkō in Tochigi Prefecture , as well as to Kinugawa Onsen , Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture , and more. The company’s main line is the Isesaki Line connecting Oshiage Station and Asakusa Station to Isesaki Station but also the Tōbu Tōjō Line and several branch lines including the Noda Line, the Sano Line, and the Kiryū Line. From Tōbu-Dōbutsu-Kōen Station (Tobu Zoo ), the Nikkō Line takes you to the world heritage of Nikkō. The limited express train “Revaty Kegon” from Asakusa Station takes you to Tōbu Nikkō Station within 1 hour and 47 minutes at the shortest. There’s also the limited express “Revaty Kinu,” boasting 2 hours to Kinugawa- Onsen Station. Additionally, the Tōbu Tōjō Line from Ikebukuro Station to Yorii Station in Saitama’s northwest is the shortest way to get to Kawagoe.

Tokyo Monorail connects Japan’s gate to the world, Haneda Airport , to Hamamatsuchō Station. The regular “Local Train” monorail that stops at every station takes 17 minutes in total, while the “ Haneda Express” only takes 13 minutes to and from the International Terminal. Monorail Hamamatsuchō Station is connected to JR’s Hamamatsuchō Station and offers convenient transfer to the Yamanote Line and the Keihin-Tōhoku Line. It’s also possible to access the nearby Daimon Station with a 5-minute walk, which is served by Toei Subway’s Oedo Line and Asakusa Line.

The Yurikamome Line (officially called the Tokyo Waterfront New Transit Waterfront Line) crosses Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge and takes you to the bay areas such as Odaiba and Ariake. It is entirely controlled by computers and gently glides along on rubber0tired wheels, making for a particularly smooth riding experience. It runs about 15km between Shinbashi and Toyosu Station – at Shinbashi Station, transfer to and from several JR lines, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and Toei Subway’s Asakusa Line, while Toyosu Station is also served by Tokyo Metro’s Yūrakuchō Line.

This line serves about 12km between Ōsaki Station in Shinagawa and Shin-Kiba Station in the Koto Ward. It serves many stations in the Tokyo waterfront area, such as Shinagawa Seaside Station, Tennōzu Isle Station, Tokyo Teleport Station ( Odaiba ), and Kokusai-Tenjijō Station. A large part of the line is underground, so there’s no view to be enjoyed, but the mutual operation with Jr’s Saikyo Line and Kawagoe Line allow direct access to Odaiba from major stations such as Shibuya , Shinjuku , and Ikebukuro without having to transfer.

Tokyo’s railway network is complicated and hard to figure out, even for Japanese people. With careful planning and an active search for the optimal route, however, it is also ridiculously convenient, and each company features several deals and day tickets to make your Tokyo adventure even better! With a bit of planning and research, getting around in Tokyo will be no issue at all!

• Area Tokyo Station
• How To: Transportation

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Tokyo Train Map – Navigate The Japan Train System Like A Local With These Must-Have Tips, Hacks & Apps

A cheat sheet to the Tokyo train map

The Tokyo train map is made up of the Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Japan Railway (JR) East and other private railway companies. Together, they manage 29 railway lines in the Tokyo train system. To put it into perspective, that’s about 4 times more than the number of train lines Singapore has.

With multiple lines managed by multiple companies, “complicated” doesn’t even begin to sum up the intricate Tokyo train map. That’s why we’ve put up a cheat sheet with 17 handy Tokyo train hacks and useful tips so you can commute like a true blue local.

Buying IC cards/tickets

1. buying an ic card (pasmo, suica).

The Pasmo card and Suica card are the 2 most commonly used IC cards – also known as smartcards – for getting around in Tokyo. Both cards can be used on the JR train lines, private railways, and the Tokyo subway system. Do note that limited express trains and the Shinkansen are not covered.

There is one important difference to note – purchasing or refunding both cards are done at different places.

  Tip: If you have less than ¥220 (USD2) in your Suica card , the ticket machine will deduct whatever that is left. As such, try to use up as much value as you can before getting your refund.

2. Top-up subway ticket fare at the Fare Adjustment Machine

Other than the IC cards, you can also purchase subway tickets for your train rides. It’s less convenient as you have to figure out your fare first – with the shortest distance priced from ¥170 (USD1.55) onwards. 

If you’re travelling to several stations and find it a hassle to figure out the exact fare, you can always buy the cheapest ticket at ¥170 (USD1.55) . Look for the Fare Adjustment Machine once you’ve alighted, and check how much you owe.

The Fare Adjustment Machine is decked out in yellow and is clearly labelled in English.

– Searching for train routes –

3. useful apps: japan travel and navitime transit.

After keying in the departure and arrival stations, Japan Travel sifts out the most efficient routes while considering cost, time, and the least number of train changes. This electronic encyclopedia also has an ATM map, itineraries, and guides ranging from top gourmet experiences to day trips.

Download it on Google Play and App Store .

Like Japan Travel, Navitime Transit also helps you figure out the most efficient route to your destination. It has an edge over the former, however – Navitime Transit works even without internet access, making it a lifesaver when you run out of data, or when it’s simply impossible to get a connection. You can also check out other free travel apps for your Japan trip.

Tip: If you’re a detail-oriented traveller who likes to have as much information as possible, Hyperdia is your transport holy grail. 

The website takes into account all of Japan’s transportation and is so detailed that it even includes a price breakdown – base fare and seat fee – if you intend to reserve a seat on a long-distance train.

4. Free Wi-Fi 

Wi-Fi can be a major lifesaver, especially when you are close to exceeding your data limit but you’ve yet to plan out your train routes. 

When that happens, you can always rely on public Wi-Fi in train stations. Look for the relevant Wi-Fi addresses listed below and complete the registration with your email.

• “SSID: Metro_Free_Wi-Fi”
• “SSID: Toei_Subway_Free_Wi-Fi” or 
• “JR-EAST_FREE_WiFi” 

Each sign-in will last you 3 hours once you’re connected, which is ample time to map out your travel plans.

Navigating Tokyo train stations

5. locate train stations with letters, numbers, and colours.

The Japanese language is made up of 3 different writing systems – h iragana , katakana and kanji . So if you’re confused while studying the train map, know that you’re not the only one.

Thankfully, each station comes with an English name and is labelled alphanumerically with a colour code. 

For example, Shibuya Station is designated ‘G01’ as it is the first station on the Ginza line. You can also recognise it by its assigned colour – orange.

Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for LED displays to check the arrival time of the next train. You can identify the relevant trains or train lines by their English names.

6. Check if the train is express or local (for private railways)

Commuters taking a train on a private railway should note the difference between express and local trains. The express train skips a few stations and only stops at popular stops. If you’re in Tokyo for a holiday, you will most likely find this useful as most tourist attractions are accessible via the express train.

7. Switching train lines – follow the arrows

Here’s another handy way to check if you’re on the right track. Aside from LED boards and visual signages on maps, there are also helpful cues beneath your feet. When switching to another train line, take note of the arrows and colour-coded guided paths painted onto the floor. Just follow the path and you should find the train line you’re looking for in no time. 

8. Switching train lines – orange transfer gate

If you’re using a subway ticket instead of an IC card, make sure to pass through the orange transfer gate when you’re changing to a different train line. This applies even if both train lines are part of the Tokyo Metro. 

Your ticket will be returned to you on the other end of the gantry so long as you pass by the orange gates of both lines within 30 minutes. It will be registered as changing lines, and not as entering or exiting the train station. 

If you pass through a non-orange gate, your ticket will be swallowed up – effectively ending your trip. Yikes .

On the flipside, Pasmo or Suica users won’t have to pull out their hair because the correct fare is automatically deducted.

9. Boarding and Exit Guide 

Once you’ve figured out where to board the train, search for the Boarding and Exit Guide which can be found at the entrance of every platform. This treasure map will reveal which cabin is the nearest to the toilet, elevator, escalator, stairs and wheelchair-accessible links to cut short your travelling time.

10. Cabins numbers 

Now that you’ve figured out which cabin to look out for, don’t waste time counting one by one. The Tokyo train system certainly lives up to its rep as one of the most efficient train systems in the world – cabin numbers are clearly marked on the floor so you can save time looking for it.

11. Use the elevators if you have multiple luggage 

Travellers who have just touched down from Narita Airport and are making their way to the city centre by train should look for an escalator. Hauling multiple luggage down or up the stairs can be very dangerous as you risk falling off the stairs with your belongings.

There are plenty of signs to guide you to the nearest lift so make sure to keep a lookout.

– Exiting a train station –

12. look for the yellow exit sign.

In Tokyo train stations, exit signs are labelled in a vibrant yellow that’s easy to spot even from afar. 

13. Toilets can be found in train stations

Don’t make the same mistake of tapping out of the train station in search of a toilet. Each station is actually equipped with a washroom, so you won’t have to panic in the middle of your commute when nature calls. Besides, it’s not worth tapping in and out at the same train station as you will end up paying a few extra yen.

14. IC cards – low balance alert 

If your IC card has less than ¥1000 (USD9.11) left, the sensor on the gantry will beep 3 times as you tap in or out. Make sure to top-up at a ticketing machine before it’s too late.

Important signs to know

15. women-only car .

To rectify the problem of chikan (public molestation), Tokyo has come up with designated women-only train cars that are available from the rush hours of 7AM-9AM. Besides women, children and passengers with disabilities are also allowed to board these cars. 

The pink sticker that identifies these special cabins is hard to miss – it’s plastered on the floor, carriage and pillars in the train station.

16. Green car stickers (JR only)

The JR offers 2 classes of cabins – ordinary and green, aka first-class seats, for long-distance rides. Green car seats offer more leg-room, but you do have to fork out about 30% to 50% more than the ticket price of regular seats. 

If you’re taking the green car on your trip to Japan, make sure to look out for the green clover-shaped sign on the exterior of the train or inside the carriage and board the correct cabin. 

17. Last resort – ask for help from a train attendant

With a grand total of 882 train stations listed on the Tokyo train map as of now, even returning travellers can lose their way while navigating the Tokyo train stations. 

If you’ve resorted to all of the above tips and hacks and still lose your way, look for train attendants that are usually stationed near the ticket machine or on the platform. They can be clearly identified by their uniform. These attendants know the Tokyo train map like the back of their hands and will point you to the correct direction in a jiffy.

Tip: Arm yourself with a  PDF of the Tokyo train map or a Japan travel navigation app so that you can easily explain to the train attendant where you would like to go.

Conquering the Tokyo train system

The Tokyo train map may look like a maze of intricate lines and colours to the uninitiated. It’s easy to lose your bearings and you may be intimidated to seek help from nearby commuters, especially if you don’t know the language.

With that in mind, we’ve gathered top tips and tricks that even everyday commuters may have overlooked. Look out for these 17 helpful cues so you can navigate the Tokyo train system like a champ. 

Check out these articles on your next trip to Japan:

• How to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo
• Japanese phrases for eating out
• Free things to do in Tokyo
• Convenient hotels located near train stations
• Cheap capsule hotels

Cover image adapted from (clockwise from left): Apple , Nikita Vasilevskiy and Wikipedia

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Tokyo Subway guide (with the metro map)

• February 2, 2022

The Tokyo subway system is a great network of underground trains that offer easy access to major tourist spots and attractions, from Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and Tokyo Tower to the iconic scramble crossing in Shibuya.

More than 280 stations are spread all over Tokyo and some prefectures such as Chiba, Saitama, and Kanagawa, to name a few.

Let’s see how the Tokyo subway system works, so you will know all the details on how to use it when traveling to Japan.

Tokyo Subway Map

You can find the Tokyo Metro route map in English in PDF format that you can download to keep on your phone, so you can check it even if you don’t have WIFI or a local sim card .

Download the Tokyo metro map in pdf

Tokyo Subway Operators

Tokyo’s subway network consists of two leading companies: Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. The first one is privately owned, while the second is run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation, an agency of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Tokyo Metro is the largest operator, with nine lines and 195km of tracks between 179 stations; an average of 7.6 million passengers ride this network daily. In contrast, Toei operates 106 stations connected by four lines used by 2.82 million people daily. Altogether, they carry, on average, over 8 million passengers daily.

