Visiting Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan and a top destination for tourists, is a must on any trip to Tokyo. While many travel guides mention taxis or buses, the most efficient, scenic, and affordable way to reach Tokyo Skytree is by subway—specifically, the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to get to Tokyo Skytree by subway, focusing on the Hanzomon Line as the most convenient and strategic route.
Whether you’re starting from Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Tokyo Station, we’ll walk you through every step of the journey, including transfer tips, fare details, travel time, and insider tips to make your visit smooth and memorable.
What Is the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line?
The Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line (Z Line) is one of Tokyo’s major subway lines, colored purple on maps. It runs from Shibuya Station in the west to Oshiage Station in the northeast, which is the closest station to Tokyo Skytree.
Key Features of the Hanzomon Line:
- Color Code: Purple
- Line Symbol: Z
- Direct Access to Skytree: Oshiage Station (Z-14)
- Major Stations on the Line: Shibuya, Omotesando, Aoyama-itchome, Nagatacho, Hanzomon, Kudanshita, Otemachi, Kinshicho, Oshiage
Because the Hanzomon Line stops directly at Oshiage Station, it’s one of the best subway lines to reach Tokyo Skytree without needing long walks or extra transfers.
Why Take the Subway to Tokyo Skytree?
Using the subway in Tokyo has many advantages:
- Affordable: Around ¥200–¥300 per ride.
- Fast: Avoid traffic congestion.
- Punctual: Trains run every 2–5 minutes.
- Direct Access: Oshiage Station is located right beneath the Tokyo Skytree Town.
Compared to taxis or buses, subways offer a predictable and cost-effective experience—especially for foreign travelers with IC cards like PASMO or Suica.
Route 1: From Shibuya to Tokyo Skytree via Hanzomon Line
Shibuya is the starting point of the Hanzomon Line, making this the easiest and most direct route.
✅ Step-by-Step Directions:
- Enter Shibuya Station (Z-01) and follow signs for the Hanzomon Line.
- Board the Hanzomon Line bound for Oshiage.
- Stay on the train for 13 stops (about 30 minutes).
- Get off at Oshiage Station (Z-14).
🕒 Travel Time: ~30 minutes
💴 Fare: ¥210 (with IC card)
🔄 Transfers: None (Direct)
The best part? You don’t have to transfer at all—just board and relax. Plus, the Hanzomon Line passes through scenic areas and iconic stations like Omotesando and Otemachi.
Route 2: From Shinjuku to Tokyo Skytree via Hanzomon Line
Shinjuku is not on the Hanzomon Line, so you’ll need to make one quick transfer.
✅ Step-by-Step Directions:
- From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Otemachi Station.
- At Otemachi Station, transfer to the Hanzomon Line.
- Ride the Hanzomon Line to Oshiage Station (about 7 stops).
🕒 Travel Time: ~35–40 minutes
💴 Fare: ¥250–¥300
🔄 Transfers: 1 (at Otemachi)
Tip: The Otemachi Station transfer is underground and well-marked, but it may require a 5-minute walk through connecting corridors.
Route 3: From Tokyo Station to Tokyo Skytree via Hanzomon Line
While the Hanzomon Line doesn’t serve Tokyo Station directly, it connects conveniently via Otemachi Station, which is directly connected to Tokyo Station underground.
✅ Step-by-Step Directions:
- From Tokyo Station, walk through underground passage to Otemachi Station.
- At Otemachi, board the Hanzomon Line toward Oshiage.
- Ride to Oshiage Station (7 stops).
🕒 Travel Time: ~25–30 minutes
💴 Fare: ¥200–¥250
🔄 Transfers: None (walk-through only)
The underground passage from Tokyo to Otemachi is well-signposted, air-conditioned, and often used by commuters.
Arrival at Oshiage Station (Z-14)
When you arrive at Oshiage Station via the Hanzomon Line:
- Use Exit B3 or B4 to go directly into Tokyo Skytree Town.
- Signs in English, Chinese, and Korean guide visitors clearly.
- There are elevators and escalators for easy access.
At this point, you are already within the Tokyo Skytree complex. From the exit, just follow signs to:
- Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck (Observation Deck)
- Tokyo Solamachi (shopping mall)
- Sumida Aquarium and Postal Museum Japan
IC Cards and Tickets: What You Need to Ride
Recommended IC Cards:
- PASMO
- Suica
- Both work on Tokyo Metro, Toei lines, JR lines, and even buses.
You can purchase them at vending machines or at airport train stations (Haneda or Narita).
If you don’t have an IC card, you can buy a paper ticket for each ride. Fare from Shibuya or Otemachi to Oshiage is typically under ¥300.
Tokyo Subway Ticket Option
For tourists staying multiple days, the Tokyo Subway 72-Hour Ticket is ideal. It gives unlimited access to all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.
- Price: ¥1,500 for adults (72 hours)
- Where to buy: Airports, tourist counters, online, or select hotels
- Works on: Hanzomon Line and all Tokyo Metro routes
Using this pass, you can explore multiple neighborhoods and make spontaneous stops along the Hanzomon Line.
Final Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Avoid rush hour (7:30–9:00 am & 5:30–7:30 pm).
- Use Google Maps or Navitime for live train times and platform info.
- Download the Tokyo Metro app for multilingual navigation.
- Arrive early at Skytree for tickets and shorter lines.
Conclusion
The Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line offers one of the most efficient and scenic routes to Tokyo Skytree. Whether you’re coming from Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Tokyo Station, using the subway is economical, fast, and tourist-friendly.
Now that you know how to get to Tokyo Skytree by subway, your journey to one of Japan’s top landmarks will be stress-free and memorable. So tap your PASMO card, hop on the Hanzomon Line, and enjoy the view—your Tokyo adventure awaits! Tokyo Skytree!
