#59 Japanese train fare system is confusing
That's why we use SUICA. Some tips for purchasing your IC cards in Japan.
You’ve arrived at the airport, and now you want to take public transport to the city. You walk to the ticket machines, and you’re confused. Now what?
Many Western cities adopt a fixed fare system, or when divided into zones, fixed fares within the same zone. In New York City, you pay a fixed $2.75 to ride on the subway, no matter where you get on and off. But in Japan, you pay from point A to B — which means every ride will have a different fare. To make matters worse, Tokyo is not only served by JR trains but also by two different underground systems with different operators. Depending on which operators you use, fares can differ even if you’re traveling from the same A to B.
So how do you know how much to pay when you buy your ticket?
This week, my post will be about what we, the locals, all use to get around — the IC Cards — convenient rechargeable cards that solve your train fare problems and allow you to pay at vending machines, shops, and restaurants.
Now with the increase in JR Pass price, most people will opt for buying regular tickets, and IC cards will make your life a hundred times easier. By the end of this post, you’ll know where to buy them and when to use them.
Japanese train fare system
When you look at the train fare board, you may have no idea where your destination is. The fare board only tells you the single fare from your current station to your destination. What if you want to make a stop along the way? And the method of payment is mainly by cash or IC card. Not all accept credit cards.
That’s why an IC card is very handy to get around in Japan.
There are different IC cards offered by different railway operators, but you can use these IC cards interchangeably across different operators.
Today I will focus on an IC card called Suica, which is sold in the JR East area (i.e. Tokyo metropolitan area.)
What is Suica?
I have written about this IC Card several times in my previous posts, but there have been some recent changes to the conditions, and the topic deserves an update.
Suica is an IC card issued by JR East that can be used on trains, buses, shopping, etc. There are about 10 types of transport IC cards like Suica, including those operated by local JR companies. In the Tokyo metropolitan area, the main IC cards that are in use are Suica and PASMO. Some features of the card are as follows:
You need to top up the IC card in advance. You can go through the ticket gates as long as there is enough money on the card.
If the fare exceeds the credit on your card, you can still charge your IC card at a ticket machine at the ticket gate at your destination. Some charging stations only accept cash.
You can recharge the card with cash or a credit card at the ticket machines.
Major transport IC cards can be used interchangeably, so Suica and PASMO can be used even if you go to Kyoto or Osaka, for example.
Different types of Suica cards
and which Suica card you should buy?
Regular card-type Suica: You’ll see many people using these. These are green cards with a penguin design on them and come in two types, registered and unregistered. Registered cards are purchased from a ticket machine after registering personal details and can be refunded in case of loss. The unregistered ones are more common, but sales have been temporarily suspended since 8 June 2023 due to a global shortage of semiconductors.
This means if you’re traveling to Japan, your best option is the next one:
⭐️ Welcome Suica: A card with a red base and a picture of a cherry blossom design. At present, overseas travelers are expected to purchase this Suica. More details are given in the next section.
These IC cards can be linked to a compatible smartphone or smartwatch with an app, and users can pass through the ticket gate by holding up the device. But you will need to set the mobile region to Japan. You can download the apps from here: (Android / iPhone)
Welcome Suica
*Recommended for travelers visiting Japan!
Where to buy: Airports and major stations. See details here.
You can choose from 1000/2000/3000/4000/5000/10000 Yen.
It is good to start with 5,000 Yen for one week. You can always top up.
You must carry the reference paper with you when you use it, and it’s valid for 28 days after purchase. Before leaving Japan, make sure to use the remaining balance at a location displaying the Suica logo.
Topping up: You can recharge at ticket machines and convenience stores like 7-11.
Where you can use it: Everywhere. The Welcome Suica can be used on most trains, subways, buses, and even the Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo.
You can use it not only for transportation but in convenience stores and many shops and restaurants. It’s just like a debit card!
How to use Suica smartly with discount tickets
IC cards are convenient, but you’re still paying for the full fare every single time. If you know you’re traveling a lot in one day, buying a one-day pass ticket is better depending on how far you travel. The good news is that you can register discount tickets like a one-day pass on your Welcome Suica card.
The followings are good value tickets that may be useful for sightseeing in Tokyo below.
Tokyo Free Ticket (1600 Yen): Unlimited rides on regular JR trains, Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, and Toei Buses within the 23 wards of Tokyo for one day. This is ideal for those who travel extensively in the metropolitan Tokyo area.
Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass) (760 Yen): Unlimited one-day travel on JR ordinary trains within the 23 wards of Tokyo. This ticket covers all stations on Yamanote Line (green circular line). You can check the major attractions from my previous post, #56, the Yamanote Line. I recommend buying this one!
Finally, my advice
As mentioned, JR East discontinued the production of ordinary Suica cards, and it seems that there are general trends to go more digital and cardless in the future.
To summarize this post, if you’re not getting the JR Pass, buying a Welcome Suica can be a convenient way to get around. Make sure to check out the discount options too. But depending on your itinerary, paper tickets like the “Tokyo Metro 24H pass” can still be a cheaper option.
I would be curious to know your thoughts on the best ways to get around Tokyo. Let me know in the comments below.