Using the Tokyo Metro is one the most convenient and cost effective ways of visiting many of Tokyo's tourism hot spots. Sites including the Sensoji Temple (Asakusa), the scramble crossing (Shibuya), Kabukicho (Shinjuku), Tsukiji Market (Tsukiji), Kabuki-za (Higashi-ginza) and Tokyo Tower (Kamiyacho) are just some of the most popular places for people to visit on a holiday to Tokyo.
The subway is directly connected underground to many popular tourist spots including Tokyo Skytree and Roppongi Hills which allows visitors to get to these spots without the need to get wet during rainy days.
Frequency Of Trains
Trains pass through the stations frequently so there is no need to wait long for the next one. During peak periods - morning and evening, many of the major lines have trains passing as often as every two or three minutes.
Travel Etiquette
In order to keep the flow of human traffic from congesting at key points around the station, its requested that when passengers are waiting to stay well clear of stairways, escalators and ticketing areas.
The taking of photographs inside the station as well as of other passengers is not appreciated and visitors are requested to refrain from doing so. If station staff issue you instructions, please pay attention and do what is requested of you.
Japanese society place heavy emphasis on etiquette, and train stations are no exception for allowing these behavioural standards to slip. When traveling on the metro line you will notice the placement of etiquette posters throughout the station and on trains. The posters are changed regularly and have been used on the metro system since 1974 to remind passengers about the importance of maintaining good manners.
Things To Consider When Traveling
Mobile Phones
Please place mobile phones into silent mode and refrain from speaking on it during the ride. Cell phones must remain off when near to priority seats during rush hour and at other busy periods.
Priority Seating
Priority seats can be found on all Tokyo Metro trains and are provided for the exclusive use of the elderly, commuters with disabilities, commuters with infants and expectant mothers.
Maternity Mark
The importance of keeping safe and protecting expectant mothers is part of Japanese culture. The Tokyo Metro supply a 'Maternity Mark' keychain to expectant or nursing mothers at the offices of each Tokyo Metro station.
If you see a mother wearing this mark within the station or on a train, it means she is likely in the early stages of pregnancy which may not yet be visible.
Women Only Carriages
Tokyo Metro has adopted women-only cars during the morning rush hour from round 9.30am, so that women, elementary school students and younger children are able to ride with a sense of security.
The designated boarding areas along platforms are marked with the 'Women Only' signage which clearly indicates the locations of cars that are for women only use during the rush hour period.
Women-only carriages can also be used by elementary school students and younger children, physically (or mentally) challenged passengers and their caregivers.
The Tokyo Metro Transfer Planner And Fare Calculator is available to assist passengers with trip planning using the Metro System.