Every one of the nine Tokyo Metro lines in depth, station numbering explained properly, Metro vs. Toei Subway, tickets, day passes, IC cards, 20 worked routes, and the mistakes first-time riders make.
Quick Answer
Number of Lines
9 Tokyo Metro lines, plus 4 Toei Subway lines on the same map
Single-Ride Fare Range
¥180–330 (IC card, distance-based)
Operating Hours
~5:00am–around 12:30am (last train varies by line and station)
IC Card Accepted
Yes, Suica, Pasmo, and all interoperable IC cards
The Tokyo Metro is the backbone of getting around central Tokyo, Japan’s capital: nine color-coded subway lines run by Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd., interoperating with four more Toei Subway lines on the same map and the same IC card. This guide goes far deeper than the city-wide transportation picture, covering every line individually, exactly how station numbering works, Tokyo Metro vs. Toei Subway in full, every ticket and day pass option, 20 worked routes between the city's major tourist areas, practical guidance for children, elderly parents, wheelchair users, and solo travelers, and the specific mistakes first-time riders make.
•Tokyo Metro (9 lines) and Toei Subway (4 lines) are separate companies with separate base fares, but the same IC card taps through both
•Every station has a colored circle, a line letter, and a number, for example Shibuya on the Ginza Line is G-01
•The nationwide JR Pass does not cover Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway, only JR East lines like the Yamanote
•The Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72 hour) covers all 9 Metro and 4 Toei lines for a flat rate, but not JR lines, and breaks even around 5–6 rides in a day
•This guide covers 20 worked routes between major tourist areas, practical scenarios for children, elderly travelers, and wheelchair users, and 20 expert tips most tourists learn too late
Always Use Google Maps
Even locals use it, you don't need to memorize the Metro map
Tokyo has nine Metro lines, four more Toei Subway lines, and dozens of JR and private-railway connections layered on top. Trying to memorize station names, which line to take, or where to transfer is unnecessary, and even Tokyo residents don't do it. The easiest way to ride the Tokyo Metro is to let Google Maps plan the route and simply match what it shows you against what you see in the station.
💡Good to Know
•The best route from where you are to where you're going
•Which train line to take, by name and color
•Line colors matching what you'll see on station signage
•Station numbers for every stop along the way
•Transfer stations, including which platform to use
•Estimated travel time, updated for current conditions
•Fare estimates in yen
•Walking directions to and from the station
•Train departure times
•Platform information, where available
•Exit numbers, at many stations
The Easiest Strategy
1
Open Google Maps
On Wi-Fi, a local SIM, or an eSIM, it works the same way.
2
Search for your destination
Type the name of the place you're heading, Google Maps finds it even from an approximate English name.
3
Follow the recommended route
Tap the train icon among the route options. Google Maps lists the line, transfer count, walking segments, and total time already calculated.
4
Match the line color
Note the color shown in the route, then look for that same color on station entrances, platform signs, and train exteriors.
5
Match the station number
Note the letter-and-number code for your stations, for example G-01, and use it to confirm your platform without needing to read the Japanese station name.
6
Follow station signs
Station signage repeats the same line color, letter, and number all the way from the ticket gate to the platform, and again from the platform to your exit.
Your First Journey, Step by Step
Shibuya Crossing to Senso-ji Temple, exactly as you'd do it in real time
This is the same Shibuya-to-Asakusa Ginza Line route highlighted in the Tickets section below (fare ~¥240, ~35 minutes, no transfer), walked through here from a first-timer's perspective, phone in hand.
1
Open Google Maps and search "Senso-ji Temple"
Starting from Shibuya Crossing, type your destination and let Google Maps find it.
2
Tap the train icon for public transit directions
Google Maps switches to transit routing and lists the recommended way to get there.
3
Confirm the recommended route: Ginza Line, Shibuya to Asakusa
The route shows one line (Ginza, orange, code G), no transfer, about 35 minutes.
4
Head to the Ginza Line platform at Shibuya Station
Follow the orange signage marked "G" from any Shibuya Station entrance down to the platform.
5
Confirm the train direction: "for Asakusa"
Shibuya is the western end of the line (G-01), so any train at this platform already heads toward Asakusa (G-19), check the platform sign to be sure.
6
Count the station numbers as you ride
Platform signs and the on-board display count upward from G-01. Watching the number climb toward G-19 confirms your progress without reading Japanese.
7
Exit at Asakusa Station (G-19)
Follow signage toward Exit 1, the closest exit to Senso-ji's Kaminarimon Gate.
8
Follow Google Maps' walking directions to Senso-ji
Once you're back above ground, Google Maps switches automatically to a walking route, about 5 minutes to the temple gate.
Before You Board: Quick Checklist
Open Google Maps
Confirm your destination
Check the line color
Note the station number
Check the train direction
Have your IC card ready
Stand behind the safety line
Let passengers exit first
How It Works: Riding the Tokyo Metro
Five steps, from finding your line to transferring between operators
1
Find your line by color and letter
Every Tokyo Metro line has a color and a letter (G for Ginza, M for Marunouchi, and so on). Match that color and letter on station entrances, platform signage, or Google Maps to your route before heading downstairs.
2
Confirm the platform by direction, not just line
Most Metro stations split one line across two platforms, one for each direction. Check the terminal station name shown on the sign (e.g. "for Shibuya") rather than assuming the first platform you reach is the right one.
3
Tap in with your IC card at any gate
The same Suica, Pasmo, or Welcome Suica works at every Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway gate. Tap in on entry; the fare is calculated automatically from that point.
4
Transfer within Tokyo Metro without a second gate
Switching between two Tokyo Metro lines (say, Ginza to Hibiya at Ueno) usually stays inside the same paid area, follow the transfer signs to the next platform.
5
Walk through a second gate when transferring to Toei, JR, or a private line
Transfers to Toei Subway, JR East, or a private railway usually mean tapping out of one system and into another at a separate set of gates. Your IC card handles the combined fare automatically, but budget a few extra minutes for the walk.
Traveling with limited mobility, a stroller, or heavy luggage? Most Tokyo Metro and Toei stations have at least one step-free route with elevators, though it can mean a longer walk than the main stairs. See Accessibility & Traveling With Luggage in Getting Around Tokyo, or jump to Practical Travel Scenarios below for Metro-specific guidance.
What to Expect on the Tokyo Metro
The passenger experience, so nothing catches you off guard
Bilingual Announcements
On-board and station announcements are made in Japanese and English at every stop. Many stations and trains also display information in Chinese and Korean. You do not need to understand Japanese to travel confidently, the English announcement always follows the Japanese one.
Electronic Displays
Screens above the doors and on platforms show the next station, its station number, transfer information, the train's destination, and any delays or service updates, usually cycling between Japanese and English.
Station Melodies
Many stations play a short melody just before a train departs or arrives, part of Japan's railway culture. A good number of stations have their own unique tune, and first-time visitors often remember these as one of the charming small details of traveling here.
Quiet & Respectful Environment
Conversations stay quiet, and phone calls on board are strongly discouraged. Most passengers use their phones silently, for maps, messages, reading, or music with headphones, rather than talking.
Using Your Phone on the Train
Using your phone is completely normal, Google Maps, checking train schedules, translation apps, messaging, and reading are all common sights on any car.
The exception is voice calls. Avoid making or taking phone calls while on the train. If a call is urgent, wait until you leave the train, or step onto the platform once the doors are clear.
Train Etiquette
Let passengers exit before you board, stepping to the side of the doors while you wait.
Queue behind the marked floor lines at your platform position, not just anywhere near the doors.
Stand on the correct side of the escalator, left in Tokyo, the reverse of Osaka's convention.
Remove your backpack and hold it in front of or beside you on a crowded train.
Offer priority seating near the end doors to elderly, pregnant, injured, or disabled passengers, and parents with infants.
Avoid blocking the doors, especially at busy interchange stations where passengers need to pass through.
Safety
The Tokyo Metro is very safe by international standards, one of the safest metro systems used by millions of daily riders worldwide.
Emergency intercom buttons on every platform and inside every train car connect directly to station staff.
Platform screen doors are installed at many stations, including the entire Namboku Line, preventing falls onto the tracks.
Station staff at every ticket gate can help with directions or an unexpected problem, even with limited English.
Signage is exceptionally thorough throughout the network, color-coded, numbered, and multilingual, one of the most navigable systems in the world for a first-time visitor.
