A Complete Guide to Public Transportation in Japan
Public transportation in Japan is among the most efficient and advanced in the world, with a vast network of trains, subways, buses, and high-speed trains. In addition to the state-owned Japan Railways (JR), which operates most of the railway lines, there are numerous private railway companies that operate both urban and intercity routes. This guide will provide you with a complete overview of how public transportation works in Japan and the main companies that manage the system.
State Railway Companies – Japan Railways (JR)
Japan Railways (JR) is the state-owned company that manages most of Japan’s railway network, for both local and long-distance travel. JR is divided into several regional companies, each responsible for a specific area of the country:
JR East: Manages the Tokyo region and its surrounding areas, including the Shinkansen lines to the north and south of the country. JR East is one of the largest railway operators in Japan and also offers numerous subway services.
JR West: Operates in the Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima region and surrounding cities.
JR Central: Manages the Tōkaidō Shinkansen line, which connects Tokyo and Osaka, and other lines running through central Japan.
JR Hokkaido: Handles the railway network on the island of Hokkaido, in northern Japan, with a network connecting the island’s major cities.
JR Kyushu: Manages the railway network on the island of Kyushu, in southern Japan, and is famous for its scenic trains.
JR Shikoku: Covers the region of the island of Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands.
Private Railway Companies
In addition to state-owned companies, there are many private railway companies that operate both local and intercity routes.
Here are the main ones:
a) Keio Corporation: Serves the Tokyo region, connecting the capital with the western suburbs such as Hachioji. It is widely used by commuters.
b) Tokyu Corporation: Operates a network of trains and subways in Tokyo, including connections with Yokohama. It is known for the speed and frequency of its trains.
c) Odakyu Electric Railway: Connects Tokyo with popular tourist destinations like Hakone and Enoshima, and is used by both tourists and commuters.
d) Keisei Electric Railway: Connects Tokyo (Ueno Station) with Narita Airport, and is frequently used by tourists and business travelers.
e) Hanshin Electric Railway: Connects Osaka with Kobe, two of Japan’s largest cities. The company is known for its fast and frequent trains and is a preferred option for traveling between these two cities.
f) Hokkaido Railway, Kyushu Railway, and others: Operate regional and scenic trains, ideal for exploring Japan outside the big cities.
High-Speed Trains – Shinkansen
The Shinkansen, also known as "bullet trains," are one of Japan’s main technological marvels, offering high-speed travel between the country’s major cities. These trains are designed to reach extraordinary speeds, with some lines exceeding 300 km/h. There are different types of Shinkansen:
Nozomi: The fastest train, reaching speeds up to 320 km/h. It connects major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya, stopping only at main stations.
Hikari: Slightly slower than the Nozomi, with a maximum speed of 285 km/h. This train stops at more stations than the Nozomi but is still very fast and comfortable.
Kodama: The slowest of the three, with a speed of about 240 km/h, but it stops at every station along the route and is often used for shorter trips or stops in less-served cities.
The Shinkansen is synonymous with efficiency and punctuality, with very minimal delays (often just a few seconds) and a network that spans all of Japan, from northern Hokkaido to southern Kyushu. These trains are not only fast but also extremely comfortable, with spacious seats, Wi-Fi, and onboard services that make the journey pleasant and relaxing.
Subway and Urban Lines
Every major Japanese city, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, has its own subway and urban rail system, managed mainly by private or municipal companies. These lines are the main means of transportation for urban residents and are very convenient for tourists.
Tokyo Metro: The Tokyo Metro is operated by the private Tokyo Metro company and offers numerous underground lines covering the entire Tokyo metropolitan area. Tokyo’s subway is one of the largest and most used in the world.
Osaka Metro: Osaka Metro is operated by Osaka Metro Co. and is an extensive subway network that covers the whole city of Osaka and the surrounding areas.
Kyoto Municipal Subway: Kyoto’s subway system is smaller than those of Tokyo and Osaka but is very useful for getting around between the city’s main tourist attractions.
Buses
Buses in Japan are another widely used form of transportation, especially in areas less covered by the railway network. Bus lines are operated by both public and private companies, and rechargeable cards such as Suica or Pasmo can be used for payment. Urban buses are often slower due to traffic, but they are still a convenient option for travelers.