How and where to get Tokyo Subway Tickets

To use the Japanese subway, you need first to get a transport ticket; here are the options you have:

• the classic metro tickets
• the pass (primarily used by tourists)
• the prepaid IC cards (PASMO or Suica card)

Choose the best option depending on your needs and the length of your stay.

Buying a Tokyo Subway Ticket

Buying a ticket at a subway station is very easy; you need to use the automatic terminal at the station:

• Choose English as a language (first button on the top right of the screen).
• Choose “ticket”.
• Choose the ticket cost in case you know it already, or use the search function to find the arrival station’s name or number.
• Tokyo Metro ticket cost: 170¥, 200¥, 240¥, 280¥, 310¥;
• Toei ticket cost: 180¥, 220¥, 270¥, 320¥, 370¥;

Buying a Tokyo subway daily pass (1 day up to 3 days)

If you are a tourist in Tokyo and plan to move a lot in the city, then getting a subway pass might be the most convenient and cost-effective option. You can also save time by getting such a pass as you don’t need to queue at vending machines to get a ticket whenever you want to go somewhere.

Here are where you can get a Toky subway pass:

• At Tokyo Metro’s subway station automatic terminals
• At Toei Metro’s subway station automatic terminals
• At the airport, at both Haneda and Narita airports
• And also at several hotels and branches of large electronic stores such as Bic Camera

Getting and using a prepaid IC card (Suica and Pasmo)

The Suica and Pasmo are IC cards that allow you to use the Yamanote line and the metro network in Tokyo, among others.

These cards are practical since you can take any lines operated by different companies with the same IC card without worrying about which operator manages the line you need to take to get to your destination.

There are two main IC cards in Tokyo: Suica and Pasmo . The only differences are who sells them and the design.

They can be purchased for a 500-yen refundable deposit from ticket machines at any station. You can also charge them additional funds—Touch-in and touch-out at the ticket barriers for the smoothest travel experience.

You can also use your IC card to pay at other places, such as vending machines and convenience stores .

Access to the metro platforms

To get to the subway platform, you have two options depending on if you have a metro ticket or a prepaid card:

• Place the ticket at the ticket gate, then collect it at the end
• Place your prepaid card on the NFC reader; it’s also now possible to integrate your IC card into your smartwatch (Apple watch or other); if you do so, you will need to place your watch on the NFC reader instead of your card.

Tokyo Subway lines

Here is the list of the different lines of the Tokyo subway network for each subway operator:

Tokyo Metro Lines

Hibiya line – 日比谷線 (silver).

The Hibiya Line is great for travelers as it connects most of Tokyo’s most popular districts known for shopping, dining, and nightlife. These include Nakameguro, Ebisu, Roppongi, Ginza and Akihabara.

Ginza Line – 銀座線 (Orange)

This line runs from Shibuya and connects popular sightseeing areas such as Ueno and Asakusa to the famous shopping districts Omotesando and Aoyama.

The Ginza Line is the oldest subway line in Asia. It is more than a transportation route but offers an insight into Tokyo’s traditional and modern sides.

Travelers can enjoy an afternoon of shopping in Omotesando, scour through the bookshops in Kanda or enjoy a view of Japan’s capital at Toranomon.

Marunouchi Line – 丸ノ内 + Marunouchi Line Branch Line – 丸ノ内線分岐線 (Red)

The Marunouchi Line connects Ogikubo Station and circulates the city up to Ikebukuro Station. This line has a history stretching back to when it was first built after World War II.

Travelers take warning: this line connects some of the most crowded stations in central Tokyo and is a famous line for Japanese office workers. Jump on this line to reach popular spots such as Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo Dome, the home stadium of Tokyo’s professional baseball team, and the Yomiuri Giants.

Tōzai Line – 東西線 (Sky Blue)

The Tozai Line connects Nakano Station to the Nishi-Funabashi Station.

Namboku Line – 南北線 (Emerald)

Compared to the other lines, the Namboku (or Nanboku) Line is a relatively new one featuring 19 stations. The line starts from Meguro in the southwest and cuts through the city before ending in Akabane-Iwabuchi in the Northwest.

Yūrakuchō Line – 有楽町線 (Gold)

The Yurakucho line runs from Wakoshi in Saitama Prefecture to Shin-Kiba Station in Koto, Tokyo.

This line is handy for making connections across the Tokyo Metro network as it links up with major stations from Ikebukuro, Nagatacho, and Ginza-Itchome.

Travelers can take the Yurakucho Line to Kojimachi, a business district near the Imperial Palace with many high-dining options.

Chiyoda Line – 千代田線 (Green)

The Chiyoda Line connects Yoyogi-Uehara to Kita-Ayase. This green line was initially created to relieve the packed trains, especially during the morning rush hour, coming from the Ginza and Hibiya lines.

Although this line runs through the city’s center, it also runs through some of central Tokyo’s most overlooked areas, such as Meiji Jingu Gardens and Shrine, where you can often see traditional Japanese weddings on weekends.

The Chiyoda Line is also located near Akasaka Palace, an estate that serves distinguished guests from abroad, and Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden, the former estate of the Iwasaki clan that founded Mitsubishi.

Hanzōmon Line – 半蔵門線 (Purple)

The Hanzomon Line features 14 stations across Tokyo and Saitama. The line starts from Shibuya, cuts across the city center, and ends in Oshiage.

The Hanzomon Line provides easy access to various popular spots such as the ninja-themed restaurant, Ninja Akasaka near Nagatacho station, and the picturesque Jingu Gaien Gingko Avenue by Aoyama-Itchome station. Bookworms will love the endless row of bookstores lining Yasukuni-dori by Jimbocho station.

Fukutoshin Line – 副都心線 (Brown)

Tokyo’s newest subway line, the Fukutoshin Line, is also its deepest, averaging 27 meters below the surface. From Wakoshi station in Saitama Prefecture and ending in Ikeburo Station, this line shares a handful of stations with the Yurakucho Line.

Asakusa Line – 浅草線 (Pink)

This line serves part of Easter and southern Tokyo, with 20 stations running from Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward to Nishi-Magome. The Asakusa Line connects with other train lines that will take you to Narita or Haneda Airport.

The rose-colored line is perfect for visiting popular tourist spots like the colorful and historical Asakusa district, going shopping in Ginza’s chic department stores, and visiting the iconic Nihonbashi Bridge.

Mita Line – 三田線 (Blue)

The Mita Line features 27 stations starting from Meguro in the southwest, running through central Tokyo, and ending at Nishi-Takashimadaira in the northwest. As one of Tokyo’s busiest lines, it was the first to have safety barriers installed at its stations.

Shinjuku Line – 新宿線 (Lime green)

The Shinjuku Line runs eastward from Shinjuku Station to Motoyawata Station in Chiba Prefecture, home of Tokyo Disneyland. One key destination this line runs through is Kudanshita Station, where Yasukuni Jinja, a controversial shrine memorializing Japanese killed in wars.

Jimbocho Station is another major stop where book and art lovers can enjoy a day of wandering the second-hand book district and visit the various specialist shops that deal in ukiyo-e traditional woodblock prints, vintage film posters, and more.

Ōedo Line – 大江戸線 (Magenta)

Oedo means “Great Edo” Edo brings the former name for Tokyo. The Oedo lines form a loop around the city. This is the perfect line for travelers interested in checking out the world-famous Shinjuku crossing, going shopping in Roppongi, or want to climb Tokyo Tower.

JR Trains in Tokyo

In addition to the two subway systems described above, several train lines run through, around, and to/from Tokyo.

JR Yamanote Line

Yamanote is a train line in Tokyo operated by the Japan Railways East company. Circular in shape, it naturally delimits the center of the capital and serves 29 stations, including the major stations such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, and Ikebukuro. It is one of the busiest train lines in the city and an essential subway line for visitors to get to the tourist spots.

JR Chuo Line

Chuo Line cuts across Tokyo from East to West; it can be helpful when moving from Shinjuku to Tokyo station, for instance.

Free wifi available in Tokyo Subway stations

You can access Free wifi hotspots in both Tokyo Metro and Toei train stations; here are their respective SSID:

•  Tokyo Metro: Metro_Free_Wi-Fi
•  Toei: Toei_Subway_Free_Wi-Fi

Schedule: When is the first and last Tokyo Metro train?

The first trains of the morning start at about 5:00. If you’re out late, remember that the last train home will probably be around 23:30 and 00:30 the next day, depending on the metro line and the departure and arrival station. Remember that subway services are a little less frequent during weekends and public holidays.

You can directly get the timetable on the subway operators’ website:

• https://www.tokyometro.jp
• https://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp
• https://www.westjr.co.jp

Useful apps to get on your phone

To make your Tokyo subway journey smoother, you can download the app called Tokyo Subway Navigation, also called Navitime, to have the Tokyo subway map always on your phone and navigate in the city with ease.

• The Android version can be downloaded here
• The iOs version can be downloaded here

Google Maps is also very efficient and widely used in Japan.

Tips on using the subway in Tokyo

• Check-in advance the number of the exit you will need to take to your destination quickly and easily. There is often a map in front of the ticket gates with all the exits marked. You can also sometimes know which exit is the closest to your destination when using Google Maps.
• Mind your manners. Eating and drinking on the trains are generally frowned upon, as is talking on your cell phone.
• Be conscious of your space. If you have a big backpack, turn it around, wear it on your front, or place it between your legs.
• Some lines feature women-only carriages to counter groping in the train cars by men. Look out for the pink sign on the platforms indicating these cars in both English and Japanese.
• Rush hour runs approximately between 7:30 am-9:30 am and 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. Avoid traveling during these peak rush hour times if you’re not a fan of crowds or have large luggage.

Often Asked Questions About Tokyo’s Subway System

There is no real difference between the subway and the metro in Tokyo. The subway service is divided into two companies, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway, but they work roughly the same way.

Yes, Tokyo has a subway operated by two companies: Tokyo Subway and Toei.

Tokyo tickets cost between 170¥ to 430¥ depending on the line and how far you travel, so yes, the subway in Tokyo can be very expensive, especially if you come here as a tourist and you travel all around Tokyo and its suburbs.

Tokyo subway trains usually end at about midnight. It varies depending on the line and the station and might also be different on weekdays and weekends.

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Tokyo subway maps: A guide to finding high-resolution maps of every railway in Tokyo

January 12, 2023 By James Clark 4 Comments

The Tokyo subway system is one of the world’s largest mass transit networks . There is not an official name that represents all of the lines that serve Tokyo, though Tokyo Subway is often used to refer to all lines.

Technically, the Tokyo subway is just one part of the urban rail transit network. The Tokyo subway consists of the Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway. The East Japan Railway Company (JR East) operates lines, as well as several other railway operators serving Greater Tokyo.

With so many operators running lines in Tokyo, there is no official website listing every line, and there is no official map. Maps are provided by the operators, and they are among the most complex subway maps in the world .

This guide lists all of the network maps issued by the operators, along with independent maps that show all lines.

All maps are the English version of high-resolution maps that can be downloaded. I have left out maps of operators that only show their own lines.

Official Tokyo subway maps

Tokyo metro.

Website: tokyometro.jp

Tokyo Metro has an online searchable map of the Metro lines .

The subway map is also downloadable as a PDF file . This includes Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines in bold, with other lines depicted with thinner lines.

Toei Subway

Website: kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp

Toei Subway uses the same “Tokyo Subway Route Map” as Tokyo Subway. The Toei Subway map shows all of the station names, while the Tokyo Subway has a map that shows numbers for some stations.

The map can be viewed on the Toei Subway map page and as a PDF Map .

Website: jreast.co.jp

East Japan Railway Company (JR East) operates commuter and long-haul trains throughout the Greater Tokyo area. JR East operates the Yamanote Line, which encircles central Tokyo and is a defining feature on many metro maps. The circle (which is not a circle in real life) forms a foundation upon which transit-style maps are drawn on.

