Do you need both Suica card and JR Pass?


Do you need both Suica card and JR Pass? 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.


Does Suica work on Kyoto Subway?

You can utilize IC cards (PiTaPa, ICOCA, Suica, etc.) on the city bus and the subway.


Can tourists use Suica?

Short-term visitors can also consider the special Welcome Suica card. This tourist card with a sakura design comes without a JPY500 deposit fee but is valid for only four weeks and the balance credit cannot be refunded. It makes a cute souvenir to take home for memories.


What does Suica not cover?

The Suica card can be used in the majority of Japanese public transport: subways, buses and all local trains, as well as in buses and taxis displaying the Suica logo. Please note that the Suica card does not work on express trains, shinkansen, highway buses or airport shuttles.


Can I take Tokyo subway with JR Pass?

The JR Pass does not allow you to ride on subways or trams within cities. However, most big cities have a few JR lines that you can use to go around, like the Osaka Loop or Kanjo line and the Tokyo Yamanote line, for example.


Can I use my Suica in Osaka?

Smart cards like Icoca, Suica and Pasmo are generally valid across Japan, so don't worry about which one you buy. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Osaka. You can also use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica at many shops, especially convenience stores.


Can two people use the same Suica card?

Each person needs one. Pasmo/Suica is read when touching the IC card reader upon entering and exiting a gate, and the correct fare is deducted from the card. The same card cannot be read entering twice at the same station.


Do you need Suica in Tokyo?

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. Here are the deets.


Do I really need a JR Pass in Japan?

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.


Can I buy Suica card in Osaka?

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.


Which is better Suica or JR Pass?

The JR pass is only worth it if you travel through different cities, if you are just travelling to Tokyo to Kyoto for example, I would just pay on the Suica. You can do the online calculator or just use google to calculate which trip is easier - paying individually on Suica or getting a JR Pass.


Is it cheaper to buy JR Pass in Japan or online?

For a limited time only, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass from certain train stations and airports in Japan. Travelers should be aware it is more expensive to buy a JR Pass in Japan than to purchase the pass online.