5 Best Tokyo Subway Map Apps for Android (2026 Guide)
Tokyo’s subway system has 13 Metro lines, 4 Toei lines, and the JR Yamanote loop — over 280 stations total. For English-speaking visitors, figuring out which line to take, where to transfer, and how much it costs can be overwhelming without the right app. These five Android apps are the most reliable options for navigating Tokyo’s subway in 2026, each with full English support and offline capability where it matters most.
At a Glance
| App | Price | Best For | Offline Maps | Route Planner | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Travel by NAVITIME | Free (premium available) | All-around Japan transit | Yes | Yes — trains, buses, walking | 4.6 stars |
| Tokyo Subway Navigation for Tourists | Free | First-time Tokyo visitors | Yes | Yes — subway only | 4.3 stars |
| Mapway Tokyo Metro | Free | Quick offline subway map | Yes | Yes — subway only | 4.3 stars |
| Google Maps | Free | Multimodal navigation | Partial (downloadable) | Yes — all transport modes | 4.1 stars |
| Tokyo Metro Guide and Planner | Free | AR station finder + cost calculator | Yes | Yes — subway only | 4.0 stars |
1. Japan Travel by NAVITIME
Developer: NAVITIME JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Latest Version: 10.15.0 (January 2026)
Play Store Rating: 4.6 stars
NAVITIME is the app most frequently recommended by experienced Japan travelers, and for good reason. It covers every type of transit in Japan — not just Tokyo subway lines, but JR trains, shinkansen, buses, and even walking routes between stations. The route search returns multiple options ranked by fastest time, fewest transfers, or lowest cost, and shows exact platform numbers and car positions so you know where to stand on the platform.
The English interface is thorough. Station names display in both English and Japanese side by side, which is critical for matching what you see on station signage. The app also includes a Japan Rail Pass mode that filters routes to only show JR-covered lines — a genuine time-saver if you’re traveling with a pass.
As of 2026, the app’s freeword search has been significantly improved, letting you search articles, spots, itineraries, and activities in a single query with filtering options. The free tier handles most transit needs. The premium subscription (around ¥500/month) unlocks alternative route suggestions, voice navigation, and offline route search.
Pros:
- Covers all of Japan’s transit, not just Tokyo subway
- Platform numbers and car position guidance
- Japan Rail Pass mode filters JR-only routes
- Offline spot search and saved routes (up to 50)
- Guides and articles written by foreign residents in Japan
Cons:
- Alternative routes require premium subscription
- Voice navigation is premium-only
- Interface can feel cluttered with the volume of information
Best for: Travelers who want one app for all Japan transit, especially if you’re leaving Tokyo for day trips to Kyoto, Osaka, or Hakone. [INTERNAL LINK: best travel apps for Japan]
2. Tokyo Subway Navigation for Tourists
Developer: Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. (official)
Latest Version: Updated 2026
Play Store Rating: 4.3 stars
Requires: Android 11.0 or later
This is the official app from Tokyo Metro itself, designed specifically for foreign tourists. It covers both Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines, and the route search calculates optimal transfers between the two systems automatically — something that trips up many visitors who don’t realize Metro and Toei are operated by different companies with separate fare structures.
The app supports six languages: English, Korean, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Thai, French, and Spanish. The offline functionality is genuine — you can search routes and view the full subway map without any internet connection, which matters because cellular coverage can be spotty in deep underground stations.
One standout feature is the “go from… to…” search that factors in real-time service disruptions when you’re online. The app also displays nearby station exits with landmarks, so you can orient yourself after emerging from underground.
Pros:
- Official app from Tokyo Metro — data is always accurate and current
- Works fully offline for route search and map viewing
- Six language support including English
- Shows exit information with nearby landmarks
- Completely free with no premium tier or ads
Cons:
- Only covers Tokyo Metro and Toei lines — no JR, private railways, or buses
- Does not calculate fare costs
- No walking directions between stations or to destinations outside the subway
Best for: First-time Tokyo visitors who primarily need subway-to-subway navigation within central Tokyo.
3. Mapway Tokyo Metro Subway Map & Route
Developer: Mapway (formerly mxData)
Latest Version: 4.2.0 (February 2026)
Play Store Rating: 4.3 stars
Mapway provides a clean, interactive map of the Tokyo Metro, Toei lines, and JR Yamanote line in a single view. The map is zoomable with station names displayed in both English and Japanese, and the route planner calculates journeys by fastest time or fewest changes. You can see journey time, number of stations, and exactly where to change lines.
The app was rebuilt from the ground up in its recent updates, and the result is noticeably faster and more responsive than the older version. The offline map works without any data connection, which makes it reliable for in-station use. You can also save favorite routes for quick access.
