We'll be spending seven nights in Tokyo next April. I like to plan ahead and am wondering how difficult it is to navigate the subway system. I've done some research and will be purchasing an IC card - don't want to have to deal with cash. I also understand the various lines and how to identify the route you should be taking. I wonder, however, how difficult it will be to find the appropriate stations above-ground and to navigate the underground system to get from one platform to another. Also, once you have an IC card can you re-load it electronically via an in-station terminal or do you always have to go to ticket issuer and use cash? Advice will be appreciated.

We bought the IC card on our iPhones and reloaded them digitally whenever we needed to.

Google maps is your friend. Even tells you which carriage to get on for easy transfer. Super easy to reload an IC card but you do need cash to do this. A shortage of chips means IC cards aren’t available at all stations, but you can get them. Can also use an app.

Offline google maps saved us. No problems.

Get a Suica card, it makes life way easier. It's true . Otherwise, it's manageable. Just don't panic if lost and always arrange extra time. Remember there are too many exits (could be up to 200), so follow Google carefully

Hi Lucie! Definitely agree with the Google maps advice. We weren’t there long enough to bother with a card, but all the ticket machines have English options and take credit cards.

You can top up at various ticket machines in each train station or even at 7-11 (the cashier does it for you).
We found the finding the entrances the hardest part to navigate because there are so many. We got on a few wrong trains but as long as you don't have anything crucial booked, it's a fun way to get lost and find a new area of Tokyo to explore.

Sucia Card in your phones wallet. Just tap at the gate and go. Use google maps for directions it’s very easy.

join Japan Travel Planning lots of tips for how to get around. we had no problem using google maps

It's manageable especially if you have Google map on the phone which is very accurate. The map instruction will tell you which color / name of the line to take. Signage and train announcements are in English as well, and stations are numbered. As a last resort there is always Google translate, and there are tons of tourists around to ask of help (or just as lost LOL).
Be prepared to feel lost in larger stations with many exits. Shibuya Station has 3.6 million passengers going through DAILY. But that's ok, it's part of the fun and enjoy the vibe.

1. Add your Suica card to your iPhone and reload it through your phone. You can also use your Suica/Pasmo to purchase items at 7/11 and other stores. It’s definitely possible to load it electronically. I used my EQ Bank card, or you can use any card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees if you have one. Many people use the Wise card as well.
2. Some stations are easier to navigate than others. Google Maps is very specific about which train, letter, color, platform, and even carriage to take. Larger stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya can be very confusing and intimidating. The JR lines are a beast

Here are some screenshots I took to give you an idea of how specific Google Maps can be

I agree with everyone else above. Google maps WILL be your best friend. Train schedules are right to the tee, and you can adjust whatever time train you are planning to take on google maps. It will also tell you which car to get on that way when you get off at your station, it will be closer to your exit. Went last year, thought I’d get stressed out navigating around but honestly, it was super easy once you get used to using your app. Also, the station screens cycle through English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese I believe so no need to worry about that.
In case you’re planning on hopping on the train quite a bit during your trip and if cost might be something that you’d want to watch, they do offer a Tokyo Subway ticket valid for 24/48/72 hours which is ¥800/¥1200/¥1500 yen. Pretty easy to get. Only for the non JR lines though. If you’re still setting with OC, definitely Suica or Pasmo.
Could be easier to set it up on your phone wallet so you can top it off using Apple Pay or whatever android uses. Not only can you use it at train stations, but also some retailers take that as a method of payment.
Enjoy your trip

We just got back from Japan. You can buy a Suica card for tourists that lasts 28 days. Easy to tap in and out of stations. We used Google to navigate the train stations. It tells you everything you need to know, including the cost of your trip. Easy to load your card at the station but you need cash. Easier to get around by the colour of the line and the number of your station (rather than the name of the station). Lots of signs in English. Very easy & efficient to get around. Trains are always on time.

I had to buy Suica because I have an android phone. You can load Suica onto an iPhone if it's more current. It didn't work on my wife's iPhone 8.

Phone connection worked even though you might be on platform 3. Amazing connectivity!

DougAgreed. I bought my Suica card in the airport train terminal. Loads only with cash.

