What time do trains stop running in Tokyo at night?

Find out when Tokyo's last trains typically leave, how to check the final departure for your own station, and what to do if you miss it.

Published October 20, 2026 at 6:45 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Most Tokyo trains and subways stop around midnight to 1 a.m. and begin again around 5 a.m., with last departures typically between about 23:30 and 00:30 on subway lines. The exact last train depends on the line, station and direction, and weekends can differ, so check the operator's timetable for your station before you head out.

The general pattern

Tokyo's rail network does not run all night. The Tokyo tourism guide to the subway reports that trains generally run from about 5:00 to 24:00, that last trains usually leave between 23:30 and 00:30, and that first trains start around 5:00. The Tokyo tourism guide's nightlife tips add that trains stop running around midnight and do not start again until 5 or 6 a.m.

The big JR lines keep to a similar schedule. One English-language article on the Yamanote Line, the loop around central Tokyo, gave the first train as around 4:26 in the morning and the end of service at around 1:04 the next morning, which was the schedule when the article was written. Late-night times can change, so check a current timetable.

The gap between the last and first trains is when the system is closed for maintenance and cleaning. During those hours, trains do not run on regular lines, so the options for getting around are taxis, walking, or waiting for the morning service. Some people plan their evenings with that gap in mind, either leaving early or staying out until the first train.

How to find your own last train

The final departure for a specific station varies, even on the same line. A train that leaves a central station at 00:10 may be the last one to reach a suburb, while a different direction may finish earlier. Operators publish timetables for every station, in English and Japanese, and the Tokyo Metro site has station timetable pages for each line and direction.

Route-search tools also show last trains. Many of them have a "last train" option when you enter your start point and destination, which finds the final departure that still gets you there. Use it before you leave your hotel or the restaurant so you can decide when to head to the station.

Remember to check your return leg, not just the outbound one. A trip from the city to a seaside or mountain destination may have last trains much earlier than in central Tokyo. For airports, check the schedule of the specific airport line, since late arrivals and early departures may rely on other transport. Confirm all times on the official operator page.

Weekdays, weekends and special days

Timetables are not always the same every day. Many railways run a weekday schedule and a weekend and holiday schedule, and last-train times can be different. Some operators occasionally add extra late-night trains on special days, but this varies by year, so check the operator's announcements instead of assuming.

Rush hours matter too. The Tokyo tourism guide gives roughly 7:30 to 9:30 and 17:30 to 19:30 as the busy periods, and trains near the end of service can also be busy. If your plans run late, leave a little time before the final departure.

Disruptions can affect timing. Weather, delays or events can change service, and the last train may leave earlier or later than the posted time. Operators post service information on their websites and at stations. Keep an eye on notices if you are traveling late, and have a backup plan ready.

Alternatives after the last train

Taxis are the most common option. The Tokyo tourism guide describes taxis as the quickest and most convenient way to get around at night, since there is less traffic. The Japan National Tourism Organization says taxi fares include an extra charge between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., fares are based on the meter, and for a rough idea a 7 km Tokyo ride taking about 25 minutes costs roughly 2,500 to 3,000 yen during the day.

To use a taxi, look for the sign on the front. JNTO says red means the taxi can pick up passengers and green means it is occupied. The doors open and close automatically, so passengers should not touch them. Credit cards are generally accepted in major city taxis, drivers do not expect tips, and it helps to have your destination written in Japanese.

Other options exist. Some visitors stay in the area until the first train in the morning, or choose accommodation within walking distance of where they will spend the evening. Staying close to your evening plans makes the last train less of a concern. Ask your accommodation about late-night options, and plan a route before the evening begins.

Who it suits and special cases

Families with young children and older travelers generally plan to be back well before the last train, since late rides can be tiring and taxi fares add up. Solo travelers may prefer to head back earlier and use a route they know. If you are going out with a group, choose one person to track the departure time.

Visitors staying in the suburbs or in neighboring cities such as Yokohama need to check the last train times for those lines, which can be earlier than the central Tokyo subway. If you stay near an airport, check the last airport line departures, particularly if you arrive late.

Travelers on a rail pass should remember that the pass does not cover taxis or subways. If you miss the last train, you will need cash or a card for a taxi. Keep some money available, and know the address of your accommodation in Japanese or have it on your phone.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is assuming trains run until 1 a.m. everywhere. Last trains often leave earlier than that. Another is checking only the time shown for the central station. The last train from a hub may leave later than the last connection at a smaller station on the way, so check the actual connection.

Many visitors also forget the transfer. If your trip needs a transfer, the last connecting train may leave before the last train on the first line. Use a route-search tool with the last-train option, and note which platform to use. If you cut it close, the transfer walking time at large stations can matter.

A third mistake is not having a plan B. Keep your accommodation address handy, know where taxis wait, and keep your phone charged. If you miss the train, stay calm; taxis are widely available in Tokyo, as the tourism guide notes, and staff can help.

Wrap-up and next steps

Tokyo's trains usually stop around midnight and restart around 5 a.m., with subway last trains commonly between 23:30 and 00:30. Check the last train for your station and direction, allow for transfers and weekends, and have a taxi plan ready. The system is easy to use during the day and gives enough time for most evenings out.

Before your evening, look up the last train on the operator's site or a route tool, and add a note to your phone with the departure time. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the first train run in Tokyo in the morning?

First trains generally start around 5:00 on subway lines, according to the Tokyo tourism guide, and tourism pages mention 5 or 6 a.m. as a general restart time. The Yamanote Line's first train was reported as around 4:26. Check the timetable for your station, since the first departure varies.

Are there any trains running all night in Tokyo?

Regular rail services do not run all night. The usual advice is that trains stop around midnight and restart around 5 a.m. Taxis are the main choice during those hours. Check the operator announcements for special late-night services, which may be run on certain holidays.

How do you take a taxi late at night in Tokyo?

Taxis are a common way to get around at night. Choose a taxi whose front sign shows it is available (red, according to JNTO), wait for the doors to open automatically, and tell the driver your destination, ideally written in Japanese. Fares follow the meter, with a late-night surcharge between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., according to JNTO.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: What Happens After the Last Train in Tokyo and How Do You Get Home?, Do taxis in Japan accept credit cards and IC cards? and Why Japan's Trains Run on Time: The Systems Behind the Punctuality.