How to Use Tokyo Metro: Complete Guide

Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world, and its underground rail system is a lifeline for millions of residents, commuters, and travelers. The Tokyo Metro, together with the Toei Subway, forms the backbone of Tokyo’s subway network, connecting almost every major district and seamlessly linking with JR East trains, private railways, and even buses.

For first-time visitors, the complexity of multiple lines, color-coded maps, and ticketing systems can feel overwhelming. However, once you learn the basics, navigating Tokyo Metro is straightforward and efficient. This guide explains everything you need to know: routes, tickets, passes, how to transfer, and tips for smooth travel.

What Is Tokyo Metro?

Tokyo Metro is one of the two subway operators in Tokyo (the other is Toei Subway, run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government). Tokyo Metro operates 9 lines covering 195 kilometers with over 180 stations, making it one of the busiest and most convenient urban transit systems in the world.

Unlike JR lines such as the Yamanote Line (which runs above ground), Tokyo Metro trains run mostly underground, connecting key business, shopping, and residential areas.

Tokyo Metro Lines (with color codes)

  • Ginza Line (Orange, G): Shibuya ↔ Asakusa

  • Marunouchi Line (Red, M): Ogikubo ↔ Ikebukuro

  • Hibiya Line (Silver, H): Naka-Meguro ↔ Kita-Senju

  • Tozai Line (Sky Blue, T): Nakano ↔ Nishi-Funabashi

  • Chiyoda Line (Green, C): Yoyogi-Uehara ↔ Kita-Ayase

  • Yurakucho Line (Gold, Y): Wakoshi ↔ Shin-Kiba

  • Hanzomon Line (Purple, Z): Shibuya ↔ Oshiage

  • Namboku Line (Emerald, N): Meguro ↔ Akabane-Iwabuchi

  • Fukutoshin Line (Brown, F): Wakoshi ↔ Shibuya

Each line has a distinct color and letter code, making it easy to read maps and signs even if you don’t know Japanese.

How to Buy Tickets

1. Single Ride Ticket

You can purchase tickets at vending machines located in every station. Fares range from ¥180 to ¥370, depending on the distance traveled. Ticket machines have English, Chinese, and Korean options.

2. IC Cards (Recommended)

The most convenient way is to use a rechargeable IC card such as:

  • Suica (JR East)

  • Pasmo (Tokyo Metro and other private lines)

Both work interchangeably across trains, buses, and even convenience stores. Simply tap in at the ticket gate when entering and tap out when exiting.

3. Tokyo Metro Passes

If you plan to ride multiple times in one day, consider these unlimited ride passes:

  • Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket: ¥600

  • Tokyo Subway Ticket (Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway): 24h ¥800, 48h ¥1200, 72h ¥1500
    These can save a lot of money for tourists exploring different districts in a short period.

How to Enter and Exit Stations

  1. Find your station entrance – marked with a Metro “M” logo. Some stations have over 10 exits, so check maps carefully.

  2. Ticket gate – insert your paper ticket or tap your IC card.

  3. Follow the signs – station signs use English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.

  4. Exit gates – insert your ticket again or tap your card. The fare is calculated automatically.

Transfers and Connections

Tokyo Metro is interconnected with JR and other private railways. For example:

  • Shibuya Station: Connects Ginza, Hanzomon, and Fukutoshin Lines with JR Yamanote Line.

  • Ikebukuro Station: Major hub linking Marunouchi, Yurakucho, and Fukutoshin Lines.

  • Otemachi Station: A massive underground complex connecting 5 Metro lines.

Transfers are clearly marked with color-coded arrows. Walking between lines may take several minutes in large stations, so allow extra time.

Tokyo Metro Etiquette

  • Queue up: Stand in line at platform markings.

  • Priority seating: Reserved for elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and parents with infants.

  • Quiet environment: Phone calls are discouraged inside trains.

  • Backpacks: Carry them in front during rush hour.

  • Don’t eat or drink: Except water bottles, food is not consumed on trains.

Tips for First-Time Users

  1. Download Apps

    • Tokyo Metro App: Real-time info, route search.

    • Japan Transit Planner or Google Maps: Easy route planning.

  2. Plan Around Rush Hours
    Tokyo Metro is extremely crowded on weekdays from 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM. If possible, avoid these times.

  3. Look for Exit Numbers
    Exits are numbered and often lead directly to shopping malls, offices, or attractions. For example, Exit 6 at Ginza Station goes straight into Ginza Six shopping complex.

  4. Combine with JR Pass
    JR Pass is not valid on Tokyo Metro, but you can combine it with IC cards or Metro passes for complete coverage of the city.

