Tokyo Metro is a subway network that covers nearly every major area within Tokyo’s 23 wards.
It plays a crucial role in commuting, school access, shopping, and sightseeing—truly the daily transportation lifeline of Tokyo.

🏛 1. Basic Information & History

Official Name: Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.
Established: April 1, 2004 (privatized from the former Eidan Subway)
Predecessor: Teito Rapid Transit Authority (Eidan Subway)
Number of Lines: 9
Total Track Length: Approx. 195.0 km
Number of Stations: 180 (including shared stations with other operators)

Tokyo Metro, together with the Toei Subway, forms the backbone of urban transportation in Tokyo.

📜 2. Key Historical Points

In 1927, Japan’s first subway opened between Ueno and Asakusa (current Ginza Line).

The network expanded with the Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line, Yurakucho Line, and others, steadily covering the city center.

In 2004, the former government-operated Eidan Subway was privatized and became “Tokyo Metro.”

Today, Tokyo Metro is a major urban infrastructure system, connecting with JR lines, private railways, and the Toei Subway.

🚉 3. List of Tokyo Metro Lines (9 Lines)

Each line has a unique color and character:

Ginza Line (Orange): Japan’s oldest subway, connecting Asakusa–Shibuya

Marunouchi Line (Red): Circles major business areas like Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Ogikubo

Hibiya Line (Gray): Links business districts and traditional neighborhoods, from Kita-Senju to Nakameguro

Tozai Line (Light Blue): Extremely popular with commuters from Chiba; connects Nakano–Nishi-Funabashi

Chiyoda Line (Green): Runs from Ayase to Yoyogi-Uehara, with direct service with the Joban Line and Odakyu Line

Yurakucho Line (Gold): Wako-shi–Shin-Kiba; supports central Tokyo from the “backbone”

Hanzomon Line (Purple): Directly connects with Tokyu and Tobu lines; Shibuya–Oshiage

Namboku Line (Emerald): Clean, safe areas from Meguro to Akabane-Iwabuchi

Fukutoshin Line (Brown): Express service available; extends from Wako-shi to Shibuya and Yokohama

🌟 4. Strengths of Tokyo Metro (Pros)
✅ 1. Covers Nearly All Major Areas of Central Tokyo

All 9 lines together cover most major spots across the 23 wards.

Direct access to Omotesando, Ginza, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and more.

Ideal for commuting, school access, and sightseeing.

✅ 2. Extensive Through-Services with Other Operators

Connects with Odakyu, Tokyu, Seibu, Tobu, Saitama Railway, Minatomirai Line, and others

Travelers from Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa can often reach central Tokyo with few or no transfers

Makes long-distance commuting significantly easier

✅ 3. Modern Safety & Barrier-Free Facilities

Platform doors are installed across all lines

Newer lines (Namboku, Fukutoshin) have advanced elevators, escalators, and barrier-free designs

Friendly for seniors, families, and stroller users

✅ 4. Highly Reliable & Safe Operations

Known worldwide for punctuality and low delay rates

Strong earthquake and disaster-response systems ensure stable operations

⚠️ 5. Weak Points of Tokyo Metro (Cons)
❌ 1. Heavy Congestion During Rush Hour

Especially crowded lines: Tozai, Chiyoda, Hanzomon, and Hibiya

Expect standing-room-only during morning and evening rush

❌ 2. Deep Stations & Long Transfers

Newer lines often have deep underground platforms, taking several minutes to reach

Otemachi, Nagatacho, and Shibuya have complex station layouts that feel like “mazes”

❌ 3. Difficult for First-Time Users

Many colors, directions, and transfer options

Easy to board the wrong direction or miss a transfer without careful attention

Tourists should check platform signs closely

🧺 6. Living Convenience (Ease-of-Living Evaluation)

Transportation: ★★★★★
Almost all major areas in Tokyo are reachable with no transfers or easy connections.

Shopping & Dining: ★★★★★
Direct access to Ginza, Shibuya, Omotesando, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, etc.

Medical & Education: ★★★★☆
Many universities and hospitals located along the network.

Safety: ★★★★☆
Generally safe, though varies somewhat by line and station.

Nature & Parks: ★★★☆☆
Green spaces are limited in the city center, but access to Yoyogi Park and Ueno Park is good.

🏠 7. Real Estate Perspective (Within Tokyo 23 Wards)

Representative monthly rent ranges:

💴 Approximate Monthly Rent

Shibuya (Hanzomon / Fukutoshin Line)

1R–1K: ¥110,000–¥130,000

2LDK〜: ¥250,000–¥400,000

Ikebukuro (Marunouchi / Yurakucho / Fukutoshin Line)

1R–1K: ¥90,000–¥110,000

2LDK〜: ¥180,000–¥280,000

Iidabashi (Tozai / Yurakucho / Namboku Line)

1R–1K: ¥80,000–¥100,000

2LDK〜: ¥160,000–¥220,000

Myogadani (Marunouchi Line)

1R–1K: ¥75,000–¥90,000

2LDK〜: ¥140,000–¥200,000

Kita-Senju (Hibiya Line)

1R–1K: ¥70,000–¥85,000

2LDK〜: ¥130,000–¥180,000

Nishi-Funabashi (Tozai Line)

1R–1K: ¥65,000–¥80,000

2LDK〜: ¥120,000–¥160,000

🏘 Market Characteristics

Central Tokyo stations tend to have high rents; many luxury rentals and condos

Suburban-side areas on Tozai, Yurakucho, and Chiyoda lines offer good value for families

Fukutoshin & Namboku lines are popular among DINKs and higher-income renters due to safe, clean neighborhoods

🎯 8. Who Tokyo Metro Is Perfect For

Office workers and students wanting smooth, quick commuting

Singles or DINKs who value high city-center convenience

Families needing good access to universities and schools

Seniors or foreigners preferring car-free, transit-focused lifestyles

People who enjoy both busy city life and easy weekend outings

📌 9. Summary

Tokyo Metro is one of the most essential transportation systems supporting Tokyo’s daily life.
With 9 diverse lines, extensive through-services, and unmatched city coverage, it supports every lifestyle.

Understanding each line’s features, crowd levels, and surrounding rent ranges
makes it easier to choose the best line and neighborhood for your needs.

As fare integration with the Toei Subway and other service improvements progress,
Tokyo Metro will continue to be the most important transit system to know when living in Tokyo.