The JR East Tokyo map (above) shows how extensive their network is, though it’s not much use from a passenger’s perspective without the subway lines.

JR East has a system map where their lines are shown in bold, with the subway lines shown as thinner lines.

JR East also publish a full network map, which is labelled as Suica/PASMO Network Map. This map shows areas where Suica/PASMO (the stored-value cards) can be used. This is the most complex rail map of Tokyo.

Visit Tokyo Map

Go Tokyo is the official website of the Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau. While this is not a map by one of the railway companies, this is the official Tokyo travel guide so I will place it in this category of official maps. This map has shaded the area inside the Yamanote Line in light green, which helps you find your bearings on the map.

Independent Tokyo Subway Maps

This section includes independent maps from private companies and railway enthusiasts. The maps show all lines in the Greater Tokyo area.

Greater Tokyo Railway Network by Kzaral

The Greater Tokyo Railway Network by Kzaral shows every line equally, so it truly shows the entire network.

Tokyo Subway system by UrbanRail.Net

UrbanRail.Net has a map of all lines on one map, with details of each line.

Tokyo Subway Map by Sergio Mejia

Tokyo Subway Map by Sergio Mejia was submitted to Transit Maps .

Subway maps of Japan: High-resolution maps of every metro system in Japan .

About James Clark

James Clark is the founder of Nomadic Notes. He has been a digital nomad since 2003, and Nomadic Notes features trip reports, train travel articles , and where to stay guides . He writes about transport and urban development at Future Southeast Asia . Subscribe to the weekly travel newsletter .

January 13, 2023 at 7:15 am

Wow how on earth does anyone plan and undertake their journey

I assume all separate ticketing easy transfers?

January 13, 2023 at 8:52 am

It looks scary but it is relatively easy to navigate at the station with clear signage. The ticketing is unified with two competing cards – Suica and PASMA. They basically offer the same thing so it doesn’t matter which one you use. This model gives me hope for Bangkok, because I can’t see Rabbit card giving up its gains to Mangmoom. It might be a case where the Bangkok system will have to live with two cards. As for transfers, it feels more like London with decades of layers of railways built on top of each other.

March 12, 2023 at 1:54 am

G’Day All

I would like a copy of a Greater tokyo rail, Metro and Subway map in something like A3.

The SUICA/PASMO one would be good if I could purchse that,. The Greater Tokyo Railway Network map might be another.

If either of these would be suitable, could you advise me how/where to buy it/them?

Regards Julian

October 29, 2023 at 6:08 am

thank you for putting these maps together, they are a great resource for any traveller!

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Tokyo Train and Subway Guide

Tokyo ’s rail network spreads across the sprawling capital like a huge spider’s web ready to take you anywhere. But although the routes are clear, the system is fairly complicated and perhaps rather unique among rail networks around the world; this is because there are many different companies carrying passengers, often at the same stations or even on the same tracks.

Trains and the subway  🚇 are still the main means of transportation in Tokyo and its outskirts, and they crisscross the city with the utmost reliability - well almost. Other modes of transport (buses, bikes  🚲 and taxis in particular) can complement this system from time to time, but for most tourists, a good command of the rail network is enough to take them anywhere they might want to go in and around Tokyo.

You will definitely need to board a train at some point in your trip and you might feel a bit lost at the start, standing in front of a map or in the subway, but don’t worry, it’s not that difficult provided you do a bit of homework before you go.

This guide aims to give you all the tips and advice you need to travel with confidence.

Topography, statistics and behaviour

To understand the rail network, you must first understand the geography of the Japanese capital. What is commonly called "the greater Tokyo" actually consists of a central metropolitan area (called Tokyo), which is itself made up of 23 districts. Attached to these districts are other metropolitan areas that make up Tokyo’s close and not-so-close suburbs:

• Kanagawa to the south
• Yamanashi to the west
• Saitama to the north
• Chiba to the east
• or even Ibaraki to the north-west which is not even adjoining

The name Tokyo actually refers to a large station in the Marunouchi district, close to the center; so make sure you know exactly which station you want to arrive at.

Many stations located in and around the capital are very busy. For reference, here are the ones with the greatest passenger numbers per day in 2019 (pre- Covid   🦠 figures ):

• Shinjuku : 775,386
• Ikebukuro : 558,623
• Tokyo : 462,589
• Yokohama : 419,440
• Shinagawa : 377,337
• Shibuya : 366,128
• Shinbashi : 278,334
• Omiya : 257,344
• Akihabara : 248,033

In 2014, they were 2,4 millions commuters faring to Tokyo every day from the prefectures surrounding the capital.

In 2017, eleven lines were exceeding their passengers capacities over 180 %. The top three included:

• Tokyo Metro Tozai (199%)
• Chuo-Sobu (197%)
• Yokosuka (196%)

However, these figures have been decreasing since the 1970s (when they easily exceeded 200%) and have stabilized since the 2000s.

A sprawling, but logical, network

However, in spite of this information which may sound impressive and is regularly compounded by all kinds of urban myths, don’t think that the Tokyo transport network is an impenetrable maze. Quite the contrary actually!

Because if you have already taken the subway in any other city in the world, you are unlikely to get lost in Tokyo. True, there are more lines, more stations and distances are greater, but if you know how to get around in New York, London or Beijing, there is no reason why you can’t get around in Japan.

Tokyo even has some significant plus points when it comes to comfort;

• a degree of punctuality the like of which you will have never seen before;
• it is spotlessly clean most of the time (lettuce is even grown there!);
• it is so safe that you often see children alone at the stations, even in the evening;
• comprehensive information , sometimes even going so far as to to indicate the distance in meters between the different platforms on a station;
• there are often toilets  🚽 and they are generally clean (男 for men and 女 for women);
• free WiFi  📶 thanks to an increasing number of hotspots.

A few rules for users

For such a dense and busy network to run smoothly, travellers must follow a number of rules governing behaviour. For this reason you must behave in a civilised manner on public transport in Tokyo, perhaps even more so than in any other public area.

Above all you must obey the rules about where to stand and where to walk:

• keep left in corridors and on escalators ( Osaka is the only exception in Japan where you stand or walk on the right);
• stay within the marks on the ground and/or barriers on the platform that indicate (almost to the centimeter) where the train doors will open;
• queue without pushing, and stay within the markings on the floor so that you don’t block the gates, and don’t get into the carriage until everyone has got off the train.

On the train or in the subway:

• keep the noise down (put your phone on vibrate, talk quietly). Most travellers have their noses in their smartphone, are reading or falling asleep on their neighbour’s shoulder;
• be aware of the reserved seats (for the disabled, pregnant women, etc.) at the ends of the carriages, which Japanese people don't always do despite what you might think;
• put your rucksack on the floor and hand luggage in the luggage racks overhead;
• some carriages are reserved for women at certain times of day (mostly in the morning), these can be recognised by a pink sticker "女性専用車 Women Only";
• eating is normally banned in trains.

On some lines, the trains can be very crowded during rush hour periods on weekdays. You only occasionally see the famous "pushers", but it remains a bad idea to travel with bulky luggage, especially at these times. To avoid this problem, we can’t recommend the breathtaking Takkyubin delivery system highly enough.

Finally, since the sarin gas attacks in March 1995, there are hardly any bins on public transport.

In early July 2018, East Japan Railway announced the installation of a video surveillance system on the 8,500 carriages running through Tokyo and its area over the following winter .

The different rail networks

Even though in practice it is not necessarily easy to spot the difference between the trains and the subway, it is still important to understand the distinction to get the bigger picture of the overall structure. Note: underground rails do not necessarily mean it is the subway and vice versa!

In Japanese you say:

• 電車 densha for the train;
• 地下鉄 chikatetsu or メトロ metro for the underground / subway (サブウェイ subway actually refers to the fast food chain which is everywhere in Japan).

The railway lines of greater Tokyo, as in the rest of Japan, are unique in that they are shared by many companies, which are set out in detail below. One of the most difficult issues for newcomers is that there is no official map showing the whole rail network (even though you do find homemade ones ): each company has its own. Fortunately, technology is on the travelers’ side with several smartphone  📱 apps. While Hyperdia has lost its edge, the most convenient app now is certainly Japan Travel by Navitime.

Once you are in Japan, changing rail companies quickly becomes a real challenge in most situations. You have to go out and come back in to change between the different networks, because you have to pay separately to use each company. This soon becomes impractical with tickets, but the transport card (see below) enables you to do this much more simply.

A simple change of train does not necessarily mean only changing platform or floor. If, to go from point A to point C you have to take two different companies, the transfer at point B might involve a walk of several hundred meters to change station even though the stations have the same name (or almost). Or perhaps not! Because different companies each have their own space and their own platforms, and often share the largest stations.

Common features

Whatever happens, various reference points will help you find your way when in doubt, such as the many signs, the maps of the lines on platforms and in trains (or screens on the Yamanote ), or different bursts of musical jingles unique to each rail company or place. And if you get lost, don’t worry: the staff are, for the most part, very friendly and extremely helpful.

As for the timetable, hardly any trains or underground services run between midnight and 5 am . The rest of the day, departures range from regular to very frequent depending on the how busy the line is.

Some vocabulary pointers:

• a line consists of its name, followed by the kanji 線 sen (line)
• a station or a stop is made up of its name, followed by the kanji 駅 eki (station)

In many cases, the texts are written in three writing systems , eg 渋谷, しぶや and Shibuya (kanji, hiragana and the Roman alphabet respectively). Announcements are generally given in Japanese and English; in the carriages they often tell you which door to leave by to avoid inconveniencing other passengers and/or wasting time.

As far as the rest is concerned, it should be gradually completed over time. And that’s good news for non-Japanese speakers because translations become less and less frequent as you move away from the center.

Another huge help as you leave the rail network are the yellow exit signs which show the location of all the exits. In some of the larger stations, which are like mazes, there might be dozens of these! Signposting in the street is not a strong point in either Tokyo or in Japan in general, so by taking the right exit you can avoid tiring yourself out by walking unnecessarily long distances or getting lost, especially when the weather is bad. In order to make sure you leave the station as close to your destination as possible, take the time to consult these yellow signs and leave through the correct exit.

Trains: Japan Rail (JR) and the others

In April 2016, the company announced the implementation of a code system (for example: "JY17") for an easier navigation between the station, of the same kind as Tokyo Metro’s.

JR runs many commuter trains, which connect the heart of the city to its surroundings. There are different speeds of journey, from the “local” to the “rapid-express”, but the fare, which corresponds to the number of stops made, is the same. Make sure that the stop you want is served by the train on the line you are taking.

In addition, the JR is of course the only company to run the Shinkansen   🚅 , and only from the following stations:

• Tokyo Central
• Shinagawa, to the south
• Ueno , to the north

All the JR lines - and only those - are compatible with the Japan Rail Pass .

There are several other private rail companies besides Japan Rail, such as Keikyu, Keio, Keisei, Odakyu, Seibu, Tobu and also Tokyu (there are more than a dozen in total). We cover each of them case-by-case on our " Sightseeing " pages.

Underground : Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway

The first subway line in Tokyo, now encompassed by the Ginza Line, was opened on September 30, 1927.

Officially, this is the only subway in Tokyo. The 13 lines (9 Tokyo Metro and 4 Toei Subways ) serve the center of Tokyo and its suburbs with 285 stations over 304 kilometers, running underground most of the time.

-- July 2015 Update : Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced construction projects for two new lines:

• Between Tokyo and Rinkai in the south, via Ginza and Ariake;
• Between Shirokane-Takanawa (Minato) and Shinagawa, to connect with the Maglev Chuo-Shinkansen train bound for Nagoya .

The way these lines work is better suited to travellers, as each line has its own letter and color. The fact that each station has a number corresponding to the stop makes it even easier to use.