Am currently in Tokyo! IF You're planning to ride the metro lines multiple times a day would get the 24, 48 or 72 hour passes. You can order online and then scan the qr code at the ticket machine at the station. 3 rides per day pays for it. Suica cards are good when you take JR or private train lines.

Google maps is your friend. As previously mentioned you get very detailed instructions to where to walk and what levels.

It's very easy to get around, and you can recharge the cards at the machines.

It's pretty easy to get around and as others have said the Suica card is good. That said, the big stations have so many lines that they can be a bit tricky. Also if you get to the outskirts at least busy times, watch out for the express trains as you might find yourself passing through the station you want without stopping. It's no big deal to get out and head back in the other direction though. Ask me how I know!

Tokyo is the safest and easiest city to navigate. Plus, most of it is super flat. You can walk a lot of it. You’ll have fun and go back again.

Don't stress yourself out thinking about how confusing the Tokyo's subway system because of the many train lines it has. I found it passenger friendly becuase of the signage directions and there are information booths in every entrances with staff who can speak english. And the Japanese passengers are very friendly who are willing to help and give directions. A lot of times, when I seems confused and lost, someone would approach me and offered their help. Very friendly people.

Super easy. Do remember there are 2 subway lines though and so a ticket may work on one not the other.
I calculated I was fine just buying tickets at the station, I didn't use the trains that much as I wanted to walk and see things.
Big Tip all the ticket machines have a big Blue button (or something marked english) which you press and turns screen into English. Once you learn that, it becomes very easy to move around in Japan...

Google maps!
I did get lost several times, and I think it lied once or twice
My home city has a very simple system.

Very easy and everyone only too happy to help ! We are old and have had no problems - most signs etc are in English too

We stayed away from Shinjuku station. Just too big and intimidating. We walked mostly around the downtown area and used to subway no problem when needed.

We found it very easy. Google maps was great at showing the line, colour and station exits to use. The signs are in English as well and easy to navigate. The only station we had trouble on was trying to get out of ashinjuku station
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I just got back. Suica card for the win!!. For a week at least start by loading Y5,000. Easy to top up at the machines in the stations. Most signs are in English also and there are so many assistants in almost all the stations to help. Just remember to tap in and then out. When you tap out you will see how much remains on your card. I just used a credit card for everything big but had Y10,000 cash for some attractions. No tipping which helps save the cash. Day trip out of the city...Kanazawa, Takayama or Kyoto have lots to offer .

There are multiple companies operating trains/subway in Tokyo. They have separate ticketing. So if you buy a 24hr metro pass, it is only good on the Metro (not JR Line, or private rail lines). For that reason we found Suica a better option (it’s really a payment card, regardless of who you are paying)

Each subway line (Tokyo Metro) is colour coded with a letter in the circle (eg Hibiya line is grey with H). Each station is numbered so if you get on at H2 and are going to H10, it’s 8 stops.

Besides Google map, this app is helpful too. Download it. It will teach you how to take the subway

Make sure to follow the colors and get on the correct platform some stations are akin to a airport and others are just a normal station. It was only confusing the first time looking for a platform once we had to reuse the same stations over and over it was a lot easier. Leave a extra 15 min early and don't travel during rush hour. 10am-4pm 7pm-12am where our go too for time and it was never crowded enough that we had to squeeze.

That shit doesn't work with android phone only on iPhone, and the ghetto machines DONT take credit card (idk if broken) so cash is still king to get it sorted. Honestly shook how inefficient it was in Japan to get public transportation sorted lol but once u get the tap card it's all good just get ready to push through 5 million people and stairs

IC cards are great. You can use them to pay at convenience stores and big chain stores too.
Trains are pretty good at sticking to their schedule. So if you're waiting on a platform and a train arrives early, check that it is actually the train you want.
Multiple trains stop at the same platform sometimes. They could be completely different trains. Or they could be different speeds.
For example you might need to take a LOCAL train that stops at every stop along a line because your desired stop is less popular. If you accidentally get on a RAPID train, which skips a bunch of stops and usually stops at more major areas, it may not stop at your station. Or you might want the rapid train to save time.
Make sure you check on the outside of the train what speed it is!
Most platform will also have an attendant if you ever need help!
Good luck!