There are several subway map apps available for English-speaking users to navigate the complex Tokyo public transportation system. Here are some of the best apps:
Top 5 Tokyo Subway Map Apps for Android
1. Japan Official Travel App
Android Rating: 4.7 stars
Japan Official Travel App is the official smartphone app provided by JNTO that offers up-to-date information about traveling in Japan for a safe and comfortable journey. It contains content-rich articles, route search, and offline spot search features to help plan and travel your journey across Japan.
Pros:
-Regularly updated articles and tourist spot information
-Route search compatible with Japan Rail Pass
-Zoomable interactive train map
-Offline spot search for free Wi-Fi hotspots, tourist information centers, stations, and hospitals
Cons:
-Participation in a survey is required for initial access
-Uses GPS in the background
Benefits for English Users:
The app contains content-rich articles written in English, as well as route search and offline spot search features. This makes it easier for English users to plan and navigate their journey in Japan.
2. Japan Travel by NAVITIME
Android Rating: 4.6 stars
Japan Travel by NAVITIME is a great app for tourists visiting Tokyo, providing helpful guides, articles, and route search options.
Pros:
- Navigates from point of departure to destination
- Provides platform numbers, station lists, and timetables
- Zoomable interactive map of Tokyo area
- Save up to 50 recently searched routes
- Japan Rail Pass mode
- Offline spot search
- Create travel plans with favorite spots
- Recommended itineraries
Cons:
- Alternative routes only available with paid version
- Voice navigation only available with paid version
- Rankings of articles only available with paid version
- Rain & snow radar only available with paid version
Benefits for English users:
Japan Travel by NAVITIME is especially helpful for English speaking tourists visiting Tokyo, as it provides guides and articles written by foreign authors residing in Japan. The app also allows users to create their own travel plans with their favorite spots, and provides recommended itineraries for areas throughout the country.
3. Tokyo Subway Navigation (by Tokyo Metro)
Android Rating: 4.1 stars
This Tokyo Metro app is an interactive and comprehensive map of the Tokyo Metro, Toei lines, and JR Yamanote line.
It has features like journey time calculations, Uber integration, and the ability to save favourite routes. Mapway Apps is available for free on Google Play and users can join the Mapway Apps community on Facebook or Twitter.
Pros:
- Clear map with pan and zoom
- Search for any station
- Route planner calculates the best route
- See journey time, number of stations, and where to change
- Save favourite routes
- Uber integration
Cons:
- The app requires a number of permissions.
- The app is not available for iOS devices.
Benefits for English users:
This app is especially beneficial for English users as it includes an Uber integration, allowing users to book a taxi within seconds and continue their journey after using the Tokyo Metro.
4. Tokyo Metro Guide and Planner
The Tokyo Metro Guide and Subway Route Planner is a helpful tool to easily navigate the city using the subway. It features a detailed and up to date subway map, route planner, cost calculator, Augmented Reality function to find nearby subway stations, and works offline.
Pros:
- Accurate and up-to-date subway maps
- Quick and convenient route planner with travel time and distance information
- Exact trip cost calculator
- Find the nearest subway station to you using the Augmented Reality function
- Useful information about routes, prices and payment options
- Works offline
Cons:
- Does not provide real-time information about delays or service disruptions.
- Not as popular as other apps on this list, only 10k downloads
Benefits for English users:
This app is beneficial for English-speaking tourists visiting Tokyo as it provides accurate and up-to-date subway maps, quick and convenient route planning with travel time and distance information, exact trip cost calculator, and useful information about routes, prices and payment options. Additionally, the Augmented Reality function allows users to easily find the nearest subway station. The app also works offline, making it a great tool for navigating the Tokyo subway system.
5. Google Maps
Android Rating: 4.1 stars
Google Maps is a popular navigation app that provides transit information for various transportation modes, including Tokyo’s subway system. With its intuitive interface and rich features, it helps English-speaking tourists visiting Tokyo navigate the intricate subway system efficiently and effectively.
Pros:
- Familiar interface and functionality for most users, making it easy to use
- Provides real-time transit information, including departure times and platform numbers
Cons:
- May not be as specialized or focused on Tokyo’s subway system as dedicated transit apps
- Transit information may not always be as up-to-date as official sources
Benefits for English users:
The Google Maps app offers an English interface, making it accessible and easy to understand for English-speaking tourists. In addition to route search and real-time transit information, the app also provides information on nearby attractions, dining options, and other points of interest, making it a convenient tool for travelers exploring Tokyo by subway.
These apps will help you navigate Tokyo’s public transportation system with ease. Be sure to download them before your trip and familiarize yourself with their features to make your journey smoother.