So, for example, Ikebukuro corresponds to:

• Y-09 (Yurakucho line - yellow)
• F-09 (Fukutoshin line - brown)
• or M-25 (Marunouchi line - red)

The underground stations may look a bit old-fashioned, but many are being renovated. As for the carriages, they are obviously very clean. The Tozai Line, for example , boards a daily 1,4 million passengers, and has a team of 30 cleaners who thoroughly clean up each train in 2 hours every 15 days. In mid-2016, Tokyo Metro announced an upgrading of its infrastructures on its SusuMetro Website, in collaboration with the mascot Doraemon.

Because it is always better by writing it clearly: the JR Pass is not valid in the Tokyo subway .

With over 3,2 billion annual trips in 2018 (a daily 7,5 million), it is the world’s busiest subway.

In July 2021, Tokyo Metro announced the implementation of a new function on its mobile app 東京メトロmy! to know the carriages congestion status on real time on the Ginza and Marunouchi Lines. The system was extended to its whole network the next year, along with a test on the Tozai Line’s Waseda station of information screens on the platforms. Those screens are intended to show the less crowded carriages in the next train. If the test proves successful to reduce the passengers' flow during rush hours, more screens will be installed from April 2023, at the beginning of the fiscal year.

Other types of rail transport

In addition to the train and subway, there are two other types of rail transport that sometimes complement them.

First, the monorail  🚝 . Its fares are often higher but the driverless trains offer a more scenic route above ground and are more fun. There are four lines around the center:

• Yurikamome from Shinbashi to Toyosu (via Odaiba , which is what interests most travellers) to the southeast;
• Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho (on the Yamanote) to the southwest;
• The Disney Resort line that goes around the amusement park (accessible from Maihama in Chiba) to the southeast;
• and Nippori-toneri Liner from Nippori to Minumadai-shinsuikoen to the northeast.

Finally, there are the two remaining two tram lines, which are really rather charming:

• Toden Arakawa from Waseda to Minowabashi;
• Tokyu Setagaya from Sangen-Jaya to Shimo-Takaido to the west.

From the airports, the options are quite specific, so we have assembled two dedicated guides:

• from Narita to Tokyo
• from Haneda to Tokyo

Fares, cards and passes

A ticket costs from ¥140 (~US$0.94) but, as you pay for the distance covered or the number of stations , there are as many prices as there are possible routes. In Tokyo and its suburbs (except over a very long distance) you cannot book seats, so there is no extra charge on the ticket itself.

To find out the cost for a particular journey, you can get the most accurate information thanks to Hyperdia or Japan Travel app by Navitime . Please note that children (between 6 and 11 years) generally pay half price.

Single tickets

You buy your ticket at the station before passing through the ticket barriers. You can buy tickets at automatic machines, which more often than not have an English language option. You can pay by cash (coins and bills) and digital wallet but not bank card  💳 .

You must pay in advance, by selecting the appropriate fare for your destination. If you find you haven’t paid enough when you arrive you can pay the difference at similar machines (called のりこし精算機 norikoshi-seisanki or fare adjustment machines) before going through the exit gates.

The turnstile keeps your ticket when you go through and it is then recycled.

However, in the overwhelming majority of cases you will soon see that having and using a card or pass is much more practical than juggling tickets. The passes are easy to use, faster and more flexible and they are often cheaper than single tickets.

Japan Rail Pass (JRP)

When you have a JRP you don’t need to go through the turnstile; you simply show your pass at the entrance and exit so you don’t have to pay.

The JR Pass is not very economical if you are just staying in Tokyo , unless you literally intend to spend all your time time on the train.

• Compatible Network: JR only
• Where to buy: on the internet before leaving
• Read our post about the Japan Rail Pass

Suica/Pasmo cards

This digital wallet is used by simply swiping the card on the contactless sensor of the entry and exit gates. The cost of your journey is automatically deducted from the remaining credit which is displayed each time it is used.

As well as being extremely practical , the Suica card also offers a 5 per cent discount on all trips. Different brands of cards (Pasmo, ICOCA, etc.) are of course also compatible with the Tokyo rail network.

You can get a monthly ticket with the Pasmo card but, unlike most other big cities in the world, this is only for a single predefined line. This means it’s not useful for tourists, and hardly worth it for locals unless they make the round trip every day, usually to get to work.

• Compatible networks: all
• Where to buy it: at any ticket machine or window
• Read our special article about the Suica card

Tokyo Subway 1/2/3-Day Ticket

• 1 day: ¥800 (~US$5.36)
• 2 days: ¥1,200 (~US$8.05)
• 3 days: ¥1,500 (~US$10.06)

The three-day Tokyo Subway Ticket is particularly good value , but you need to ensure that the places you plan to visit are definitely served by the underground system.

As with the JR Pass, they are only available to foreign tourists.

• Compatible Networks: Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway only
• Where to buy: at any underground ticket office or airport

Other passes

There are a few other passes that save you money on transport in Tokyo. However, in practice they are not such good value:

• Tokunai Pass (¥760 yen / ~US$5.10) for as many JR train journeys as you want in one day;
• Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket (¥600 yen / ~US$4.02: unlimited use on Tokyo Metro lines only within 24 hours;
• Tokyo Free Kippu (¥1,600 / ~US$10.73), a one-day pass for all train, subway, bus and tram journeys.

If, in spite of all this, you are still worried about using trains and the subway in the Japanese capital, Kanpai suggests you call on the services of a Keikaku guide. Their welcome service at Tokyo airport in particular allows you to spend a few hours with a private guide who will be happy to explain how everything works in practice, and help you with your trip.

• Flights and Airports
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Internet & Phones
• Budget and money
• Japanese Food
• Visit with Kids
• Seasons: spring / summer / autumn / winter
• Weather forecast
• Time in Japan
• Holidays & Festivals
• Natural Disasters
• Customs and Duties
• Works and Closures
• From April 14 to 15 -- Sanno Matsuri (the Spring Takayama Festival)
• From April 29 to 5 May -- Japanese Golden Week
• May 12 -- Mother's Day in Japan
• June 6 -- Beginning of the rainy season (Tsuyu) in Japan
• June 21 -- Summer starts in Japan
• From July 1 to 31 -- Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto with float processions on July 17 and 24
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Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Trains

By The Japan Switch Team | December 4th, 2023 

When planning your Japanese trip, one of the aspects you simply can’t forget about is transportation. The transportation system, particularly trains in Tokyo (and across the entire country), can appear quite complicated to a first-time tourist. And rather than waste valuable moments in your holiday trying to figure out how to get around, it’s best to arrive prepared. That’s why we’ve compiled this extra-thorough, Ultimate Guide to Tokyo Trains. We’ll talk about reaching the major tourist attractions, what kind of travel pass you need, and much more in the article below.

As we’ve seen in previous articles, it’s also paramount that you make a travel itinerary before you go. Tokyo is an exciting, attraction-packed city, so figuring out which are unmissable stops for you will save you a lot of time. It will also make this guide that much easier to navigate, and help you create your ideal Tokyo road map.

This article is a part of our extensive series on Learning about Japan through  Online Japanese Lessons  at Japan Switch.

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Tokyo Trains - A Quick Overview

One of the many globally renowned elements of Japan is undoubtedly its transportation system. We’ve all seen the videos of train staff stuffing desperate passengers into crammed carriages, have we not? That aside, Japan has got one of the most well-organized and convenient transportation systems in the world, although it can appear daunting to a first-time visitor.

Whereas other capitals of the world struggle with easy access to its many areas, Tokyo has got pretty much everything covered. However, due to the city's sheer size, its train map looks like a wiry, multicolored mess at first glance. But do not despair. Once you pick up some basics, you’ll be good to go!

With roughly  300 subway and train stations spread out across the city, you’re going to be able to arrive easily at any and every destination on your itinerary. While it can’t exactly qualify as a “walkable city”, being so large, Tokyo is definitely one of the best places to visit – not only can you get by without a car, but the elaborate train system will mean you don’t even miss your wheels!

Another important benefit of Tokyo trains is that they are precise, usually running right on schedule; there’s even a rumor that Japanese people waiting for trains will be annoyed by a delay of even a few seconds. The trains themselves are also quite silent, clean, and most importantly, safe.

Tokyo Train Services To Familiarize Yourself With

While Tokyo transport is highly accessible and convenient, it can appear quite confusing to visitors at first, since different train lines are run by different companies. In the interest of convenience and ease of use, these companies work together pretty tightly to ensure a smooth passenger experience.

Most of the time, you can switch from one transport service to another without exiting the gates or purchasing an extra ticket. Although, depending on your chosen route, you may occasionally need to do that, as well.

Pro Tip: Know that Tokyo’s complex train and subway system is divided by a color scheme! It might be helpful to familiarize yourself with which line has which color assigned to it. Aside from that, you will also want to know the logos of each of the major train/subway providers when traveling through Tokyo.

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Know Your Tokyo Trains.

When trying to understand the Tokyo transportation system, it is paramount that you familiarize yourself with the different types of trains. Tokyo boasts four separate train types:

• The local / slow train is one that stops at every single station along its route, which offers access to smaller, less known stations, but means a longer journey time.
• The rapid train skips some smaller stations along the route (so make sure you don’t miss yours!), but uses the same prices and platforms as the local train.
• The express train skips even more stations than the rapid, but as the name suggests, is very fast. Ideal if you’re wanting to travel between Tokyo’s major subway stations.
• The limited express train, finally, only stops at the major stations, and usually warrant an additional fee.

Pro Tip: Generally, the extra fee of limited express trains isn’t worth it if you're only travelling a short distance as you can travel quickly and easily between major areas on either the rapid or express trains.

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Japan Rail (JR) - The Mother of All Tokyo Trains

Japan Rail is the country’s number one rail provider. Its extensive rail network connects all the major cities of Japan and directs the famous Shinkansen bullet trains. Remember – if you are planning on traveling throughout the country as well, really look into these bullet trains. While they tend to be pricier than the average train ticket, they will save you a lot of time. And since Japan is quite a large country, you can easily waste an entire day of your visit just sitting on a regular train, getting from one city to another.

Japan Rail also runs an impressive 36 lines through the capital city alone, connecting many of the various neighborhoods of Tokyo. These are all run by JR East, the division of Japan Rail handling the busy Kanto and Tohoku Regions).

Possibly the most important Tokyo train line run by JR to be aware of is the JR Yamanote Line ( 山手線 ). This line actually runs in a loop around the city, connecting many of the city’s key tourist and business areas like Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Ueno, and many more. Familiarizing yourself with the Yamanote route is also helpful since everything that falls inside it is considered “Central Tokyo”. It’s likely that a lot of the attractions you want to explore will fall within the Yamanote line.

Running inside Central Tokyo and connecting all these major areas, the Yamanote Line can get quite busy, servicing locals and tourists alike, so the trains might be more crowded, and you may need to wait longer. Keep that in mind while planning your visit.

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Useful JR Lines

Aside from the Yamanote Line, here are some of the other major Japan Rail lines running through Tokyo.

The Keihin-Tohoku Line (京浜東北線) similarly services the central area of Tokyo. While the Yamanote Line runs in a circular loop around the city center, the Keihin-Tohoku Line only covers the eastern half of that circle, between Tabata and Shinagawa. It connects major stations like Kanagawa, Saitama, Saitama City, and Kawasaki, and is marked in light blue/cyan .

The Chuo / Sobu Line (中央線) is a local slow train line that runs across the Yamanote route. Being a slow line, the Sobu train stops at every station between Shinjuku and Ochanomizu and is marked with yellow .

The rapid Chuo Line (中央線) is the Sobu Line’s twin, with one notable exception. Where the Sobu Line is slow and stops at every train station, the rapid Chuo Line only stops at the major stations – Shinjuku, Yotsuya, Ochanomizu, Kanda, and Tokyo. It connects Tokyo Station with Shinjuku and is marked with orange .

The Saikyo Line (埼京線) also runs on the Yamanote route, this time only covering the western half of the circle. The train goes from Osaki Station towards Odaiba, connecting the southern Saitama Prefecture with central stations like Shinjuku. It is marked with deep green .

