Tokyo subway - its something else

I have been lucky enough to travel on a few subways internationally; for me, it is the favoured mode of transport in a foreign city. Travelling on the Tokyo subway is something else, this city of 9 million people needs an efficient transportation system.

This complex network of lines takes a little navigating, mastering the subway map is the first step in navigating the network and these days of online devices certainly assists newcomers to the system.

There is English translations on the subway maps, this certainty aids navigation but what really impresses me is the sheer complexity of the system. The absolute volume of people utilising this rail system daily is astounding, yet it is relatively simple to navigate for a tourist.

The fare adjustment machines aid fast movement, when you have exceeded the fare on your paper based ticket if you are not using an electronic transit card. You can easily add the required funds to the ticket and pass through the turnstiles - it’s a pretty decent system.