Many of those who are already fortunate enough to visit the country of the Rising Sun, argue that the Tokyo metro really can rightly be considered one of the most complicated underground communication systems in the world.
Why so? After all, the point is not that travelers will surround strange and unknown hieroglyphs everywhere. There are really just a lot of branches, and the number of people using this type of transport only increases from year to year.
Is there even the slightest chance not to get lost if you decide to take advantage of this very popular public transport in Japan? Surely! As they say, we are not the first and we are not the last!
This article is precisely aimed at telling all the details about the Tokyo subway. In addition, readers will receive a range of valuable tips and tricks.
general information
Not everyone knows that the number of passengers carried by the capital's Japanese subway is rightfully considered the largest on our planet. At first glance, it’s even hard to imagine that on average about 10 million people use its services on a daily basis.
It should be noted that all high-speed underground transport of the country of the Rising Sun belongs to large companies. It turns out that each Tokyo metro station is on the balance of one of two firms: Tokyo Metro and Toei. It should be noted that these networks are not interconnected in any way, which means that any traveler will have to work hard before learning how to correctly and quickly navigate, going down underground.
Japan, Tokyo: the subway and its history
In a few years, this transport system can safely celebrate its centenary. Tokyo Underground Railway Company was established in 1920. Five years later, the first construction work began between the Asakusa and Ueno stations. But the first high-speed trains along the branch were launched already at the end of 1927. 12 years later, it was decided to connect the subway and the suburban railway, which was accepted by both local residents and guests of Tokyo with real enthusiasm.
Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd was founded in 2004. This corporation replaced the Teito Rapid Transit Authority. Now this private company owns 168 stations located on 9 lines.
The remaining 106 stations, consisting of 4 lines, belong to the Toei Municipal Transportation Authority, which also serves the ground urban transport system.
How not to get lost underground?
If you ever fell into the hands of the Tokyo metro map in Russian or any other understandable language, you will never deny that it is unlikely that you can quickly figure out all of these stations, branches and directions. According to travelers, at first it seems that you are really going crazy, trying to capture a huge flow of information.
However, the Japanese are doing everything possible (and sometimes impossible!) To provide guests with the maximum level of comfort. Stops here are announced not only in local, but also in English. Signs on signs, tablets and electronic displays of Tokyo Metro are also duplicated.
At the station, you can often read special recommendations advising which car it is better to board in order to continue the journey as comfortably and quickly as possible.
Among other things, all subway lines also differ in colors that match the outline around the number. That is why even beginners just won’t get lost or confused.
What tickets to buy for the trip?
As we noted above, there are two companies operating the Tokyo subway. The main inconvenience is represented by the inability to perform a direct transfer from one system to another. If necessary, passengers must rise to the surface and purchase a new ticket from a special operator.
True, in recent years, integrated transport cards are becoming more and more popular. Having bought them, you can perform one transplant at any desired location.
Locals, in turn, prefer to purchase special electronic travel cards called PASMO. They give the right to carry out any number of trips in different directions.
By the way, it is worth paying attention to the fact that a transfer from Tokyo Metro to Toei and vice versa should not take more than half an hour. Otherwise, the ticket will be canceled and you will have to buy a new one.