Avoid Rush Hour
Trains stay usable but get extremely crowded, plan around it if you can
Morning Rush
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Weekday commuter traffic peaks across nearly every line, especially the Tozai and Hibiya Lines and the Ginza Line's Shibuya–Omotesando segment.
Evening Rush
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
The reverse commute home, similarly crowded, especially around Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Otemachi.
Trains keep running and remain completely safe during these windows, they simply become standing-room-only with little space for luggage. First-time visitors, especially anyone traveling with luggage, a stroller, or young children, should avoid these windows whenever the itinerary allows.
⭐Best For
•Visit attractions early, many temples and gardens open by 6–9am, well before the crowds.
•Have lunch before you travel, a late-morning departure avoids the worst of the morning crush entirely.
•Travel after 9:30am, once the morning peak clears, trains thin out noticeably until the evening rush begins.
•Travel after 8pm, the evening peak eases meaningfully once dinner-hour commuting winds down.
Weekends are generally more comfortable, though popular tourist areas like Asakusa, Shibuya, and Harajuku can still get busy at midday regardless of the day of the week.
The Nine Tokyo Metro Lines
Each line has its own color, letter, and route across the city
Wakoshi – Shibuya via Ikebukuro, Shinjuku-Sanchome, Meiji-Jingumae; the network’s deepest line
Line colors and letter codes verified against Tokyo Metro’s official station numbering system as of 2026-07-08. Click any line for its full profile below.
Line-by-Line Deep Dive
History, attractions, hotels, accessibility, insider tips, and a worked example journey for each of the nine lines
Ginza Line
GOpened 1927
Shibuya ↔ Asakusa (19 stations, G-01 to G-19)
The Ginza Line is the oldest subway line in Asia and still one of the most useful for visitors: a single, direct ride connects Shibuya, Omotesando, Ginza, Ueno, and Asakusa without a transfer.
History: Opened in 1927 between Asakusa and Ueno as the first subway line built outside Europe and the Americas, it reached Shibuya in 1939 after a merger of two competing subway companies, the seam of which still shows in the line's slightly awkward curve near Shibuya.
Why it matters: It strings together more first-time-visitor landmarks per ride than any other single line in the network.
Route: From Shibuya, the Ginza Line runs beneath Omotesando and Aoyama, cuts through Akasaka and Toranomon, reaches Ginza and Nihombashi in the historic downtown core, then continues to Ueno and terminates at Asakusa.
Major stations: Shibuya, Omotesando, Akasaka-mitsuke, Ginza, Nihombashi, Ueno, Asakusa
Major Transfer Stations
Shibuya — JR Yamanote, Hanzomon, Fukutoshin, Tokyu, Keio Inokashira
Ginza flagship department stores and luxury boutiques
Omotesando fashion boutiques
Ameyoko market near Ueno for bargains
Food Districts
Asakusa traditional tempura and soba
Ginza upscale sushi and kaiseki
Ueno's Ameyoko street-food stalls
Museums
Tokyo National Museum (Ueno)
Nezu Museum (a 10-minute walk from Omotesando Station, despite the name)
Parks & Gardens
Ueno Park
Tourist recommendation: If you only ride one Tokyo Metro line during a short trip, this is the one: it turns four separate day-trip destinations into a single uninterrupted ride.
Best for first-time visitors: the oldest, simplest, most tourist-dense line on the network, with no confusing branch or through-service to track
Rush hour: Heavy on the Shibuya–Omotesando segment on weekday mornings; the Ueno–Asakusa end is calmer at the same hours.
Accessibility: Several original 1927-30s stations (Ginza, Asakusa, Ueno-hirokoji) have step-free routes but they can require a longer walk to a specific elevator entrance than newer lines; confirm the elevator exit in Google Maps before committing to a transfer with a stroller or heavy luggage.
Insider tip: Ride in the front car for the best view of the tunnel's older, narrower sections, a visible reminder this is the line that started the whole network.
Common mistake — Getting off at Omotesando expecting Harajuku: Omotesando and Harajuku (a JR Yamanote station) are about a 10-minute walk apart. For Meiji Shrine or Takeshita Street, use the JR Yamanote Line or the Chiyoda/Fukutoshin Meiji-jingumae station instead.
AsakusaShibuyaExample journey
the single best-value sightseeing ride on the Metro, direct, no transfer, and it passes within walking distance of Ginza and Omotesando along the way
Fare: ~¥240 · Time: ~35 minutes
Marunouchi Line
MOpened 1954
Ogikubo/Honancho ↔ Ikebukuro, via Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, Ginza, Otemachi
The Marunouchi Line is Tokyo's first postwar subway and still its most direct link between the Shinjuku and Ikebukuro entertainment hubs and the Marunouchi/Otemachi business core around Tokyo Station.
History: Opened in stages from 1954, it was built to relieve surface-street congestion in central Tokyo and takes its name from the Marunouchi business district it runs beneath near Tokyo Station.
Why it matters: It is the fastest subway route between Shinjuku and Tokyo Station, and one of the few lines that reaches both major west-side hubs (Shinjuku, Ikebukuro) and the Imperial Palace area directly.
Route: From Ogikubo in the west (with a short branch to Honancho/Nakano-Shimbashi), the line runs through Shinjuku, Yotsuya, and Akasaka-mitsuke, then Tokyo Station and Otemachi, before curving north to Ikebukuro.
Major stations: Shinjuku, Yotsuya, Akasaka-mitsuke, Ginza, Tokyo, Otemachi, Ikebukuro
Major Transfer Stations
Shinjuku — JR Yamanote/Chuo, Toei Shinjuku, Toei Oedo, Odakyu, Keio
Akasaka-mitsuke — Ginza Line
Tokyo — JR (Shinkansen and every JR line), Tozai Line (Otemachi, adjoining)
Otemachi — Chiyoda, Tozai, Hanzomon Lines, Toei Mita Line
Ikebukuro — JR Yamanote, Tobu, Seibu, Yurakucho Line
Marunouchi (business luxury, walking distance to Tokyo Station)
Shinjuku (dense, convenient, every price point)
Ikebukuro (good value, well connected)
Shopping Districts
Ginza department stores
Shinjuku's Isetan and Takashimaya Times Square
Food Districts
Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho alleys
Marunouchi's office-district lunch scene
Ikebukuro ramen streets
Museums
Idemitsu Museum of Arts (near Tokyo Station, when open)
Parks & Gardens
Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku-gyoenmae Station, one stop from Shinjuku)
Imperial Palace East Gardens
Korakuen Garden (Korakuen Station)
Tourist recommendation: Use this line to skip the JR Chuo Line's rush-hour crowding between Shinjuku and Tokyo Station; it covers the same corridor underground with more reliable seating odds.
Good for first-time visitors: it links Shinjuku, Ginza, and Tokyo Station directly, three stops most itineraries already include
Rush hour: One of the most crowded commuter lines in the network on weekday mornings, particularly Shinjuku–Yotsuya; consider traveling before 7:30am or after 9:30am.
Accessibility: Tokyo, Otemachi, and Shinjuku are large, well-signed interchanges with multiple elevators, though the walk between platforms at Tokyo/Otemachi can be long; budget extra time with luggage.
Insider tip: A short branch line splits off at Nakano-Sakaue toward Honancho, not every train continues to Ogikubo, check the destination board rather than assuming.
Common mistake — Boarding a branch-line train by mistake: At Nakano-Sakaue, some Marunouchi trains split toward Honancho instead of continuing to Ogikubo. Check the platform display for your specific terminal station before boarding.
ShinjukuGinzaExample journey
direct with no transfer, and faster than surfacing to change JR lines
Fare: ~¥200 · Time: ~15 minutes
Hibiya Line
HOpened 1961
Naka-Meguro ↔ Kita-Senju, via Roppongi, Ginza, Akihabara, Ueno
The Hibiya Line cuts diagonally across central Tokyo, connecting Roppongi's nightlife and museums to Ginza, Tsukiji, Akihabara, and Ueno on one line, then continues onto the Tobu Skytree Line toward Tokyo Skytree through direct trains.
History: Opened in stages between 1961 and 1964, it was one of the first lines built with through-service to a private railway in mind, the Tobu Nikko/Skytree Line at its eastern end.
