Complete Tokyo Subway Guide 2026
By Tour in Japan editors · Updated
Tokyo has two subway systems plus JR lines — over 280 stations. This guide covers the lines you'll actually use, how to navigate them, and which passes save you money.
Tokyo has two subway systems plus JR lines — over 280 stations. This guide covers the lines you'll actually use, how to navigate them, and which passes save you money.
Tokyo's Rail Systems
| System | Lines | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Metro | 9 lines | Central Tokyo |
| Toei Subway | 4 lines | Central Tokyo |
| JR Lines | 20+ lines | Greater Tokyo |
| Private Railways | 12+ lines | Suburbs and day trips |
Lines Tourists Use Most
| Line | Color | Key Stations |
|---|---|---|
| Yamanote (JR) | Green | Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro |
| Chuo (JR) | Orange | Shinjuku → Tokyo |
| Ginza (Metro) | Orange | Shibuya → Asakusa |
| Marunouchi (Metro) | Red | Shinjuku → Ikebukuro via Tokyo |
| Hibiya (Metro) | Grey | Roppongi, Ueno, Asakusa |
| Hanzomon (Metro) | Purple | Shibuya → Asakusa |
| Oedo (Toei) | Magenta | Loop line, Roppongi, Tsukiji |
| Asakusa (Toei) | Rose | Airport → Asakusa |
Fares
| Distance | Tokyo Metro | Toei | JR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–6 km | ¥180 | ¥180 | ¥150 |
| 7–10 km | ¥210 | ¥220 | ¥190 |
| 11–14 km | ¥260 | ¥280 | ¥240 |
| 15+ km | ¥300 | ¥320+ | ¥280+ |
Transfer discount: ¥70 off when transferring between Tokyo Metro and Toei (within 30 minutes).
Passes
| Pass | Cost | Coverage | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Subway 24h | ¥800 | Metro + Toei | ✅ 5+ rides |
| Tokyo Subway 48h | ¥1,200 | Metro + Toei | ✅ 8+ rides |
| Tokyo Subway 72h | ¥1,500 | Metro + Toei | ✅ 10+ rides |
| Toei/Metro 1-Day | ¥900 | Metro + Toei | ✅ 6+ rides |
| JR Pass (Tokyo) | ¥760 | JR only | ⚠️ Only if using JR a lot |
| Pasmo Passport | ¥2,000 | All lines + ¥500 bonus | ✅ Tourists (1 week) |
Navigation Tips
- Use Google Maps — it tells you which line, platform, and exit
- Follow the colored lines — every line has a unique color on signs
- Platform numbers — displayed on signs and in Google Maps
- Car positions — some apps show which car is shortest or least crowded
- Exit numbers — Tokyo Metro stations have numbered exits (e.g., "Exit B12")
- Transfer within 30 min — get the ¥70 discount between Metro and Toei
Useful Phrases
| English | Japanese |
|---|---|
| Which platform? | 何番線ですか？ |
| Is this the right train? | この電車は○○に行きますか？ |
| Where is the exit? | 出口はどこですか？ |
| I'm lost | 道に迷いました |
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