๐ Which train, and when does it come?
How to Use / Which train, and when does it come?
You’ve got your route. But Japanese subways come with a catch: trains heading the same direction don’t all stop at the same stations. Board whatever pulls in and you might sail past your stop.
01 When the next train arrives
Tap a station and it’s right there
Tap a station on the home map and a panel slides up. Train arrivals shows how many minutes until the next train, its type, and its destination.
Arrivals are split by direction, so check yours first. Swipe the line badges at the top to see other lines through that station.
02 Don’t just board any train
Rapid, Express, Limited Express โ what’s the difference?
Most subways elsewhere stop everywhere. In Japan, several types of train use the same platform in rotation, and each skips different stations.
| Type | What it means |
|---|---|
| Local | Stops at every station |
| Rapid | Skips some stations |
| Special Rapid | Skips more than Rapid |
| Express / Semi-Express | Mostly used by private railways. Also skips stations |
| Limited Express | Fewest stops. Sometimes requires a surcharge |
Names vary by line โ you’ll see things like Chuo Special Rapid or Ome Special Rapid. You don’t need to memorise them. Just remember: anything other than Local skips stations.
Check the destination too. Some lines split partway along. Right train type, wrong destination, and you’ll still end up somewhere unexpected.
03 Planning ahead, and when trains don’t come
Timetables and service notices
The Timetable tab shows a full day of departures with train types and destinations. Change the date to plan tomorrow, or hit Holiday for holiday schedules โ Japan runs different timetables on weekdays and holidays.
First train and Last train buttons jump straight to those times. Last trains run earlier here than you might expect, and late-night services sometimes change type or destination, so check before a late night out.
Train not showing up? Check Service notices at the bottom of the home screen. It shows how many delays or suspensions are active; pull the banner up for details on each line. Tap through and you’ll often find alternative route suggestions โ worth searching those rather than waiting it out.