Do I need an IC card if I have a JR Pass?

Even if you have a JR Pass or other travel pass, an IC card is recommended because it can be used across transportation systems operated by many different transit companies, as well as for payment at convenience stores, restaurants, shops, vending machines, and other locations.



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You can use the Japan Rail Pass on the JR trains in Tokyo and it will get you around to most major areas but if you leave the JR lines and travel by other means, a Suica card might be a good idea in addition to a Japan Rail Pass as you can use it for many things, including paying for things from vending machines.

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The Difference Between the JR Pass and IC Cards The most important is that rail passes let you travel between different regions around Japan, whereas IC cards don't let you travel outside or between IC card areas (in most cases).

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You can download them directly from us and store them on your phone for later use. Some trains in Japan come with power outlets, ask the JR-Staff if a seat equipped with one is available and you can charge your device on the go.

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An IC card can be used for almost any public transportation in Japan. Both JR and private railway companies use IC cards, subways use IC cards, and most buses accept IC cards.

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JR East operates the most convenient train lines for moving around central Tokyo, and you can use your JR Pass on all of these metro services. The rest of the 13 Tokyo subway lines that run in and around the Yamanote line are operated by companies other than JR East.

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No visitor to Tokyo should be without a Suica card and no visitor to Japan should be without a JR Pass. The Suica card is convenient for intercity trains and buses while the JR Pass saves you time and money when traveling through the country.

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While the metro lines do no accept the JR Pass, other IC Cards, such as the Pasmo and Suica, may be used. These cards give you access to almost any train or bus in Tokyo, and are a perfect complement to the JR Pass.

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If you calculate that your travel costs will be lower if you buy individual tickets for each journey, then it's not worth buying a JR Pass. However, if you take into account journeys on Shinkansen high-speed trains or other means of transport, the savings you make become substantial.

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The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. (The pass holders must take “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” trains.)

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You cannot buy Suica outside of the greater Tokyo area. in Osaka, you have to buy ICOCA. When you leave the Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto) return your ICOCA and buy Suica when you get to Tokyo.

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Each person will need their own JR Pass.

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With a JAPAN RAIL PASS, you can go through the automatic ticket gates. Many JR stations have automatic ticket gates. When going through the gate, insert the JAPAN RAIL PASS into the slot. After passing through the gate, do not forget to pick up the PASS after it comes out on the other side.

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