Why it matters: It is the most efficient single line for stitching together Roppongi, Ginza, Tsukiji, Akihabara, and Ueno into one afternoon without surfacing.
Route: From Naka-Meguro, the line runs through Roppongi and Kamiyacho, then Ginza and Higashi-Ginza, east to Tsukiji, Akihabara, and Ueno, before continuing to Kita-Senju, with some trains through-running onto the Tobu Skytree Line beyond.
Major stations: Naka-Meguro, Roppongi, Ginza, Tsukiji, Akihabara, Ueno, Kita-Senju
Major Transfer Stations
Ginza — Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line
Akihabara — JR Yamanote/Chuo-Sobu, Tsukuba Express
Ueno — Ginza Line, JR Yamanote, Keisei
Kita-Senju — JR Joban Line, Tobu Skytree Line, Tsukuba Express
Tourist recommendation: Pair a Tsukiji breakfast with an Akihabara afternoon and a Roppongi evening, all reachable on this one line without a transfer.
Best for first-time visitors: it hits more top-10 Tokyo attractions per stop than almost any other line
Rush hour: Consistently one of the network's most crowded lines, especially the Naka-Meguro–Roppongi segment and anywhere trains continue through to the Tobu Skytree Line.
Accessibility: Tsukiji and Roppongi have been modernized with full elevator routes; older segments nearer Naka-Meguro can require a longer step-free path.
Insider tip: Some Hibiya Line trains continue past Kita-Senju directly onto the Tobu Skytree Line, useful for reaching Tokyo Skytree without changing platforms, but check the destination board so you don't ride past your stop.
Common mistake — Assuming every train terminates at Kita-Senju: Trains that continue through to the Tobu Skytree Line keep running well beyond Kita-Senju. If Kita-Senju or an earlier stop is your destination, confirm it's listed on the train's displayed stop sequence.
RoppongiTsukijiExample journey
direct, and a good pairing of an evening (Roppongi) and morning (Tsukiji) plan on the same line
Fare: ~¥210 · Time: ~15 minutes
Tozai Line
TOpened 1964–1969
Nakano ↔ Nishi-Funabashi, via Takadanobaba, Iidabashi, Otemachi
The Tozai Line ("east-west line") is primarily a commuter workhorse connecting western residential Tokyo to the business core and on into Chiba, but it also serves Kudanshita for Yasukuni Shrine and Iidabashi for Koishikawa Korakuen Garden.
History: Built through the 1960s to relieve the JR Chuo Line's east-west commuter load, it was one of the first Tokyo Metro (then Teito Rapid Transit Authority) lines designed from the outset for through-service with a JR line, the Chuo-Sobu Line at Nakano.
Why it matters: It is one of the few lines that connects directly into JR Chuo-Sobu and Toyo Rapid Railway trains without a gate transfer, making it useful for day trips toward Chiba.
Route: From Nakano, the line runs through Takadanobaba and Waseda, then Iidabashi, Otemachi, and Nihombashi in the business core, continuing east to Nishi-Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture.
Major stations: Nakano, Takadanobaba, Iidabashi, Kudanshita, Otemachi, Nihombashi
Major Transfer Stations
Nakano — JR Chuo-Sobu Line (through-service)
Iidabashi — JR Chuo-Sobu, Yurakucho, Namboku, Toei Oedo Lines
Otemachi — Marunouchi, Chiyoda, Hanzomon Lines, Toei Mita Line
Iidabashi and Nihombashi (business-oriented, fewer tourists, good value)
Shopping Districts
Nihombashi department stores and traditional shops
Food Districts
Nihombashi's long-established restaurants
Takadanobaba's student-priced ramen
Parks & Gardens
Koishikawa Korakuen Garden (Iidabashi)
Tourist recommendation: Ride it specifically for Kudanshita (Yasukuni Shrine, Budokan) or Iidabashi (Koishikawa Korakuen), not as a general-purpose sightseeing line.
Situational, not a default choice: it is built for commuters first; visitors typically use it only for a specific stop like Kudanshita
Rush hour: One of the most crowded commuter lines in all of Japan on weekday mornings, particularly the Nishi-Kasai to Otemachi stretch; avoid 7:30–9:00am with luggage if at all possible.
Accessibility: Generally good at central stations (Otemachi, Iidabashi); some eastern stations toward Chiba have longer step-free routing.
Insider tip: If you're only riding it for Yasukuni Shrine, get off at Kudanshita and use the shrine-side exit, it's a shorter walk than it looks on the surface map.
Common mistake — Riding it at rush hour expecting a quiet ride: This line regularly ranks among Japan's most congested. Shift a Kudanshita or Iidabashi visit to mid-morning or early afternoon instead of commuting hours.
OtemachiKudanshitaExample journey
quick, direct hop for Yasukuni Shrine and the Budokan arena
Fare: ~¥180 · Time: ~5 minutes
Chiyoda Line
COpened 1969
Yoyogi-Uehara ↔ Ayase, via Omotesando, Meiji-jingumae, Otemachi
The Chiyoda Line runs from the Odakyu through-service junction at Yoyogi-Uehara through Harajuku's Meiji-jingumae Station, Omotesando, and Otemachi, then out to the quieter old-Tokyo neighborhoods around Sendagi and Nezu.
History: Opened in 1969 and extended through the 1970s, it was built with through-service to the Odakyu Line at its western end from the start, later joined by JR Joban Line through-service at Ayase.
Why it matters: It is the direct rail link from central Tokyo to Odakyu's Romancecar trains toward Hakone, and it reaches Meiji Shrine and old-town Yanaka on the same line.
Route: From Yoyogi-Uehara, the line reaches Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku) and Omotesando within two stops, continues through Nogizaka and Kasumigaseki to Otemachi, then north through Yushima, Nezu, and Sendagi to Ayase.
Major stations: Yoyogi-Uehara, Meiji-jingumae, Omotesando, Otemachi, Nezu, Sendagi
Major Transfer Stations
Yoyogi-Uehara — Odakyu Line (through-service toward Hakone)
Meiji-jingumae — Fukutoshin Line, adjoining JR Harajuku
Otemachi — Marunouchi, Tozai, Hanzomon Lines, Toei Mita Line
Nezu Museum, a 10-minute walk from Omotesando Station, not Nezu Station despite the similar name
Parks & Gardens
Yoyogi Park (short walk from Meiji-jingumae)
Tourist recommendation: Combine a morning at Meiji Shrine with an afternoon in Yanaka's old-Tokyo backstreets, both reachable on this one line with no transfer.
Good for first-time visitors: it reaches Meiji Shrine directly and offers a low-effort detour into old Tokyo at Yanaka
Rush hour: Heavy around Omotesando and Otemachi on weekday mornings; the Nezu–Sendagi end stays comparatively calm.
Accessibility: Generally modern and well-equipped; Otemachi's size means longer transfer walks despite good elevator coverage.
Insider tip: Odakyu's limited-express Romancecar to Hakone departs from Shinjuku, not Yoyogi-Uehara, but through-trains on this line let you reach Odakyu stations further out without a synchronized transfer.
Common mistake — Walking to "Nezu Station" for the Nezu Museum: Despite the name, Nezu Museum is closer to Omotesando Station (about a 10-minute walk) than to Nezu Station on this same line. Confirm the exit before setting off.
OmotesandoSendagiExample journey
direct, no transfer, useful for a Harajuku-morning, Yanaka-afternoon day
Fare: ~¥210 · Time: ~20 minutes
Yurakucho Line
YOpened 1974
Wakoshi ↔ Shin-Kiba, via Ikebukuro, Iidabashi, Ginza-itchome, Toyosu
The Yurakucho Line links Ikebukuro to the waterfront redevelopment areas around Toyosu, including the rail link to Toyosu Market, the wholesale fish market that succeeded the old Tsukiji site.
History: Opened from 1974, it was extended to Shin-Kiba through the 1980s and later gained through-service with the Tobu Tojo Line and Seibu Ikebukuro Line at its western end.
Why it matters: It is the practical rail connection to Toyosu Market and the Toyosu waterfront district, a stop most other lines don't reach directly.
Route: From Wakoshi in Saitama, the line runs through Ikebukuro, Iidabashi, and Ginza-itchome (a short walk from Ginza proper), then east to Toyosu and Shin-Kiba near Tokyo Bay.