The Shinkansen bullet train (新幹線) that connects Tokyo to other major cities in Japan is marked in red .

Finally, Japan Rail is also responsible for Tokyo’s well-known Monorail , which connects the Haneda Airport to busy, central areas like Shinagawa, Minato, Ota, and so on.

While JR is responsible for the train lines running through Tokyo, transportation is also provided by the city’s two subway services, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Tokyo Metro (Subway)

Tokyo Metro, one of the city’s two subway providers, runs a total of 9 subway lines, connecting 23 of Tokyo’s most important wards. On top of connecting with Toei Subway lines, in some areas, Tokyo Metro also connects with Japan Rail lines, as well as other smaller private transport companies.  Tokyo Metro’s network covers an impressive total of 195 km and connects 180 stations.

Every day, almost six million passengers ride the Tokyo Metro network, connecting central Tokyo with the city’s suburbs. As with the JR lines, it’s important to learn the different colors depicting different Tokyo Metro lines for ease of use.

Tokyo Metro offers both dedicated sightseeing routes, as well as more “regular” transport to Tokyo’s less touristy areas. Below, we will mark the popular tourist attractions along each line for ease of use.

Heads up: On top of being color-coded, the Tokyo Metro lines are also marked by a circled letter, symbolizing the name of the line. So, for instance, the Ginza Line will be marked by a circled “G”. Look for these if you get confused by the different color lines.

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The Ginza Line connects the wards of Chuo, Shibuya, Minato, Chiyoda, and Taito. Running across 14 km, it is considered the oldest subway line in the entirety of Asia (having opened in 1927). It is recommended for tourists, as it connects Ueno and Asakusa to shopping districts like Aoyama and Omotesando. It is marked in orange , and with a circled “G”.

Sightseeing: Meiji Shrine, Sanno Shrine, Ginza, Ueno Park, Senso-Ji Temple, and Omotesando Hills.

The Hibiya Line (東京メトロ日比谷線, Line 2) offers easy access to the city’s main fashion districts, such as Roppongi, Nakameguro, and Ueno. It runs from Nakameguro to Ueno, also covering important stops such as Ginza, or Hibiya. It’s colored silver and marked with an “H”.

Sightseeing: Hibiya Park, Imperial Palace, Tsukiji Market, Ameya Yokocho, Ueno Park.

The Marunochi Line (東京メトロ丸ノ内線, Line 4) actually splits into two lines: the original Marunochi Line, running from Ogikubo Station to Ikebukuro Station (covering 24 stations), and the Marunochi Branch Line, from Nakano-Sakaue to Honancho (covering 4 stations). It is marked by the color red , and the letter “M”.

Sightseeing: Shinjuku, Kabuki-Cho, Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo Dome, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

The Tozai Line (東京メトロ東西線, Line 5) runs from Nakano to Nishi-Funabashi, and with roughly 1.6 million daily passengers is considered the busiest train line in Tokyo. It connects the eastern and western sides of Tokyo, stopping at important stations like Waseda, Kagurazaka, Kudanshita, and Kasai. Its color is sky blue , and its letter is “T”.

Sightseeing: Nakano Broadway, Imperial Palace, Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, Kagurazaka, Nippon Budokan.

The Chiyoda Line (東京メトロ千代田線, Line 9) runs from Yoyogi-Uehara to Kita-Ayase, spanning a total of 20 stations. It covers major stops like Meiji-jingumae, Omotesando, and Nezu, and is considered Tokyo’s second busiest subway line, with roughly 1.4 million daily passengers. It's marked with green , and the letter “C”.

Sightseeing: Yoyogi Park, Yushima Tenmangu, National Diet Building, Omotesando Hills, Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine.

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The Yurakucho Line (東京メトロ有楽町線, Line 8) covers a total of 24 stations from Wakoshi to Shin-Kiba. Its major stops include Ichigaya, Yurakucho, Sakuradamon, and Ginza Itchome. It’s marked with a brownish gold , and the letter “Y”.

Sightseeing: Ginza, Tsukishima, Monju Street, Yumenoshima Park, Sunshine City, Gokokuji.

The Namboku Line (東京メトロ南北線, Line 7) runs from Meguro to Akabane-Iwabuchi, mainly connecting luxury areas like Bunkyo and Roppongi to Korakuen and Tokyo University. It stops at places like Hanzomon, Otemachi, Kuidanshita, and Omotesando. It is marked emerald green , and with the letter “N”.

Sightseeing: Roppongi Hills, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, Hie Shrine, Tokyo Dome, Rokugien.

The Hanzomon Line (東京メトロ半蔵門線, Line 11) spans an impressive 16.8 km in length, stretched over only 14 stations from Shinuya to Oshiage. Some of its major stops include Aoyama Itchome, Hanzomon, Kudanshita, and Suitengumae. It’s marked purple and with the letter “Z”.

Sightseeing: Shibuya 109, Tokyo Skytree, Harajuku, Omotesando, Nippon Budokan, Tokyo Station, and Imperial Palace.

The Fukutoshin Line (東京メトロ副都心線, Line 13) covers sixteen stations from Wakoshi to Shibuya, basically covering the same route as the Yurakucho Line from Wako to Ikebukuro. Its main stations include Zoshigaya, Nishi-Waseda, and Shinjuku Sanchome. Its color is brown , and its letter is “F”.

Sightseeing: Sunshine City, Shibuya 109, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Omotesando Hills.

Toei Subway

If you’re finding it hard to arrive at your destination using the JR or Tokyo Metro lines, it may be time to switch to the Toei Subway. Compared to either of the first two, Toei Subway seems like the easier of the three major transportation providers. Toei runs only four subway lines across Tokyo, all touching base near major tourist attractions, and passing through all the sought-after wards and districts.

However, running only four lines, Toei trains tend to have slightly more stops than Metro lines.

The Asakusa Line (都営地下鉄浅草線, Line 1) spans a total of 20 stations from Nishi-Magome to Oshiage. It runs through some major stops like Nihonbashi, Higashi-Ginza, and Ningyocho. It is marked with a vivid rose color, and the letter “A”.

Sightseeing: Shiba Park, Zojo-ji, Hamarikyu Gardens, Tokyo Skytree, Senso-ji Temple, Kyu Shiba Rikyu Garden,

The Mita Line (都営地下鉄三田線, Line 6) covers 27 subway stations, connecting Meguro to Nishi-Takashimadaira. It offers convenient access to several tourist attractions and stops at some popular stations, including Shibakoen, Jimbocho, Suidobashi, and Kasuga. It is marked with a vivid blue color, and the letter “I”.

Sightseeing: Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, Zojo-Ji, Tokyo Dome, Hakusan Shrine, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station.

The Shinjuku Line (都営地下鉄新宿線, Line 10) takes you from the east of Shinjuku Station, across 20 stations, to Ichikawa in Chibo. It passes through Koto, Edogawa, as well as Akebonobashi, Kudanshita, and Iwamotocho. It’s colored in a light leaf green , and marked with an “S”.

Sightseeing: Shinjuku Kabukicho, Shinjuku Gyoen, Science Museum, Nippon Budokan, Akihabara.

The Oedo Line (都営地下鉄大江戸線, Line 12) is probably your best option for sightseeing. Spanning an impressive 38 stations, the Oedo Line passes through all the major, central tourist attraction points. It goes from Hikarigaoka to Tochomae, passing through Roppongi, Ryogoku, Aoyama Itchome, Tsukishima, and Ueno Okachimachi. It is marked with magenta , and the letter “E”.

Sightseeing: Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Market, Tsukushima Monja Street, Edo-Tokyo Museum, Ameya Yokocho, Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa.

Other Tokyo Trains / Services

While Japan Rail, Tokyo Metro, and Toei Subway are the three main train and subway providers in Tokyo, they are far from the only ones. Other, smaller private companies like Keikyu Electric Railway, Keio Corporation, Odakyu Electric Railway, and the Tokyo Sakura Tram, also provide indispensable access to Japan’s capital.

However, as a first-time visitor, it’s more than enough to familiarize yourself with the three main providers outlined above, as they will take you to the majority of places you’re likely to need on your trip.

Here’s some bite-sized info about the other transport providers:

The Keikyu Electric Railway offers an easy connection between the Haneda Airport and the Shinagawa Station.

The Kei Corporation allows you to explore the beautiful and highly popular Mount Takao.

The Odakyu Electric Railway runs three lines out of Shinjuku Station, connecting to Odawara (great for exploring the Hakone area), Enoshima, and Tama New Town.

Finally, the Tokyo Sakura Tram is a charming retro street car service that runs from Minowabashi Station to the Waseda Station, covering a total of about 12 km, and 30 stations.

Tokyo Trains: Tickets and Passes

Now that we’ve got a basic understanding of Tokyo’s many train providers, it’s time to talk about costs and ticket types. There are, of course, a variety of options for getting around Tokyo. While most stations offer multilingual desks and ticket machines, it may save time and money buying yours beforehand online!

Single Tickets

One of the easiest ways to travel by train through Tokyo is by purchasing single-use tickets for each trip, to take you from A to B. Typically, Tokyo Metro ticket prices range between 180 and 330 yen ($1.26 - $2.30), while Toei fare goes between 180 and 430 yen ($1.26 - $3).

Prepaid IC Cards (Travel Cards)

Prepaid cards are considered the most convenient choice for traveling Tokyo. These are sold at JR stations (known as Suica IC Cards ) and non-JR stations (known as Pasmo IC Cards ). Though the names differ, the use is basically identical.

IC Cards can be purchased for a refundable deposit of 500 yen ($3.50), and come pre-charged with JPY1,500 ($10.50). They can then be reloaded with more money at any IC Card redemption station/machine.

Prepaid cards are advantageous if you’re going to be traveling a lot, since you can just swipe them, and don’t need to stop and purchase a new ticket each time you want to hop on a train. Additionally, prepaid Suica Cards can be used to pay in other places such as vending machines.

IC Cards allow you to use any bus or train in Greater Tokyo (as well as numerous other major Japanese cities).

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Tourist Passes for Tokyo Trains

Special subway tourist passes are available for periods of 24, 48, or even 72 hours, from Tokyo Metro Pass Offices, and some Tourist Information desks in some stations. You can also purchase them online.

Tokyo Free Kippu (Tokyo Tour Ticket) allows you unrestricted use of all subway lines (both Metro and Toei) across Tokyo for one full day, as well as JR Trains (in the central Tokyo area).

Cost: 1,600 yen ($11)

Tokyo Subway Ticket is sold at ticket offices at Narita and Haneda Airports, as well as in major subway stations, and Bic Camera and Yamada Denki stores. It offers unlimited subway access (both Toei and Metro), though doesn’t work on JR trains.

24 hours - 800 yen ($5.50)

48 hours - 1,200 yen ($8.3)

72 hours - 1,500 yen ($10.50)

Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket allows you unlimited use of all Tokyo Metro lines (though doesn’t work on JR or Toei subway lines) for one day. It can be purchased in any Tokyo Metro station.

Cost: 600 yen ($4.18)

Toei One-Day Pass (Toei Marugoto Kippu) similarly allows you unlimited use of all four Toei subway lines, as well as overground buses and streetcars for 24 hours. It can be bought at any Toei station and is not available on either Metro or JR.

Cost: 700 yen ($4.88)

Toei and Tokyo Metro One-Day Economy Pass combines the above two, offering unlimited access on all thirteen subway lines (both Metro and Toei) for one calendar day. It is not valid on JR trains and can be bought at any subway station in central Tokyo.

Cost: 900 yen ($6.28)

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Is a Day Pass Worth It?

If you’re planning a couple of days where you’ll be intensively using the Tokyo subway, it might be worthwhile investing in a day pass. If you’re looking at a longer stay with fewer daily trips, then a prepaid IC card is probably your best bet.

Tokyo Train Passes

Tokunai Pass allows you unlimited use of all JR trains in the central Tokyo area for one day, and can be purchased and ticket counters and vending machines in JR Stations.