Major Attractions Accessible by Tokyo Metro

  • Asakusa (Ginza Line): Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise Street

  • Shibuya (Ginza, Hanzomon, Fukutoshin Lines): Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko Statue

  • Shinjuku (Marunouchi Line): Shopping, nightlife, business district

  • Akihabara (Hibiya Line): Electronics, anime, maid cafés

  • Tokyo Skytree / Oshiage (Hanzomon Line)

  • Harajuku / Omotesando (Chiyoda, Fukutoshin Lines): Fashion and youth culture

  • Tsukiji (Hibiya Line): Former fish market, food stalls

  • Ikebukuro (Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Fukutoshin Lines): Sunshine City, shopping

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

  1. Too Many Exits – Use maps near gates or apps to find the right one.

  2. Long Transfer Walks – Stations like Shinjuku and Otemachi require patience.

  3. Crowded Trains – Travel off-peak or use alternative lines.

  4. Confusing Tickets – Stick to IC cards for simplicity.

Day Trip Examples Using Tokyo Metro

  • Morning: Take the Ginza Line to Asakusa for temples.

  • Afternoon: Ride the Hibiya Line to Tsukiji for lunch.

  • Evening: Continue to Shibuya on the Ginza Line for nightlife.

This flexibility shows why Tokyo Metro is one of the best transport systems in the world.

Final Thoughts

Tokyo Metro may seem complicated at first glance, but once you understand its color-coded lines, ticketing options, and transfer system, it becomes one of the fastest and most reliable ways to explore Tokyo. Whether you are visiting for sightseeing, business, or long-term stay, mastering Tokyo Metro will make your time in the city smoother and more enjoyable.

What is Tokyo Metro and how is it different from Toei Subway and JR?

Tokyo Metro is one of the two subway operators running mostly underground lines within central Tokyo. The other subway operator is Toei Subway, managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. You’ll also see JR (Japan Railways) and several private railways running mostly above ground or extending into the suburbs. In daily use, riders often transfer between all three systems; however, fares, passes, and station management are separate. Maps, signs, and ticket machines clearly mark which network you are using.

How many Tokyo Metro lines are there and how are they labeled?

There are nine Tokyo Metro lines. Each line has a dedicated color, name, and letter code (e.g., Ginza Line = G, Marunouchi Line = M, Hibiya Line = H, Tozai Line = T, Chiyoda Line = C, Yurakucho Line = Y, Hanzomon Line = Z, Namboku Line = N, Fukutoshin Line = F). Stations also use a numbering system like “G09” so you can navigate even if you don’t read Japanese.

Is English available on signs, maps, and announcements?

Yes. Station names, directional signs, and ticket machine interfaces support English. Many in-train next-stop announcements are bilingual. Platform displays show line colors and alphanumeric codes, which are easy to follow if you match them to your route planner.

Which ticket or pass should a first-time visitor use?

Most visitors choose a rechargeable IC card (Suica or PASMO) for simplicity. Tap in to enter and tap out to exit; the system deducts the correct fare. If you plan many subway trips in a short period, consider unlimited-ride subway passes like the Tokyo Subway Ticket (valid on Tokyo Metro + Toei Subway for 24/48/72 hours) or a Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket (Metro-only). Heavy users save money with passes; occasional riders do fine with IC cards.

Where do I buy and top up an IC card (Suica or PASMO)?

Buy and recharge at most subway and JR stations using vending machines or staffed counters. Machines accept cash and increasingly support cards and mobile payments. You can also use mobile versions (e.g., Apple Wallet, Google Wallet in supported regions) to avoid plastic altogether. Recharging is quick—look for “Charge” or “Top Up.”

Are JR Passes valid on Tokyo Metro?

No. The nationwide JR Pass covers JR trains (e.g., Yamanote Line, Chuo Line) but not Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway. Many travelers combine a JR Pass for intercity and JR trips with a separate IC card or subway pass for Metro/Toei rides.

How do I figure out the correct fare or route?

Use a route-planning app (Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, or the Tokyo Metro app). Enter your origin and destination to see lines, transfer stations, travel time, and cost. Inside the station, signs show transfer directions and estimated walking times. If you use IC, you do not need to calculate fares in advance—the gate handles it automatically.

How do I transfer between lines or to JR?

Follow the color-coded arrows and letter codes. Large hubs (e.g., Otemachi, Shibuya, Ikebukuro) may involve a few minutes of walking through underground corridors. Transfers within the same station complex are free with a valid through-ticket or IC. If you exit the gates and re-enter a different operator’s gates, it counts as a new ride and fare.

What time does Tokyo Metro start and stop running?

First trains generally begin around 5:00 a.m., and last trains depart around midnight, varying by line, station, and day. Always check the “Last Train” time on station posters or in your route app—missing the final service can mean a long taxi ride.

How crowded is Tokyo Metro and when should I avoid rush hour?

Weekday peaks are roughly 7:30–9:30 a.m. and 5:30–7:30 p.m. Trains can be very crowded, especially on commuter corridors. If your schedule is flexible, ride outside these windows. When boarding full trains, remove backpacks or wear them in front to save space and keep aisles clear.