Major stations: Ikebukuro, Iidabashi, Ginza-itchome, Toyosu, Shin-Kiba
Major Transfer Stations
Ikebukuro — JR Yamanote, Tobu, Seibu, Marunouchi Line
Iidabashi — Tozai, Namboku Lines, Toei Oedo Line, JR Chuo-Sobu
Toyosu — Yurikamome (for Odaiba and teamLab Planets)
Ikebukuro's Sunshine City and Otome Road (anime and otaku goods)
Food Districts
Ikebukuro ramen streets
Toyosu Market's sushi counters
Museums
Sunshine Aquarium (Ikebukuro)
Tourist recommendation: Ride to Toyosu for the relocated fish market and teamLab Planets, then continue by Yurikamome to Odaiba for the rest of the day.
Situational: most useful for the specific Ikebukuro or Toyosu/Odaiba legs of a trip rather than as a default line
Rush hour: Moderate to heavy around Ikebukuro on weekday mornings; the Toyosu/Shin-Kiba end is quieter outside commuter hours.
Accessibility: Modern stations throughout with reliable elevator coverage, including Toyosu.
Insider tip: Toyosu Market's public observation deck and sushi restaurants open very early (much like old Tsukiji did); arrive before 9am for the freshest atmosphere and shortest lines.
Common mistake — Going to Tsukiji Station expecting the fish auction: The wholesale fish auction relocated to Toyosu Market in 2018. Tsukiji Station (on the Hibiya Line) still serves the Tsukiji Outer Market's food stalls, but the auction and most wholesale action is now at Toyosu, reached via this line.
IkebukuroToyosuExample journey
sets up a Toyosu Market and teamLab Planets combination before continuing to Odaiba
Fare: ~¥250 · Time: ~30 minutes with one transfer
Hanzomon Line
ZOpened 1978
Shibuya ↔ Oshiage, via Omotesando, Nagatacho, Otemachi
The Hanzomon Line offers the only one-seat subway ride from Shibuya directly to Oshiage, the station at the base of Tokyo Skytree, making it the simplest way to combine those two districts in one trip.
History: Opened in 1978 and extended in stages through 2003, its final extension to Oshiage was built specifically to connect with the Tobu Skytree Line, several years before Tokyo Skytree itself was completed in 2012.
Why it matters: It is the most direct rail link between Shibuya, the Omotesando shopping corridor, and Tokyo Skytree.
Route: From Shibuya, the line runs through Omotesando and Aoyama-itchome, then Nagatacho and Otemachi in the government and business core, continuing through Suitengumae to Oshiage.
Major stations: Shibuya, Omotesando, Nagatacho, Otemachi, Suitengumae, Oshiage
Tourist recommendation: If Tokyo Skytree is on the itinerary, this line saves a transfer compared with most routes that reach it via the Asakusa area.
Good for first-time visitors: a single direct ride connects Shibuya to Tokyo Skytree, unlike most other approaches
Rush hour: Heavy near Shibuya and Otemachi on weekday mornings, sharing crowding pressure with the parallel Ginza Line corridor.
Accessibility: Modern stations with good elevator coverage; Oshiage was purpose-built with Skytree foot traffic in mind.
Insider tip: Not every Hanzomon train terminates at Oshiage, some continue further onto the Tobu Skytree Line, so if Oshiage is your stop, check it's listed on the train's display.
Common mistake — Assuming this is the only or fastest way to Skytree: It is the most direct from Shibuya specifically, but from Asakusa the Tobu Skytree Line or a short walk plus local transfer can be faster. Compare based on where you're starting from.
ShibuyaOshiage (Tokyo Skytree)Example journey
direct, no transfer, the simplest Skytree route from Shibuya-side hotels
Fare: ~¥260 · Time: ~35 minutes
Namboku Line
NOpened 1991
Meguro ↔ Akabane-Iwabuchi, via Roppongi-itchome, Nagatacho, Komagome
The Namboku Line ("north-south line") is the network's most consistently accessible line, built in the 1990s with elevators and platform screen doors from day one, and it reaches Rikugien, one of Tokyo's finest Edo-period gardens, directly.
History: Opened between 1991 and 2000, it was designed with barrier-free access as a core requirement rather than a retrofit, unlike several older lines.
Why it matters: It is the easiest line on the network for wheelchair users, stroller-pushing parents, and anyone managing heavy luggage.
Route: From Meguro, the line runs through Roppongi-itchome and Nagatacho, then Iidabashi and Komagome, continuing north to Akabane-Iwabuchi, with through-service to the Tokyu Meguro Line and Saitama Rapid Railway at either end.
Major stations: Meguro, Roppongi-itchome, Nagatacho, Iidabashi, Komagome
Major Transfer Stations
Meguro — JR Yamanote, Tokyu Meguro Line (through-service)
Nagatacho — Yurakucho, Hanzomon Lines
Iidabashi — Tozai, Yurakucho Lines, Toei Oedo Line, JR Chuo-Sobu
Komagome — JR Yamanote
Top Attractions Served
No major standalone attraction; useful mainly for transfers and neighborhood access below.
Best Hotel Areas
Meguro (trendy, residential)
Roppongi-itchome (quieter side of Roppongi)
Food Districts
Meguro's cafe and restaurant scene along the river
Parks & Gardens
Rikugien Garden (Komagome), one of Tokyo's best Edo-period strolling gardens, especially for autumn foliage
Tourist recommendation: Use it specifically for Rikugien Garden, a genuine highlight that most first-time visitors skip simply because it isn't on a JR line.
Situational, but a strong recommendation for gardens and accessibility needs: it isn't a core sightseeing line, but it's the best-equipped line for travelers who need step-free access throughout
Rush hour: Moderate; noticeably calmer than the Ginza, Hibiya, or Tozai Lines at the same hours.
Accessibility: The most consistently step-free line in the network: every station was built with elevators and platform screen doors, making it the easiest choice network-wide for wheelchair users or strollers.
Insider tip: Because every platform has screen doors and full elevator access, this is a good line to default to when in doubt about a station's accessibility, even if the destination itself is served by another line with a transfer.
Common mistake — Skipping Rikugien because it looks out of the way: Rikugien Garden is one stop-and-a-short-walk from Komagome Station and rarely crowded with tourists, unlike Ueno Park. It's a worthwhile add-on, not a detour.
MeguroKomagomeExample journey
direct, no transfer, for a Rikugien Garden half-day away from the main tourist circuit
Fare: ~¥240 · Time: ~25 minutes
Fukutoshin Line
FOpened 2008
Wakoshi ↔ Shibuya, via Ikebukuro, Shinjuku-sanchome, Meiji-jingumae
The newest Tokyo Metro line, the Fukutoshin Line directly connects the Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro sub-centers ("fukutoshin" means "sub-center") that give the line its name, and its through-service extends all the way to Yokohama.
History: Opened in 2008 as the network's newest line, it was extended with through-service onto the Tokyu Toyoko Line in 2013, connecting it directly to the Minatomirai Line in Yokohama on the same train.
Why it matters: It is the only line that links all three of Tokyo's biggest sub-center hubs, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro, on one direct ride, and it reaches Yokohama without changing trains.
Route: From Wakoshi in Saitama, the line runs through Ikebukuro, Shinjuku-sanchome (east-side Shinjuku), Meiji-jingumae (Harajuku), and terminates at Shibuya, with through-trains continuing beyond both ends.
Major stations: Ikebukuro, Shinjuku-sanchome, Meiji-jingumae, Shibuya
Major Transfer Stations
Ikebukuro — JR Yamanote, Tobu, Seibu, Yurakucho Line
Shinjuku-sanchome — Marunouchi Line, Toei Shinjuku Line
Meiji-jingumae — Chiyoda Line, adjoining JR Harajuku
Shibuya — Ginza, Hanzomon Lines, JR Yamanote, Tokyu (through-service to Yokohama)
Tourist recommendation: Use it to move between Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro without surfacing to change JR lines, and consider riding it straight through to Yokohama's Minatomirai for a same-train day trip.
Best for first-time visitors staying in multiple neighborhoods: it directly connects the three sub-centers most Tokyo itineraries bounce between
Rush hour: Heavy at both the Shibuya and Ikebukuro ends on weekday mornings and evenings.
Accessibility: The newest line in the network, fully elevator-equipped and generally the easiest of the nine to navigate step-free.