Cost: 760 yen ($5.30)

Japan Rail Pass , finally, allows you full access on JR trains throughout Japan. It can be purchased over different time periods (7-, 14-, or 21-days). JR Passes can be regular, or green-car (first-class), which is obviously slightly pricier. You can use your JR Pass at JR-operated train lines in Tokyo, though not on lines from the other providers. You can also use it to ride the Tokyo Monorail, as well as obtain discounts at hotels and venues that are JR-affiliated.

7-days - 29,650 yen ($206) / 39,600 yen ($276) for Green Car 14-days - 47,250 yen ($329.50) / 64,120 yen ($447) for Green Car 21-days - 60,450 yen ($421) / 83,390 yen ($581) for Green Car

Heads up: The price of the Japan Rail Pass will be severely increased as of October 1st 2023, going up by a whopping 70%. So that the regular 7-day pass will go from 29,650 yen to 50,000 yen ($350); the 14-day one will go to 80,000 yen ($560), and the 21-day pass goes up to 100,000 yen ($700). Green Car prices will skyrocket to 70,000 - 140,000 yen ($490 - $980). 

The pass can still be purchased at old prices until September 30th, and can theoretically be used for up to three months after purchase (so until early 2024).

While the increase in price makes the JR Pass much less convenient than before, it is still a good option for travelers interested in using the rail system heavily during their stay.

Be warned that regional rail tickets will also suffer a price increase, so a JR Pass might still be worth the investment for your trip!

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Tokyo Trains : Wrap-Up

At the end of the day, which pass or which Tokyo train company you opt for or use more heavily will depend on your travel priorities. Hopefully, now, you have a better understanding of the complex subway and train system in the Japanese capital!

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Tokyo Area Train & Subway Maps/Information

This is a collection of all the train maps and train routes of the city of Tokyo and its surrounding areas. Tokyo Subways, Trains, and Monorail transportation is the most extensive rail network in the world, and is still growing! Click on the map links to get a closer view of the train stations. The maps of the Tokyo Train and Subway transportation network are in PDF, so you can save these on your phone or tablet for easy referral. There is also helpful Train & Subway first-time rider information. Here is the Tokyo Area Train & Subway Information.

Tokyo Area Train & Subway Maps/Information

Full tokyo train and subway map, tokyo subway map, jr east tokyo train map.

The Monorail Train Line Networks

Yurikamome monorail line.

This is a map of the Yukamome Monorail that services the Odaiba area.

Tokyo Monorail Line

This is a map of the Tokyo Monorail the services south Tokyo to the Haneda Airport.

The Tokyo Area Train System Overview

Trains and subways in Tokyo and Japan are world-famous for their efficiency and being on time, every time. The Tokyo transportation system consisting of trains and subways is probably the best ran in the world. These are the main forms of transportation for most of the people in Tokyo, as most Japanese people in Tokyo do not own a car. The Japanese people depend on the train and subway system to operate on time. If there is any kind of disruption or a stopped train line, it can really cause a big problem for the whole transportation system in Tokyo.

Recently in Tokyo for example, there was extensive media coverage detailing scheduling mistakes of trains not sticking to pre-determined schedules. Extraordinarily, these trains left the station twenty seconds early. Yes, you have read that correctly! The trains both left their station twenty seconds early and it was national news.

Rules for Train Passengers

The Tokyo train and subway system also has a number of specific rules that the passengers must follow when using them. When a train stops at the train station, all the waiting people wanting to board the train move to the left or right side of the train door and allow the exiting passengers to get off the train first through the middle of the two groups. After all of the people have left the train, the waiting people will then enter the train car. The trains, subways, and buses have designated seating areas that are clearly marked for the elderly, handicapped, pregnant woman and young children. Here are the basic rules for riding the trains in Tokyo.

On Platform Rules – Do Not!

• Walk and stare at a smartphone
• Take photographs with selfie sticks
• Run onto the train when the doors are closing

On Train Rules – Do Not!

• Speak loudly
• Sit on the floor
• Talk on the telephone
• Litter or leave behind trash
• Take extra room or seats sitting down
• Block passengers leaving or boarding trains
• Let a backpack or other belongings get in way of others

Packed Trains

The most popular method of transportation in Tokyo, are its many trains and subway lines that crisscross the city and its surrounding areas. Commuter trains (especially in Tokyo) are overcrowded at peak times. The early morning rush hours are the worst times at around 7-8 am in the morning and some trains can be very busy at 6-8 pm in the evening. However, the very last trains in the evening can be packed with people going home for the day.

Morning and evening (after work) trains are so crowded some train stations employ “people pushers” to push the passengers into the train, allowing the door to close. Packed trains are uncomfortable for everyone, as commuters are forced to stand up for the ride. Imagine being packed together with people that you do not know and leaning on them to stand up. Some of the passengers will be on these trains for well over an hour making the journey very unpleasant.

Unfortunately, on these packed and busy trains, there is a dark side for women commuters. Many women in Tokyo have experienced some type of sexual molestation traveling on trains. The issue of groping is so serious that most train lines now offer a few women-only train cars for use during rush hours.

Last Trains

The last trains are the last ride home for many people in Tokyo. The last trains at night are usually very busy and packed, and the people riding the train might be a little loud or having fun. There are many people who ride these trains that have been drinking alcohol for several hours after work. This leads to drunken people who are in all stages of inebriation that include, sleeping, happy and cheerful to throwing up. The last trains of the night can be a very interesting experience.

Bullet Trains (Shinkansen)

Japan is home of the world-famous high-speed bullet trains (Shinkansen). The Shinkansen trains connect the major cities of Japan to Tokyo with many train routes. Tokyo has Shinkansen trains stops at Tokyo Station and Shinagawa Station. Shinkansen trains tickets are expensive. However, riding the Shinkansen trains is an awesome traveling experience. The train stops are very convenient, as they are located at the cities main train stations. The Shinkansen trains are extremely fast, very comfortable, clean and always run on time. They serve a good variety of Bentos (A set meal), snacks and many kinds of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

When Shinkansen trains stop at train stations, it will only stop for a few minutes before leaving exactly at the designated time. The Shinkansen trains run on a very tight schedule just like the other Japanese passenger trains do. The most popular Shinkansen train route in Japan is the Tokyo – Nagoya – Osaka train route that connects Japan’s three largest cities. Shinkansen trains can be full of passengers on the busy early morning trains, and this will even force some passengers to stand up during the ride.

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Japan Rail Pass maps

The best and most complete transportation maps to help plan your trip to Japan. Download handy, easy-to-use JR and metro maps.

Japan Railways maps

Interactive and PDF downloadable maps to help you plan your trip to Japan. Find easy-to-read travel resources about the train and metro systems of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto as well as details about the lines you can take with your Japan Rail Pass.

Plan your holiday around Japan with our useful national railway maps. They include route maps of all the Shinkansen lines (the fastest and most convenient way of making long-distance journeys in Japan) and maps of all the local train lines, and bus and ferry routes.

JR network nationwide map

Shinkansen lines map.

Download our Tokyo Area PDF maps, which include a Tokyo Metro Map and a Tokyo Metropolitan Map, and navigate around the Japanese capital like a local. Tokyo subway has 13 metro lines (Tokyo Metro 9 and Toei 4) as well as numerous overground options.

Tokyo area map (JR lines)

Tokyo city map (railway & subway), kansai maps: kyoto and osaka.

Use our easy-to-use maps of the Kansai area including a map of the entire region as well as metro maps for Kyoto and Osaka. Though the big cities in the area have metro lines, getting around Kansai by train with your JR Pass is generally the preferred method.

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Osaka map (railway & subway).

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Walk, Don't Ride! The Tokyo Subway Map by Walking Times

Orignally inspired by London’s Walking Tube Map showing the walking time in minutes between London Underground stations, Tokyo Cheapo has produced (and revised) a walking map of the Tokyo subway system to both save you money and help you to walk off that 1,000-calorie bowl of lunchtime ramen.

While we would love to impress you by telling you we walked the entire 304 km (189 mi) of the Tokyo subway system, we got the walking times from good old Google Maps , so they’re not exact! Actual times may vary by a few minutes, especially as some stations are huge.

Some interesting numbers

Of the 286 stations on the Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway , the shortest walks between two stations on the same line are the 4-minute trot between Nijubashimae Station and Otemachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, and the 4-minute stroll from Hibiya Station to Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. Meanwhile, the longest is the 56-minute slog between Shinozaki Station and Motoyawata Station at the terminus of the Toei Shinjuku Line.

The shortest to walk from end to end is the Ginza Line at 3 hours and 10 minutes while if you feel the need to walk the lasso shaped Toei Oedo Line, you’ll be on your feet for 9 hours and 45 minutes. But just think of that 319 yen you now have to spend on yourself!

This article was first published in June, 2016 and was last updated in April, 2022.

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Tokyo Japan Guide

Search this blog, tokyo metro and toei subway lines.

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• Transportation

Tokyo Metro Map Guide

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When you first arrive in Tokyo, you will look at the train map and most likely be very overwhelmed. There are so many different train lines that are available that it may look very confusing. But you’ll come to find out that it is actually a very well made system that will be very convenient during your travels throughout Tokyo. And if you go to the station or search online you’ll find that there are actually really good Tokyo Metro Map Guides that show where and what station all the tourist attractions are located.

If you are looking to buy a Tokyo Metro Train Pass you should know that there are three different passes that you can buy. One is an unlimited 24 hour pass, the second is an unlimited 48 hour pass and the third is a 72 hour unlimited pass. So for example, if you buy a 24 hour train pass then it will be activated from say 8am to 8 am the next day. The reason why these passes are so great is because you can ride the metro as many times as you want and usually one train ride can cost about 200 yen or more. It is a great deal and that is why locals are not allowed to purchase this pass. However, if you are a domestic traveler from outside of Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Tochigi, Ibaraki and Gunma then you can also purchase this pass. You can purchase this pass at Haneda airport, Narita airport, BIC Camera, Laox or HIS and all you have to do is show them your passport.

The cost for the 24 hour train pass is 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children. The cost for the 48 hour train pass is 1,200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children. The cost for the 72 hour train pass is 1,500 yen for adults and 750 yen for children.

Click here to access the Tokyo Subway Ticket official site for the full details (another window will open).

When looking at the Tokyo Metro Map there are a few things that may need some explanation. You’ll see at each station that there is an alphabet letter and then a number. The alphabet letter represents the subway line name and the number shown is the number of the station according to the subway line. There are 9 different subway lines that you can take in total and they are the following: Ginza line, Marunouchi line, Hibiya line, Tozai line, Chiyoda line, Yurakucho line, Hanzomon line, Namboku Line, Fukutoshin line.

Click here to access the official site of Tokyo Metro Subway Map to download PDF files of the Tokyo Subway route map in English, Deutsch and Russian  (another window will open). And we usually enclose a Tokyo Metro Subway Map in English for Genki Mobile customers as it will be quite helpful.

For those of you who would like to download a free mobile app for the Tokyo Subway Navigation then there is one available on both the Apple Store and the Google Play store by searching Tokyo Subway Navigation. This will be very helpful for those who are visiting for the first time.

If you do happen to have any problems though you can always go to the station staff and there is usually always someone who can speak English who can help guide you to your location. People in Japan are so helpful and you’ll always have a pleasant experience with the people in Japan as they are so kind and helpful.

Click here a link for the Tokyo Subway Map with the tourist locations that you can visit using the subway lines (another window will open) – you can download a PDF file.

(pc: http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/tips/guide/pdf/tokyo_metro_guide.pdf)

If you are interested in renting a best portable Wi-Fi device (1GB/day or 7GB/day), a best SIM card (1GB/day) or a best eSIM (1GB/day) in Japan, make sure to check out our website at  https://www.genkimobile.com/

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Best Tokyo Metro Guide: Tokyo Subway Map, Tips & Save 3% on Tickets

April 10, 2024

Discounted Tokyo Metro Pass

Trip.com offers 3% off when you book Tokyo Metro Pass between Mar 5, 2024 and Nov 1, 2024. Promo stocks are limited, so get in quick before they run out!

