Tokyo Metro (formerly known as Eidan) is one of Tokyo's two subway operators. It runs nine of the metropolis' thirteen subway lines, while Toei operates the other four.
On June 14, 2008, Tokyo Metro started operating the new Fukutoshin Line between Shibuya, Shinjuku-sanchome, Ikebukuro and Wakoshi, providing a new direct connection from the suburbs into central Tokyo and an alternative to the busy Yamanote Line section between Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya.
Two train categories run on the Fukutoshin Line: local trains stop at all stations, while express trains stop only at major stations and do the journey between Ikebukuro and Shibuya in just eleven minutes (stopping only at Shinjuku-sanchome along the way).
The Fukutoshin Line provides through service with the Tobu Tojo Line and Seibu Ikebukuro Line at its northern end, and is scheduled to provide through service with the Tokyu Toyoko Line at Shibuya Station from the year 2012.
While the nine Tokyo Metro lines provide access to many of Tokyo's city centers and tourist attractions, they alone do not provide the perfect solution for getting around Tokyo. Instead, they are best used in combination with the Toei subway lines and the urban JR lines, especially the JR Yamanote Line.
Simplified Network Map of Tokyo Metro:
(move cursor over subway line name to highlight a single line)
To provide more convenient connections between the suburbs and the city center, several Tokyo Metro lines provide through service onto other companies' railway lines rather than terminating at their final stations:
- Hibiya Line: to Tobu Isesaki Line and Tokyu Toyoko Line
- Tozai Line: to JR Sobu Line, Toyo Rapid Railway and JR Chuo Line
- Chiyoda Line: to JR Joban Line and Odakyu Railway
- Yurakucho Line: to Tobu Tojo Line and Seibu Ikebukuro Line
- Hanzomon Line: to Tokyu Denentoshi Line and Tobu Isesaki Line
- Nanboku Line: to Tokyu Toyoko Line and Saitama Rapid Railway
- Fukutoshin Line: to Tobu Tojo Line and Seibu Ikebukuro Line
Fares:
Tokyo Metro fares range from 160 to 300 yen depending on how far you travel. A one day pass for unlimited use of Tokyo Metro on one calendar day is available for 710 yen, but note that special passes for visitors are sold at Narita Airport for only 600 yen for a 1-day version and 980 yen for a 2-day version.
A day pass valid on both Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines is available for 1000 yen. Suica and Pasmo prepaid cards can be used on Tokyo Metro. However, the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on subways, because subways are not operated by JR.
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