The Toei Asakusa Line is one of Tokyo’s most practical subway lines, connecting central Tokyo with both Haneda Airport and Narita Airport, while also linking lively downtown districts and traditional neighborhoods.
It may not be flashy, but it is an extremely reliable route for commuters, travelers, and local residents.
🏛 1. Basic Information & Overview
Route Name: Toei Subway Asakusa Line (operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation)
Route Color: Rose Pink
Total Length: Approx. 18.3 km
Number of Stations: 20
Operating Company: Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation (Toei Subway)
Terminals:
Nishi-Magome Station (Ota Ward, Tokyo)
Oshiage
Direct Services:
South: Keikyu Main Line (toward Haneda Airport & Miura Peninsula)
North: Keisei Oshiage Line & Narita Sky Access Line (toward Narita Airport)
🕰 2. Historical Highlights
Opened in 1960 as the “Eidan Rapid Transit Line No. 1,” becoming Japan’s first subway line to offer through-service with another railway company.
Pioneered multi-operator through-service, linking Toei, Keikyu, and Keisei lines.
Today it plays two major roles: a dual-airport access route and a vital connector between downtown Tokyo and traditional neighborhoods.
🌟 3. Advantages (Merits)
✅ 1. Direct Access to Both Narita & Haneda Airports
The only subway line that connects directly to both major airports without transfers.
Extremely convenient for business travelers, tourists, and people who frequently fly abroad.
✅ 2. Long-Distance Travel Is Easy with Keikyu & Keisei Through-Service
Through-service enables wide-range, seamless travel from Kanagawa → Central Tokyo → Chiba without changing trains.
Example: You can travel from Miura Coast (Kanagawa) to Narita Airport (Chiba) on a single train.
✅ 3. Direct Connection Between Downtown & Traditional Areas
Links major districts such as Asakusa, Nihonbashi, Ningyocho, and Shimbashi, making it ideal for commuting, sightseeing, dining, and shopping.
A perfect combination for those who enjoy both modern and nostalgic sides of Tokyo.
✅ 4. Less Congested Than Many Tokyo Metro Lines
Unlike the highly crowded east-west Tokyo Metro lines, the Asakusa Line runs north-south, resulting in some segments being relatively less congested.
⚠️ 4. Disadvantages (Demerits)
❌ 1. Narrower Train Cars & Congestion at Peak Hours
Train width matches Keikyu/Keisei standards, so cars feel narrower compared to Tokyo Metro.
Can get crowded during morning and evening rush hours.
❌ 2. Some Older Stations & Partial Lack of Barrier-Free Access
Because it’s an older line, certain stations have slower progress in installing elevators or platform doors.
Usability varies depending on the station.
❌ 3. Fare Structure Is Sometimes Complicated
Through-service with Keikyu/Keisei can make fare calculations confusing, depending on your journey.
Some riders experience confusion with passes or fare adjustments using Suica/PASMO.
🧺 5. Living Convenience (Overall Evaluation)
Transportation: ★★★★★
Airport access + cross-Tokyo travel make it one of the most convenient lines.
Shopping: ★★★★☆
Major commercial districts like Shinbashi, Nihonbashi, and Asakusa are located along the route.
Safety: ★★★☆☆
Some downtown areas feel busy or crowded, but overall safety levels are good.
Parks & Nature: ★★★☆☆
Riverside walks along the Sumida River and small local parks add charm.
Tourism & Cultural Value: ★★★★★
Asakusa and Oshiage (Tokyo Skytree) are among Tokyo’s top tourist destinations.
🏠 6. Real Estate Overview (2025 Estimates)
Rental prices vary greatly depending on stations and neighborhood types.
💴 Average Monthly Rent
Nishi-Magome
1R/1K: ¥70,000–¥85,000
2LDK〜: ¥130,000–¥180,000
Gotanda
1R/1K: ¥95,000–¥115,000
2LDK〜: ¥180,000–¥250,000
Takanawadai
1R/1K: ¥100,000–¥125,000
2LDK〜: ¥200,000–¥300,000
Nihonbashi
1R/1K: ¥110,000–¥130,000
2LDK〜: ¥230,000–¥350,000
Asakusabashi / Kuramae
1R/1K: ¥80,000–¥100,000
2LDK〜: ¥150,000–¥200,000
Oshiage
1R/1K: ¥75,000–¥90,000
2LDK〜: ¥130,000–¥180,000
🏘 Housing Characteristics
Nishi-Magome → Gotanda:
Calm residential areas popular among families and seniors.
Gotanda offers convenience with excellent dining and shopping.
Asakusa / Kuramae / Higashi-Nihonbashi:
A blend of old-town charm and redevelopment.
Renovated apartments and new tower condos are increasing.
Oshiage:
Rapid redevelopment since Tokyo Skytree opened, with growing residential and commercial facilities.
🎯 7. Who the Toei Asakusa Line Is Suitable For
Frequent travelers using Haneda or Narita Airports
People who enjoy both modern business districts and nostalgic old-town vibes
Commuters traveling directly from Kanagawa or Chiba into Tokyo
Families seeking quiet, livable residential areas (especially around Nishi-Magome)
Residents interested in developing neighborhoods like Oshiage or Kuramae
📌 8. Summary
The Toei Asakusa Line is:
Japan’s first through-service subway line
A crucial connector between both major airports
A practical, reliable route linking downtown Tokyo with traditional neighborhoods
A line with diverse residential choices—from calm suburbs to booming redevelopment zones
It may not always stand out, but its convenience and broad coverage make it an extremely dependable route for both daily life and travel.