Subway in Japan
Last updated September 2026
Yes, there is Subway in Japan. Subway has operated in Japan since 1974 - one of the earliest US chains to enter the Japanese market - and remains present in major cities across the country. If you're looking for a customizable sandwich while traveling, Subway is one of the more reliable options to track down.
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The core Subway menu translates well to Japan - Tuna, Roast Beef, and BLT are all available, along with chicken options. Japan locations also offer Teriyaki Chicken, which is a natural fit given Japan's love of teriyaki flavoring, and rotate through seasonal and Japan-exclusive items throughout the year.
Bread choices, vegetables, and sauces are largely similar to the US version. The build-your-own format - choose bread, protein, toppings, and sauce - is the same process you'd go through at any Subway, which makes ordering in Japan surprisingly easy even without Japanese language skills.
Subway Japan Menu Prices (English)
View the full official Subway Japan menu →
Subway Locations in Japan
Subway operates 215 locations across Japan as of December 2025, concentrated in major cities including Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. That's down significantly from a peak of roughly 480 locations in 2014; new owner Watami is now aiming to grow the chain back past 1,000 locations over the next decade. One of the notable things about Subway Japan is its placement - many locations are inside train stations, underground shopping malls, and office building food courts rather than standalone storefronts. This makes them convenient to stumble across when you're already in transit.
In Tokyo, Subway locations tend to cluster around major stations and business districts like Marunouchi and Shinjuku. Coverage is solid in the major urban areas but thinner in smaller cities and rural areas.
Ordering at Subway in Japan Without Japanese
Subway's point-and-choose ordering format is one of its biggest advantages for non-Japanese speakers. You can point at what you want at each step, and staff in tourist-heavy areas are generally used to English speakers. The menu includes photos, so even if you can't read the Japanese text, you can see what you're getting.
- Point to your bread choice first - options are displayed at the counter
- Point to your protein, then nod or point at toppings as they're offered
- Sauces are usually displayed or offered verbally - hold up fingers or nod/shake your head
- Payment by cash, credit card, and IC card (Suica, Pasmo) is accepted at most locations
Subway Japan vs. US Subway
- Format - Identical build-your-own ordering process; the experience will feel familiar
- Menu - Core items are the same; Japan adds Teriyaki Chicken and rotating Japan-exclusive items
- Location type - More likely to be inside a train station or mall than a standalone storefront
- Size - Japan locations are often smaller and may have limited seating; many are takeaway-focused
- Price - Similar to or slightly above US pricing at current exchange rates
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there Subway in Japan?
Yes - Subway has operated in Japan since 1974 and has hundreds of locations across the country. Locations are concentrated in major cities and are commonly found inside train stations, underground shopping malls, and office food courts. Use the US Food in Japan app to find the nearest one near you.
Where is Subway in Tokyo?
Subway has multiple locations in Tokyo, with many inside or near major train stations and business district food courts. Areas like Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, and Marunouchi are good places to look. The US Food in Japan search tool shows the nearest Subway to wherever you're staying.
Is the Subway menu different in Japan?
The core menu is largely the same - Tuna, Roast Beef, BLT, and chicken options are all available. Japan adds Teriyaki Chicken as a permanent option and rotates through seasonal Japan-exclusive items. Bread, vegetables, and sauces are similar to the US version.
How do you order at Subway in Japan if you don't speak Japanese?
Subway's point-and-choose format makes it one of the easier US chains to order at without Japanese. Point to your bread, then your protein, then nod or point at toppings as staff offer them. The menu has photos and staff in tourist areas are generally used to English speakers.
How long has Subway been in Japan?
Subway entered Japan in 1974, making it one of the first US fast food chains to establish a presence there. Japan remains one of Subway's significant international markets.
Is Subway more expensive in Japan than in the US?
Subway Japan is priced similarly to the US version at current exchange rates, though prices vary by location. Train station and airport locations tend to be slightly higher than other spots. Overall it's a reasonable mid-range fast food option in Japan.
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