Trains and Subways in Japan
Trains and Subways in Japan
Don’t Forget to Take Your Ticket!
Train Ticketing and Gates: A Simple Guide
Tickets & Fare:
- POINT:Keep your ticket until your journey ends, both for trains and buses (if applicable).
Ticket Gates:
- There are two types of gates: for transportation cards only and for both cards and tickets.
- Look for blue panels with round blue lights to tap your card while entering and exiting when using e-tickets / cards.
- Fares and balances will be displayed on the screen.
- Insufficient balance? Top up (“recharge”) at the payment machine or station counter.
Ticket Gates and Usage:
- Card users: Tap the blue light on your card entering and exiting.
-
Ticket users:
- Insert your ticket into the front slot with a yellow frame.
- Take the ticket from the back yellow frame and keep it until the end.
- Insert the ticket again at the exit gate, but it won't be returned
Gate Variations:
- Some routes have different gate configurations, but the basic functionality remains the same.
- Card-only gates; tickets not accepted.
- Gates that accept both cards and tickets.
Remember:
- Always keep your ticket safe until journey's end.
- Follow the specific instructions for any different gate layouts you encounter.
Simplified Guide to Japanese Transportation Cards:
What are they?
Transportation cards like Suica and Pasmo are electronic payment systems for trains and other public transportation in Japan.
Why use them?
- Convenience:Touch the card at the gate, no need for tickets or cash.
- Savings:Slightly cheaper than individual tickets.
Which card to get?
- Suica: Mainly for JR trains.
- PASMO: Mainly for Tokyo Metro.
- Both work on both lines! Choose the card for your most frequent routes.
How to get one?
- Buy: At a ticket vending machine on your desired route.
- Pay: Includes a 500 Yen deposit (refundable when you return the card).
How to use it?
- Touch: The card at the gate when entering and exiting.
- Recharge: At the vending machine in 1,000 Yen increments (some machines accept lower amounts).
Transferring:
- If your remaining balance covers the next trip, you're good to go.
- If not, make a "transfer payment" at the gate before exiting.
- Choose to charge just for the next trip or in 1,000 Yen increments.
- Touch the gate again after paying to exit.
Remember:
- Keep your card until you return it for the deposit refund.
- Touch the gate even when transferring to avoid getting stuck.
Enjoy your convenient and slightly cheaper journeys!
Riding the Shinkansen: A Simple Guide
Tickets You Need:
- Passenger Ticket: Covers the fare to your destination.
- Limited Express Ticket: Additional fee for riding the Shinkansen.
Boarding:
- Insert both tickets at the gate and take the issued ticket (containing both fares). Keep it!
Reserved Seats:
- Shown on your ticket: train type, departure/arrival times, car/seat number.
-
Bonus features:
- "Within Miyako Ward": Free JR rides in Tokyo before your Shinkansen trip.
- "City": Free JR rides within Kyoto City after your Shinkansen trip.
Unreserved Seats:
- Take any non-reserved car on the purchase/reservation date.
- Your "limited express ticket" won't show train number, time, or seat.
Remember:
- Keep both tickets until you reach your destination.
- Enjoy your smooth and comfortable Shinkansen journey and buy treats in the Green Car!
How to Read a Shinkansen Ticket
For reserved seats:
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| 東京-京都 | From Tokyo to Kyoto |
| 有効：9月23日 | Valid Through: Sept. 23rd |
| 発：東京 出発時刻：8:09 | Departing: Tokyo Departure time: 8:09 |
| 着：京都 到着時刻：10:21 | Arrival: Kyoto, Arrival time: 10:21 |
| 新幹線の種類：のぞみ303 | Shinkansen type: Nozomi 303 |
| 指定席・席番号：14号車6E席 | Reserved seat/seat number: Car 14, seat 6E |
| 禁煙席 | Nonsmoking seat |
- 「都区内」：Free Tokyo Travel:This ticket allows you to use any JR station within Tokyo before boarding the Shinkansen at no extra cost. Think of it as a bonus hop around the city before your bullet train adventure!
- 「市内」：Kyoto Station Access: Upon arrival in Kyoto, you can freely hop off at any JR station within the city limits using this same ticket. Explore Kyoto's vibrant heart with ease!
For unreserved seats:
You will see the from and to cities and the duration the ticket is good for with no more seat or shinkansen information.
