In the last post we shared some insight into the challenges faced by navigating Tokyo’s density with a stroller. We touched on the problem with using a large stroller during rush hour traffic. Now we want to provide useful information for how to successfully ride the Tokyo metro system with your babies.
The Tokyo subway and transit system is one of the largest in the world, behind only New York and Paris. Over 8 million passengers utilize this intracity network daily. This system joins all the prefectures, neighborhoods, and airports together in a seamlessly connected web. With this metro system you will never need a car when staying in Tokyo.
The transit system may seem daunting at first glance, there are over 286 stations across 13 lines between the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. This system spans over 300 kilometers (186 miles!). Planning ahead will make your life much easier and more successful when getting around the city.
At the end, we’ll provide a bonus pro-tip for parents to help with accessing elevators!
The first (and most important) thing to know
Knowing when to avoid the rush hour is critical. For example, if you were to visit Los Angeles, you would most likely aim to avoid sitting in brutal bumper to bumper traffic if you could. The last thing you need is a bored baby crying in the backseat! Likewise, coordinating your trips around rush hour will make getting on, getting off, and riding the subway easier for you and your little ones.
The morning rush hour
The morning rush hour is between 7:30 - 9:00 am and is more concentrated and heavier than the evening rush hour. During this time passengers may be smashed together and unable to move making it nearly impossible to get on with a stroller. If you are in dire need to travel during this time consider taking the bus or a taxi as both are just as convenient for getting around Tokyo.
Some lines are more popular than others and these are the most used:
Tokyo Metro Tozai Line
The Tozai line runs East and West from the Nakano Station in Nakano-ku to the Nishi-Funabashi Station in the Chiba Prefecture. It runs through some very popular locations including Shinjuku and Chiyoda. This line alone services around 76,000 riders during peak hours and around 1.6 million passengers daily.
Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
The second most used line is the Chiyoda line carrying roughly 1.4 million passengers daily. This green line runs from Yoyogi-Uehara in Shibuya to Ayase in Adachi and unfortunately also provide convenient access to many of the top tourist destinations including: Imperial Palace, Akihabara, Edo Castle, Shinjuku Goyen National Garden, and the Yasukuni Shrine.
It may not be possible to avoid these major lines or having to venture out or getting caught unintentionally in rush hour. However, there are a few stations worth mentioning because they get super busy and crowded since both locals and tourists use them.
Shibuya Station
Shibuya station was considered the fourth-busiest commuter rail station in the world. It caters to a large population of commuter traffic between the city center and the suburbs to the south and west. Things might get tight with your little ones, keep them close and don’t forget to check out the crossing if you find your-self in this neighborhood!
Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku station is the main connecting hub for commuters between central and eastern Tokyo. The station is used by at least 3.59 million people per day making it the busiest railway station in the world. It contains 53 total platforms that can be accessed through a maze of hallways and is easy to get turned around. Check out the underground arcade if you happen to pass through.
Tokyo Station
The Shinkansen (high-speed rails) network connects to this hub that sees more than 4,000 trains pass through daily. This station is the fifth-busiest serving more than 500,000 commuters every day. Use this station to venture out to other major cities across the country.
When using this metro, keep these tips in mind to make your ride with your little ones as smooth as possible.
Children under 6 ride for free
Great news! Your little ones will be able to accompany you (2 kids per adult) free of charge and children up to 12 get half priced adult fare. This means less hassle with purchasing and using tickets.
Find the cars with designated accessibility zones
Each set of metro cars has at least 1 car containing a zone designated for pregnant ladies and people with young children (along with disabled and elderly). Take advantage of these zones! They are identified with this symbol. Typically regular riders will avoid these areas unless the car gets crowded. Often if people are standing it, they will yield the zone to you and your little ones.
Look for these symbols
Often the metro is underground, and with each added new line it only gets deeper (The Fukutoshin line is 89 ft deep!) Elevators are essential to making your stroller accessible. Keep an eye out for these symbols when looking for access:
Elevator inside the gate
Elevator outside the gate
These symbols can be found in stations like so:
Get from point A to point B with your little ones by following these tips to make your metro ride as painless as possible. How has your experience been, did we miss anything critical? We would love to hear your comments!
Bonus tip: When using google maps to route your commute, turn on the disabled accessibility mode. This will easily show you where the elevators are located in your station. Sometimes these stations have multiple exits making the elevator difficult to locate!
Extra bonus tip: Just for making it all the way to the end we're sharing another cool tool. If you want an app to help with navigation check out: Japan Travel (https://apps.apple.com/us/
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