27. TRANSPORTATION & NAVIGATION IN JAPAN

GOOGLE MAPS FOR TRANSPORTATION

🚆 Transport Cards: The Best Way to Pay

Use Your Phone for a Digital IC Card

• For Apple Devices → You can purchase a Suica or Pasmo card directly from Wallet/Apple Pay.

• Top up your card easily via credit card (no need to find a ticket machine).

• Use it to pay for trains, buses, taxis, and even in convenience stores and supermarkets.

Buying a Physical Card

• You can still buy a Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA card at any subway or train station if you want a physical souvenir.

• Reloadable at vending machines & convenience store ATMs.

📍 Finding Your Way: Navigation Apps

• 📌 Google Maps → The most reliable app for navigating public transport in Japan.

• Alternative Apps → Hyperdia (for train schedules) & Japan Travel by NAVITIME.

TRAIN TRANSPORTATION

You can add a transport card directly to your phone, making it the easiest and most convenient option.

• For Apple Devices → Purchase a Suica or Pasmo card directly from Wallet/Apple Pay.

• Top up directly using a credit card.

• Use it for trains, buses, some taxis, supermarkets, and stores.

• If you prefer a physical card, you can buy one at any subway or train station.

How to Find Your Way

Finding Your Way: Navigation Apps

• 📌 Google Maps → Extremely reliable for public transportation, providing train and bus schedules, and walking directions.

🎟️ Transportation Passes

JR Pass (National Pass) 🏯

• Available only for tourists, offering unlimited travel on JR trains for 7, 14, or 21 days, including Shinkansen (some exceptions apply).

Regional Passes

Provide unlimited travel within specific regions or cities.

🚇 Tokyo

• JR CENTRAL PASS : Tokyo wide pass

• Tourist pass

JR Central Pass (Tokyo Wide Pass)

• JR EAST PASS

• Tokyo subway pass Unlimited travel on Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway.

🚆 Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe)

• JR WEST PASS

• Keikaku west pass

• The Seishun 18 ticket (青春18きっぷ)) → Available in summer, winter, and spring for 5 flexible days of unlimited travel on JR local & rapid trains.

• Osaka amazing pass → Unlimited subway & bus travel + free entry to attractions (Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, etc.).

• Kintetsu Rail pass → 5 days for ¥4,500, covering Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.

🧐 Is the JR Pass Worth It?

Since the recent price increase, it depends on your itinerary:

• Example: If staying 2 weeks between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, buying separate Shinkansen tickets is often cheaper than the JR Pass.

Alternatives to the JR Pass:
✔ Regional JR Passes (e.g., Kansai JR Pass).
✔ Domestic Flights (sometimes cheaper than the Shinkansen).
✔ Renting a car (if you have an International Driving Permit).

🚆 Do You Need to Reserve a Seat with the JR Pass? → Yes!

• Trains are often full, so I highly recommend reserving in advance to avoid standing.

• Book at a JR station 1–2 days before your journey.

• For Mt. Fuji trains → Book at least 3 days in advance (they sell out fast)

🚉 Signage & Assistance

🚉 Signage & Assistance

• Stations and trains display signage in both Japanese and English.

• Major stations have information desks with English-speaking staff.

• Check the last train times → Missing the last train means an expensive taxi ride.

🚇 How Trains Work in Japan

✔ Platform Markings → Indicate where train doors will open and reserved seating areas.
✔ Women-Only Cars → Available during rush hours for a safer ride.
✔ IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) → Work for trains, metros, and buses.

🚨 Rush Hour (7 AM-9 AM & 5 PM-7 PM) → Tokyo & Osaka trains get extremely crowded. If possible, avoid these peak hours.

🚷 Train Etiquette

• Keep phones on silent → No phone calls on the train. It's consider rude.

• Priority seating → For elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

• Wait in line at platform markers → Let passengers exit before boarding.

TYPE OF MACHINE

Ticket Machines → For single-use tickets.

• IC Card Machines → To reload or check balance.

• Fare Adjustment Machines → If you travel farther than your ticket allows, pay the difference before exiting.

📌 IC cards can also be reloaded at convenience store ATMs!

TYPES OF TRAIN

🚆 Train Types & How to Board the Right One

Before boarding, check the train type on the platform display:

• Local (普通 Futsū) → Stops at every station.

• Rapid (快速 Kaisoku) → Skips some stations.

• Express (急行 Kyūkō) → Stops only at major stations.

• Limited Express (特急 Tokkyū) → Premium service, requires an additional fare.

• Shinkansen (新幹線) → High-speed bullet trains connecting major cities.

📌 Google Maps shows which train to take and whether a reservation is needed.

🚉 How to ensure you board the correct train:

• Check the departure board on the platform.

• Make sure it's heading in the right direction and stopping at your destination.

• Ask a station attendant if unsure (show them your phone for easier communication).

🚅 Shinkansen: The Bullet Train Experience

The Shinkansen is fast, punctual, and comfortable, reaching speeds of 320 km/h. It is the best option for long-distance travel.

📌 Example price: Tokyo → Kyoto = ~¥13,000 (one way).

📲 Booking a Shinkansen: Use SmaRtEX

The SmaRtEX app allows you to:
✔ Reserve seats.
✔ Check schedules.
✔ Manage tickets digitally (in English!).

• 🔗 Book a Shinkansen → SmaRtEX