🚆 Updated April 2026
Getting Around Tokyo (2026):
Trains, Subway & IC Cards Explained
Tokyo has the world's most complex train network — but once you know the basics, it's surprisingly easy to navigate.
Best Option
IC Card (Suica / Pasmo)
Most Useful Line
Yamanote Line
Day Pass Worth It?
Rarely for most tourists
Tokyo's Train Network: The Basics
JR Lines (Japan Railways)
JR East operates the Yamanote Line and several other key Tokyo routes. You pay per journey — IC cards work on all JR lines and there's no day pass that covers JR alone in Tokyo.
Tokyo Metro (9 lines)
The main subway network covering central Tokyo with 9 colour-coded lines. Reaches Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, Ginza, Roppongi, and most major tourist areas. IC cards accepted.
Toei Subway (4 lines)
Operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Four lines — Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku, and Oedo. Not part of the Tokyo Metro network, so transfers between the two are charged separately.
The good news: you don't need to memorise all of this. An IC card works across all operators, and Google Maps handles routing automatically. Just tap in, follow the map, and tap out.
The Yamanote Line
The Yamanote Line is the green circular JR line that loops around central Tokyo. It's the single most useful line for tourists and connects almost every major destination in one continuous loop.
Key stations on the Yamanote Line include: Shinjuku (shopping, nightlife), Shibuya (scramble crossing, fashion), Harajuku (Takeshita Street, Meiji Shrine), Ebisu & Osaki (quieter dining), Shinagawa (shinkansen connections), Tokyo (Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace), Ueno (museums, zoo, Senso-ji nearby), Akihabara (electronics, anime), and Ikebukuro (shopping, Sunshine City).
Because it's a loop, you can travel in either direction — just pick the direction with fewer stops. Trains run every 2–4 minutes during the day and every 5–10 minutes late at night. Last trains run around midnight; after that, a taxi or ride-share is your only option.
Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway
Tokyo Metro operates 9 lines covering central and eastern Tokyo, including the Ginza Line (oldest subway in Asia), Hibiya Line, and Chiyoda Line. Toei Subway adds 4 more lines, including the Oedo Line which reaches Roppongi, Shinjuku, and Asakusa in a loop shape.
The practical difference for tourists: Tokyo Metro and Toei are separate companies, so a journey requiring a transfer between the two will be charged as two separate fares. An IC card handles this automatically — you don't need to think about it.
The Tokyo Metro 1-day pass (¥600) covers all 9 Metro lines unlimited. It makes sense if you plan to take 5+ Metro rides in a single day — for example, a day visiting Asakusa, Ginza, Roppongi, and Shibuya.
IC Card in Tokyo: Suica vs Pasmo
Suica (issued by JR East) and Pasmo (issued by Tokyo Metro and private railways) are interchangeable for all practical purposes in Tokyo. Both work on every train, subway, bus, and in most convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants.
The easiest way to get a Suica is through the Wallet app on iPhone or Google Pay on Android— no physical card required. Alternatively, buy a physical Suica or Pasmo at any major station, or pre-order a Suica on Klook before you travel to have it ready to use when you land.
Getting Around: Key Routes
| From | To | Line | Time | Price (IC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Shibuya | Yamanote Line | 5 min | ¥160 |
| Tokyo | Ueno | Yamanote Line | 8 min | ¥160 |
| Shinjuku | Akihabara | Chuo/Sobu Line | 20 min | ¥220 |
| Shibuya | Harajuku | Yamanote Line | 2 min | ¥160 |
| Asakusa | Shinjuku | Toei Oedo Line | 40 min | ¥280 |
Prices shown are approximate IC card fares. Cash ticket fares are slightly higher.
Day Pass Options in Tokyo
| Pass | Price | Covers | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Metro 1-day | ¥600 | Tokyo Metro only (9 lines) | Sometimes |
| Tokyo Metro 2-day | ¥1,000 | Tokyo Metro only (9 lines) | Sometimes |
| Tokyo Free Kippu | ¥1,600 | All Tokyo lines (JR + Metro + Toei) | Rarely |
For most tourists, pay-as-you-go with an IC card is cheaper and more flexible. Day passes only make financial sense on unusually busy days of sightseeing with many short journeys.
Tips for Using Tokyo Trains
Avoid rush hour
Tokyo trains are extremely crowded during morning rush (07:30–09:00) and evening rush (17:30–19:30). If you have a flexible schedule, leave your hotel after 09:30 for a much more comfortable experience.
Women-only carriages
Most Tokyo train lines designate one or two carriages as women-only during rush hours (typically 07:30–09:30 on weekdays). These are clearly marked on the platform floor. Men should board other carriages during these times.
Keep noise to a minimum
Tokyo trains are quiet. Phone calls are considered rude — step onto the platform if you need to call. On Priority Seating (silvery-grey seats near the doors), phones should be on silent.
Use Google Maps for routing
Google Maps is the most reliable navigation tool for Tokyo's complex train network. It shows real-time routes, transfers, fares, and even which carriage to board for the fastest exit. Apple Maps and Hyperdia are also useful.
Common Questions
1. What is the best way to get around Tokyo?
2. Should I get a day pass for Tokyo trains?
3. Can I use Suica on all Tokyo trains?
4. How do I get from Shinjuku to Shibuya?
5. Is Google Maps accurate for Tokyo trains?
Pre-order your Suica IC Card
Skip the queues at Tokyo Station. Get your Suica ready before you land and tap straight through the turnstile on arrival.
Get Suica on Klook →