We will be in Tokyo next year for a few days. In Paris I use the RATP app which is great--buy metro tix, get schedules, detail what metro lines to take--it's great. Is there a similar app for the Tokyo metro system? I went online to check and saw a few and didn't know which ones were legit.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9770 posts
I like City Mapper. The best advice I can give for the metro is get an IC card, such as a Suica Card, downloaded onto your smart phone and preload with a small amount before you arrive. Then just top up through the Suica card as needed. Tap in, tap off.
An IC card also works at so many other locations as well.
Posted by
38 posts
I suggest the JapanTransit app, not only for Tokyo but for anywhere in Japan. I have used it quite a bit in Japan travels this year and it works great. You can opt to sign up but the free options are more than adequate.
The app has been consistently better than using the info on Apple Maps which provides route information as well but often on convoluted routes.
I do not believe you can buy Tokyo Metro tickets on it though there are some railways for which you can make purchases. For travel around Tokyo we just use our eSuica cards as they work on most of the companies in the area - trains in Tokyo are operated by several companies so this works for us. There is a Tokyo Metro pass you can buy but that limits you to just lines operated by the Tokyo Metro and not lines (such as the Yamanote Line which is operated by JR East). Also, the eSuica allows you to make purchases at combinis and other stores which is very handy.
Posted by
TX, USA
5731 posts
I used Google Maps. It does a good job.
I got Suica Card for my phone in Wallet (only available for iPhone, I believe) and could top up with Apple Pay.
Posted by
Freedonia
18124 posts
To reiterate what TexasTravelMom wrote, eSuica is only available on Iphone and not Android.
However, you can get a regular Suica card. Besides transit, the card can also be used to buy items from vending machines and to pay for purchases at konbini--Japanese convenience stores such as Lawson, Family Mart and 7-11. Don't compare these to the American versions. They are everywhere and deserve a visit or two.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6344 posts
Googlemaps worked great for me last week. When my route included transfers, it would even advise which carriage to choose to be closest to transfer point. You will probably just want to load some funds on an IC card for payment (just tap in and out).
Posted by
Connecticut
769 posts
I used google maps during my five weeks in Japan earlier this year. It worked very well providing excellent travel options with very specific information regarding public transportation. Having a Suica card loaded into my digital wallet was phenomenal. It regularly functioned as currency for transportation and many other purchases (large and small). Rarely did I need yens. Physical suica type cards are also available for use.
In preparation for my tripI had downloaded other travel apps including the Japan transit planner app but rarely if ever used them..