Tokyo - Navigating the Subway
Guide Map
Pick up a copy of the Tokyo Metro Guide pamphlet
on a display rack in every station
Make sure you get English version!
Ticket Machines
Before you enter the station, you need a ticket
Ticket machines usually close to entrance gates
Press button on top right corner to change language, select English
If want multiple tickets, choose one of icons down left side of screen
The lowest fare will get you to most destinations on that line
(If it's more, you pay the difference at Fare Adjustment machine at other end)
(Or go to gate attendant and say you can't work machine, and he will work it out)
Find the right train
There are over 140 stations on 9 separate lines
You will often need 2 trains to get to a destination
Each line has its own platform, serving trains going both ways
They are usually labelled according to the final destination
So, if you are on a Ginza line platform there will be one train going to Asakusa
and the other going to Shibuya
List of 9 metro lines and colour codes tells you how ot decode the staion signs and names on maps + links to maps and tips
Use map to check progress
Speaker warning of next station
The most easily understood part of warning is station number
which you can see on the detail map of the Guide which shows every station
Find the right exit
You get off the train into a 3D maze
The trick is to do a bit of research first
Google destination and station exit - Usually a number
If you can't find it, ask attendant at ticket gate
Follow the overhead signs
Odaiba/Palette Town
Hakone
Akihabara
Ueno
Central and Ginza
Shinjuku
Roppongi
Shibuya and Ebisu
Nakano
Books by Title
Books by Author
Books by Topic
Bits of Books To Impress