Marunouchi Line Guide: Complete Tokyo Metro Red Line Travel Guide

The Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line (東京メトロ丸ノ内線) is one of the busiest and most convenient subway lines in Tokyo. Recognizable by its bright red color on maps, the line connects important districts such as Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station, and Ginza. For both commuters and travelers, the Marunouchi Line offers a fast, reliable way to explore the heart of Tokyo’s business, shopping, and cultural areas.

This guide will walk you through the history, major stations, connections, tips for tourists, and practical advice for using the Marunouchi Line effectively.

Overview of the Marunouchi Line

  • Line color: Red

  • Operator: Tokyo Metro

  • Total length: 27.4 km (including branch line)

  • Stations: 28 main stations + 1 branch line (Honancho branch)

  • End-to-end travel time: About 48 minutes

  • First opened: 1954 (Tokyo’s first subway line built after World War II)

The Marunouchi Line was the second subway line built in Tokyo (after the Ginza Line). It was designed to connect major city centers and continues to serve as a backbone for Tokyo’s urban transport.

Route and Coverage

The line forms a large U-shape across central Tokyo, beginning in Ogikubo (west Tokyo) and running through Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and Ginza before ending at Ikebukuro (north Tokyo).

There’s also a branch line between Nakano-Sakaue and Honancho, which is shorter and mainly serves commuters in Suginami Ward.

Major Stations on the Marunouchi Line

Here are the key stations and what makes them important:

1. Ogikubo (荻窪)

  • Western terminal of the line.

  • Residential neighborhood with easy connections to the JR Chūō Line.

  • Gateway for commuters heading into central Tokyo.

2. Shinjuku (新宿)

  • One of the busiest train stations in the world.

  • Huge commercial and entertainment hub with shopping malls, nightlife, and skyscrapers.

  • Connections: JR lines (Yamanote, Chūō, Sobu), Odakyu Line, Keio Line, and Toei Oedo Line.

  • A must-stop for tourists exploring Shinjuku’s nightlife, Kabukicho, and observation decks.

3. Yotsuya (四ツ谷)

  • Transfer with JR Chūō and Sobu lines.

  • Close to Sophia University and Akasaka Palace.

4. Akasaka-Mitsuke (赤坂見附)

  • Important transfer with the Ginza Line.

  • Surrounded by business districts, luxury hotels, and political buildings.

5. Tokyo Station (東京駅)

  • Central business and transport hub.

  • Access to the Shinkansen (bullet trains), JR lines, and Marunouchi business district.

  • The station itself is a historic red-brick building, popular with tourists.

6. Ginza (銀座)

  • Tokyo’s most famous luxury shopping area.

  • Transfer to the Ginza Line and Hibiya Line.

  • Great for high-end shopping, dining, and kabuki theater.

7. Kasumigaseki (霞ヶ関)

  • Home to Japan’s government ministries and agencies.

  • Transfers with Hibiya Line and Chiyoda Line.

8. Shin-Ochanomizu / Ochanomizu (新御茶ノ水・御茶ノ水)

  • Cultural and student area with universities and bookstores.

  • Connections to the Chūō-Sobu Line and Chiyoda Line.

9. Ikebukuro (池袋)

  • Northern terminal of the line.

  • Major shopping and entertainment hub with department stores and Sunshine City.

  • Transfers with JR Yamanote Line, Seibu Ikebukuro Line, and Tobu Tojo Line.

The Honancho Branch Line

  • Runs between Nakano-Sakaue and Honancho.

  • Originally built as a shuttle line, now connected directly with the main Marunouchi Line.

  • Mainly used by commuters living in residential parts of Suginami.

Travel Tips for Tourists

1. Recognize the Red Color

The Marunouchi Line is always marked in red on maps, signage, and trains. Look for the letter M in a circle when navigating stations.

2. Great for Sightseeing

  • Ginza (shopping and luxury dining)

  • Tokyo Station (historic architecture, Imperial Palace nearby)

  • Shinjuku (nightlife, shopping, skyscrapers)

  • Ikebukuro (entertainment, Sunshine Aquarium, Pokémon Center)

3. Use IC Cards

  • Suica or Pasmo cards make traveling easy.

  • Just tap in and out—no need to buy paper tickets.

4. Avoid Rush Hours

  • Like most Tokyo subways, the Marunouchi Line gets crowded during weekday mornings (7:30–9:30) and evenings (5:00–7:30).

  • If possible, travel outside peak times.

5. Good for Hotel Access

Many hotels in Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Tokyo Station areas are conveniently located near Marunouchi Line stations.

History of the Marunouchi Line

  • 1954: First section between Ikebukuro and Ochanomizu opened.

  • 1957: Extended to Tokyo Station.

  • 1962: Reached Shinjuku.

  • 1962–1968: Extended further west to Ogikubo.

  • 1961: Branch line to Honancho opened.

The Marunouchi Line was the first line in Japan to use rubber-tired trains, but these were replaced later with standard steel wheels. It also introduced advanced train control systems that became models for later subway development.

Train and Service Information

  • Operating hours: Around 5:00 am – 12:30 am (varies by station).

