Using the Subway

This explains how to use Tokyo Metro in a way easy to understand, even for first-time riders.

Confirming the entrance

Tokyo Metro

There are two subway operators in Tokyo, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. At the entrance to each station, you will see the subway sign and the name of the subway station. Be sure to remember the station name and number, and line color of the subway line you want to ride!

Tokyo Metro line station names/numbers and line colors

Finding the fare

Use the English fare chart near the ticket vending machines to find the price of a ticket to your destination.
You can also look up fares for the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines using the link to "Tokyo Transfer Guide" below.

Tokyo Transfer Guide (English Only)

Buying your ticket

Buy your ticket at a ticket vending machine.
You can use the ticket vending machines to purchase regular tickets, Coupon Tickets, One-day Open Tickets and PASMO IC cards.
Insert coins or bills and select the button displaying the price to your destination. (Note: Some machines do not accept ¥2,000, ¥5,000 or ¥10,000 notes.) Retrieve your ticket and change.

Entering the fare gate

Insert your ticket into the slot located above the green arrow on the fare gate. DON'T FORGET to retrieve your ticket as you pass through.
If you are using a PASMO card, swipe the card over the card reader on the gate, which is indicated by a blue light.

For detailed information on the PASMO IC card, click here.

OK to pass

Not OK to pass

PASMO card reader

Riding the subway

Boarding guides

Line up behind the white line on the platform at the guides where the doors will open. Wait for the alighting passengers to finish before boarding the train. Please do not rush when trying to catch the train.
Some subway lines have adopted women-only cars during the morning rush hour so women and young children can ride with a sense of security.
Set your cell phone on silent mode and please refrain from using it during your ride. Turn your phone off when near courtesy seats.

For further information, read the section on Subway Manners.

Fare adjustment

Fare adjustment machine

If you traveled further than the ticket you bought allows, pay the extra fare at a fare adjustment machine located near the fare gates. When you place your ticket into the machine, it will display the fare difference you owe. After inserting the difference, take your ticket and pass through the fare gate.

Exiting the fare gate

When traveling with a regular ticket, the gate will not return your ticket. However, when using a One-day Open Ticket, be sure to retrieve it as you pass through the gate.

Orange Transfer Gate

Changing Trains
In some subway stations you must pass through the fare gates when transferring lines, even when they are both Tokyo Metro lines. In that case, when changing from one Tokyo Metro line to another, pass through the special orange transfer gates.
If you take longer than 30 minutes to change trains, you will need to purchase a new ticket. However, when using a PASMO IC card, be aware that the appropriate fare will be deducted automatically the next time you pass through an entrance gate.

Passengers are required to pass through the orange transfer gates (when exiting one line to transfer to another) at the following transfer stations:
Ueno, Mitsukoshimae, Otemachi, Ikebukuro, Iidabashi, Kudanshita, Hibiya⇔Yurakucho, Awajicho⇔Shin-ochanomizu, Ueno-hirokoji⇔Naka-okachimachi

Finding your exit

Yellow exit sign, vicinity map

After exiting the gate, you can find your exit number on the yellow exit signs and on the vicinity map. After finding your exit number, follow the appropriate exit signs.