Best Train Passes in Japan

Hiro K..
Update: Jan 11, 2023

+0 50

One of the things that are famous among travelers about Japan is the reliability of its public transportation. Whether that is a bus, train, or other kinds of transportation methods, international travelers tend to be amazed by the punctuality and efficiency these services provide. This is most noticeable regarding the trains.

However, there is one problem many will have to face when using these methods of transportation. That is to learn how to purchase tickets or passes. What many don’t know is that besides the regular train tickets, there are special passes you can get that can result in cheaper than just buying regular tickets every time you need to take the train.

Here is where hopefully I can help with this article. I’m going to share with you ways you can purchase tickets and special passes to take the train in various places in Japan. The websites I’m going to introduce to you are all in English, making things much less stressful. Also, by getting these tickets or passes online beforehand, you won’t need to worry about this after arriving in Japan, making your traveling much simpler.

1. Suica Card

The Suica Card is a prepaid card you can use for almost all transportation within Tokyo and other major cities across Japan. You can use this card for trains, metro, buses, and even at convenience stores.

Buy Suica Card – Japan’s Most Convenient Prepaid E-Money Card experiences.travel.rakuten.com

2. Tokyo Subway Ticket: 72, 48, or 24 Hour Passes

Get a pass to use the Tokyo Subway (Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines) freely for 72, 48, or 24 hours. If you are planning on visiting many locations throughout a short period of time, this pass will result in a very good deal for you.

Tokyo Subway Ticket -Rakuten Travel Experiences bit.ly

3. ICOCA Card

The ICOCA Card is the JR West version of the SUICA Card. Same as the SUICA Card, you can use it for a wide variety of transportation methods and shops in Osaka as well as other major cities in Japan.

Get ICOCA Card – Japan’s Most Convenient Prepaid E-Money Card experiences.travel.rakuten.com

4. Hankyu Tourist Pass (1-Day or 2-Day) for Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe

The Hankyu Tourist Pass is a convenient pass you can use for the Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe regions. You can purchase a pass for either one day or two days. If you plan on visiting various spots within one or two days, then this pass is a good deal for you!

Hankyu Tourist Pass (1-Day or 2-Day) for Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe experiences.travel.rakuten.com

5. Kansai Thru Pass – Unlimited Travel Around Osaka & Kyoto!

The Kansai Thru Pass is a pass you can use for trains, subways, buses across the Kansai area. Besides that, you can also get benefits at over 260 tourist locations in the Kansai area.

Kansai Thru Pass – Unlimited Travel Around Osaka & Kyoto! experiences.travel.rakuten.com

6. Kansai 3-Day WIDE Area Excursion Pass [For Tourists & Expats]

The Kansai 3-day WIDE Area Excursion Pass is a convenient pass for those traveling within the Kansai area. You will have unlimited rides on the Sanyo Shinkansen, local trains, Kyoto Tango Railway, Chizu Express, Wakayama Electric Railway, and West JR Bus in the valid area.

Kansai 3-Day WIDE Area Excursion Pass [For Tourists & Expats] bit.ly

7. [For Tourists & Expats] JR Shikoku 3-Day Pass E-Tickets

The JR Shikoku 3-day pass e-ticket is a pass you can use to travel within the island of Shikoku. You will have unlimited travel on JR Shikoku trains (local and Limited Express) and fixed-route buses as well as the Tosa Kuroshio Line for three whole days.

[For Tourists & Expats] JR Shikoku 3-Day Pass E-Tickets bit.ly

8. JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) – 5-Day Pass [For Tourists & Expats]

For those who are planning on traveling a wide area within a few days, this may be the perfect pass for you. With the JR East Pass, you will have unlimited rides on the Shinkansen (bullet train), as well as other JR trains and buses.

JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) – 5-Day Pass [For Tourists & Expats] bit.ly

9. Keisei Skyliner Train Tickets – Transfer Between Narita Airport and Tokyo

This is a train ticket for the Keisei Skyliner which connects Tokyo and Narita Airport. It is one of the most comfortable ways to get from the airport to Tokyo and vice versa.

Skyliner Discount Ticket The Keisei Skyliner is a high-speed train that travels between Narita Airport and Tokyo downtown. Keisei Skyliner connects Narita Airport with downtown Tokyo in as fast as 36 minutes and operates around every 20 minutes. bit.ly

10. Shinkansen Tickets

shinkansen

Shinkansen (or bullet trains) are the extra fast trans you can use for long-distance traveling. It costs more than the usual train, but on the other hand, it will get you to your destination much faster. Getting a Shinkansen ticket can be complicated for first-timers. Here I’ll post a link where you can purchase the different shinkansen tickets online and in English.