  • Frequency: Every 2–4 minutes during rush hours, every 5–6 minutes off-peak.

  • Train type: Local only (no express services).

Connections with Other Lines

The Marunouchi Line connects with almost every major JR and subway line in central Tokyo, making it a powerful tool for city navigation:

  • Shinjuku → JR Yamanote, Chūō, Sobu, Odakyu, Keio, Oedo Line

  • Tokyo → JR Shinkansen, JR Yamanote, Keihin-Tohoku, Chūō

  • Ginza → Ginza Line, Hibiya Line

  • Kasumigaseki → Hibiya Line, Chiyoda Line

  • Ikebukuro → JR Yamanote, Tobu, Seibu, Yurakucho Line

Nearby Attractions by Station

  • Shinjuku: Kabukicho nightlife, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck

  • Tokyo: Imperial Palace, Marunouchi skyscrapers, KITTE shopping center

  • Ginza: Kabuki-za Theater, luxury flagship stores, Michelin-starred restaurants

  • Ikebukuro: Sunshine City, Pokémon Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre

  • Yotsuya: Akasaka Palace, Sophia University

Why Choose the Marunouchi Line?

  • Direct access to Tokyo’s business districts (Marunouchi, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro).

  • Perfect for tourists visiting shopping and cultural hubs.

  • Dense station coverage with frequent service.

  • Excellent connections to JR and other Tokyo Metro lines.

Final Thoughts

The Marunouchi Line is more than just a subway route—it’s a lifeline that connects Tokyo’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Whether you’re commuting to work, transferring to the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station, or exploring Shinjuku and Ginza, the red Marunouchi Line is one of the most useful subway lines for navigating Tokyo.

For travelers, understanding how to use the Marunouchi Line makes visiting Tokyo far easier, ensuring you can move smoothly between the city’s top districts without hassle.

FAQs

What is the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, and why is it useful for visitors?

The Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line is the red subway line that slices through central Tokyo, linking major hubs such as Ogikubo, Shinjuku, Yotsuya, Akasaka-Mitsuke, Tokyo Station (Marunouchi side), Ginza, Otemachi, and Ikebukuro. For travelers, it’s one of the most convenient ways to move quickly between business districts, shopping streets, and cultural sights without needing surface traffic. Trains are frequent, signage is multilingual, and transfers to JR and other Metro lines are straightforward, making it ideal for first-timers.

Where does the Marunouchi Line start and end, and what are the key stations?

The main line runs west–east from Ogikubo to Ikebukuro, passing through Shinjuku, Yotsuya, Akasaka-Mitsuke, Kokkai-gijidomae, Kasumigaseki, Ginza, Tokyo, Otemachi, and Myogadani. There’s also a short branch between Nakano-Sakaue and Honancho. For sightseeing, the most popular stops are Shinjuku (nightlife and shopping), Tokyo (Imperial Palace area and bullet trains), Ginza (luxury shopping), and Ikebukuro (Sunshine City and entertainment).

How do I recognize the Marunouchi Line on maps and at stations?

Look for a bold red color and the letter M inside a circle. Station codes follow the format M-## (for example, M-08). Platforms typically display red stripes and signage in Japanese and English (often with Korean and Chinese). Train destination screens show whether a service continues onto the Honancho branch or runs along the main trunk, so confirm the end station before boarding.

Is the Japan Rail Pass valid on the Marunouchi Line?

No. The JR Pass only covers JR-operated trains (like the Yamanote Line or JR Chuo Line). The Marunouchi Line is operated by Tokyo Metro, so you’ll need to pay a separate subway fare. Most travelers use an IC card such as Suica, Pasmo, or their mobile equivalents (Apple Pay, Google Pay) to tap in and out seamlessly across Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and non-JR private railways.

What’s the easiest way to pay fares on the Marunouchi Line?

Use a rechargeable IC card (Suica or Pasmo). Tap once at the gate to enter and once to exit; the correct fare deducts automatically. If you plan many subway rides in a short time, consider a Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72-hour unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway). These time-based passes can quickly pay for themselves if you’re hopping around central Tokyo.

How frequent are trains, and how long is an end-to-end ride?

Trains typically arrive every 2–4 minutes at rush hour and about every 5–6 minutes mid-day and evenings. Running the main line from Ogikubo to Ikebukuro takes roughly 45–50 minutes, depending on time of day. Because the line is entirely “local” (no express), travel times are predictable, and short hops between downtown stations (like Tokyo–Ginza–Akasaka-Mitsuke) are especially quick.

When do the first and last trains operate?

Service usually starts around 05:00 and runs until roughly 00:30, varying by station and direction. If you’re out late in Shinjuku or Ginza, check the last-train time on platform boards or in the Tokyo Metro app. As a rule of thumb, plan to be on the platform by just after midnight for the final departures, especially if you need to make a transfer.

Which stations are best for sightseeing and shopping on this line?

Ginza is the go-to for upscale shopping, department stores, and kabuki theater. Tokyo (Marunouchi) gives you the red-brick station building, KITTE mall, and Imperial Palace access. Shinjuku offers skyscraper views (Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building), nightlife, and electronics stores. Ikebukuro is great for Sunshine City, Pokémon Center, and budget-friendly dining. For quieter heritage strolls, hop off at Ochanomizu and explore the nearby Kanda area.

