Travel through different places with Tokyo Metro with their easy to use services, designed to cater not only for residents but also for foreigners traveling to Japan. To make your travel a bit more trouble-free, here are a few things you should know and have.
Tokyo Metro as a company
Importance of efficient transportation
Transportation has been one of the vital factors that have influenced the growth of a country. Considered as the most populous city in the world, Tokyo relies heavily on its effective transportation. Traveling from point A to point B in the shortest amount of time is crucial, given the fast-paced environment of Japan. As Benjamin Franklin stated,” time is money”, so Japanese wastes no time in its commute.
Tokyo Metro Company
The Tokyo Metro is a major rapid transit system in Tokyo, Japan, consisting of nine train lines, that of the two subway systems in Tokyo, caters to the most daily passengers※. It is operated by Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd., a private company jointly owned by the Japanese government and the Tokyo metropolitan government.
※Tokyo Metro, Business Situation
Another major subway operator in Tokyo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation (Toei Subway), can freely interchange trains between Tokyo Metro’s network, but the fares are computed separately. Regular ticket holders must purchase a special transfer ticket, or a second ticket to change train lines. Also, Japan Rail Pass (a special fare issued to travelers from foreign countries) does not work for Tokyo Metro because it has its own separate and distinct rail pass).
Why use Tokyo Metro?
Exploring Tokyo has never been easier. Tokyo Metro is the most convenient and comfortable way of transport. You can expect a high number of trains frequenting every 5 minutes from the station; ease of access to major tourist spots, and rainy days are not a problem thanks to direct underground access to popular tourist spots. The Metro also holds scavenger hunts yearly! What more can you ask for?
Writer's Pick
How to maximize the Tokyo Metro services
Tokyo Metro has a well-developed website that allows users to extract different kinds of information. It has tips and guides that can help travelers and commuters alike.
Access from the airport
Tokyo Metro’s website has a route map from Narita and Haneda Airports to Tokyo. Transportation options are also available from the said airports, illustrating access to the city and the Tokyo Metro subways.
Tourist Information and Service managers
It can be a challenge to travel alone in a foreign country because communication may be limited. Not to worry for staff at Tokyo Metro Tourist Information can assist your subway ride, providing directions and tourist information in English.
There are also service managers ready to aid travelers in finding fares, buying tickets, finding subway routes to your destination, and finding information about the facilities in an area. With the help of a tablet, they can communicate in English, Korean, and Chinese.
Mobile Application, Tokyo Metro Guides, PDF Download
Did you also know an app is available for download to your mobile phones and can be accessed offline? The app is easy to use and available in languages such as English, Thai, Korean, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Japanese; it can show which stations have free access to wi-fi, and it can direct users to the exits nearest to their destination. The user-friendly application can search your arrival and departure stations in the search box or by touching the station names on the map. The app is not restricted to any specific device, and it works great with both iOS and Android operating systems!
If you do not have a mobile phone available, fret not for Tokyo Metro distributes pamphlets that help navigate around Tokyo. This contains the necessary information on riding the train, sightseeing spots, guide of airport access, and other useful data. A PDF of the Tokyo Metro Guide is also obtainable from the website.
Places to go and things to remember
Travel Recommendation
Japan can be enjoyed in many ways- shopping, visiting parks, shrines, temples, and other tourist destinations are just a few. Thanks to Tokyo Metro, you have access to all of these locations easily and directly.
Relish shopping at Takeshita Street (accessed through Meiji Jingumae Mae Station), which is famous for young people overseas, or go to Shibuya Hikarie (accessed through Shibuya Station), a high-rise complex full of stores with different varieties.
If you want to experience Japanese culture, Akihabara (accessed through Akihabara Station) is a great place known for its rare anime items and manga; or visit Ueno (accessed through Ueno Station), where you can find the oldest zoo in Japan, and the Tokyo National Museum, which is the oldest & largest museum in Japan.
If you want to marvel at sights, Tokyo Tower (accessed through Akabanebashi Station) is an excellent place to start. The tower is mesmerizing, an attraction in its own right, plus the view on the top is truly breathtaking, showcasing Tokyo’s scenery. Roppongi (accessed through Roppongi Station) is a great option if you want to go clubbing.
Tokyo Skytree and Roppongi Hills are some famous tourist spots that can be accessed underground using Tokyo Metro.
Reminders And Japanese Etiquette in the Metro
The Japanese are known for their manners and discipline. Certain rules dictate Japanese behavior, so it will be helpful to know a few, especially regarding train etiquette.
When waiting for a train to arrive, line properly, wait for passengers to get off before entering the train. You can use your cell phone inside the train but put it in silent mode to prevent disrupting others. Eating & drinking as well as talking on trains is not prohibited but to the extent it doesn’t disturb other passengers (smell, noise, etc), observe your surroundings, and keep in mind the other passengers.
These are some things you need to avoid when using Tokyo Metro:
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Photography is restricted to ensure the safety of the passengers,
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Running is also discouraged as it could lead to accidents.
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Smoking is prohibited at all times in the station.
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Avoid bringing any dangerous substances or items which could pose a threat to other passengers.
Tokyo Metro- commute at its finest
Explore different parts of Tokyo, travel to the most popular places, and more with Tokyo Metro! Reliability that is proven by catering to 12 million commuters everyday rest assured your travels are safe—providing an efficient travel system that is great not only for locals but also for foreigners. Who needs a car when you have the convenience of riding the Metro.
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