Using the same line to go back from where you came from

7 comments

1. In my experience, Google maps will give you your options, but it’s not always accurate. It’s better to check the map at station, the map on the train of the line your riding, and/or ask an attendant if you’re unsure.

   Edited for a typo

2. It’s possible the next train going back, even though it’s the same line name and color, doesn’t actually go to where you want to go. It’s also possible that some are local (more stops) and some are express (fewer stops). Google will recommend the fastest convenient route.

3. It’s mostly based on timing, the Yamanote and Fukutoshin line could have the same amount of time walking/on train, but one leaves eariler one way and later the other.

4. The Tokyo metro is like spaghetti.

   Sometimes the it is faster using Line A if you depart now. Wait 2 minutes and it is faster to use Line B as the Line B train will be departing soon.

5. Well, there are 12 different train lines at Shinjuku and 9 at Shibuya. All leaving within seconds and minutes of one another. Odds are there will be a faster way back than the way you came, but it doesn’t mean you have to do it. You can just go back the same way if you want. Just make sure you get the same train as others may use the same tracks. Apps and tracking maps try to save you time so recommend other lines.

   Edit: if anyone’s interested.

   Shinjuku:

   Chuo main, Chuo rapid, Chuo-Sobu, Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku, Yamanote, Keio, Keio New, Odakyu, Oedo, Shinjuku, Marunouchi. (Seibu Shinjuku at Seibu Shinjuku station, Fukutoshin at Shinjuku Sanchome station).

   Shibuya:

   Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku, Yamanote, Keio Inokashira, Den-en-toshi, Toyoko, Ginza, Hanzomon, Fukutoshin.

6. Just a point, but you should be careful when using Google to properly specify Shinjuku **Station**, Shibuya **Station**, etc. Otherwise it will try to route you between the representative location (center) of the geographic area of Shinjuku **City**, Shibuya **City**, etc.

   I’m pointing this out because the Fukutoshin Line does not actually stop at Shinjuku Station. It stops at Shinjuku Sanchome Station, which is close, but is still very distinctly a separate station. Google must be suggesting it because you are literally searching for ‘Shinjuku’ and not ‘Shinjuku Station’. Using a dedicated train routing app can avoid this potential confusion.

7. Probably when you googled Shinjuku to Shibuya, you were closer to Shinjuku Sanchome so Google gave you the fastest route from where you were standing. But being in Shinjuku asking for Shibuya to Shinjuku probably it gave you the fastest real route which is JR Yamanote