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Part 2: Navigating Transportation and How to Purchase JR Tickets and SUICA Cards

  • Writer: Mitsu Itakura
    Mitsu Itakura
  • Jul 10
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 16


Japan Transportation 01

1. Features of Japanese Public Transportation


  • Punctuality: Trains and buses run precisely on schedule. Be punctual to avoid missing them.

  • Extensive Network: Public transportation is highly convenient, especially in urban areas.

2. How to Purchase JR Tickets


  • What is JR (Japan Railways): A nationwide railway network that includes bullet trains (Shinkansen) and local lines.

  • Types of Tickets:

    • Regular Tickets: One-time use tickets for a single journey.

    • Shinkansen Reserved Seat Tickets: Required if you wish to reserve a seat on bullet trains.

    • JR Pass: Unlimited travel pass for foreign tourists.


  • How to Purchase:

    • Ticket Vending Machines:

      • Switch the machine to English (available on most machines).

      • Select your destination station.

      • Choose the number of passengers and ticket type.

      • Make payment (cash or compatible credit card).


    • Ticket Counters (Midori no Madoguchi):

      • For complex routes or Shinkansen reservations, consulting with staff at the ticket counter is recommended.



    • Smartphone App: SmartEX (for Shinkansen Tickets Only)

      App: SmartEX

      • Website: https://smart-ex.jp/en/index.php

      • Description: SmartEX allows you to book and purchase Shinkansen tickets (mainly for JR Central, JR West, and JR Kyushu lines) via your smartphone.

      How to use:

      • Download the SmartEX app from the App Store or Google Play

      • Create a SmartEX account (requires email and credit card)

      • Search for your departure and arrival stations

      • Choose your preferred train, date, and seat type (reserved or non-reserved)

      • Complete payment through the app

      • Use the QR code displayed in the app to board, or pick up a physical ticket at a ticket machine at the station

3. Purchasing and Using SUICA Cards


  • What is SUICA: An IC card issued by JR East used for train and bus fares, and can also be used for payments at convenience stores and vending machines.


  • How to Purchase:

    • At Ticket Machines:

      • Select "Purchase IC Card" on the station ticket machine.

      • A deposit of 500 yen is required (refundable upon card return).

      • Choose the amount to load onto the card and make payment.

    • At Ticket Counters:

      • Simply tell the staff, "I would like a SUICA card," and they will assist you.

    • Apple Pay

      • Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.

      • Tap the “+” (plus) button in the top right corner.

      • Select “Transit Card” from the list.

      • Tap on “Suica” to begin setup.

      • Follow the on-screen instructions to add a new Suica card or transfer an existing one.

    website: https://support.apple.com/en-us/120474


    • Android

      To use Suica on Android:

      1. Download the Suica app from the Google Play Store.

      2. Open the app and follow the instructions to create a new virtual Suica card.

      3. Add money via a credit card, Google Pay, or at a ticket machine.

      4. Simply tap your phone on the ticket gate or payment reader.

      You can also set Suica as your default payment method.


Japan Transportation 02

4. Other Transportation Passes


  • Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass):

    • Overview: An unlimited travel pass for foreign tourists, valid for a specified period on JR trains.

    • How to Purchase:

      • Advance Purchase: Buy from authorized agents or online before arriving in Japan.

      • On-site Purchase (limited availability): Can be bought at major JR stations but may be more expensive.

    • Exchange Method:

      • Upon arrival in Japan, present your passport and purchase voucher at an exchange office to receive the actual pass.

    • Related Websites:

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