If you want to save on transportation and accommodation, night buses are a great alternative to the Shinkansen. Tickets are cheaper than the high-speed train and, by traveling overnight, you can also save on hotel stays. Comfort is decent, but this solution is recommended especially for those on a tight budget: arrivals are almost always at dawn, so be ready to start your day a little tired!
Tickets and Rechargeable Cards
In Japan, there are several payment options for public transport. Tickets can be purchased at train or subway stations, but rechargeable cards like Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA, and PiTaPa are much more convenient. These cards can be loaded with a balance and used on trains, subways, and buses throughout Japan. They can also be used for purchases at affiliated shops, making travel even easier.
To obtain a card like Suica or PASMO, a deposit of 500 yen is required. The Suica card costs 2,000 yen, of which 1,500 yen is available as initial credit. For other cards, the initial charge may vary but usually starts at 1,000 yen. These cards do not offer transportation discounts, but they are extremely practical for traveling without having to buy individual tickets.
There are also dedicated options for tourists, such as the Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport, which do not require a deposit and are valid for 28 days. Both allow travel on trains, subways, and buses, and can also be used for small purchases. However, the remaining balance is non-refundable upon expiration.
Their geographic coverage may vary slightly depending on the region and the issuing company. Here's an overview of how these cards work and where you can use them:
1. Suica (Tokyo and surrounding areas)
Suica is one of the most well-known rechargeable cards and is issued by JR East. It is widely used in Tokyo and its surrounding areas. The Suica can be used on:
Trains: On JR East lines and other railways in the Tokyo area.
Subway: On Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.
Buses: On buses in Tokyo and nearby areas.
Shopping: At affiliated shops, such as those in train stations and convenience stores.
2. Pasmo (Tokyo and surrounding areas)
Pasmo is similar to Suica but is issued by private companies that operate Tokyo's subway and railway lines (like Tokyo Metro and Tokyu Corporation). It works on:
Subway: On Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.
Trains: On some urban and suburban railway lines, including those managed by Tokyu.
Buses: On buses in Tokyo.
Shopping: In Tokyo shops and stations.
3. ICOCA (Kansai region – Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe)
ICOCA is a rechargeable card issued by JR West and is widely used in the Kansai area, including cities like Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. ICOCA can be used on:
Trains: On JR West lines, including those connecting Osaka and Kyoto.
Subway: On Osaka’s subway lines.
Buses: On local buses.
Shopping: At affiliated shops in stations and other retail points.
ICOCA, Pasmo, and Suica are interoperable, meaning you can use them at the same stations and on the same lines, even if they are issued by different companies.
4. PiTaPa (Kansai region)
PiTaPa is a rechargeable card issued by Kansai Urban Transport and is mainly used in Osaka and the Kansai region. It works on:
Trains: On railway lines in the Kansai region, including JR West and local lines.
Subway: On Osaka subway lines.
Buses: On buses in Osaka and surrounding cities.
One feature of PiTaPa is that, unlike other cards, it is not prepaid but is billed monthly based on usage.
Other Regional Cards
Manaca: Issued by Nagoya Railroad, this card is used in Nagoya and the surrounding areas.
SUGOCA: Issued by JR Kyushu, used in the Fukuoka area and other cities in Kyushu.
TOICA: Issued by JR Central, used in Aichi Prefecture and surrounding cities like Nagoya.
Despite their wide adoption, rechargeable cards are not always accepted everywhere in Japan. Some smaller or rural areas may not support these cards. In such cases, you’ll need to purchase traditional tickets for trains or buses.
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a subscription that allows foreign tourists to travel unlimitedly on a wide network of JR trains, including Shinkansen trains (except for Nozomi and Mizuho trains), local trains, JR buses, and ferries. The JR Pass is one of the most efficient options for those wanting to explore Japan over long distances. The pass is available in different durations: 7 days, 14 days, or 21 days.
It is important to carefully evaluate the real value of this pass, given the recent price increases.
We therefore recommend calculating the individual ticket costs in advance and comparing them to the cost of the pass.