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Updated October 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.

✓ Updated October 2026✓ All Train Lines✓ Subway Ticket Included

Quick Answer

Best Option

IC Card (Suica / Pasmo)

Most Useful Line

Yamanote Line

Day Pass Worth It?

Rarely for most tourists

Get Suica IC Card on Klook →

Overview

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.

Essential line

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.

Subway

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 cards

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.

Pre-order Suica IC Card on Klook →

Key routes

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.

Where to stay

Where to Stay So Getting Around Is Easy

Tokyo is big enough that your hotel decides how much of your day you spend on trains. The rule of thumb is to sleep on the Yamanote loop, or one or two stops off it: anything on that circle reaches the rest of the city without a transfer. Three areas do that best.

▸Shinjuku — On the Yamanote loop and the terminus for the Chuo, Odakyu and Keio lines, so most of west Tokyo is a single ride away. Hotels on Klook →
▸Tokyo Station / Marunouchi — A Yamanote stop and the start of the Tokaido and Tohoku shinkansen — the easiest base if you are taking day trips out of the city. Hotels on Klook →
▸Ueno / Asakusa — Ueno is on the Yamanote loop and the Ginza Line runs from there to Asakusa, which puts Senso-ji and Akihabara within a few stops. Hotels on Klook →

Hotel links go to Klook's own search for that area, which pays us a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are Klook's.

Day passes

Day Pass Options in Tokyo

Pass	Price	Covers	Worth It?
Tokyo Subway Ticket 24-hour	¥800	Tokyo Metro + Toei (13 lines)	Sometimes
Tokyo Subway Ticket 48-hour	¥1,200	Tokyo Metro + Toei (13 lines)	Sometimes
Tokyo Subway Ticket 72-hour	¥1,500	Tokyo Metro + Toei (13 lines)	Often
Tokyo Metro 1-day	¥600	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.

Tokyo Subway Ticket: prices & break-even point

The Tokyo Subway Ticket is the pass most visitors actually consider. It gives unlimited rides on all 9 Tokyo Metro lines and all 4 Toei lines — but not JR lines, including the Yamanote Line. The clock runs in hours from first use, not calendar days. Individual Metro rides cost around ¥170–210, so this is where each version pays for itself:

Pass	Price	Per day	Break-even
24-hour	¥800	¥800 / day	~4–5 rides
48-hour	¥1,200	¥600 / day	~3–4 rides / day
72-hour	¥1,500	¥500 / day	~3 rides / day

Subway Ticket vs Suica / Pasmo

Your day	Our pick	Why
1–3 subway rides per day	Suica / Pasmo	Pay-as-you-go is cheaper and more flexible at this level of use.
4+ subway rides per day	Subway Ticket	The flat-rate pass beats per-ride fares once you're hopping around a lot.
Using JR (Yamanote) a lot	Suica / Pasmo	The Subway Ticket does not cover JR lines — an IC card does.
One intense sightseeing day	Subway Ticket	A packed day of Asakusa → Ueno → Ginza → Roppongi → Shibuya easily clears 5 rides.

Where to buy: Narita and Haneda airports (Keisei counters, Bic Camera), major tourist information centres, or online via Klook as a voucher you exchange after landing.

Buy Tokyo Subway Ticket on Klook →

Practical tips

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.

FAQ

Common Questions

1. What is the best way to get around Tokyo?

An IC card (Suica or Pasmo) loaded with credit is the single most useful thing for navigating Tokyo. It works on every train, subway, bus, and even in convenience stores. Tap in at the turnstile, tap out when you exit, and the correct fare is deducted automatically — no need to buy individual tickets.

2. Should I get a day pass for Tokyo trains?

For most tourists, day passes rarely save money. The Tokyo Metro 1-day pass (¥600) only makes sense if you take five or more Metro journeys in one day — which is possible if you're covering a lot of ground. The Tokyo Free Kippu (¥1,600) covers all lines but is almost never worth it unless you're doing an unusually busy day of sightseeing. An IC card with pay-as-you-go is more flexible for most itineraries.

3. Can I use Suica on all Tokyo trains?

Yes. Suica (and Pasmo) work on all major train and subway operators in Tokyo — JR East, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and most private railways. You can also use it on local buses. The only place Suica doesn't work is on long-distance shinkansen or special rapid trains that require a separate ticket.

4. How do I get from Shinjuku to Shibuya?

The fastest route is the Yamanote Line — just 5 minutes and ¥160 with an IC card. Trains run every 2–4 minutes during the day. From Shinjuku station, follow signs for the Yamanote Line (circular green line) and take a train in the direction of Osaki or Shinagawa.

5. Is Google Maps accurate for Tokyo trains?

Yes, very accurate. Google Maps has real-time Tokyo train schedules, shows transfer instructions, fare estimates, and even carriage position recommendations. It's the most widely used navigation tool by both tourists and locals in Tokyo. Download offline maps for your area as a backup.

6. Is the Tokyo Subway Ticket worth it?

It's worth it if you take roughly 4 or more subway rides per day on the Tokyo Metro and Toei lines. The 24-hour pass costs about ¥800 (a 2026 estimate, subject to change), while individual Metro rides run around ¥170–210 each — so 4–5 rides in a day cover the cost. If you only make a couple of journeys, or rely heavily on the JR Yamanote Line, a pay-as-you-go Suica or Pasmo is cheaper and more flexible.

7. What does the Tokyo Subway Ticket cover?

It covers unlimited rides on all 9 Tokyo Metro lines and all 4 Toei Subway lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours from first use (a 24-hour pass first tapped at 3pm is valid until 3pm the next day). It does not cover JR lines (including the Yamanote Line) or private railways. For trips that mix subway and JR, an IC card handles both automatically.

8. Where can I buy the Tokyo Subway Ticket?

You can buy it at Narita and Haneda airports (for example at Keisei counters and Bic Camera), at major tourist information centres, and online through Klook as a voucher you exchange after landing. Specific outlets are a 2026 guide and can change, so follow the in-airport signage or your voucher instructions.

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