Japan’s public transportation system is very efficient, clean, and safe. Using public transport is very straightforward once you know these few things:
Transportation Companies
As I talk about in my guide to Japanese trains, public transportation in Japan is actually privatised, meaning there are numerous different companies in each city that run the subways, buses, and local trains. Each individual company has its own ticketing and fare system and ticket gates. So if you are taking the subway and changing trains, if you are also changing to a different transport company, you will need to exit the ticket gates of the first company, then re-enter the ticket gates of the second company. Sometimes, this also involves physically exiting the station and re-entering a station of the same name across the street.
IC Cards
Fortunately, having an IC (Integrated Circuit) card makes this headache (relatively) painless. Internationally, the name of Tokyo’s IC card, the Suica, is well-known, but each major city has their own IC card with a different name. These cards all work exactly the same way and can be used all over the country! IC cards can be used to ride all subways, most local trains, most streetcars, and some buses.
IC cards can be topped up at any subway station and at most train stations with the automatic ticket machines. The machines only take cash!
What happens if I run out of credit mid-trip?
If you are unable to exit the ticket gates due to insufficient credit on your IC card, simply go to the fare adjustment machine located inside the ticket gates to top up your card. These machines only take cash.
Where will I not be able to use my IC card?
There are a few notable exceptions to the “IC cards work everywhere” rule:
- Public buses in Kanazawa. Kanazawa has its own local transit card; visitors should plan to use cash.
- Yasaka buses in Kyoto. Most other buses in Kyoto accept IC cards, and you should tap when you get on and when you get off. Unless you only tap when you get off, in which case there will not be an IC card reader by the back (boarding) doors.
- Airport transfers from Narita Airport to Tokyo by Narita Express or Skyliner trains. You will need to buy tickets for these trains from the ticket machines at the station (cash only).
Do kids need an IC card?
Kids younger than elementary-school age (6 years old), can ride public transportation for free. Children aged 6-12 are eligible for a special IC card with discounted rates. You can get these cards at most major subway and train stations. The child must be present and show a valid ID that states their date of birth.
Ferries
The ferry between Miyajimaguchi (outside Hiroshima) and Miyajima takes IC cards, but nearly every other ferry in the country will not take IC cards. In general, ferry tickets can be purchased with cash at a ticket window or ticket machine at the pier and cannot be reserved in advance.
For long-distance and overnight ferries, tickets generally can and should be booked in advance online. Notably, the ticket from Kagoshima to Yakushima should be booked in advance during busy season.
Inter-city Trains
Most short-distance inter-city trains can be boarded using your IC card and without a reservation. For more information on these trains, see my guide to Japanese trains post.