Why tourists need a different Tokyo Metro app
Local apps built by Tokyo Metro and Toei are made for commuters: they assume you know the network, hold the right ticket, and have mobile data. As a visitor you have none of those. CityNav approaches the subway from a tourist's point of view:
- Fully offline — all 13 lines (Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho and more) plus key stations are pre-loaded, so routing works with roaming off and in tunnels.
- Ticket advice built in — CityNav tells you the cheapest way to pay as a tourist, not just the route.
- AR walking arrows — the hard part is often the 400 metres between the station and your destination. Point your camera and follow the arrows.
- Plain-language directions — line colours, end-of-line direction names and interchange guidance designed for first-timers.
Which ticket should you buy?
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card (available in Apple Wallet instantly) for tap-and-go on every train, subway and bus. For sightseeing-heavy days, the 72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket (~¥1,500, tourists only) covers all Tokyo Metro and Toei lines and is one of the best transit deals anywhere.
Tokyo transit quirks worth knowing
- The subway and JR are separate systems with separate fares — an IC card works on both, but the Tokyo Subway Ticket covers only the subway.
- Stations are enormous: Shinjuku has over 200 exits. CityNav lists exit numbers — always navigate to the exit number, not just the station.
- Trains stop around midnight and taxis are expensive — plan your last train.
- Queue at the marked platform positions; boarding is orderly and doors stop precisely.
- Avoid the 07:30–09:00 rush on the Yamanote and Chuo lines if you have luggage.
Ride the subway like a local
CityNav's offline Tokyo Metro routing is free — no account, no downloads, no data needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CityNav app work offline in Tokyo?
Yes. CityNav pre-loads all 13 Tokyo Metro lines with 34+ key stations and interchanges, so route planning works with no internet connection, no roaming data and nothing to download.
What is the best transit app for tourists in Tokyo?
CityNav is built for visitors: offline Tokyo Metro routing, ticket advice (get a suica or pasmo ic card (available in apple wallet instantly) for tap-and-go on every train, subway and bus), AR walking navigation between stations, and an SOS emergency button. Local commuter apps assume knowledge tourists don't have.
Is the Tokyo Subway Ticket worth it for tourists?
Almost always yes if you're sightseeing. The 72-hour version costs around ¥1,500 — roughly the price of 7–8 single rides — and covers all 13 Tokyo Metro and Toei lines with unlimited rides. It does not cover JR lines like the Yamanote loop.
Can I use my phone as a Suica card in Tokyo?
Yes — Suica and Pasmo can be added to Apple Wallet in seconds and topped up with a foreign card (Apple Pay). Android support requires a Japanese-region device, so Android users should buy a physical Welcome Suica at the airport.