Metro's Gnome Tokyo

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.

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.

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.