Insider tip: Some Fukutoshin trains continue past Shibuya onto the Tokyu Toyoko Line and then the Minatomirai Line, reaching Yokohama's waterfront without a single platform change, check the destination board for a "Motomachi-Chukagai" or similar Yokohama-area terminus.
Common mistake — Not realizing how deep some platforms are: Shinjuku-sanchome and a few other Fukutoshin stations are built unusually deep. Budget extra time for escalators on transfer, especially with luggage or limited mobility.
ShibuyaIkebukuroExample journey
direct, no transfer, and faster than surfacing to use the JR Yamanote Line at rush hour
Fare: ~¥210 · Time: ~15–18 minutes
Tokyo Metro vs. Toei Subway
Two companies, one combined map, one IC card
Comparison of Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway by ownership, coverage, frequency, and airport access
Criteria
Tokyo Metro
Toei Subway
Ownership
Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. (majority government-owned, successor to the Teito Rapid Transit Authority)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government (Toei Transportation), the same operator as the city’s buses and one streetcar line
Number of Lines
9 lines (G, M, H, T, C, Y, Z, N, F)
4 lines (Asakusa A, Mita I, Shinjuku S, Oedo E)
Coverage Style
Dense central network hitting most first-time-visitor landmarks directly
Fills gaps Tokyo Metro doesn’t reach; the Oedo Line runs a loop through Roppongi, Shinjuku, and Ryogoku
Frequency
As often as every 2–3 minutes on the busiest lines at peak
Typically every 3–5 minutes; still frequent enough that schedules rarely matter to a visitor
Airport Connections
None direct; no Tokyo Metro line reaches Narita or Haneda
The Asakusa Line through-runs to the Keikyu Line (Haneda) and Keisei Line (Narita), the only subway network with direct airport access
Day Passes
Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket (Metro-only) or the combined Tokyo Subway Ticket
Toei One-Day Pass (Toei-only, plus Toei buses) or the combined Tokyo Subway Ticket
Tokyo Metro
Advantages
Denser central coverage and more one-seat rides to major sights
Slightly higher peak frequency on the busiest lines
Simpler for first-time visitors: no branch confusion beyond one or two lines
Disadvantages
No direct airport access
Doesn’t reach a few central gaps the Oedo Line loop fills (parts of Roppongi, Ryogoku)
Toei Subway
Advantages
Only network with one-seat airport access via through-service (Asakusa Line)
The Oedo Line loop fills central gaps other lines miss
The Mita Line reaches Sugamo, a quieter, locally loved shopping street
Disadvantages
Fewer lines and stations overall than Tokyo Metro
Marginally lower peak frequency
Less central density, more useful for specific detours than general sightseeing
⭐Best For
•Choose Tokyo Metro when: your day is built around central sightseeing, Ginza, Omotesando, Ueno, Asakusa, or Roppongi via the Hibiya Line
•Choose Toei Subway when: you need the Oedo Line loop (parts of Roppongi, Shinjuku, Ryogoku for sumo), Sugamo via the Mita Line, or airport access via the Asakusa Line
•It doesn't matter when: you're tapping an IC card between two stations served by both, the fare combines automatically regardless of operator, take whichever train arrives first
Station Numbering, Fully Explained
Why Japan numbers its stations, and how to read every part of the code
Why the System Exists
Tokyo's rail operators introduced a shared station numbering system ahead of rising international tourism, precisely because station names alone, often long, similar-sounding, and written in kanji, are hard for a visitor to read and match at a glance. A color, a letter, and a number let you navigate by shape and sequence instead of by reading Japanese.
Reading a Code Like G-09 or H-04
The letter identifies the line (G for Ginza, M for Marunouchi, H for Hibiya, T for Tozai, C for Chiyoda, Y for Yurakucho, Z for Hanzomon, N for Namboku, F for Fukutoshin on Tokyo Metro; A, I, S, and E on Toei Subway). The number counts sequentially from one end of that line to the other. Shibuya, at the western end of the Ginza Line, is G-01; Asakusa, at the eastern end, is G-19. Ginza Station itself, roughly in the middle of that line, is G-09.
Multiple Codes at Interchange Stations
A station served by more than one line carries a separate code for each. Ginza Station is G-09 on the Ginza Line, M-16 on the Marunouchi Line, and H-08 on the Hibiya Line, all at the same physical station. Otemachi goes further still: five different lines meet there (Chiyoda, Tozai, Hanzomon, and Marunouchi from Tokyo Metro, plus the Toei Mita Line), each keeping its own letter-number code within the same station complex. When a map or sign lists several codes together, that's the tell that you're looking at a major interchange, budget extra transfer time.
Exit Numbering
Exits use a matching letter-and-number system, such as A1 or B3, marked on floor decals and hanging signs near the ticket gates. Exit letters roughly correspond to a compass direction or a nearby landmark, and large interchange stations like Ginza can have well over a dozen numbered exits split across several letter groups. Confirm the specific exit code in Google Maps before climbing the stairs, especially with luggage, since the wrong one can add a ten-minute walk at street level.
Platform Numbering & Direction of Travel
Platform numbers (1, 2, and so on) are separate from the station's line code and simply identify which physical platform you're standing on, they vary station to station. What matters more for direction is the terminal station name printed on the platform sign and displayed on the train itself, for example "for Asakusa" or "for Shibuya." Always confirm the terminal name, not just the line color, since most stations split one line across two platforms, one per direction.
Reading Station Signs
Standard platform signs show the current station's code in a colored circle matching the line, flanked by the previous and next station's codes in smaller text, so you can confirm your direction without waiting for an announcement. Station names appear in Japanese kanji, hiragana, English romanization, and increasingly Chinese and Korean, in that order, on the same sign.
Tickets, Fully Explained
Most riders only need an IC card; here's how everything else works
Tokyo Metro ticket and day pass types by where to buy them and when to use each
Ticket Type
Where to Buy
Best For
IC card tap (Suica / Pasmo)
Any gate, no purchase needed once loaded
Default for nearly every ride
Single paper ticket
Station vending machines
Backup if your IC card balance is uncertain
Child ticket (ages 6–11)
Same vending machines, or automatically half-priced on a registered child IC card
Half the adult fare, rounded down to the nearest ¥10
Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket
Tokyo Metro station machines and counters
¥600; unlimited same-day rides on the 9 Tokyo Metro lines only (not Toei)
Tokyo Subway Ticket, 24 hours
Airport counters, major stations, online in advance
¥1,000; one heavy sightseeing day on Metro and Toei lines only
Tokyo Subway Ticket, 48 hours
Same as above
¥1,500; a two-day itinerary built around subway sightseeing
Tokyo Subway Ticket, 72 hours
Same as above
¥2,000; three or more days of heavy subway use, doesn’t cover JR lines
Ticket Machines & English Interface
Every station has touchscreen vending machines with an English-language button, usually in the top corner, that switches all menus and the fare chart above the machine into English. Machines accept coins and notes and give change; most also accept IC card top-ups.
Fare Calculation
Fares are distance-based. The chart above each machine lists the fare to every reachable station from where you're standing. With an IC card, there's nothing to calculate, tap in and out and the exact fare is deducted, often a few yen less than the paper ticket price, which rounds up to the nearest ¥10.
Child Tickets
Children ages 6–11 ride at half the adult fare, rounded down to the nearest ¥10, either on a paper child ticket from the machine or a registered child IC card. Children under 6 ride free, up to two per fare-paying adult; additional young children pay the child fare.
Refunds & Validity
An unused paper ticket is refundable at a station ticket window before its validity expires, minus a small handling fee. Single tickets are valid only for the date of purchase and one continuous journey, they can't be paused and resumed later. Mobile IC wallets (Welcome Suica Mobile in Apple Wallet) function as the closest thing to a "mobile ticket," topped up with a card or Apple Pay instead of cash.
Two Tourist-Friendly Routes, Worked Through
ShibuyaAsakusa
via Ginza Line (G), direct, no transfer
Tap into the Ginza Line at Shibuya and ride it straight through Omotesando, Ginza, and Ueno to Asakusa, home to Senso-ji Temple. It’s the single easiest ride on the whole network for a first-time visitor: one line, no transfer, covering four of Tokyo’s best-known districts.
Fare: ~¥240 IC card · Time: ~35 minutes, no transfer
RoppongiUeno
via Hibiya Line (H), direct, no transfer
From the museums and nightlife of Roppongi, the Hibiya Line runs direct to Ueno, passing through Ginza and Akihabara along the way, useful for a museum-and-park day at Ueno without switching lines.
