how to ride the Tokyo metro
As you may know, in 2024-25 I've been living in Tokyo. Because I live here, I use the metro system a lot, as well as other kinds of public transport like buses and trains. I see so much online content about how to use the metro, but to be honest, it didn't actually prepare me for the first time I came here! So I thought I would put my knowledge to good use and create this guide. Let's go!
The question most people have is...
"What's the easiest way to get around Tokyo?"
Well, the easiest way to get around Tokyo is by taxi. However, that's also the easiest way to burn a hole in your pocket. The easiest way to affordably get around Tokyo is: the metro! And the easiest way to use the metro is to use... Google Maps.
Yes, that's really it. Just use Google Maps.
I can hear the Londoners raised on Citymapper screaming from here! The reason is that it's way better than anything else for the Tokyo metro specifically. You just put your origin and destination in and it tells you everything - which lines to take, how much it will cost, where to transfer, where on the train to stand, which exit to take. You can even adjust your settings to prioritise different modes of transport, or different things like the lowest cost, the fewest transfers or the least walking (see right). So if you just want to ride the metro without thinking too hard, Google Maps is the way to go. You can stop reading here if you want!
But what if you want to know more about the metro? In that case reader, here's what I have in store:
what is the metro?
paying for the metro
to the platform!
riding the metro
finding your exit (inc. finding lifts)
miscellaneous fun facts