The subway in Tokyo
The subway is the fastest and most convenient way to navigate through Tokyo. It is relatively easy to get around the city and reach the main tourist attractions and business districts. All lines are color-coded and marked with letters and numbers to make navigation easier.
There are several transportation companies in Tokyo, which makes payment a bit complicated. Here you can find all the information that will help you with ticket purchase and navigation.
Differences between the lines
Local
These trains are the slowest and stop at every station along the route. Ideal for short distances and for passengers traveling within a city or a small area.
Express
These trains skip some stations and make fewer stops than local trains. Often used for medium-length journeys connecting urban and suburban areas.
Limited Express
They cover longer distances with fewer stops, providing a quicker way to travel between major cities or regions. Due to their faster and more direct service, they may require a higher fare than regular express or local trains.
Different transportation companies explained
There are several transportation companies in Tokyo, which makes payment a bit complicated. Here you can find all the information that will help you with ticket purchase and navigation.
Tokyo Metro
Tokyo Metro is one of the largest transportation companies in Tokyo. All Toei Subway lines are also operated by Tokyo Metro. Their stations and lines are marked with round signs and letters
All trips with Tokyo Metro can be easily paid for individually with a Japanese prepaid card.
Alternatively, day tickets can be purchased for all Tokyo Metro lines. These are available for 24 hours, 48 hours and 72 hours. Day tickets are only issued to tourists upon presentation of their passports. They are available at the Keisei Bus Ticket Counter in the arrival hall of Narita Airport T1 and T2 1F, and at the Haneda Airport International Passenger Terminal 2F, Tourist Information in the arrival hall. You can also find them at all Tokyo Pass Metro offices. Here is a list of all locations: https://www.tokyometro.jp
Japan Railway
The Japan Railway is the second major transportation company in Tokyo. Its stations and lines are marked with square characters and letters, for example:
All trips with the JR can be easily paid for individually with a Japanese prepaid card.
It is also possible to travel on all JR lines in Tokyo with the Japan Rail Pass.
Alternatively, a day ticket can also be purchased for the JR, the Tokunai Pass. The pass can be easily purchased at all major JR stations. You can find a list here: https://www.jreast.co.jp
Costs & paying
Paying with the prepaid card/smartphone
To do this, you need to place the card or smartphone on the reader at the platform gate. When exiting the subway, you place the card/phone on the reader again.
The fare for the distance traveled is deducted. If there isn’t enough money on the card, the barrier blocks passage, and you’ll need to top up the card to exit the station. If there’s no balance on the card when entering the station, the barrier also blocks access.
The cost for a single ride on the subway averages between 180 – 330 yen.
Using a day pass or railway pass
Day tickets and Japan Rail Passes must be inserted into the card slot at the platform gate. The barrier will open, and the ticket can then be retrieved.
Unfortunately, using the “touch” method like with the prepaid card or smartphone doesn’t work in this case.
The following day tickets are available:
- Tokyo Subway Ticket (All lines of the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway): 24h 800 Yen, 48h 1,200 Yen, and 72h 1,500 Yen
- JR Tunai Pass (All JR-East lines within Tokyo): 1 day 760 Yen
- Tokyo Furii Kippu (all subway lines, buses, and trams): 1 day 1,600 Yen
Insider Tips
- Get yourself a Tokyo Metro Pass for 1, 2, or 3 days. With that, almost everything is covered. You can easily use your Japanese prepaid card for the JR lines.
- Even if the subway seems crowded, use the Japanese method when boarding: Stand with your back to the door and gently push people in.
- Just take a look at the countless food stores and ramen restaurants in the subway stations. Don’t be shy, they’re delicious and affordable.
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