Fare: ~¥210 IC card · Time: ~20–25 minutes, no transfer
Day Pass Analysis: 24, 48 & 72 Hours
Break-even math for the Tokyo Subway Ticket, so you know before you buy
24-Hour Pass
¥1,000 (foreign passport holders)
Break-even: About 5–6 rides in a single day at typical fares (¥180–220 each)
Who should buy it: Anyone packing a temple-plus-museum-plus-shopping circuit into one day, e.g. Asakusa in the morning, Ueno at midday, Akihabara and Ginza in the afternoon, Roppongi in the evening.
Example itinerary: Asakusa (Senso-ji) → Ueno (museums) → Akihabara → Ginza → Roppongi: 5 rides, pass pays for itself on the fourth or fifth tap.
Not worth it when: Not worth it for a light day of 2–3 rides, or a day that leans heavily on JR lines like the Yamanote, which this pass never covers.
48-Hour Pass
¥1,500 (foreign passport holders)
Break-even: About 4 rides per day on average across the two days
Who should buy it: Travelers with two consecutive packed sightseeing days built mostly around subway stops rather than JR lines.
Example itinerary: Day 1: Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara loop. Day 2: Shibuya, Omotesando, Harajuku, Roppongi loop. Both days clear the break-even point comfortably.
Not worth it when: Not worth it if one of the two days is a day trip outside the subway network (Nikko, Kamakura, Hakone), since that day earns the pass nothing.
72-Hour Pass
¥2,000 (foreign passport holders)
Break-even: About 3–4 rides per day on average across the three days
Who should buy it: Longer Tokyo-only stays doing most sightseeing by subway, or families where the per-person saving multiplies across several travelers.
Example itinerary: A 3-day Tokyo itinerary covering Asakusa, Ueno, Akihabara, Ginza, Shibuya, Harajuku, Roppongi, and Toyosu almost entirely by Metro and Toei, without touching JR fares.
Not worth it when: Not worth it if the JR Pass or a JR Tokyo Wide Pass is already active for the same days, since JR passes and this ticket cover completely different networks and their costs don’t offset each other.
IC Cards on the Metro
The same card that works everywhere else in Tokyo
🎯Don't Miss
•Every Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway gate accepts Suica, Pasmo, Welcome Suica, and any nationally interoperable IC card, tap in and out exactly as on a JR train
•¥180 is deducted for the shortest ride, rising with distance to about ¥330 on Tokyo Metro
•A gate that won't open on entry almost always means insufficient balance, use the fare adjustment machine near the gate before re-tapping
•Keep only one contactless card exposed when you tap, a second card or phone in the same wallet can cause a misread
•The same card also works on JR East, private railways, and buses across Tokyo, and on trains in most of the rest of Japan
Understanding Train Types
Not every train that looks like "your line" stops everywhere
Many visitors assume every train on a line stops at every station. Within Tokyo Metro's own nine lines, that assumption is actually correct, every Tokyo Metro train runs Local service and stops at every station on the subway portion of its route. The complication appears only once a train through-runs onto a connecting private railway or JR line beyond the subway network, where it can continue as a faster, limited-stop service.
Local
Stops at every station on the line. This is the only service Tokyo Metro's own nine lines run within the subway network itself.
Rapid
Skips a number of smaller stations to save time. Common once a through-service train continues onto a private railway or JR line beyond the subway.
Express
Skips more stations than a Rapid service. Common on private railways like Tobu, Seibu, and Tokyu once a through-train leaves the subway network.
Limited Express
The fastest, most limited-stop service, sometimes requiring a reserved seat and an extra supplement fare. Used on longer-distance private-railway routes, such as Odakyu's services toward Hakone or Keikyu's airport services toward Haneda.
Which Tokyo Metro Lines Through-Run
Tokyo Metro lines that continue onto private railway or JR tracks beyond the subway network
Tokyo Metro Line
Continues Onto
Hibiya Line
Tobu Skytree Line, beyond Kita-Senju
Chiyoda Line
Odakyu Line beyond Yoyogi-Uehara, and JR Joban Line beyond Ayase
Yurakucho Line
Tobu Tojo Line and Seibu Ikebukuro Line, beyond Wakoshi
Hanzomon Line
Tobu Skytree Line, beyond Oshiage
Namboku Line
Tokyu Meguro Line and Saitama Rapid Railway
Fukutoshin Line
Tokyu Toyoko Line and the Minatomirai Line, all the way to Yokohama
Bottom line: If your stop is on the subway portion of any line, any train works, they're all Local. If you're continuing past the subway boundary listed above, check Google Maps or the platform display board (which lists the service type in Japanese and English) before boarding, and confirm whether a Limited Express requires a reserved seat and supplement fare.
20 Route Examples Between Major Tourist Areas
Best line, alternative, transfer, fare, and time for every major pairing, plus the two fully worked examples above
Twenty worked route examples between Tokyo's major tourist areas, with best line, alternative route, transfer point, fare, and travel time
Route
Best Line
Alternative
Transfer
Fare
Time
Why This Route
Shibuya ↔ Shinjuku
JR Yamanote Line (not Metro)
Fukutoshin Line to Shinjuku-sanchome + 5-min walk
None
~¥160 (JR)
~7 min
JR is directly faster; only take the Metro route to avoid a JR gate.
Shibuya ↔ Ginza
Ginza Line
JR Yamanote to Yurakucho + short walk
None
~¥210
~16 min
One line, no transfer, arrives inside the shopping district.
Shibuya ↔ Ueno
Ginza Line
JR Yamanote Line (direct)
None
~¥260
~28 min
Skips Yamanote crowding for a few extra minutes.
Shibuya ↔ Asakusa
Ginza Line
None needed
None
~¥240
~35 min
The single best cross-city sightseeing ride on the network.
Shibuya ↔ Akihabara
JR Yamanote/Chuo-Sobu (not Metro)
Ginza Line to Suehirocho + 8-min walk
None (JR)
~¥200 (JR)
~20 min
No single Tokyo Metro line connects them directly; JR is faster.
Shibuya ↔ Roppongi
Hibiya Line via Naka-Meguro
Toei Oedo Line via Aoyama-itchome
1 (Tokyu at Naka-Meguro, or Toei at Aoyama-itchome)
~¥300
~15 min
Roppongi has no direct line from Shibuya; this is the shortest combined route.
Shinjuku ↔ Ginza
Marunouchi Line
JR + short walk
None
~¥200
~15 min
The fastest subway link between the two hubs.
Shinjuku ↔ Ueno
JR Yamanote Line (not Metro)
Marunouchi to Ginza + Ginza Line/Hibiya to Ueno
None (JR) / 1 (Metro)
~¥200 (JR)
~25 min (JR)
JR direct is simpler; use the Metro option only to add a Ginza stop en route.
Shinjuku ↔ Akihabara
JR Chuo-Sobu Rapid (not Metro)
Marunouchi to Otemachi + 10-min walk
None (JR)
~¥200 (JR)
~15 min
JR's direct rapid service beats any Metro combination here.
Shinjuku ↔ Roppongi
Toei Oedo Line (not Tokyo Metro)
Marunouchi to Kasumigaseki + Hibiya Line
None (Oedo) / 1 (Metro)
~¥220
~15 min (Oedo)
Toei's Oedo Line is a one-seat ride; Tokyo Metro alone needs a transfer.
Ginza ↔ Ueno
Ginza Line
Hibiya Line (also direct)
None
~¥180
~12 min
Two different lines both run direct; take whichever platform is closer.
Ginza ↔ Asakusa
Ginza Line
Toei Asakusa Line from Higashi-Ginza
None
~¥210
~20 min
Same line the whole way, no need to overthink it.
Ueno ↔ Asakusa
Ginza Line
Taxi or ~25-min walk
None
~¥180
~5 min
The shortest ride on this list, barely worth sitting down for.
Ueno ↔ Akihabara
Hibiya Line
JR Yamanote/Keihin-Tohoku (also direct)
None
~¥180
~5 min
Subway or JR both work equally well for this short hop.
Akihabara ↔ Tokyo Station
JR Yamanote/Chuo (not Metro)
Hibiya Line to Ginza + 10-min walk
None (JR)
~¥160 (JR)
~5 min
JR is direct; the Metro route is an unnecessary detour for this pair.