The main limitation is scope — it only covers subway and the Yamanote line, so if you need to take JR lines to places like Shinjuku’s southern exits (served by JR but not Metro), you’ll need a second app.
Pros:
- Clean, responsive interface with pan and zoom
- English and Japanese station names side by side
- Route planner with fastest/fewest changes options
- Full offline map functionality
- Includes JR Yamanote line alongside Metro and Toei
Cons:
- Does not show estimated fare costs
- Limited to subway and Yamanote — no broader JR network or buses
- Some users report occasional route suggestions that aren’t optimal during peak hours
Best for: Travelers who want a fast, lightweight subway map they can pull up instantly underground without waiting for data. [INTERNAL LINK: best subway map apps for Android]
4. Google Maps
Developer: Google LLC
Play Store Rating: 4.1 stars
Google Maps needs little introduction, but its Tokyo transit integration deserves specific attention. As of 2026, Google Maps provides real-time departure times for Tokyo Metro, Toei, and JR lines, including platform numbers at major stations. The familiar interface means zero learning curve — you search a destination, tap “Directions,” select the transit icon, and get step-by-step subway navigation with walking directions to and from stations.
The key advantage over dedicated subway apps is multimodal routing. Google Maps will suggest combinations of subway, bus, walking, and even taxi when that’s faster, which is common for destinations not directly on a subway line. The integration with Google’s POI database also means you can search for a restaurant or attraction by name and get transit directions directly.
For offline use, you can download map areas for basic navigation, but transit routing requires a data connection. This is the main drawback compared to dedicated subway apps.
Pros:
- Familiar interface with no learning curve
- Real-time transit information including departure times
- Multimodal routing (subway + bus + walking + taxi)
- Search by destination name, not just station
- Available in virtually every language
Cons:
- Transit routing requires internet connection — no true offline subway search
- Subway-specific details (exit numbers, platform positions) less detailed than dedicated apps
- Occasionally suggests routes with unnecessary transfers due to algorithm quirks
- Battery-intensive with location services running
Best for: Travelers who want one app for everything — navigation, restaurant discovery, and transit — and have reliable mobile data (pocket WiFi or local SIM/eSIM). [INTERNAL LINK: best Android apps for travelers]
5. Tokyo Metro Guide and Planner
Developer: EasyTransit (Discover Ukraine LLC)
Latest Version: Updated July 2025
Play Store Rating: 4.0 stars
This app fills a niche that others miss: it includes a fare cost calculator and an augmented reality station finder. Point your camera at the street and the AR overlay shows you the direction and distance to the nearest subway entrance — genuinely useful in dense neighborhoods like Shinjuku or Shibuya where station entrances are easy to walk past.
The route planner shows travel time, distance, and exact cost in yen, which is helpful for budgeting or deciding whether to walk a few stops. The offline maps cover the full Tokyo Metro and Toei network.
The app’s install base is smaller (around 10,000 downloads) compared to the others on this list, and updates are less frequent. But the feature set is solid for what it does.
Pros:
- Fare cost calculator shows exact trip price in yen
- AR station finder points you to nearest entrance
- Offline maps and route planning
- Clean interface with minimal clutter
Cons:
- Smaller user base and less frequent updates than competitors
- Does not provide real-time delay or disruption information
- No JR line coverage beyond basic connections
- AR feature drains battery quickly
Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who want to know exact fare costs before tapping their IC card, or anyone who struggles to find station entrances in busy neighborhoods.
Our Recommendation
For most visitors: Install Japan Travel by NAVITIME as your primary navigation app. It covers all transit types across Japan, shows platform numbers, and handles the complexity of Tokyo’s overlapping rail networks. Pair it with Google Maps for walking directions and restaurant/attraction search.
For subway-only navigation offline: Tokyo Subway Navigation for Tourists is the safest choice. It’s the official Tokyo Metro app, completely free, works fully offline, and the data is always accurate. Use this if you’re on a tight data budget or don’t have a local SIM.
For budget tracking: Tokyo Metro Guide and Planner is the only app on this list with a built-in fare calculator. If you’re watching yen, it helps you decide when to walk vs. ride.
A note on IC cards: Regardless of which app you use, pick up a Suica or Pasmo IC card (or set up a mobile Suica through Google Wallet if your phone supports it) when you arrive. These contactless transit cards work on virtually all Tokyo trains and buses, and eliminate the need to buy individual tickets. As of 2026, physical Suica cards have limited availability due to a global chip shortage, so the mobile version through Google Wallet is the more reliable option for Android users.