Tokyo Subway Map 2026: Free PDF Download & How to Read
Tokyo Mate
Looking for a high-quality Tokyo subway map to save on your phone? We've compiled the best downloadable map files along with a beginner-friendly guide to reading them — everything you need in one place.
1. Download the Tokyo Subway Map (HD & PDF)
When you're traveling, your internet might be slow, or you may not want to open an app every time. That's when having a high-quality image saved to your phone comes in handy.
Download the PDF and save it on your phone for easy access anytime.
📥 Official Download Links (Tokyo Metro)
2. How to Read the Tokyo Subway Map
"Tokyo's subway is like a spider web" — you've probably heard this before. But if you just check two things, it becomes as easy to navigate as any other city's metro system.
Those two things are: the operating company and the symbol shape.
Tip 1: Identify Lines Instantly by Symbol Shape
When the map looks overwhelming, look at the shape of the letter symbol next to the station name.
| Subway (Circle Symbol 🟠) | JR or Private Railways (Square Symbol 🟩) |
|---|---|
| If the letter is inside a round circle, it's a subway line (Metro/Toei) | If the letter is inside a square box, it's JR or a private railway |
| Subway Pass accepted ⭕ | Subway Pass NOT accepted ❌ |
Tip 2: Know the 3 Key Operators
1. Tokyo Metro: 9 Lines
G Ginza Line, M Marunouchi Line, H Hibiya Line, T Tozai Line, C Chiyoda Line, Y Yurakucho Line, Z Hanzomon Line, N Namboku Line, F Fukutoshin Line
👉 Subway Pass accepted ⭕
2. Toei Subway: 4 Lines
A Asakusa Line, I Mita Line, S Shinjuku Line, E Oedo Line
👉 Subway Pass accepted ⭕
📌 Wondering about how to buy, exchange, and use the Subway Pass (24/48/72-hour tickets)?
👉 Tokyo Subway Ticket: Complete Guide to Purchase, Exchange & Usage
3. JR Lines: These are trains (railways), not subways
JY Yamanote Line, JC Chuo Line, JS Shonan-Shinjuku Line, and more
👉 Subway Pass NOT accepted ❌ — Use Suica or pay separate fares
3. Top 3 Mistakes Travelers Make
Watch out for these three common pitfalls when using the Tokyo subway map!
1️⃣ "Can I ride the green line (JR) with my subway pass?"
→ Absolutely not! ❌ The bold green line on the map — the JY Yamanote Line — will not let you through the ticket gates with a subway pass.
📌 Solution:
If your itinerary mixes JR and subway lines, a rechargeable IC card (Suica/Pasmo) might be more economical than a subway pass.
👉 iPhone Suica vs Pasmo vs Welcome Suica: Complete Comparison
2️⃣ "Same station name, but I can't transfer?"
→ Even if the station is called "Shinjuku," if the operators are different (Metro vs JR), you may need to exit the gate entirely and re-enter through a separate gate. It's not always a seamless in-gate transfer like in other cities!
3️⃣ "I just followed the color and ended up on the wrong line!"
→ With so many lines in Tokyo, colors can look very similar (red Marunouchi Line vs pink Oedo Line, for example). Always check the line code (G, M, E, etc.) and station number together.
4. Are These Places on Your Itinerary?
Do any of these popular destinations appear in your travel plans?
- Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku
- Tokyo Station, Akihabara, Ueno
- Ikebukuro, Ebisu
All of these are much faster and easier to reach by JR lines. Instead of struggling with the complex subway map, a single JR Tokunai Pass will get you everywhere you need to go.
💡 Want to make the most of a JR day pass? Check out these practical one-day routes:
👉 Tokyo Tokunai Pass (JR 1-Day Pass): 3 Best Routes for the Yamanote & Chuo Lines
🤔 "Should I get a subway pass or a JR pass?"
If you're still unsure, this comparison guide will help you decide based on your itinerary:
👉 Tokyo Subway Pass vs JR Tokunai Pass: Complete Comparison
Quick Summary
- Download the PDF subway map to your phone before you go — it works offline too.
- Subway (Metro/Toei) and JR are completely separate systems — be careful which pass you use.
- If your itinerary focuses on JR stations (Shinjuku/Shibuya/Tokyo), consider the Tokunai Pass instead of the subway map!
Downloaded the Map? Time to Plan Your Trip!
⭐ Pre-Trip Planning Guide
👉 Tokyo Travel Preparation: A to Z Checklist
1️⃣ 👉 [Itinerary] No More Planning Headaches! 3-Night 4-Day National Route with Disney
(Open the subway map and just follow this route!)
2️⃣ 👉 [Itinerary] City Only, No Disney! 3-Night 4-Day Landmark Tour
(The best route to get your money's worth from the subway pass!)
3️⃣ 👉 [Planning] Subway Pass vs JR Pass — Which Saves You More?
(How to choose the right transit pass for your itinerary)