Metro's Gnome Tokyo
A great digital map app for every Tokyo visitor
Metro’s Gnome Tokyo is a great digital map app for every Tokyo visitor; it shows entrances to the Tokyo Metro and Tokyo Toei subway stations on a map at a glance. This application will make it extremely easy for Tokyo visitors to explore Tokyo.
Metro’s Gnome Tokyo’s Three Significant Features
#1: Easy and straightforward usage
Metro’s Gnome Tokyo uses a ‘Station Numbering’ system. The Station Numbers consist of a letter representing the subway line and a number for the station. This system is useful for visitors who cannot read the difficult Romaji, which was developed to describe the sound of Japanese words in the Roman alphabet.
#2: Easily accessible lines from ground-level entrances
Once you start the app on your smartphone, the application shows your current location through Google Maps. When you are in Tokyo, it will show the closest entrance to each metro station at the ground level from your current position*. When tapping the station number, users can find the name of a pinned entrance at the ground level alongside its available line and station name.
#3: Transferring tips for stations
This is a significant change from the previous version of the app. Metro’s Gnome Tokyo indicates whether visiting a ticket gate is necessary when transferring lines at certain stations. Even if the train transfer occurs under the same management company, you may need to go through the ticket gate. The app details this information per station, so it’s helpful for travellers with frequent transfers.
Additionally, Metro’s Gnome Tokyo has added major JR lines (with their stations and lines) in the waterfront area, accompanying the subways in Tokyo. This change will make travelling around Tokyo easier for visitors.
Notification
1. Metro’s Gnome Tokyo requires the user’s location to display a map showing nearby locations. Please allow the app to use your location while you’re using the app. When using the app for the first time, a permission request may be shown on the screen.
2. GPS at the underground level
A smartphone’s GPS accuracy can be worse when users are underground. In this case, the application may be unable to show your correct location; this is due to a smartphone’s function and not a failure of the app. Your GPS’ accuracy can be improved once you’ve connected to the free Wi-Fi offered by each station.