When traveling to Japan, navigating the country's extensive railway network can be both efficient and cost-effective. This comprehensive guide aims to provide key information on using SUICA, an IC card, the Japan Railway Pass, and buying tickets to help you make the most of your train journeys in Japan.
1. SUICA
SUICA operates using IC card technology, which is a type of contactless smart card in Japan.
Why Use SUICA
SUICA is a highly useful tool for traveling in Japan.
SUICA is primarily used for public transportation, including trains, subways, buses, and some ferries in major cities and regions across Japan. It allows users to easily access train stations and board trains by simply touching the card to a card reader at ticket gates or on buses. It is preloaded with funds, and the fare for each journey is automatically deducted from the card's balance when used to enter or exit a transportation service. This process is seamless and eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets for every trip.
In addition to transportation, SUICA can be used to make cashless payments for purchases at certain shops, convenience stores, vending machines, coin lockers, and more. Participating stores have IC card readers that accept SUICA payments.
Currently, JR EAST and other companies have announced a temporary suspension of new sales of anonymous Suica and Pasmo starting from June 8. On August 2, they also announced that Suica with names will no longer be sold. You can still get Mobile App and the Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport.
* Welcome Suica card is 28 days of use. No refunds can be made, regardless of the validity period status or balance loaded on the card. It is sold at Narita and Haneda airport. More information →https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/welcomesuica/welcomesuica.html
Where to Get SUICA
Train stations, subway stations, and major transportation hubs across Japan Recently, a global semiconductor shortage has made it difficult for manufacturers to obtain the required number of IC chips, which has in turn made it difficult to produce the required number of cards. As a result, we are temporarily suspending the sales of non-personalized Welcome Suica IC cards for short-term visitors traveling to Japan from overseas. These cards are sold at Narita Airport Station, Airport Terminal 2 Station, Haneda Airport, JR East Travel Service Centers, and JAPAN RAIL CAFE TOKYO. More details: Welcome Suica. When acquiring a new SUICA card, there is usually a one-time issuance fee of ¥500.
How to Use SUICA
Users can load funds onto their SUICA card at ticket machines, fare adjustment machines, or through station attendants. Funds can be added in cash or using electronic payment methods like credit cards or mobile payment services linked to the SUICA card.
You can easily check the balance on your SUICA card at ticket machines, fare adjustment machines, or some vending machines with IC card readers. If the card balance becomes low, users can recharge it with additional funds at the same locations or set up an automatic recharge function for convenience.
One of the key advantages of SUICA is its versatility. As a reloadable smart card, it provides a cashless and efficient way to travel and make purchases during a trip to Japan. SUICA is not limited to a specific region or transportation operator. It can be used across various networks, including JR trains, subways, private railways, and buses in different cities and regions.
2. Tickets
You can also take a ride by using fare tickets. You can buy the tickets using ticket machines or ticket counters.
Regular Tickets (One-Way/Return Tickets):
Regular tickets are the standard one-way or round-trip tickets that you can purchase for individual train journeys. These are available for all types of trains, including local, express, and Shinkansen.
Reserved Seats/Green Car (First Class) Tickets:
Most long-distance trains and Shinkansen have reserved seating options, allowing you to secure a specific seat for your journey. You can purchase reserved seat tickets along with your regular ticket at the station or through online booking for certain services.
You also have the option to use a discount travel pass called the Japan Railway Pass.
Many Shinkansen and some limited express trains offer "Green Cars," which are first-class cars with more spacious seating and extra amenities. It costs an additional fee, but they provide a more luxurious and comfortable travel experience.
3. Japan Railway (JR) Pass
The JR Pass is a special ticket available exclusively for foreign tourists visiting Japan. It provides unlimited travel on JR trains, including Shinkansen and some buses, for a consecutive number of days (7, 14, or 21 days). The JR Pass must be purchased before arriving in Japan and cannot be bought within the country. More details -> https://www.pop-up-japan.com/post/japan-rail-pass
Other things to be careful about when taking a train in Japan
Keep Quiet and Turn Off Phones:
Talking loudly on mobile phones is considered impolite on Japanese trains. Set your phone to silent mode and refrain from making loud conversations. Some trains have designated quiet cars where noise is discouraged.
Line Up at the Platform:
When waiting for the train, line up behind the designated markings on the platform. Wait for passengers to disembark before boarding, and allow elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers to board first.
No Eating or Drinking in Certain Areas:
Eating and drinking are generally not allowed on trains, especially on Shinkansen and limited express services.
In Conclusion, Japan's railway network offers travelers an efficient and cost-effective way to explore the country, and this guide provides valuable information to make the most of train journeys. SUICA, the IC card, serves as a useful tool for seamless access to public transportation and cashless payments at various places. It eliminates the need for individual tickets and can be used across different transportation networks. Regular tickets and reserved seats offer further options for travel, while the Japan Railway (JR) Pass provides unlimited JR train travel for foreign tourists. Observing train etiquette, such as keeping quiet and respecting designated areas, ensures a pleasant journey on Japan's renowned rail system.
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