Roppongi ↔ Tsukiji
Hibiya Line
None needed
None
~¥210
~15 min
Direct, and a good pairing of an evening (Roppongi) and morning (Tsukiji) plan.
Ikebukuro ↔ Odaiba
Yurakucho Line to Toyosu + Yurikamome
JR Yamanote + Rinkai Line combo
1
~¥600 combined
~40 min
The Yurakucho + Yurikamome pairing is the simplest one-transfer route to the waterfront.
Tokyo Station ↔ Tokyo Skytree (Oshiage)
Hanzomon Line from Otemachi
Toei Asakusa Line from Nihombashi
Short indoor walk from Tokyo Station to Otemachi
~¥210
~20 min
Otemachi's Hanzomon platform is a short indoor walk from Tokyo Station, then it's direct to Skytree.
Harajuku (Meiji-jingumae) ↔ Tsukiji
Chiyoda Line to Hibiya + Hibiya Line
JR Yamanote to Shimbashi + 10-min walk
1 (at Hibiya Station)
~¥250
~25 min
One clean transfer sets up a Harajuku-morning, Tsukiji-lunch combination.
Odaiba ↔ Ginza
Yurikamome to Shimbashi + Ginza Line
Taxi (faster but considerably more expensive)
1 (at Shimbashi)
~¥520 combined
~30 min
Odaiba has no direct Tokyo Metro connection; this is the shortest route back into the subway network.
Bottom line: When a route says 'not Metro,' it means JR or a private/Toei line genuinely beats a Tokyo Metro-only route for that specific pair, worth knowing before you default to the subway out of habit.
Practical Travel Scenarios
Real situations first-time riders ask about
Traveling With Children
Kids ages 6–11 ride at half fare (a registered child IC card applies this automatically); under 6 ride free, up to two per fare-paying adult. There’s no dedicated child seating, but priority seating near the end doors is available.
Traveling With Elderly Parents
Elevators exist at nearly every station, though routing can be longer than the main stairs. Ask any gate staff for a boarding ramp, and avoid rush hour if walking pace is slower than the crowd’s.
Wheelchair Users
Step-free routes exist at nearly all Tokyo Metro stations after a network-wide accessibility renovation program. Staff provide a portable ramp to bridge the platform-train gap; the Namboku Line is the most consistently accessible of the nine.
Large Luggage
Subway cars have minimal luggage space compared with JR airport trains, and aisles get tight at rush hour. Consider forwarding bags hotel-to-hotel (takkyubin) so you’re only carrying a day bag through transfers.
Strollers
Use elevators rather than escalators with an open stroller, standard etiquette here. Traveling outside the 7:30–9:30am and 5:30–8pm rush windows makes a real difference with a stroller in tow.
Rainy Days
Platforms and corridors are mostly indoors and dry. Use the plastic umbrella-bag dispensers at station entrances, floors get slippery near the gates, and escalators get busier as more riders avoid the stairs.
Peak Commuting Hours
Weekday mornings 7:30–9:30am and evenings 5:30–8pm are the most crowded, especially on the Tozai, Hibiya, and central Ginza Line segments. See Avoid Rush Hour above for the full breakdown and alternatives.
Late-Night Travel
Last trains run between about 11:30pm and 12:40am depending on the line, station, and direction, not a single citywide cutoff. Check your specific last train in Google Maps before a late night in Roppongi or Shinjuku.
Safety
Several lines, including the Tozai Line, run women-only cars (pink signage) during specified weekday morning hours. See the Safety section above for emergency buttons, platform screen doors, and station staff.
Lost Property
Report a loss to station staff immediately, or contact Tokyo Metro’s Lost and Found center. Note the approximate time, train, and car number, Japan’s lost-property recovery rate is unusually high.
Station Lockers
Coin lockers exist at most stations in several sizes, paid by cash or IC card. They fill up fastest at Ueno, Asakusa, and Tokyo Station in the morning; arrive early or plan a backup station.
Traveling Solo
The network is very solo-friendly: clear color-coded signage, increasingly common English announcements, and station staff used to assisting visitors. Keep a translation app handy for edge cases.
Metro Travel Strategies
When to use the Metro, and when something else genuinely wins
How Locals Use the Metro
Regular riders know their exact transfer car and door position in advance, read platform crowding to time their boarding, and rarely think about which company owns the line they're on, the IC card makes it invisible.
How Tourists Should Use the Metro
Pre-plan each day's route in Google Maps, which shows the platform and car number for your transfer. Load an IC card on day one and stop worrying about which operator runs which line, the fare combines automatically either way.
When JR Is Better
For routes running along the Yamanote loop or the Chuo-Sobu corridor, a direct JR ride often beats a Metro transfer, see the route matrix below for specific pairs like Shibuya–Shinjuku or Akihabara–Tokyo Station.
When Walking Is Better
For hops under about 1km or 12–15 minutes, especially dense areas like Ginza–Yurakucho or Ueno–Okachimachi, walking is often faster than waiting for a train and walking to and from platforms.
When Buses Are Better
Buses fill a few gaps trains don't reach directly, certain waterfront stretches and neighborhood loops, but they play a minor role for most first-time visitors compared with the rail network.
When Taxis Make Sense
After the last train, for groups of 3–4 splitting a short fare, moving heavy luggage between a hotel and station, or accessibility needs beyond what a station can accommodate.
When Not to Use the Metro
For very short distances better walked, for late-night travel after last trains, and for airport trips, no Tokyo Metro line reaches Narita or Haneda; use JR, Keisei, Keikyu, the monorail, or a limousine bus instead.
Best Metro Lines For...
A quick-reference lookup for what you came to Tokyo to do
Recommended Tokyo Metro lines by traveler interest, from shopping and food to families and budget travelers
Category
Best Line(s)
Why
Shopping
Ginza Line
Ginza and Omotesando on one line, luxury to boutique in one ride
Food
Hibiya Line
Tsukiji, Ginza, and Akihabara cover seafood to izakaya to themed cafes
Museums
Ginza Line + Chiyoda Line
Tokyo National Museum (Ueno) and Nezu Museum (Omotesando)
Historic Tokyo
Ginza Line
Asakusa's Senso-ji and Ueno's old shitamachi streets
Modern Tokyo
Fukutoshin Line
Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ikebukuro's sub-center skylines
Anime & Otaku Culture
Hibiya Line + Yurakucho Line
Akihabara and Ikebukuro's Otome Road, the two main hubs
Nightlife
Hibiya Line + Toei Oedo Line
Both reach Roppongi, Tokyo's international bar district
Gardens
Namboku Line + Marunouchi Line
Rikugien and Shinjuku Gyoen, the city's best strolling gardens
Families
Namboku Line + Yurakucho Line
The most step-free line, plus Toyosu's family-friendly waterfront
Children
Ginza Line
Direct to Ueno Park and its zoo, plus Asakusa's lively streets
First-Time Visitors
Ginza Line
Oldest, simplest, most tourist-dense, no through-service confusion
Photographers
Ginza Line + Fukutoshin Line
Asakusa's classic streets and Shibuya's modern crossing and skyline
Luxury Travelers
Ginza Line + Marunouchi Line
Ginza and Marunouchi hotel and shopping districts
Budget Travelers
Any line + Tokyo Subway Ticket
Flat-rate unlimited rides lower the per-ride cost fastest with heavy use
20 Tokyo Metro Tips Most Tourists Learn Too Late
The small, specific things that make a real difference
1
Stand left, walk right on Tokyo escalators, the reverse of Osaka's convention.
2
Queue in the marked floor lines at each platform position, not just anywhere near the doors.
3
Let passengers exit before you board, stepping to the side of the doors while you wait.
4
Most Tokyo Metro lines have no express or rapid service, unlike JR; every train stops at every station, simpler than it looks.
5
Platform floor markings show exactly where each car's doors will open, line up there in advance.
6
Check the exit letter and number in Google Maps before climbing the stairs at a big interchange, the wrong exit can cost ten minutes.
7
Time transfers by watching the connecting line's color on directional signage, not by following the crowd, which doesn't always transfer where you're going.
8
Traveling before 7:30am, after 9:30am, or after 8pm avoids most of the daily crush.
9
A Tokyo Subway Ticket only pays off around 5–6 rides in a day, count your planned rides before buying one.
