Picture this: you’ve just stepped off your flight at Narita or Haneda, and your head is spinning with subway maps. You don’t want to waste time fumbling for tickets, and you want to make every ride count. Enter the Tokyo Metro 72 Hour Ticket. This three-day pass gives you unlimited rides on Tokyo’s subway networks, so you can zip around the city like a pro.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll find out exactly what the pass covers, how to snag one before your trip, and how to squeeze every yen of value out of it. Ready to dive in?
Ticket overview and pricing
The Tokyo Metro 72 Hour Ticket is a special subway pass that gives you unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 72 hours after your first tap. You can hop on 13 lines, from the Ginza line to the Toei Oedo line, without worrying about individual fares.
For adults it costs 1,500 yen, while kids aged 6 to 11 pay just 750 yen. Children under 6 travel free, making this pass a family-friendly option (Tokyo Metro).
Key pass features
Here’s what you get with your pass:
- Unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 72 hours from first use
- Coverage of 13 subway lines, including Ginza, Hibiya, and Oedo
- Flat rate pricing: 1,500 yen (adult), 750 yen (child)
- Free travel for children under 6
- No extra fee for transfers between lines
Who can use
This pass is exclusively for non-resident travelers and families (Japan National Tourism Organization). You’ll need to show a valid passport when you buy it.
Here’s who qualifies:
- Overseas visitors with short-term stay status
- Japanese residents whose primary address is outside Tokyo’s metro area
- Children aged 6 to 11 (child rate applies)
- Kids under 6 travel free
Compare ticket options
Not sure if the 72-hour pass is right for you? Let’s compare your options.
Differences by duration
Here’s how the 24-, 48-, and 72-hour passes stack up:
| Duration | Adult price | Child price |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours | 800 yen | 400 yen |
| 48 hours | 1,200 yen | 600 yen |
| 72 hours | 1,500 yen | 750 yen |
Prices per Tokyo Metro.
Pass vs IC cards
Wondering how this pass compares to a Suica or PASMO card? Those prepaid IC cards let you tap and go, and you only pay for what you ride.
- Suica and PASMO require a 500 yen deposit plus pay-as-you-go top-ups
- No time limit, but individual fares apply (170–300 yen per ride)
- You can reload at machines, convenience stores, or via mobile apps
- For a deeper dive, check our tokyo metro pass vs suica and suica vs pasmo card tokyo
Pass vs JR passes
If you plan to hop on JR lines (for example the Yamanote loop), the Tokyo Metro pass won’t cover those routes. Depending on your itinerary, a JR Pass or Tokyo Wide Pass might make more sense.
- JR Pass covers local and rapid JR East trains, including the Yamanote loop (jr pass yamanote line coverage)
- Tokyo Wide Pass offers unlimited JR East rides in the Kanto region
- JR passes tend to cost more but include longer-distance trips
- See if a JR plan fits your Tokyo only travel in our jr pass worth it tokyo only analysis
For a full breakdown of Tokyo transit passes and IC cards, see our tokyo transportation card comparison.
Calculate your savings
Here’s the thing, a typical single ride on Tokyo’s subway costs between 170 and 300 yen. If you’re doing more than a handful of trips every day, the pass quickly pays for itself.
Cost breakdown example
| Scenario | Avg fare per ride | Rides per day | 3-day total | Pass cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light user | 200 yen | 4 | 2,400 yen | 1,500 yen | 900 yen |
| Moderate user | 200 yen | 8 | 4,800 yen | 1,500 yen | 3,300 yen |
| Heavy user | 200 yen | 12 | 7,200 yen | 1,500 yen | 5,700 yen |
When it pays off
If you plan to make at least five rides per day, you’ll start seeing real savings. Once you hit eight rides, you’re already doubling your money back. It’s a no-brainer for city-first travelers.
Buy and activate ticket
Let’s walk through how to grab and start using your pass. You can buy it before you land or right after you touch down.
Where to buy
- Major international airports (Narita, Haneda) at Tokyo Metro counters
- Tokyo Metro station ticket offices and vending machines
- Selected travel agencies and online via the official Tokyo Metro site
- Tourist information centers in key districts
Activation steps
- Insert your ticket into the automatic gate reader at any Tokyo Metro or Toei station
- The gate will open and the 72-hour clock starts (don’t pull it out early)
- Keep the ticket handy, and tap it again when you exit or transfer
Use your ticket effectively
Now that your pass is live, let’s get you around without sweat.
Navigating the subway system
Tokyo’s subway map can look overwhelming, but stations use color-coded lines and letter-number codes like G-01 on the Ginza line. Grab a free pocket map at station counters or download the official Tokyo Metro app. Announcements are in Japanese and English, so you won’t miss your stop.
Tapping in and out
Tapping is dead simple. Just hold your ticket flat over the reader until the green light appears. The gates open instantly, then keep the pass handy in your wallet when you transfer lines.
Checking your validity
Your pass usually shows remaining validity if you insert it into a fare adjustment machine. Just pop it in the slot and you’ll see the end date and time. There’s no need to worry about missing expiration mid-ride, as gates will reject expired tickets with a clear error message.
Plan your Tokyo adventure
With your pass in hand, here are some top spots grouped by line to kick off your exploration.
Top attractions by line
- Ginza line (G): Tokyo Station, Imperial Palace, Ginza shopping
- Asakusa line (A): Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori
- Hibiya line (H): Roppongi Hills, Hibiya Park
- Chiyoda line (C): Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park
- Oedo line (E): Tokyo Tower, Roppongi nightlife
Sample three-day itinerary
- Day 1
- Tsukiji Outer Market (Hibiya line)
- Ginza shopping (Ginza line)
- Asakusa visit (Asakusa line)
- Day 2
- Shibuya scramble crossing (Hanzomon line)
- Harajuku stroll (Chiyoda line)
- Shinjuku night view (Marunouchi line)
- Day 3
- Akihabara electronics (Hibiya line)
- Ueno Park museums (Ginza line)
- Roppongi art scene (Hibiya line)
Know the key limitations
It’s worth knowing what the pass won’t cover so you can plan accordingly.
Excluded transport options
- JR East lines (Yamanote, Chuo, Keihin-Tohoku)
- Tokyo Metro and Toei buses
- Tokyo Monorail and private railways
- Airport express services (Narita Express)
Refund and extension policy
- Refunds only before first use at station ticket offices, minus a 220 yen fee
- No extensions once activated
- Advance purchases expire if not used within one month of issue
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the pass on JR lines?
No, the Tokyo Metro 72 Hour Ticket only covers Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. JR lines require a separate pass or fare.
Can I refund my ticket?
Yes, you can get a refund before you tap in the first time at any Tokyo Metro ticket office, but a handling fee of 220 yen applies.
Do children need a pass?
Kids under 6 ride free. Children aged 6 to 11 pay the child rate (750 yen for a 72-hour pass).
Where can I buy the pass in advance?
You can order online via the official Tokyo Metro site or pick it up at Narita and Haneda airport counters before you land.
Can I extend or pause the pass?
No, once you activate the ticket at a gate, the 72-hour timer starts, and there’s no way to pause or extend it.
If you found this guide helpful, let us know in the comments below and share it with fellow travelers. Enjoy stress-free subway rides across Tokyo!