Tokyo Metro Map

Source from Tokyometro Official site

Covering the whole city with more than 280 stations, Tokyo subway lines will help you get to almost any destination quickly and easily.

The clearly color-coded map is a handy guide, and with multilingual signs in both stations and trains.

👉 Click to view & download a high-resolution Tokyo Metro Map .

Tokyo Subway Detailed Info: Line & Map

Tokyo Metro Map (Source: wikipedia)

The Tokyo Subway system consists of 13 lines, each connecting various stations. There are 13 Tokyo subway lines: Toei Subway (4 lines) and Tokyo Metro (9 lines) .

The two metro lines are operated by different companies. The Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway are indeed operated by different entities: Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd., and the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation, respectively.

There's a high degree of cooperation between the two, allowing for integrated service in some areas despite their separate operations.

Tokyo Metro Lines (9 lines)

Tokyo Metro Subway Line (source: thepoortraveler)

Toei Subway Lines (4 lines)

Toei Subway Line (Source: thepoortraveler)

The Tokyo subway system, including both the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway, is known for its efficiency and extensive coverage, making it an essential part of daily life in Tokyo for commuting and travel within the city.

Where to Buy Tokyo Subway Tickets & Passes

【Note】It's important to remember, however, that Tokyo's subway networks are separate from the Japan Rail (JR) system, and thus, JR Passes are not accepted.

Tokyo Metro 1-3 Days Pass

For visitors intending to frequently use the subway in Tokyo, there's a convenient option in the form of 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour passes. These passes allow unlimited travel across all 13 lines of the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway systems, making it easy to visit major attractions in areas like Ueno, Tokyo, Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ginza.

You can purchase these all-day passes at Tokyo Metro ticket counters, some subway stations, Bic Camera stores, and tourist information centers throughout Tokyo. It's necessary to show your passport when buying a pass to verify you're an overseas traveler.

Additionally, you can also choose to book online! Purchasing your Tokyo Metro pass on Trip.com can give you 3% Off savings when you book between Mar 5, 2024 and Nov 1, 2024. Promo stocks are limited, so get in quick before they run out!! The pass itself offers special discounts at over 350 public facilities in Tokyo.

*Adult: Age 12+ , Child: Age 6 to 11

Tokyo Subway Pass: Suica and PASMO

Apart from the Tokyo Metro pass, you can also choose IC cards that support the Tokyo Metro. The main types are Suica Card and PASMO. The difference between them is just who sells them and what they look like. You can buy these cards with a 500 yen (about $3.29 as of April 2024) refundable deposit at ticket machines at stations. Here, you can also add more money to the cards.

To travel smoothly, just tap your card on the reader when you go through the ticket gates. Another handy thing is that you can use your IC card to buy things at vending machines and convenience stores.

If you like using your phone, you can get mobile IC cards. By downloading the mobile Suica or PASMO app, you can tap in with your phone. Adding money can also be done through your phone.

• Exclusions for PASMO Usage:
• PASMO cards in use as commuter passes or for children who already have a PASMO.
• Credit cards with PASMO functionality.
• Other IC Card Tickets:
• Restrictions do not apply to IC cards other than PASMO, like Suica or TOICA.
• PASMO PASSPORT Limitations:
• Not valid if the intended use exceeds the card's validity period of 28 days.

Regular Tokyo Subway Tickets

Ticket vending machines (Source tokyocheapo.com)

Regular subway tickets can be purchased from multilingual machines at any subway station though it might be a little troublesome and more expensive. The price depends on the distance you're traveling, not the specific route or station. It's important to note that Tokyo Metro and Toei are different entities, so tickets for each will be separate.

Tokyo Metro ticket prices range from 180 to 330 yen (about $1.19 to $2.17, as of 2024), while Toei's tickets are slightly pricier, from 180 to 430 yen (about $1.19 to $2.83).

To use your ticket, simply insert it into the To purchase a Metro ticket at stations, you can follow these steps:

• Locate a Ticket Machine: Find a ticket vending machine within the station. These machines are designed to be user-friendly and are typically signposted.
• Buy Your Ticket: Use the ticket machine to purchase your ticket. Instructions are available and the language setting can be changed in the upper right corner of the machine’s screen to suit your preference.
• Proceed to the Automatic Gate: With your ticket in hand, head to the automatic gate to access the subway. Insert your ticket into the slot at the gate, and retrieve it as you pass through to enter the subway system, yellow slot at the ticket gate and retrieve it as you walk through. Remember to keep your ticket until you exit your destination station, as you'll need it to leave.

How to Use Tokyo Subway Pass

• Purchase the Pass Online: Ensure you have purchased your Tokyo Metro Pass online via Trip.com to avail of potential discounts.
• Electronic Ticket (QR Code Voucher): After purchasing, you will receive an electronic ticket, specifically a QR code voucher, which serves as a redemption voucher for physical tickets.
• Check Redemption Information: Prior to attempting redemption, consult the "Product Introduction" section to find out which stations allow redemption and to understand the specific method for redeeming your pass.
• Redeem Your Physical Ticket: Use your QR code voucher directly at the ticket vending machines designed for tourists, located in major Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway stations, to redeem your physical ticket. Once you insert the ticket through the ticket gate, your unlimited ride will start!
• Station Staff Assistance for Redemption: If you're at a station that doesn't have a tourist ticket vending machine, or if you encounter any issues, you can also exchange the QR code voucher with staff at the office of any Tokyo Metro station.
• There are exceptions for specific stations (Hibiya Line Kitasenju, Nakameguro, Nakano, Nishi Funabashi, Yoyogi Uehara, Wako City, and stations between Shibuya and Meguro on the Hanzomon and Fukutoshin Lines) where this service may not be available.
• Guidance for Stations Without Vending Machines: Should your departure station lack a tourist ticket vending machine, seek assistance from station staff for directions on how to reach another station equipped with the necessary machines.

Steps to Use Tokyo Metro Pass

Tokyo Subway Opening Time

Tokyo metro opening hours.

The operating hours of each Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway line are different. It is usually between 4:30 and 00:30 the next day. The exact times can vary by line, so it's best to check the Japan Travel app for specifics.

Tokyo Metro Rush Hours

During rush hours, typically from 7:30 to 9:30 AM and 5:30 to 7:30 PM , Tokyo's subways get very crowded, especially in the morning. If you want to avoid the crowds or you're carrying big bags, try to travel outside these peak hours.

Popular Attractions around Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway

Hibiya Line (Tokyo Metro Line 2)

✨ Roppongi (Roppongi Hills) Roppongi Hills is a modern urban center home to offices, apartments, shops, restaurants, and the Mori Art Museum. The complex's centerpiece, Mori Tower, offers an observation deck with stunning views of Tokyo. Roppongi is known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural events.

Roppongi Hills

✨ Akihabara (Electric Town) Akihabara, also known as Electric Town, is the center for all things electronic and otaku culture, with numerous stores selling anime, manga, video games, and electronics. The area is a colorful and bustling district where fans of anime and manga can explore themed cafes and shops. Akihabara also hosts various events and promotions related to anime and games.

Electric Town

Chiyoda Line (Tokyo Metro Line 9)

✨ Meiji Shrine (Meiji-jingu) Located near Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort. It's a peaceful place amidst a forest in the heart of Tokyo. Visitors can walk through towering torii gates, visit the inner garden, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Meiji-jingu

✨ Otemachi (Imperial Palace) The Imperial Palace, near Otemachi Station, is the residence of Japan's Imperial Family. It's surrounded by moats and gardens, offering picturesque views, especially during cherry blossom season. Although the inner grounds are generally not open to the public, the East Gardens are accessible and offer a peaceful retreat.

Imperial Palace

Oedo Line ( Toei Line 12)

Tsukiji Market (Tsukijishijo): The Tsukiji Outer Market is famous for fresh seafood and the vibrant atmosphere of its food stalls and restaurants. While the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu, Tsukiji continues to attract food lovers eager to sample sushi and other seafood delicacies.

Tsukijishijo

Shinjuku (Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden): Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's largest and most popular parks, located a short walk from Shinjuku Station. It blends three styles: traditional Japanese, formal French, and English Landscape. The park is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season and autumn, offering a tranquil escape from the city's hustle.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

FAQs about Tokyo Metro

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Tokyo Metro Guide

• 1. Discounted Tokyo Metro Pass
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• 3. Tokyo Subway Detailed Info: Line & Map
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• 7. Popular Attractions around Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway

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5 Unique Sightseeing Train Trips from Tokyo

Scenic Train Trips in and around Tokyo for Train Geeks

For advanced travellers who wish to have unique and extraordinary experiences in Japan, check out the story and get great travel ideas! In this article, I’m going to share the unique sightseeing train trips around Tokyo!

Japanese trains and railway technology are highly regarded worldwide and attract train fans across the world. Shinkansen (bullet train) is a perfect example, which is the most famous Japanese train worldwide, but there are many more types of trains in Japan which offers unique travel experiences.

The train is one of the best transportation in Japan, which can take you to countless domestic destinations connecting from cities to cities. In Tokyo, there are numerous trains which you can take amazing day trips in and around the city as well as having wonderful only-in-Japan train experiences.

The benefit of travelling in Tokyo by train is not only that is inexpensive but also allows you to go from place to place and see numbers of top tourist sites within a day. You can also extend your trip to outside Tokyo easily to explore Japan deeper and see different scenery and neighbourhoods off the beaten tracks. Or if you are simply into trains or railway technology and history in Japan, there are several unique places which all train fans must visit!

In this article, I’m introducing 5 suggested day trips and routes around Tokyo by train, which are recommended not only for train geeks but also for those who wish to have unique travel experiences in Japan!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

1. Maximise Your Day in Tokyo with Yamanote Line

JR Yamanote Line is a loop line that runs through the central Tokyo. It’s one of the busiest and the most important lines connecting numbers of major commercial and business center districts in Tokyo such as Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku and Akihabara Stations.

If you are travelling to Tokyo for a short term and seeking to have the most trendy and modern experiences, Yamanote Line is possibly the best way to go through Tokyo’s coolest neighbourhoods with limited time. You can explore the modern culture of Japan at these districts:

Shibuya -the center of young culture in Tokyo with the iconic Shibuya Crossing Harajuku -the mecca of Kawaii which filled with hundred of trendy clothes stores and cute cafes Akihabara – the town of Otaku offering tons of products related to manga, anime, gaming as well as the latest electronics gadgets

On the other hand, Tokyo has several spots where visitors can feel the old-fashioned and traditional sides of the city and they are becoming highly popular among foreign visitors such as:

Yanaka Ginza – the old shopping street with delicious street snacks and nostalgic atmosphere Omoide Yokocho – the narrow and smokey Izakaya alley in Shinjuku area famous offering cheap drinks with authentic bar dishes.

All the mentioned districts and spots above can be accessed by the Yamanote Line easily!

2. See the Best Bits of Classic Tokyo

I’d like to introduce one more amazing day trip plan in Tokyo, using Yamanote Line especially for first time visitors! If you are travelling to Tokyo for the first time, you may want to see the iconic tourist sites in Tokyo, enjoy taking photos of famous landmarks and do classic activities such as:

Meiji Shrine – a must-visit shrine with a massive wooden torii gate and sake barrels near Harajuku Tokyo Tower – the most famous landmark in the city Eat Sushi at Tsukiji Market – the old former fish market in Tokyo with hundreds of groceries and restaurants Asakusa – the historic capital of Tokyo with the iconic Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street Tokyo Imperial Palace – the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan with a spacious park

If you wish to see the best bits of Tokyo with limited time, I’d highly recommend you to pick these spots above and explore them by using a train for the most efficient way. But if you are not sure about using Tokyo’s public transportation, how about taking a local guided tour to travel smoothly, learn the culture deeper and have unique and unforgettable travel experiences! Check out the link below for more details about the Tokyo guided tour!

