Picture this: you step off the plane, shake out your jet lag, and you’re ready to see Tokyo. You glance at the subway map…yikes, it looks like spaghetti junction. How do you navigate it all without draining your wallet? Don’t worry, the Tokyo subway 24-hour ticket has your back. With unlimited rides on every Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway line, you can zip around the city for a full day, no fuss over individual fares.
What you’ll find in this guide:
- Tokyo subway ticket overview and validity details
- Side-by-side price comparison for 24, 48, and 72 hours
- Step-by-step tips to buy and activate your pass
- Pro pointers on tapping, transferring, and saving
- How this ticket stacks up against other options
- Sample itineraries to make the most of your day
- Answers to your pressing questions
Tokyo subway ticket overview
What’s included
The Tokyo subway 24-hour ticket gives you unlimited access to all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 24 hours after your first tap. That covers favorites like the Ginza, Marunouchi, and Hibiya lines, plus the entire Toei network.
Validity and lines
Your pass activates the moment you enter the ticket gate. From that tap, you’ve got 24 continuous hours to ride. Whether you start at Asakusa Station or Shibuya Station, every line on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway is fair game (Tokyo Metro).
Compare ticket durations
Wondering which duration fits your trip best? You can choose 24, 48, or 72 hours of unlimited rides on the same network. Here’s how the options break down:
| Duration | Adult price | Child price |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | ¥800 | ¥400 |
| 48 hours | ¥1,200 | ¥600 |
| 72 hours | ¥1,500 | ¥750 |
Prices and valid lines apply to both Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway services (Tokyo Metro). If you’re planning two full days of sightseeing, the 48-hour pass often delivers the best bang for your buck. But for travelers with a packed first-day itinerary, the 24-hour ticket can save you from ticket-machine headaches.
Buy your ticket
Got your passport handy? Only foreign visitors with a valid passport can grab these passes, so keep it nearby when you buy.
Purchase locations
There are a few convenient spots to snag your pass:
- Airport counters: Tokyo Metro and Toei booths in Narita Terminals 1–3, plus Haneda Terminal 3.
- Major stations: Visitor service centers at hubs like Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station.
- Online vendors: Some authorized resellers let you pre-book and pick up on arrival. Check your tour operator for details.
Passport requirement
When buying, you’ll present your passport to prove tourist status. Once verified, staff will issue your paper pass on the spot (Tokyo Metro).
Use your ticket
Not sure which gate to tap at? Tokyo Metro and Toei gates look almost identical, so you’ll feel right at home after one ride.
Tapping in and out
Just insert the paper ticket into the gate slot and collect it on the other side. When exiting, insert it again to complete the ride. Keep your pass safe—you’ll use it for every trip.
Transfer guidelines
Transfers between subway lines at the same station (for example from Ginza to Hanzomon at Omotesando) don’t require extra taps or fares. But if you switch to JR lines or buses, you’ll need a separate ticket or card for that segment.
Explore discount benefits
Here’s the thing, your subway pass isn’t just about trains. It also unlocks perks at partner spots across the city.
- Attraction deals: Reduced admission to museums and observation decks.
- Dining offers: Bonus drink or dessert at select station-area cafes.
- Shopping savings: Discounts at shops inside subway complexes.
For a full list of participating venues and the latest offers, visit the Tokyo Metro site (Tokyo Metro).
Compare travel options
Need more flexibility than a day pass? Tokyo has plenty of alternatives to consider.
Reloadable cards
If you prefer pay-as-you-go, reloadable IC cards like Suica or Pasmo are the way to go. They work on subways, buses, and even vending machines, so you’ll never need exact change. To learn the differences between the two, check our guide on suica vs pasmo card tokyo.
Other day passes
For longer stays or wider coverage, there are other multi-day options:
- Tokyo Metro 72 hour ticket for extended metro access
- JR Pass for national rail plus Yamanote line travel—see our JR Pass Yamanote line coverage
- Greater Tokyo Pass for unlimited rides on many private railways and buses
Choose based on your itinerary and the areas you plan to explore.
Plan your Tokyo routes
Stumped on where to start exploring? Here are a couple of sample routes that make the most of your 24-hour window.
Sample itineraries
Classic Tokyo loop
- Morning at Asakusa Station: Senso-ji temple and Nakamise shopping street.
- Midday in Ueno: Stroll Ueno Park and hit the museums.
- Lunch in Akihabara: Hunt for top ramen and tech finds.
- Afternoon at Shibuya: Experience the famous scramble crossing and Hachiko statue.
- Evening in Shinjuku: Explore Omoide Yokocho alley and city views from the Metropolitan Government Building.
Hidden gems tour
- Start at Nezu Station: Browse Nezu Shrine and tucked-away cafes.
- Hop to Sendagi: Wander retro shopping streets and local eateries.
- Swing by Kagurazaka: Wander narrow lanes with a French-Japanese vibe.
- Move on to Koenji: Soak in indie music scene and vintage shops.
- Finish at Nakameguro: Sip craft coffee along the Meguro River.
Top neighborhoods
- Asakusa, for old-town charm and temples
- Shibuya, for youthful energy and neon lights
- Shinjuku, for buzzy nightlife and skyline views
- Harajuku, for fashion-forward streets and crepes
- Akihabara, for electronics, anime, and maid cafes
Frequently asked questions
- What lines can I use with the Tokyo subway 24-hour ticket? You get unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 24 hours starting with your first tap.
- Can Tokyo residents buy this ticket? No, the pass is exclusively for foreign tourists. You’ll need to show your passport at purchase.
- What happens if I lose my ticket? Unfortunately, lost passes cannot be replaced or refunded. Treat it like cash and keep it safe.
- Can I switch to JR trains or buses? You’ll need a separate fare or reloadable IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) for JR lines and most buses.
- Is the ticket refundable? No refunds are offered once the pass is issued.
