Transportation in Japan: Shinkansen, JR Pass, Suica and metro, what is really worth it
Japan's network of trains and subways is punctual and extensive, but it can look intimidating at first: many companies, many lines, many tickets. In reality you only need to know a few things.
Here you will find how to travel between cities, whether the Japan Rail Pass is still worth it after the price increases, how to use Suica on your phone, and the details people usually discover too late, such as luggage on the Shinkansen.
- Updated October 2026
- Shinkansen and JR Pass
- Suica and metro
Four ways to get around, one for every situation
In the city: metro, trains and buses
In Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and the other big cities you get around by subway, local trains and buses. You pay for everything with an IC card, without having to check fares and zone maps.
Between cities: Shinkansen
The high-speed train connects Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka in about two and a half hours. It is comfortable, punctual and takes you straight to the city center.
Passes and special tickets
The national Japan Rail Pass, regional JR passes and daily subway passes are only worth it if you make a lot of trips. Always do the math before buying.
From the airport to the city
Direct trains and shuttles to the city center leave from the main airports. Choose based on your hotel and the schedules: an IC card or a ticket costing a few yen is all you need.
The card you need more than any other
Choose the type of card
Suica and Pasmo are equivalent and work practically everywhere in Japan on transport that accepts IC cards, as well as in many konbini and vending machines. It does not matter which one you get.
iPhone: add the Welcome Suica Mobile
You can add it to Apple Wallet before leaving: it is free, with no deposit, valid for 180 days and topped up with Apple Pay. You need an iPhone with iOS 17.2 or later.
Android or no phone: physical card
At the moment there does not appear to be a Suica for Android. At the airport you can get the Welcome Suica (red, 28 days, no deposit, remaining balance non-refundable) or the standard Suica or Pasmo with a refundable 500 yen deposit.
Top up and use
You top up at the machines in the station (cash works too) and touch the card to the reader at the entrance and the exit. Any remaining balance can be spent in konbini before you fly home.
Always check the current conditions on the JR East website before leaving: services for tourists change often.
How much it costs and how long it takes by Shinkansen
| Route | Duration | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo – Kyoto | about 2 h 15 | about 14,000 yen |
| Tokyo – Osaka | about 2 h 30 | about 14,000 yen |
| Kyoto – Osaka | about 15 min | about 600 yen (JR rapid train) |
| Tokyo – Hiroshima | about 4 h | over 18,000 yen |
Prices are indicative, for a reserved seat: they may change depending on the train and the season. Tickets can be bought at the machines in the station (card or cash), at the ticket counters or online with the SmartEX app.
The luggage rules on the Shinkansen
Large suitcases: you need a reserved seat
On the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu lines, if the sum of the three dimensions of your luggage (length, width, height) is between 160 and 250 cm you must reserve a seat with oversized luggage space, at the price of a normal reserved seat. Above 250 cm the luggage is not allowed: use a delivery service.
If you do not reserve: 1,000 yen per bag
If you board with a suitcase over 160 cm without a reservation, a surcharge of 1,000 yen per bag applies. Seats with luggage space are limited and sell out in peak periods.
Send your suitcase with takkyubin
In Japan you can send your suitcases from a hotel or konbini to your next accommodation or to the airport, usually the next day. You travel lighter and freer on the trains.
The Japan Rail Pass, is it still worth it?
Prices from October 1, 2026
From October 1, 2026 the 7-day pass costs 53,000 yen (previously 50,000), the 14-day pass 84,000 and the 21-day pass 105,000. The Green Car costs more.
Only worth it with lots of travel
After the increases, the national pass is only worth it if you make many long Shinkansen trips in a few days. A classic Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Tokyo trip costs about 27,000-28,000 yen with single tickets: much less than the pass.
Nozomi and Mizuho: with a surcharge
The fastest trains (Nozomi and Mizuho) are not included in the pass unless you pay a surcharge. Factor this in as well.
Do the math route by route
Add up the price of the single tickets for all your JR journeys and compare it with the pass. If the total is lower, buy single tickets.
On the official Japan Rail Pass website the old prices have been kept for a limited period, with no announced end date: check the current conditions before buying. For more targeted itineraries consider the JR East Pass or the Kansai Wide Area Pass.
Passes that are sometimes better value
Small tricks to get around without stress
Check the last train
Subway lines usually stop around midnight. Check the time of the last train before going out to dinner.
Use Google Maps
It shows lines, platforms, exits and fares. Download offline maps and keep a connection active so you do not get lost in big stations.
Avoid rush hour if you can
Between 7:30 and 9:30 the commuter trains in Tokyo are packed. If you have large suitcases, leave later.
Good manners on trains
Speak quietly, put your phone on silent and do not take phone calls. Keep your backpack in front of you or on your lap.
Maps and tickets always with you
Google Maps, SmartEX, Suica on your phone and train timetables work better with the internet on. Choose an eSIM or a Pocket WiFi before you leave.
What people ask most often
Where do I buy a Suica?
At the airport and in the main stations, at the vending machines. On iPhone you can add the Welcome Suica Mobile directly in Apple Wallet. Check the conditions on the JR East website.
Can I use Suica with Android?
At the moment there does not appear to be an official Suica for Android: use a physical card. Information changes, so check before you leave.
How do I buy Shinkansen tickets?
At the vending machines or ticket counters in the station, by card or cash, or online with the SmartEX app. Outside the peak seasons you usually do not need to book far in advance.
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
Often not. Since October 1, 2026 the 7-day pass costs 53,000 yen: it is only worth it if you make many long Shinkansen trips in a few days. Add up the single tickets and compare.
Can I bring a large suitcase on the Shinkansen?
Yes, but if the three dimensions added together exceed 160 cm you must reserve a seat with oversized luggage space on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu lines. Without a reservation there is a surcharge of 1,000 yen.
Is there a pass for the Tokyo subway?
Yes, the Tokyo Subway Ticket, a day-pass version for tourists, which is worth it if you use the subway a lot. Check prices and conditions on the Tokyo Metro website.
Can I send my suitcases from one hotel to another?
Yes, with the takkyubin service available at hotels and konbini: the suitcase usually arrives the next day. It is handy for traveling by train with less to carry.