Tokyo Metro, The Best Way To Explore Tokyo
While many may have visited Japan over the years, I am sure all kinds of transportation were used for your travels. This article will highlight one of the best ways to explore Tokyo with the Tokyo Metro Subway system.
Having visited and worked in Tokyo from 1990 to 1992, I was a frequent user of this primary subway system, and over the last 25 years, the Tokyo Metro has expanded and improved so much.
Tokyo Metro, The Best Way To Explore Tokyo
Connectivity is one of the most important things when you travel to any city, and in a metropolis like Tokyo, it is highly recommended that you use it.
First of all, for Malaysians or Southeast Asians, visiting Tokyo is not cheap, and if you plan to visit many popular places around the city, the easiest and hassle-free way to do so is by using the Tokyo Metro.
A one-way general ticket will cost you around ¥200 per person, around RM7.70 or US1.70. Therefore, four stops will easily cost you quite a lot of money. And if you are travelling as a couple of groups, the cost gets higher. However, there is a special tourist pass available that can save you loads of money: the Tokyo Metro subway day pass ticket.
![]() |
Shibuya at night is vibrant and lively |
Exploring the Tokyo Metro Subway
When I visited Tokyo in February 2017, I was part of the Tokyo Metro’s unique Pop Culture Tour. I travelled to several popular places using my Tokyo Metro day pass ticket.
My day started in Harajuku, which is probably one of the must-visit areas of Tokyo. Filled with speciality stores and quirky Japanese fashion, this is the place to be if you want to see what’s trending in the Japanese Kawaii fashion scene.
In general, you would need at least four to five hours to see the main parts of Harajuku; therefore, if you visit the Moshi Moshi Box, this would be the ideal place to get all the information you need about Harajuku and other districts of Tokyo.
![]() |
Moshi Moshi Box in Harajuku |
![]() |
Some of the tourist information in various languages at Moshi Moshi Box |
![]() |
Japanese souvenirs inside Moshi Moshi Box |
The Moshi Moshi Box would also be the best place for first-timers to Japan as it serves as a tourist information centre and a Japanese souvenir shop. The staff here speak English and are ready to assist anyone who needs information on Harajuku or Tokyo.
They also have brochures and maps in many languages, including English, all Tokyo’s main tourist areas. Inside Moshi Moshi Box, free Wi-Fi is available, as well as some Japanese pop culture items and even local popular Japanese sweets and snacks.
Apart from the general tourist places here, you can also find information about the Tokyo Metro.
Moshi Moshi Box Harajuku Address:
3, 3 Chome-23-5 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku,
Tōkyō-to 150-0001, Japan
Map of Moshi Moshi Box
![]() |
Tokyo Skytree seen from Asakusa |
![]() |
The Famous Suzukien Green Tea Ice Cream Shop is in Asakusa. It offers seven different flavours of Green Tea Ice Cream! |
Muslims travelling to Asakusa should be happy to know that the famous Naritaya Halal Ramen Restaurant is located here, just near the Asakusa Temple. And for those who want to try the famous Suzukien Green Tea Ice Cream Shop in Asakusa, it is a 3-minute walk from the Senso-Ji Temple or a 10-minute walk from the Asakusa Station.
Of course, no trip to Tokyo would be complete without a visit to Shibuya, the city’s busiest area. From Asakusa, I took the Tokyo Metro for a 38-minute ride to Shibuya and spent the rest of the evening there.
Exploring on foot, I walked west from the central Shibuya station to look for some Japanese pop culture stores. I have to say, those lanes and alleys with smaller boutique shops are quite interesting, compared to the commercial shopping malls.
![]() |
Japan’s most famous dog – Hachiko, a statue erected in Shibuya in honour of this faithful dog |
![]() |
The famous Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo |
For Japanese Pop Culture lovers, one place to check out is Beams Japan, a seven-story store with unique and quirky pop culture on every floor. The popular Beams Japan store is located in Shinjuku, while another is found in Harajuku and is called Beams Boy Harajuku. The items sold here are unique and interesting, especially if you are into pop culture.
As I stayed in the Shiodome area of Tokyo, the subway ride back was quicker than expected, with the station just five minutes’ walk from the hotel. The Royal Park Hotel Shiodome offers a fantastic view of the Tokyo Tower and Mount Fuji far in the back.
When you check-in, ask them for the Tokyo Tower view. Moving around Tokyo would not have been easy if I had not got my Tokyo Metro Subway Day Pass Tickets. It is highly recommended for anyone visiting Tokyo.
![]() |
Beams Japan, one of the very popular Japanese Pop Culture Stores in Shinjuku |
Tokyo Metro Day Pass Tickets
Tokyo Metro offers these day-pass tickets, which you can buy from the Tokyo Metro Information Counter in the subway stations. Ask the friendly staff, and they will likely point you in the right direction. Some of the staff speak English too.
The day-pass tickets are 24, 48 and 72 hours, which means you can use them multiple times per person.
- Tokyo Metro 1 Day Pass – ¥800 (RM31.00 or US6.95)
- Tokyo Metro 2 Day Pass – ¥1200 (RM46.00 or US10.40)
- Tokyo Metro 3 Day Pass – ¥1500 (RM58.00 or US13.00)
- *Children are half-priced
- Prices will have increased when reading this at a later time; please check the main Tokyo Metro website for the latest prices.
The day pass subway tickets can be used on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines in the city.
![]() |
Tokyo Metro Day Pass and Guide |
Where to buy Tokyo Metro Subway Day Pass Tickets?
- Ginza Station Tourist Information
- Shinjuku Station Tourist Information
- Omote-sando Station Tourist Information
- Ueno Station Tourist Information
![]() |
Tokyo Metro Tourist Information Counter at Shibuya Station |
Tourist Information Counters are open from 9:15 AM to 5:15 PM, and you must provide your passport to purchase these tickets. The reason for this is that they can track how many nationals are buying the ticket, and they will know that you are a visitor or traveller.
You can see the Tokyo Metro Day Pass Ticket Outlets for the full list of other places that sell day pass tickets. For more information on this, visit the Tokyo Metro website as they offer a wide range of other types of tickets, such as airport tickets to Tokyo, shared subway tickets, and others.
![]() |
View of Tokyo, part of it, seen from the Sunshine 60 Observatory |
![]() |
Entrance to Tokyo Metro Harajuku Station |
Conclusion
I conclude that the Tokyo Metro is the best way to explore Tokyo. It is hassle-free, economical, and the fastest way to get around. Especially with the day passes, it is convenient for singles, couples, or family travellers. Have a great trip to Japan.
Share this content:
Post Comment