It’s no secret that Tokyo is well connected via its subway network. Also called the metro, this convenient web of train lines makes discovering the city’s delicious eats, must-visit shops, and impressive sights convenient and easy. If you plan on taking full advantage of Tokyo’s metro, consider purchasing the Tokyo Subway Ticket.
The pass
This discount pass provides unlimited access to the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for a flat rate. With 24, 48, and 72-hour options, you are guaranteed to find a pass that best fits your itinerary goals. However, please note that this pass does NOT cover travel on JR Lines. Let’s jump into the specifics.
How much is a Tokyo Subway Ticket?
Children five years old and younger travel for free.
| Pass Type | Adult (12+) | Child (6–11) |
| 24-hour | ¥800 | ¥400 |
|---|---|---|
| 48-hour | ¥1,200 | ¥600 |
| 72-hour | ¥1,500 | ¥750 |
Validity
Which lines are included in the Tokyo Subway Pass?
As mentioned briefly above, the Tokyo Subway Ticket covers travel on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, providing unlimited access to 13 lines.
- Tokyo Metro: Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku and Fukutoshin
- Toei Subway: Toei Asakusa, Toei Mita, Toei Shinjuku, Toei Oedo
As you’re navigating the metro scene, remember that the subway lines are identifiable by their circular symbols. JR Lines, which are represented by squares, are NOT included in the pass.
How long does the Tokyo Subway Pass last?
The pass is valid for one to three days depending on the ticket type, and the time starts once you insert the pass into an automatic ticket gate. The valid period, including the expiry date and time, will be printed on the back of the pass.
Let’s use a 72-hour ticket as an example. If you activate the pass at 11am on Friday, it will expire at 11am on Monday (72 hours)
Who can purchase the Tokyo Subway Pass?
The Tokyo Subway Ticket is available to foreign-passport holders entering Japan with a short-term stay status. Japanese passport-holders can also purchase the pass as long as they do NOT live in one of the following prefectures: Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma and Yamanashi. After the pass is issued, you must use it within one month.
Do I need it?
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The Tokyo Subway Ticket can certainly be cost effective, but like anything else, it has its pros and cons. In order to determine if the pass is right for you, you need to consider your desired destinations, their locations (i.e. are they subway accessible?), and your preferred trip pace.
For illustrative purposes, below is an example itinerary that solely uses Tokyo’s subway.
- Senso-ji
- Tokyo Skytree
- Ameyoko Shopping Street (in Ueno)
- Lunch along Tsukishima Monja Street
- Shopping in Ginza
- Dinner/nightlife in Shibuya
The travel cost for the above itinerary (including travel to the first spot) is approximately ¥1,200. The 24-hour ticket costs ¥800, so it saves you about ¥400. You can also receive additional discounts, free gifts, and extra value at select destinations by presenting your Subway Tokyo Ticket! Review the applicable destinations.
However, if you are interested in exploring Tokyo’s nature-filled west, like Mount Takao, the Tokyo Subway Ticket is not as beneficial since you must use JR Lines to reach this area. Also, if you are planning a more relaxed trip (like visiting two to three spots a day), the Tokyo Subway Ticket is not a cost-effective choice.
In summary, the Tokyo Subway Ticket is ideal for fast-paced travelers who want to explore numerous places in Tokyo’s 23 wards (central Tokyo). Refer to the Tokyo Subway Route Map.
Purchase
Overseas visitors can purchase the pass outside or inside Japan.
Purchasing the Tokyo Subway Pass from outside Japan
You can purchase the pass through Tokyo Metro’s site or an online travel agency (list of applicable travel agencies). After you purchase the pass, you will receive a QR code that you can use to pick up your physical ticket.
Once you arrive in Japan, you must go to a major Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway station to pick up your pass at either a ticket counter or a ticket machine with a QR code reader. Eligible machines will have red circular symbols that say “Pick up your tickets” either on the screens or machines themselves. At the ticket machine, tap the QR code button, scan the QR code, and collect your ticket.
Get on Klook Purchasing the Tokyo Subway Pass inside Japan
You can purchase the ticket at select Tokyo airports and subway stations (list of sales locations). You MUST have your passport when you purchase the ticket. The staff will check to make sure you have a short-term stay immigration stamp or sticker. You cannot use a copy of your passport.
Usage
To use the pass, simply insert it into the automatic ticket gate. Don’t forget to collect it once it comes out on the other side. You cannot tap the ticket on the IC sensors (for IC cards like PASMO and Suica). Also, please be mindful that some ticket gates are “IC only.”
Destinations
The Tokyo Subway Ticket connects you to countless Tokyo attractions, destinations, and more. Listed below are just a few places you can reach using Tokyo’s subway.
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634m of Tokyo Skytree
Ever been to the tallest Tower in the world? Before going to the top, take a moment and enjoy its hugeness. It's beautiful.
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Ameyoko Dining and Street Food
Ameyoko is famous for food with a great variety of street food and restaurants to choose from. Here are a few well-known recommendations..
Tsukishima Neighborhood of Tokyo
A visit to a district in Tokyo that specializes in monja and offers good shopping.
Guide to Tokyo's Ginza
Ginza is Tokyo's and Japan's premier shopping and dining district. There's something for everyone. It's a designer..
Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is a world famous and iconic intersection in Shibuya, Tokyo. The scramble is famous for being the busiest crossing..
If you’re interested in other transit passes offered in Japan, check out our Guide to Japan Train Passes.
