CityNav
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The Best Travel App for Tokyo

Tokyo has the world's most punctual rail network — trains average an 18-second delay — but it's also the most complex. JR East, Tokyo Metro (9 lines) and Toei (4 lines) are three separate operators on overlapping routes. Knowing which ticket, which operator and which exit saves hours across a typical tourist week.

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Home › 🇯🇵 Tokyo Travel App
13Rail Lines
34Key Stations
3Operators Covered
100%Works Offline

Why CityNav Is the Best Travel App for Tokyo

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JR, Tokyo Metro and Toei — all offline

CityNav covers all three major Tokyo rail operators in a single offline database. No need to switch between separate apps for JR trains and Metro — plan the full journey from Shinjuku to Asakusa in one view, no mobile data required.

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Suica & Pasmo IC card guidance

Tokyo's IC cards work across every JR, Metro, Toei and private rail service — and at convenience stores and vending machines. CityNav explains the IC card system up front so you tap correctly from your first journey, avoiding the common tourist mistake of buying single-journey tickets.

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The world's most punctual trains — navigated accurately

Because Tokyo trains are so reliably on time, CityNav's offline timetables are genuinely useful for planning connections. Miss a transfer by 30 seconds and the next train is never more than 3-5 minutes away — the app shows you exactly when and where.

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AR walking directions from complex station exits

Tokyo station has 51 exits. Shinjuku has 200+. CityNav's AR walking mode shows directional arrows the moment you step outside, so you never spend 10 minutes walking in the wrong direction from the wrong exit.

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SOS emergency button

Hold for 3 seconds to send your live GPS coordinates via SMS to up to three contacts — essential for solo travellers in a city where language barriers make asking for help difficult.

Getting to Tokyo's Top Landmarks by Transit

Every stop below is covered in CityNav's offline database — tap the station in-app for real-time departures and AR walking directions to the entrance.

📍 Shibuya Crossing

🚇 Shibuya (JR Yamanote, Ginza, Hanzomon, Fukutoshin)

Multiple lines serve Shibuya. Exit via the Hachiko exit for the famous scramble crossing.

📍 Senso-ji Temple

🚇 Asakusa (Ginza line or Asakusa line)

The Ginza line Asakusa exit puts you at the foot of Kaminarimon Gate — the classic Senso-ji entrance.

📍 Tokyo Skytree

🚇 Oshiage (Hanzomon line, Asakusa line, Narita Sky Access)

Oshiage station is directly below Tokyo Skytree — take the Hanzomon line from Shibuya in about 20 minutes.

📍 Tsukiji Outer Market

🚇 Tsukiji (Hibiya line)

The Hibiya line runs directly to Tsukiji station, a 3-minute walk from the outer market.

Navigate to any landmark →

Tourist Transit Tip for Tokyo

💡 Suica or Pasmo IC card: Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card — it works on every train, subway, bus and even at convenience stores.

CityNav surfaces this pass recommendation automatically when you open the app in Tokyo — so you spend less time researching and more time exploring.

Download CityNav for Tokyo

Free to download. Walking and driving navigation free forever. AR navigation, offline transit maps and SOS emergency included.

Download on the App Store → Use in Browser

Frequently Asked Questions — Travelling in Tokyo

What is the best app for tourists visiting Tokyo?

CityNav covers all three major Tokyo rail operators — JR East, Tokyo Metro and Toei — in one offline app. It works without any mobile data, includes AR walking directions from any of Tokyo's notoriously complex station exits, and recommends the Suica/Pasmo IC card strategy that saves money on every journey.

Which Tokyo Metro app works without internet?

CityNav works fully offline for all 13 major Tokyo rail lines covering JR, Metro and Toei services. Since Tokyo's trains run underground for large portions of the network with no phone signal, offline functionality is essential — not optional.

Do I need a Suica or Pasmo card in Tokyo?

Yes — it's the single most important thing a tourist can do on arrival. Both IC cards work across all JR, Tokyo Metro, Toei and private rail lines (no switching apps or tickets between operators). They also work at convenience stores and vending machines. CityNav explains the IC card system so you set it up correctly at the airport before entering the city.

How complex is Tokyo's rail network for tourists?

Tokyo has three major rail operators on overlapping routes — JR East (including the Yamanote loop), Tokyo Metro (9 lines) and Toei Subway (4 lines). Individual tickets require knowing which operator's gate to use; an IC card eliminates this entirely. CityNav maps all operators in one view and recommends the IC card to avoid confusion.

What Tokyo rail lines does CityNav cover?

CityNav covers 13 major Tokyo rail lines: the Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya, Tozai, Chiyoda, Yurakucho, Hanzomon, Namboku and Fukutoshin lines (Tokyo Metro), plus the Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku and Oedo lines (Toei), all available offline.

How do I get from Narita or Haneda airport to Tokyo?

From Narita: the N'EX (Narita Express) or Keisei Skyliner are the fastest options to central Tokyo. From Haneda: the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho (JR) or the Keikyu line to Shinagawa or Asakusa are both quick and cheap. CityNav maps connections from both airports.

Explore More Cities

CityNav covers 28 major cities worldwide with the same offline maps, AR navigation and SOS emergency.

🇬🇧 London🇫🇷 Paris🇺🇸 New York🇮🇹 Rome View all 28 cities →