10 Most Traffic Subway Stations in Tokyo

The Tokyo subway system is one of the busiest in the world, with millions riding its trains every day across its expansive network of over 130 stations. With so many riders cramming into trains and stations, some hubs inevitably see more traffic than others.

Here’s a look at the 10 busiest subway stations in Tokyo based on daily passenger numbers in fiscal year 2022:

Ikebukuro Station – 461,392 passengers daily

This bustling station is a major interchange between multiple subway lines as well as JR and private railways. It serves the vibrant Ikebukuro district packed with shops, restaurants and entertainment. Ridership was up 14.2% over the previous year.

Otemachi Station – 277,497 passengers daily

As a hub station connecting three subway lines in the heart of Tokyo’s business district, Otemachi unsurprisingly sees huge commuter traffic. Numbers were up 16.4% over fiscal 2021.

Kita-Senju Station – 215,800 passengers daily

Serving as an important transfer station between subway and train lines headed towards northern suburbs, Kita-Senju keeps getting busier as development expands in the area. Ridership grew 8.6% year-over-year.

Ginza Station – 188,770 passengers daily

Situated right by the luxury shopping district that gives it its name, Ginza Station is a key hub drawing shoppers and commuters alike. It saw an 18.9% increase in traffic compared to fiscal 2021.

Shinjuku Station – 180,278 passengers daily

As the world’s busiest train station, it’s no surprise that the Shinjuku subway station is similarly packed. Serving the expansive commercial and business district, ridership grew 12.1%.

Toyosu Station – 176,881 passengers daily

This busy station opened in 2008 to serve the newly redeveloped Toyosu waterfront. Ridership has rapidly grown since, increasing 19.0% over fiscal 2021.

Shimbashi Station – 173,836 passengers daily

A gateway to the major business centers of Shiodome and Shinbashi, this station saw commuter numbers increase by 18.8% year-over-year.

Ueno Station – 162,861 passengers daily

Serving a major cultural district packed with museums, shops and restaurants, Ueno draws both tourists and commuters. Ridership grew 19.8% over fiscal 2021.

Tokyo Station – 162,608 passengers daily

Connecting to Japan’s busiest train station, it’s only natural the subway Tokyo Station itself would be busy. Ridership was up 24.1% year-over-year.

Shibuya Station – 158,056 passengers daily

Rounding out the top 10 is the iconic Shibuya Station at the heart of Tokyo’s youth culture and nightlife district. Commuter traffic grew 20.2% over fiscal 2021.

With many stations seeing double-digit spikes in passenger traffic, Tokyo’s subway system remains an integral part of keeping this massive metropolis moving. As development continues spreading across Tokyo, these stations will likely only get busier in the years to come. Riders should expect packed trains and bustling concourses at these subway hotspots.