Tokyo Train System Guide

Most Important Lines for Tourists

JR Yamanote Line (green loop): Connects Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro. Single most useful line. Runs every 3–4 minutes.
Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (orange): Shibuya → Asakusa through central Tokyo
Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line: Good for Roppongi (art museums) and Akihabara
Toei Asakusa Line: Useful for Asakusa and connecting to Haneda Airport

How Fares Work

Distance-based starting at ¥140–170. IC card slightly cheaper than paper tickets. Transferring between different operators (Metro to Toei, Metro to JR) requires paying separate fares.

Last Trains

Most lines run until midnight–1am. Check last train time if out late — missing it means a taxi (expensive) or waiting for the first train around 5am.

IC Cards

Suica or Pasmo works across all networks — JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei, and private lines. One card for everything. Top up at any station or convenience store.

Navigation Tip

Google Maps transit mode is reliable to within 1 minute for Tokyo trains. Download offline maps before arriving.