Metro
Metro called Chikatetsu “地下鉄” in japanese or metoro “メトロ” is composed of two compagnies, « Tokyo Metro » and « Toei Subway ».The subway system is perfectly self-sufficient for getting around Tokyo. Composed of 13 subway lines, it covers the entire city and includes over 280 stations. If you plan to use the subway multiple times over one or several days, there are Metro Passes available for 1 to 3 days. The JR Pass does not work on the subway!
Note that the subway system operates independently from JR East trains. If you need to transfer between the two networks, you will have to exit and re-enter through the gates of each company. Similarly, if your transfer is between two subway companies, you will also need to exit through the gates of one company and re-enter through the gates of the other. If you encounter any issues with your tickets, there is almost always staff available near the main exit gates to assist you.
Operating hours: From 5:00 AM to midnight (approximately).
Metro lines
“Toei” lines:
- Oedo; form a loop around the center
- Asakusa; connected to other line to reach airports
- Mita
- Shinjuku
“Tokyo Metro” lines:
Ginza
Marunouchi
Hibiya
Yurakucho
Chiyoda
Tozai
Honzamon
Namboku
Fukutoshin
Scenario for a trip:
You are on a JR-East train (train company) and wish to take the subway. You will need to exit the JR-East station through the gates. Then, head towards the subway gates to enter the subway system. Be aware that for smaller stations, you may need to exit the building. For larger stations, even if you don’t have to leave the building, you will still need to pass through the JR-East gates to exit and then re-enter through the subway gates.