10
Elevators are usually at the end of the platform furthest from the main stairs, look for the wheelchair icon on the station map near the gates.
11
On-board announcements and signage name the next station in Japanese first, then English, listen for the English repeat if unsure.
12
Priority seating near the end doors, marked with different colored fabric, is reserved for elderly, pregnant, disabled, or injured riders and parents with infants.
13
Some lines run women-only cars (pink signage) during specified weekday morning hours, usually the front or rear car.
14
IC card fares are calculated to the yen and are often a few yen cheaper than a paper ticket, which rounds up to the nearest ¥10.
15
Multiple contactless cards in one wallet or phone case can confuse a gate reader, tap with only one card exposed.
16
A gate that won't open after a normal-looking tap almost always means insufficient balance, use the nearby fare adjustment machine rather than assuming it's broken.
17
Trains stop running between about 11:30pm and 12:40am depending on the line and direction, check your specific last train rather than assuming one citywide cutoff.
18
Coin lockers fill up fastest at Ueno, Asakusa, and Tokyo Station in the morning, arrive early or try a different station.
19
If you miss a transfer or board the wrong platform, ask any station staff, most major stations have English signage and staff used to assisting visitors.
20
Keep your IC card somewhere you can tap quickly, fumbling at a busy gate holds up the line behind you.
Common Mistakes First-Time Riders Make
Specific, avoidable errors, not generic advice
Assuming Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway are one company
Instead: They’re separate operators with separate base fares that combine automatically on an IC card. A day pass covering one doesn’t automatically cover the other, check what’s included before you buy.
Confusing the Ginza Line with the JR Yamanote Line
Instead: Both serve Shibuya and Ueno, but the Ginza Line (orange, subway) and the Yamanote Line (JR, surface loop) are different networks with separate gates. Check the operator logo, not just the destination, before tapping in.
Assuming the Tokyo Subway Ticket covers JR lines
Instead: It covers only the 9 Tokyo Metro and 4 Toei Subway lines, not JR East lines like the Yamanote. If your day includes a JR leg, you’ll need a separate fare for that portion.
Not budgeting time to transfer between Metro and Toei or JR gates
Instead: The IC card fare combines automatically, but the physical transfer between separate ticket gates typically takes a few extra minutes, plan for it on a tightly scheduled day.
Taking the wrong numbered exit at a big interchange station
Instead: At large stations like Otemachi, Ginza, or Shinjuku, the difference between exits can be a ten-minute walk. Check the exit letter and number in Google Maps before climbing the stairs.
Trying to memorize the Metro map
Instead: Nine lines, four more Toei lines, and dozens of transfer combinations are too much to hold in your head. Use Google Maps for every trip instead, see Always Use Google Maps above, locals do the same thing.
Ignoring station numbers
Instead: A letter-and-number code like G-09 is faster to match at a glance than reading a Japanese station name under pressure. Use it to confirm your platform and count stations as you ride.
Boarding the train going the wrong direction
Instead: Most stations split one line across two platforms, one per direction. Check the terminal station name printed on the platform sign, for example "for Asakusa", rather than assuming the nearest platform is correct.
Boarding an Express or Limited Express when a Local was needed, or vice versa
Instead: Tokyo Metro's own lines run Local-only, but through-trains onto Tobu, Seibu, Tokyu, or Odakyu tracks can run Rapid, Express, or Limited Express beyond the subway boundary. Check Google Maps or the platform display before boarding if your stop is past the subway network, see Understanding Train Types below.
Traveling during weekday rush hour with a full itinerary
Instead: Weekday mornings 7:30–9:30am and evenings 5:30–8pm are the most crowded on nearly every line. Shift sightseeing rides outside these windows whenever possible, see Avoid Rush Hour above.
Blocking the doors while boarding or standing
Instead: Step fully into the car and clear the doorway, especially at busy interchange stations where passengers need to pass through quickly. Move toward the center or hold a strap instead of lingering by the doors.
Talking loudly on the train
Instead: Conversations stay quiet on Tokyo trains. Keep your voice down, and save longer conversations for the platform or street level.
Making phone calls on board
Instead: Voice calls are strongly discouraged inside the train. If a call is urgent, wait until you've left the train or stepped onto the platform.
Buying a paper ticket for every ride instead of using an IC card
Instead: A paper ticket rounds up to the nearest ¥10 and requires calculating the exact fare at a vending machine before every ride. An IC card taps in and out automatically at the exact fare and works across nearly every train, subway, and bus in Tokyo.
Not checking Google Maps before leaving the station
Instead: Confirming your exit number before climbing the stairs can save a ten-minute walk at a large interchange station like Otemachi or Ginza. Check it while you're still underground, not after you've surfaced.
Tokyo Metro FAQs
Nine: Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku, and Fukutoshin. The separately run Toei Subway adds four more lines, Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku, and Oedo, shown on the same combined subway map and reachable with the same IC card.
They are two separate companies. Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. runs 9 lines and is majority government-owned; Toei Subway is run directly by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the same operator as the city’s buses. Both accept the same IC card, but each charges its own base fare, and the two combine automatically when you transfer. Toei’s Asakusa Line is also the only subway line with direct through-service to both Narita and Haneda airports.
Between ¥180 and ¥330 with an IC card, depending on distance. The shortest rides cost ¥180; Toei Subway follows a similar distance-based structure starting at the same ¥180 base fare. Children ages 6–11 pay half fare, rounded down to the nearest ¥10.
No. The nationwide JR Pass covers JR East trains only, including the Yamanote Line, but not Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway lines. See the full Japan Rail Pass guide for what it does cover and whether it’s worth it for your trip.
It’s an unlimited-ride pass covering all 9 Tokyo Metro and 4 Toei Subway lines for a flat rate: ¥1,000 for 24 hours, ¥1,500 for 48 hours, or ¥2,000 for 72 hours. It breaks even around 5–6 rides in a single day, so it pays off on a day with several subway rides, but it doesn’t cover JR lines like the Yamanote, so it’s not a general-purpose Tokyo pass.
Each station has a colored circle showing the line’s color, a letter for the line (G for Ginza, M for Marunouchi, and so on), and a number counting from one end of the line. Shibuya on the Ginza Line, for example, is G-01, and Asakusa at the other end is G-19. A station served by several lines, like Ginza itself, carries a separate code for each line that stops there.
Yes. Tap the same Suica or Pasmo on both systems and the combined fare is calculated automatically. You will usually walk through a second set of gates to make the transfer, so budget a few extra minutes compared with a same-line transfer.
The Ginza Line (orange, G). It’s the oldest and most tourist-friendly line, running direct from Shibuya through Omotesando, Ginza, and Ueno to Asakusa, connecting several of Tokyo’s most-visited neighborhoods without a single transfer.
Yes, in most cases. A network-wide renovation program has given nearly every Tokyo Metro station a step-free route with elevators, though the routing can be longer than the main stairs. The Namboku Line was built from the outset with elevators and platform screen doors and is the most consistently accessible of the nine.
No. Children ages 6–11 ride at half the adult fare, rounded down to the nearest ¥10, either on a paper child ticket or a registered child IC card. Children under 6 ride free, up to two per fare-paying adult.
Report it to station staff immediately, or contact Tokyo Metro’s Lost and Found center directly. Note the approximate time, train, and car number if you can, it meaningfully speeds up the search, and Japan’s lost-property recovery rate is unusually high.
Usually not. At ¥180–260 per ride on an IC card, 2–3 rides a day typically costs less than the flat ¥1,000 24-hour ticket. The pass starts paying off around the fifth or sixth ride in a single day.
No. Each rider needs their own IC card or ticket; a single card can only be tapped for one person per gate. Groups traveling together should each carry a loaded IC card, including a registered child IC card for kids old enough to need a ticket.
No. Announcements and signage are in Japanese and English at every stop, with many trains and stations also showing Chinese and Korean. Combined with Google Maps, most first-time visitors navigate confidently without speaking or reading Japanese.
Using your phone silently, for Google Maps, messaging, or reading, is completely normal. Voice calls are the exception: they're strongly discouraged on board, wait until you've left the train or stepped onto the platform if a call is urgent.
Open Google Maps, search your destination, and follow the recommended transit route. It shows the line, color, station numbers, transfer point, and estimated time and fare, more reliable than trying to read the physical subway map from scratch.
