How to Get Around with Confidence

Japan’s public transport system is world-renowned for its punctuality, cleanliness, and efficiency. From high-speed Shinkansen connecting cities in hours, to ultra-reliable local trains and buses, travelling around Japan is surprisingly straightforward — even for first-time visitors.

Once you understand a few basics, getting around becomes second nature..

Local Trains

Local trains form the backbone of Japan’s transport network. They serve:

Cities and suburbs
Smaller towns and rural areas
Routes not covered by Shinkansen

You’ll use local trains frequently for day-to-day sightseeing, commuting between neighbourhoods, and regional travel.

JR vs Metro (Understanding the Difference)

Japan’s rail system is made up of:

JR (Japan Railways) lines, and
Private metro / subway lines

JR Lines

Operated by Japan Railways
Identified by a JR logo (colour varies by region)
Line names and numbers appear inside a square
Covered by the Japan Rail Pass

Metro / Subway Lines

Operated by private companies
Metro logo: white “M” in a blue square
Line names and numbers appear inside a circle
Not covered by the JR Pass

Being able to identify JR vs Metro lines is especially useful if you’re travelling with a JR Pass, as it helps you plan routes that maximise its value.

Examples:

Chiba Urban Monorail and Shinjuku Line → Metro
Sobu Line → JR Line

Chiba Urban Monorail and Shinjuku Line are Metro Lines.
The Sobu Line is a Japan Rail Line.

Women-Only Train Cars

Some trains operate women-only carriages, particularly during peak commuting hours.

These cars:

Are clearly marked with pink signage
May be restricted by time of day
Exist to reduce harassment on crowded trains

Men who use these cars accidentally may be fined, so if you’re unsure:

Simply move to another carriage

IC Cards (Suica & PASMO)

IC cards are the easiest and most convenient way to use public transport in Japan.

They work on:

JR and private trains
Subways
Buses
Some ferries
Many vending machines and convenience stores

How They Work

Load money onto the card
Tap in when entering
Tap out when exiting
Fare and remaining balance are displayed automatically

You can recharge IC cards at:

Most train stations
Ticket machines labelled IC Card / Suica / PASMO

⚠️ Most machines do not accept international credit cards, so carry cash for reloading.

We strongly recommend using an IC card for city travel — it’s far easier than buying individual tickets each time.

Where to Get IC Cards

Regular Suica

Valid for 10 years from last use
¥600 issuance fee
Refund available for remaining balance
Passport required
Available at Narita Airport and Tokyo Station

Welcome Suica

Valid for 28 days
No issuance fee
No refunds for remaining balance
Available at JR East Travel Service Centres and Haneda Terminal 3

PASMO Passport

Valid for 28 days
No issuance fee
No refunds
Available at major stations including Haneda, Narita, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, and more

Digital IC Cards (Apple Wallet)

Available on iPhones only
Not supported on most Android devices purchased outside Japan

To add:

Open Wallet
Select Add Transit Card
Choose Suica or PASMO
Select amount and confirm

Individual Paper Tickets

If you’re not using an IC card:

Fares are distance-based
Route maps above ticket machines show fares in yen
Find your destination → note the fare → purchase that amount

Ticket machines:

Offer English language options
Usually accept cash only

Insert your ticket into the gate (arrow facing forward), collect it on the other side, and keep it until you exit.

Fare Adjustment

If your ticket doesn’t allow you to exit:

You’ve likely paid the wrong fare
Use a Fare Adjustment Machine
Pay the difference and exit normally

Shinkansen (Bullet Trains)

Shinkansen are Japan’s high-speed trains, reaching up to 320km/h, and are ideal for long-distance city-to-city travel.

They are:

Fast
Comfortable
Extremely punctual

Shinkansen Tickets

If your journey doesn’t require advance booking:

Visit a JR Ticket Office at the station
Staff will assist with purchasing tickets

Outside of peak seasons, advance booking isn’t always necessary, as trains run very frequently.

Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)

Whether a JR Pass is worth it depends entirely on your route.

Since the price increase in October 2023, careful planning is essential.

What It Covers

Unlimited travel on JR trains
Includes most Shinkansen
Valid for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days
Available for nationwide or regional coverage

⚠️ Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen are not included — an upgrade fee applies.

Purchasing & Activation

Must be purchased outside Japan
Exchange voucher delivered to your home
Order at least 2 weeks before departure
Voucher valid for 3 months

Activate by presenting:

Exchange voucher
Passport
at a JR Ticket Office

Your pass becomes a paper ticket — keep it safe, as it is not replaceable.

Ordinary vs Green Class

Ordinary: Standard, comfortable, suitable for most travellers
Green Class: Larger seats, quieter carriages, extra comfort

Shinkansen Luggage Rules

Oversized luggage (161–250cm total dimensions):

Requires seat reservation
Space is limited (usually 4 per carriage)

Luggage over 250cm is not permitted onboard, except:

Strollers
Sports equipment
Musical instruments

Large groups may be split across carriages to accommodate luggage.

Train Etiquette

Japanese train etiquette helps keep travel smooth and pleasant.

Quiet & Consideration

Keep conversations low
Avoid phone calls
Silence phone notifications

Platform Behaviour

Line up at marked boarding points
Let passengers exit before boarding

Priority Seating

Give up seats for elderly, pregnant passengers, people with disabilities, or families with small children

Luggage

Remove backpacks during peak hours
Place on racks or wear on front
Avoid blocking aisles

Food & Drink

Avoid eating on local trains
Light drinks are fine
Full meals are acceptable on Shinkansen
Avoid strong-smelling foods

Buses

Buses are essential in cities like Kyoto and smaller regional areas.

How to Ride a Bus

Enter via the rear door
Take a numbered ticket
Watch the fare display
Press the stop button when your stop approaches
Pay exact fare at the front when exiting

Some cities have flat fares, others are distance-based.

Using IC Cards on Buses

Tap when boarding
Tap again when exiting
If balance is insufficient, speak to the driver before disembarking

Drivers accept exact change only — change machines are available near the driver.