The Tokyo Metro system is one of the most extensive and efficient in the world, consisting of two major networks: the Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway, which together cover nearly every corner of the vast metropolis. With over 13 lines in operation, the subway system connects key districts, commercial hubs, residential neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks, providing a critical transport network for residents, commuters, and tourists alike. Below is an overview of the main subway lines, their notable stations, operating hours, and the areas they connect.

Tokyo Metro Lines:

1. Ginza Line (G)
   The Ginza Line is Tokyo’s oldest subway line, running between Asakusa in the northeast and Shibuya in the southwest. Major stops include:
   • Asakusa: Known for the Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most iconic historical sites.
   • Ueno: Famous for Ueno Park, several museums, and Ueno Zoo.
   • Ginza: Tokyo’s luxury shopping district, filled with high-end boutiques and dining options.
   • Shibuya: A bustling hub with the famous Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue.

   The Ginza Line operates from approximately 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM, with trains running frequently during peak hours.

2. Marunouchi Line (M)
   The Marunouchi Line connects Ogikubo in the west to Ikebukuro in the north, passing through Tokyo’s central business district. Key stations include:
   • Shinjuku: One of the busiest transport hubs in the world, with countless shopping centers, restaurants, and office towers.
   • Tokyo Station: The main train station of the city, connecting to Shinkansen (bullet trains) and serving as a gateway to the Imperial Palace.
   • Ikebukuro: Another major commercial area known for department stores and entertainment complexes.

   Trains operate from around 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM, with intervals as short as 2-3 minutes during rush hour.

3. Hibiya Line (H)
   The Hibiya Line runs from Naka-Meguro in the southwest to Kita-Senju in the northeast. Some of its key stations include:
   • Roppongi: Known for its nightlife, international embassies, and cultural institutions like the Mori Art Museum.
   • Tsukiji: Famous for the Tsukiji Outer Market, a must-visit for sushi lovers.
   • Akihabara: Tokyo’s tech and otaku (anime/manga) district, filled with electronics shops and anime merchandise stores.

   The Hibiya Line operates from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM, with a slightly longer wait time of 4-5 minutes between trains.

4. Chiyoda Line (C)
   The Chiyoda Line links Yoyogi-Uehara in the west with Ayase in the northeast. Major stops include:
   • Harajuku (Meiji-Jingumae): Tokyo’s youth fashion and culture district, near the Meiji Shrine.
   • Omotesando: Known for its upscale shopping, galleries, and cafes.
   • Hibiya: Close to Hibiya Park and the Tokyo Imperial Palace.

   This line runs from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM, and is particularly useful for those commuting from suburban areas.

5. Tozai Line (T)
   The Tozai Line runs from Nakano in the west to Nishi-Funabashi in the east, connecting both central and suburban Tokyo. Notable stops include:
   • Otemachi: A financial hub near Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace.
   • Waseda: Home to Waseda University, one of Japan’s top institutions.
   • Nishi-Funabashi: A residential area that serves as a transfer hub for Chiba Prefecture.

   The Tozai Line operates between 5:00 AM and 12:30 AM, with rapid service trains available on certain sections.

Toei Subway Lines:

1. Asakusa Line (A)
   The Asakusa Line connects Nishi-Magome in the south to Oshiage (Skytree) in the north. Key stations include:
   • Asakusa: A historical and cultural hotspot, home to Senso-ji Temple.
   • Higashi-Ginza: Located near the famous Kabuki-za Theater.
   • Oshiage (Skytree): The Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan, dominates the skyline here.

   Trains on the Asakusa Line operate from around 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

2. Oedo Line (E)
   The Oedo Line forms a large loop around Tokyo, with an additional arm extending out to Hikarigaoka in the west. Important stations include:
   • Roppongi: A popular nightlife area with many restaurants and bars.
   • Shinjuku: A major commercial, entertainment, and transport hub.
   • Ryogoku: Known for the Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo stadium and Edo-Tokyo Museum.

   The Oedo Line runs from approximately 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM.

3. Shinjuku Line (S)
   The Shinjuku Line connects Shinjuku in the west to Motoyawata in Chiba Prefecture to the east. Major stops include:
   • Ichigaya: Near educational institutions and the Imperial Palace grounds.
   • Kudanshita: Close to the Nippon Budokan arena and Yasukuni Shrine.
   • Shinjuku: Tokyo’s main transportation hub, full of shopping centers and nightlife.

   Operating hours are from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM.

Tokyo offers an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams, which make navigating the city convenient for both tourists and residents.

Bus Services: Tokyo’s bus network is large and covers areas that might not be easily accessible by train or subway. The major bus operators in Tokyo include Toei Bus, Tokyo Metropolitan Bus, and private companies such as Keio, Tokyu, and Odakyu. Popular bus routes include the Toei 01 bus, which connects Shibuya to Shimbashi, passing through major districts like Roppongi. The Keio Bus operates services between Shinjuku and western suburbs like Chofu and Mitaka.

Buses typically run from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though there are some night buses that continue past midnight, especially in busy districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Roppongi.

Tram Services: While Tokyo is famous for its advanced train and subway system, it also operates one of the last remaining tram lines, the Toden Arakawa Line (also known as the Tokyo Sakura Tram). This historic tram line connects the Minowabashi neighborhood in the north to Waseda University in the west, passing through quiet residential areas, local shopping streets, and scenic parks. This tram line offers a relaxing journey and is popular among visitors who wish to experience a slower pace of Tokyo life. It operates daily from around 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Key stops along the route include the Sugamo district, known for its traditional shopping street, and Asukayama Park, famous for cherry blossoms in spring.

Both the bus and tram services in Tokyo provide reliable and comfortable transportation options, especially in areas that are less accessible by subway or train. For those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods or enjoy scenic rides through quieter parts of the city, buses and trams are a convenient and enjoyable way to travel.

Bus network map

Tram map