How do transfers work between the Marunouchi Line and other lines?

The line is a transfer powerhouse. At Shinjuku, connect to JR lines (Yamanote/Chuo/Sobu), Odakyu, Keio, and Toei Oedo. At Tokyo, you can reach the Shinkansen, JR Yamanote, and Keihin-Tohoku via short walks. Akasaka-Mitsuke offers easy cross-platform transfers with the Ginza Line. Kasumigaseki links to the Hibiya and Chiyoda Lines, while Otemachi provides transfers to multiple Tokyo Metro lines, though walking distances can be longer—follow the colored signs.

What is the Honancho branch, and do I need to worry about it?

The Honancho branch splits off at Nakano-Sakaue. Some trains terminate there or continue onto Honancho; others stay on the main trunk toward Ogikubo. If your destination is west of Nakano-Sakaue on the main line, check the train’s final stop before boarding. The branch mainly serves local commuters; most visitors won’t need it unless staying in that neighborhood.

How crowded is the line, and when should I avoid traveling?

Expect heavy crowds on weekdays from 07:30–09:30 and 17:00–19:30, especially around Shinjuku, Otemachi, and Tokyo. If possible, plan intercity or airport transfers outside those windows. On the platforms, queue behind the door markers, let passengers disembark first, and move down the car after boarding. Off-peak hours (late morning, midday, or late evening) are far more comfortable for sightseeing.

Is the Marunouchi Line accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes. Most stations have elevators and barrier-free gates, and platform-edge doors are widely installed. Use station maps to locate elevators; they can be at specific exits. If you need assistance, look for station staff at the ticket office—Tokyo Metro teams are accustomed to helping with ramps and route guidance. Off-peak travel is recommended if you’re managing a stroller or larger mobility device.

Are there women-only cars or special car layouts I should know about?

During morning rush on weekdays, some trains designate a women-only car (usually one car, marked by pink signage on the platform and train doors). Outside those times, all cars are mixed. If you accidentally board the women-only car during restricted times, simply move to an adjacent car at the next stop. Car diagrams on platform screens often indicate the best cars for transfers and stairs.

Can I bring luggage, and what about airport connections?

Small and medium suitcases are fine, but avoid blocking doors or aisles. For airport travel, the Marunouchi Line is best used to connect to JR or private rail lines: for Narita, transfer to the JR Narita Express (at Tokyo/Shinjuku) or Keisei lines; for Haneda, connect to the Tokyo Monorail (via JR Hamamatsucho) or Keikyu Line (via Asakusa Line transfers). Build extra time for transfers and elevator use.

Is there Wi-Fi or mobile coverage on the Marunouchi Line?

Mobile data coverage is generally strong in trains and stations. Free Wi-Fi is available at many Tokyo Metro stations, though performance varies by crowd levels. If you rely on navigation apps, download offline maps in advance. The Tokyo Metro official app is helpful for live route suggestions, car numbers for convenient transfers, and last-train checks.

What etiquette should I follow when riding?

Queue at door lines, let others off first, and remove backpacks from your shoulders in crowded cars. Keep phone calls silent (texting is fine), set devices to manner mode, and avoid eating on board except for sealed drinks. Offer priority seats to seniors, pregnant passengers, and those with disabilities. If you’re traveling in a group, split between cars to free space during peak periods.

Which hotels or areas pair well with the Marunouchi Line?

Staying near Shinjuku or Ikebukuro provides abundant hotel choices and direct access to other lines. The Tokyo (Marunouchi) area offers upscale business hotels, easy Shinkansen access, and quick hops to Ginza. If shopping and dining are priorities, Ginza and Akasaka-Mitsuke place you close to premium boutiques and restaurants, while remaining one or two stops from key transfers across the network.

What are common mistakes to avoid on the Marunouchi Line?

Three standouts: (1) boarding a Honancho branch train by accident when you need the main line; check the destination. (2) Underestimating transfer walking times at big hubs like Otemachi and Shinjuku; follow signage and allow buffer minutes. (3) Cutting it too close for the last train, especially after dinner or drinks. Aim for an earlier departure if you still need to change lines to reach your hotel.

Can you suggest a simple day itinerary using the line?

Try this central loop: Start at Tokyo for the station building and Imperial Palace walk; hop to Ginza for shopping and lunch; continue to Akasaka-Mitsuke for a quick transfer to explore Omotesando/Harajuku (via Ginza Line) or stay on to Yotsuya for a stroll toward the Akasaka Palace area; finish in Shinjuku for observation decks and dinner. If you have energy, ride up to Ikebukuro for night views at Sunshine City.

How do I plan transfers efficiently and save time?

Use station codes (M-##) to count stops, and check which car is closest to exits at your destination—platform displays often show this. If you’ll make many rides in 1–3 days, a Tokyo Subway Ticket can beat pay-as-you-go fares. For long hops, consider switching to JR where it’s more direct; for dense downtown jumps, the Marunouchi Line is usually fastest because of its frequent stops and tight headways.

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