What’s the etiquette on platforms and inside trains?

  • Line up at the platform markings and let passengers exit first.
  • Keep phones on silent; avoid voice calls inside the car.
  • Offer priority seats to elderly, pregnant riders, passengers with disabilities, and people with infants.
  • Food is generally not eaten on trains; drinks with caps are fine.
  • Stand on the correct side of escalators as indicated locally (varies by area).

How do station exits work and why are they numbered?

Large stations have many exits, each numbered (e.g., Exit A3, Exit 6). Exit maps list nearby buildings, streets, and landmarks. Choosing the correct exit can save a long surface walk. Route apps often suggest exact exit numbers; inside stations, look for area maps near the gates.

Can I use Tokyo Metro to reach major attractions?

Yes—most top sights sit near Metro stations. Examples include Asakusa (Ginza Line) for Sensō-ji, Oshiage (Hanzomon Line) for Tokyo Skytree, Ginza (Ginza/Hibiya/Marunouchi Lines) for shopping, Omotesandō (Chiyoda/Hanzomon/Ginza) for fashion streets, and Tsukiji (Hibiya) for food. Many districts also connect to JR lines for onward travel.

What if I go the wrong way or miss my stop?

No problem. Get off at the next station and cross to the opposite platform or follow signs for the return direction. If you used a paper ticket and exit at the wrong station, use a “Fare Adjustment” machine or ask station staff for help. With IC cards, just re-enter and continue—the system recalculates at exit.

How do lost-and-found and station assistance work?

Each operator has a lost-and-found counter. If you lose an item, note the car number, line, and time if possible. Visit the nearest station office or use the operator’s online form. For immediate help (e.g., ticket trouble, barrier-free routes), speak to staff at the gate or use the intercom near the ticket machines.

Is Tokyo Metro accessible for travelers with mobility needs or strollers?

Most stations provide elevators, escalators, tactile paving, and accessible gates. Station guides (online or posted) show barrier-free routes and elevator locations. When in doubt, ask gate staff—they can direct you to the nearest elevator or provide a ramp for the gap between train and platform if needed.

How do I pay children’s fares or travel with a family?

Children typically have discounted fares and can get child-registered IC cards. Look for family-friendly features like wide gates and elevator signage. Strollers are permitted; try to board near doors with more open space and avoid rush peaks if you can.

Are there women-only cars?

On some lines during weekday peak hours, designated women-only cars operate to improve comfort and safety. Platform signs and in-car stickers indicate the specific car and times. Outside those periods, all cars are mixed.

Can I bring luggage on Tokyo Metro?

Small to medium suitcases are common, especially on lines serving tourist areas. Keep bags out of aisles and avoid blocking doors. For airport transfers with heavy luggage, consider routes with fewer transfers or use dedicated airport lines and limousine buses when convenient.

What apps are best for planning Metro trips?

Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and the official Tokyo Metro app all provide reliable route searches with platform info, transfer times, and service notices. Enable location services and enter exact station names or landmarks to get exit numbers and walking directions.

How do service disruptions or delays get communicated?

Electronic boards on platforms and concourses display delay information. Apps also push alerts for incidents and alternative routing. If a line experiences a long delay, consider parallel lines (e.g., Ginza vs. Hanzomon in central areas) or JR routes to bypass bottlenecks.

Are there lockers, restrooms, and Wi-Fi in stations?

Most major stations have coin lockers in various sizes, clean restrooms, and convenience stores. Free Wi-Fi is available at many Metro stations; look for SSIDs and instructions posted near gates or concourses. Lockers may fill up at peak tourist times—arrive early for popular hubs.

How do I use paper tickets if I don’t want an IC card?

Select your destination fare on the machine or purchase a basic ticket and adjust later using a Fare Adjustment machine near the exit gates. Insert your ticket at entry, keep it, and insert again when exiting. Paper tickets are straightforward but less flexible than IC cards if you change plans mid-journey.

What money-saving strategies work for short stays?

  • Group your sightseeing by area to reduce backtracking and transfers.
  • Use 24/48/72-hour subway passes if making 4–6+ rides per day.
  • Walk short hops between adjacent neighborhoods (e.g., Omotesandō to Harajuku).
  • Check if your hotel is near a Metro line that serves multiple planned stops.

Any final tips for a stress-free first ride?

Decide on IC vs. pass before you reach the gates, glance at the line color/letter, and follow station exit numbers to your exact destination. Allow a few extra minutes for transfers at big hubs, ride outside rush if possible, and don’t hesitate to ask staff for help. With the color-and-code system and reliable apps, you’ll find Tokyo Metro intuitive after just a couple of trips.

Tokyo Transportation Guide: Getting Around the City with Ease