The metro system in Tokyo is probably the easiest way to go around the city but it can also be overwhelming for some
In this article we'll try to break it down for you so you can travel in Tokyo like a local
The subway system is operated by 2 different companies - Tokyo metro and Toei
There are 9 lines operated by Tokyo metro and 4 lines operated by Toei which are interlinked to create a vast web of stations around the centre of Tokyo.
The subway system is color coded and the stations are numbered
Looking at the subway map, you can follow the colored line from where you boarded to see where it can take or where it meets another line, marked by a different color, so you know where it's possible to change trains.
The stations are also numbered to save you from remembering the names of each station so all you have to note is the color and number of where you're heading to - ie 'Green line 9'.
The first letter of the name of the line also appears above the number of the station so if you can't easily differentiate between the colors, use the name of the line.
Buying a ticket
A single ticket can be bought using the automated machines in every station and the price changes according to the distance you travel.
If you choose to buy individual tickets to commute through Tokyo, you should expect to pay around 1500Y per day with 6-7 trips on the metro on average.
A cheaper and more convenient way to use the metro is buying the subway pass which gives you unlimited travel on the Tokyo subway line for 1,2 or 3 consecutive days and without the hassle of buy many tickets all the time.
Those tickets however are only available at selected major public transportation hubs such Narita and Haneda airports and Shinjuku station at the tourists info centre.
Those tickets are actually valid from the moment you activate them (put them through the station gate for the first time) until 24, 48 or 72 hours have passed rather than a calendar day.
The price of a 24hr ticket is 800Y
The price of a 48hr ticket is 1200Y
The price of a 72hr ticket is 1500Y
Tickets are available for tourists on a tourist visa.
You should plan a head your days in Tokyo and buy many passes to cover stay.
The most common subway line among tourists is the Ginza line(Orange color) which takes you from Asakusa to Shibuya, also stopping at Ueno, Akihabara, Ginza, Shimbashi and Omote-Sando.
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