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.

No, the Tokyo Subway (Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway) is not included in the standard Japan Rail Pass. The JR Pass only covers lines operated by Japan Railways. While you cannot use it on the subway, you can use the JR Pass for the JR Yamanote Line, which is a circular "loop" line that hits almost all major Tokyo hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, and Ueno. For the actual subway lines (the ones with lettered icons like the M-Marunouchi or G-Ginza lines), you must use a separate IC card like Suica or Pasmo, or purchase a "Tokyo Subway Ticket" (available for 24, 48, or 72 hours). In 2026, many travelers find that combining the JR Pass for inter-city travel with a digital Suica on their phone for the Tokyo Subway provides the most seamless and efficient transport experience in the capital.