Recommended Tour ▶ Tokyo Private Tour

3. Tokyo’s Hidden Gems for Train Geeks

While most of the tourists visit major tourist spots like these places I have introduced above, there are a lot of rare and hidden places in Tokyo offering unique experiences depending on your interests. Are you a train geek?? If using trains for public transportation is too ordinary for you, why not to explore the deep train culture of Tokyo! In Kita Ward of Tokyo, there are several spots related to trains such as:

Asukayama Park -the famous park for cherry blossoms with the hill which can be climbed up by the small monorail Toden Arakawa Line-Tokyo’s last standing tram connecting Minowabashi and Waseda Stations Toden Memorial Square – where old trams from the golden age of Toden are displayed

These spots are not very touristy and usually not on guidebooks, but if you love trains or railway technology, it’s one of the best hidden gems to visit!

4. Scenic Train Ride by the Coast

Kamakura and Enoshima are top visited day-trip destinations from Tokyo. Kamakura is known as the Kyoto of East offering numbers of preserved historic sites and monuments including the Great Buddha of Kamakura, shrines, temples and old houses renovated as shops and cafes. Enoshima is a small island on Sagami Bay with various tourist attractions such as a vibrant shopping street, a magnificent shrine and an observatory.

Kamakura and Enoshima can be visited together within a day easily, and one of the most attractive things about travelling around this area is a local train called Enoden which runs between Kamakura and Fujisawa stations by the coastline. The train passes through the neighborhoods of Shonan area, stops at numbers of small stations and displays scenic views of the ocean from the window.

5. Sightseeing Train Journey at Boso Peninsula

Another amazing sightseeing tour for train lovers is available in Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, the neighbouring prefecture of Tokyo. The Kominato Line is a railway line in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, operated by Kominato Railway which extends from the west coast of central Boso Peninsula from Goi to Kazusa-Nakano Stations for over 40 km. The retro and vintage style train offers a journey through the countryside of Chiba Prefecture with amazing scenery which can be observed from the glass-free window.

From Kazusa-Nakano Station, there is another local train, Isumi Line which extends to the coastline of the eastern Boso Peninsula, Ohara Station for 26 km passing through 14 small local stations. The old-fashioned yellow train also offers scenic sightseeing train journey including rice paddies and blossoms of yellow rapeseed flowers in spring.

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city of Tokyo, this is one of the best getaways to relax and enjoy the scenery of the countryside and the nature near Tokyo. Also it’s no doubt to recommend for train lovers as both Kominato And Isumi Train Lines offer very unique train journeys.

▽Here are more unique experiences in Japan▽

▶Best Helicopter Experiences in Tokyo

▶Cool and Unique Museums in Tokyo

▶Unique Japanese Entertainments

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How did you enjoy the list of unique day trips from Tokyo by train?? If you want to get more ideas about travelling Japan’s hidden spots and unique experiences, here are some more articles for you to check out!

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▼Editor’s Picks▼

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have lived and explored countries around the world. As a resident of Japan and based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling Japan with my readers. I hope my story will help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈

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Tokyo tourist map

You can find on this page the Tokyo tourist map to print and to download in PDF. The Tokyo tourist attractions map presents the monuments, museums, parks and points of interest of Tokyo in Japan.

Map of Tokyo points of interest

The Tokyo sightseeing map shows all tourist places and points of interest of Tokyo. This tourist attractions map of Tokyo will allow you to easily plan your visits of landmarks of Tokyo in Japan. The Tokyo tourist map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

Tourism in Tokyo is a major industry. In 2006, 4.81 million foreigners and 420 million Japanese visits to Tokyo were made; the economic value of these visits totaled 9.4 trillion yen according to the government of Tokyo. Many tourists visit the various downtowns, stores, and entertainment districts throughout the neighborhoods of the special wards of Tokyo; particularly school children on class trips, a visit to Tokyo Tower is de rigueur as its shown in Tokyo tourist map.

No buildings in Tokyo are World heritage sites and only the Jizo Hall of Shofuku-ji, a suburban temple, is a National treasure, other tourist attractions include the Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine, and Sensō-ji, a popular temple as its mentioned in Tokyo tourist map. Finally, many tourists, particularly foreign tourists, visit Tsukiji Fish Market, as the time-zone difference leads to foreign visitors waking up very early local time.

Cultural offerings include both omnipresent Japanese pop culture and associated districts (Shibuya and Harajuku), subcultural tourist attractions such as Studio Ghibli anime center, as well as museums like the Tokyo National Museum as you can see in Tokyo tourist map, which houses 37% of the country artwork national treasures (87/233). Major hotel districts include Shinjuku and Tokyo Bay, although there are some hotels in many more districts.

Tokyo attractions map

Map of Tokyo tourist places

The Tokyo attractions map shows the main monuments, museums and parks of Tokyo. This tourist places map of Tokyo will allow you to easily plan your visits of tourist attractions of Tokyo in Japan. The Tokyo attractions map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

The cultural side of Tokyo is famous for its numerous things to do and top attractions as its shown in Tokyo attractions map, including museums, festivals, internationally noted cuisine, and professional sports clubs, including baseball, football, along with traditional Japanese pursuits like sumo wrestling. Tokyo is also a city rich in music and theater, with numerous venues featuring everything from Japanese to modern dramas, symphony orchestras, and pop and rock concerts.

The chief attraction of Tokyo Marunouchi district is the Imperial Palace with its beautiful 17th-century parks surrounded by walls and moats as its mentioned in Tokyo attractions map. Ginza is Tokyo busiest shopping area and is as iconic as Times Square in New York, and much older. In the Asakusa district of Tokyo, the exquisite Sensō-ji Temple - Tokyo most famous shrine. Located in Tokyo Ueno Park, the superb National Museum of Nature and Science (Kokuritsu Kagaku Hakubutsukan) opened in 1871 and is one of the country oldest museums.

Tokyo most important religious attractions which is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken, construction of the splendid Meiji Shrine began in 1915 and was completed in 1926 (see Tokyo attractions map). One of Tokyo newest museums, the impressive National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Nippon Kagaku Mirai-kan) - usually simply referred to as the Miraikan - offers a fascinating insight into Japan leading role in the field of technology.

Tokyo zoo map

Map of Tokyo zoo park

The Tokyo zoo map shows recommended tours of the Tokyo Zoological Park. This zoo map of Tokyo will allow you to easily find out where each animal is and where to picnic in the Zoological Park of Tokyo in Japan. The Tokyo zoo map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

The Ueno Zoo (恩賜上野動物園 Onshi Ueno Dōbutsuen?) is a 14.3-hectare (35-acre) zoo, managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and located in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan as its shown in Tokyo zoo map. Tokyo zoo is Japan oldest zoo, opening on March 20, 1882. Tokyo zoo is a five-minute walk from the Park Exit of Ueno Station, with convenient access from Tokyo public-transportation network.

The zoo is in Ueno Park, a large urban park that is home to museums, a small amusement park, and other attractions. Tokyo zoo is closed Mondays (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday). Tokyo zoo is home to more than 2600 individuals representing over 460 species as its mentioned in Tokyo zoo map. The Sumatran tiger, and western lowland gorilla head the list of the zoo population. Ueno has more species on exhibition than any other zoo in Japan.

Tokyo zoo is often home to zebras, Japanese macaques, red-crowned cranes, White-tailed eagles and King Penguins, along with goats, sheep, pigs, ostriches, and rabbits as you can see in Tokyo zoo map. At some point, redistribution of the animals among Tokyo other zoos (including Tama Zoo and Inokashira Nature Park) left Ueno without a lion. However, in response to public demand, Ueno borrowed a female from the Yokohama Municipal Zoo.

Tokyo Disneyland map

Map of Tokyo Disneyland park

The Tokyo Disneyland map shows all attractions of the Tokyo Disneyland Park. This Disneyland map of Tokyo will allow you to easily find out where each attractions is and where is Walt Disney Studios of Tokyo in Japan. The Tokyo Disneyland map is downloadable in PDF, printable and free.

Tokyo Disneyland is a theme park based on the films produced by Walt Disney (see Tokyo Disneyland map). It was opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside of the United States. Modeled after Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland is made up of seven themed lands and features seasonal decorations and parades.

World Bazaar, located at the main entrance to the Tokyo Disneyland, is a covered shopping arcade lined by shops and restaurants. Tomorrowland explores the themes of outer space and future technologies as its shown in Tokyo Disneyland map. Toontown is a suburban toon neighborhood where the Disney characters live, work and play. Critter Country is home to Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox, Br'er Bear and the other characters from the Disney film "Song of the South".

Fantasyland in Tokyo Disneyland is based on the classic animated films by Disney and is home to the iconic Cinderella Castle at the center of the park, as well as other characters and rides such as Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, Peter Pan, Snow White, It is A Small World and Pooh Hunny Hunt. Westernland in Tokyo Disneyland is themed after the US western frontier along the Rivers of America as you can see in Tokyo Disneyland map. Adventureland includes attractions that encompass the spirit of adventure.

Train strikes in April and May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, also mean some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

Thursday 11 April 2024 08:46, UK

Drivers at 16 rail companies have started a fresh wave of strikes, plus overtime bans, causing disruption to the rail network.

Update: All rail strikes have now concluded, and the Tube strikes that were due to take place in May have been called off.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay and will take place across April and May.

Tube strikes planned for April and May have been called off.

In an "entirely separate dispute", ASLEF members will also strike and refuse to do overtime at LNER on specific dates in April "because of the company's failure to adhere to the agreed bargaining machinery", the union said.

LNER's alleged failure to adhere to bargaining machinery refers to it using managers to drive trains on strike days.

People are advised to check before they travel.

Here's what's happening when:

Rail strike dates

Friday 5 April

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains, and CrossCountry.

Saturday 6 April

Strikes will affect Chiltern, GWR, LNER, Northern, and TransPennine Trains.

Monday 8 April

Strikes will affect Greater Anglia, c2c, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern/Gatwick Express, South Western Railway main line and depot drivers, and SWR Island Line.

Overtime ban dates

Thursday 4 April

Tuesday 9 April

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

LNER action dates

Members will strike on Saturday 20 April and refuse to work non-contractual overtime from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 April .

Why are the strikes happening?

ASLEF says the LNER strikes are because of "the company's persistent failure to comply with existing agreements".

Nigel Roebuck, an ASLEF organiser in the northeast, said the operator had been trying to get "every driver manager and driver instructor to work on strike days".

A spokesperson said: "LNER has used managers - paid £500 a shift - to drive trains on strike days and, after the expiry of the last non-contractual overtime agreement, on most days of the week now.

"There is no agreement in place for management to drive services on mainline infrastructure.

"It results in branch line services - such as Lincoln, Skipton, and Harrogate - being cancelled because of a lack of route knowledge and means virtually no driver training is being done."

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Mick Whelan, ASLEF general secretary, said of the rail strikes : "Last month, when we announced renewed mandates for industrial action, because under the Tories' draconian anti-union laws we have to ballot our members every six months, we called on the train companies, and the government, to come to the table for meaningful talks to negotiate a new pay deal for train drivers who have not had an increase in salary since 2019.

"Our members voted overwhelmingly - yet again - for strike action."

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A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said: "Nobody wins when industrial action impacts people's lives and livelihoods, and we will work hard to minimise any disruption to our passengers.

"We want to resolve this dispute, but the ASLEF leadership need to recognise that hard-pressed taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra £54m a week just to keep services running post-COVID.

"We continue to seek an agreement with the ASLEF leadership and remain open to talks to find a solution to this dispute."

When the strikes on the London Underground were announced, Finn Brennan, ASLEF's full-time organiser on the network, said in a statement: "ASLEF Tube train drivers will strike in April and May in a long-running dispute over London Underground's failure to give assurances that changes to our members' terms and conditions will not be imposed without agreement and that all existing agreements will be honoured.

"Despite a previous commitment to withdraw plans for massive changes to drivers' working conditions, London Underground management has established a full-time team of managers preparing to impose their plans.

Sadiq Khan said they had been called off after "talking and engaging with transport staff and trade unions rather than working against them".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes