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Which lines are JR in Tokyo?

Major JR train lines in central Tokyo
  • Yamanote Line. Circle line that connects all major city centers.
  • Keihin-Tohoku Line. Runs parallel to the Yamanote Line on the eastern half of the circle.
  • Chuo/Sobu Line (Local) Runs across the Yamanote circle (local slow service).
  • Chuo Line (Rapid) ...
  • Saikyo Line. ...
  • Shinkansen.




In 2026, the Japan Rail (JR) network remains the backbone of Tokyo's transit. The most famous is the Yamanote Line, the green-colored loop connecting major hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station. Other critical lines include the Chuo Main Line (orange) for east-west travel, the Sobu Line (yellow) for local cross-city trips, and the Keihin-Tohoku Line (cyan) which runs north-south toward Yokohama and Saitama. The Saikyo Line and Shonan-Shinjuku Line provide high-speed vertical connections, while the Keiyo Line takes you toward Tokyo Disneyland. Additionally, all Shinkansen (bullet trains) departing from Tokyo or Ueno are JR-operated. For 2026 travelers, these lines are distinct because they are the only ones covered by the JR Pass; Tokyo's "Subway" lines (Ginza, Marunouchi, etc.) are operated by separate companies like Tokyo Metro and Toei, not JR.

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  • Yamanote Line - a loop line and is the most prominent JR Line connecting major city centers.
  • Keihin-Tohoku Line - goes from north to south in Tokyo.
  • Chuo Line (Rapid) - goes from east to west in Tokyo.
  • Chuo/Sobu Line (Local)
  • Saikyo Line.


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JR Lines can be identified by the JR symbol. Keihin-Tohoku Line - goes from north to south in Tokyo. Chuo Line (Rapid) - goes from east to west in Tokyo.

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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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The JR Pass is valid on all Shinkansen services in all the Shinkansen lines, except for the Nozomi and Mizuho services on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. You will not have access to the trains with the fewest stops on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines.

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We appreciate your cooperation. You may bring up to 2 baggage items with a total length, width, and height of up to 250 cm (up to 2 meters in length) and a weight of up to 30 kg. However, please reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area or oversized baggage compartment when carrying on oversized baggage.

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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.

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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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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.

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Tokyo to Fuji Five Lakes Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station (Tokyo) to Otsuki Station (Azusa trains, covered by the JR Pass). Once at Otsuki, take Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station (not covered by the JR Pass).

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The Suica can be used not only for JR East trains, but subways and buses as well. See the Suica Map for transportation systems you can use with the Suica. The Suica can also be used to pay for things with e-money. Buy soft drinks and coffee from vending machines and on the train.

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With your Japan Rail Pass The Hikari and Kodama trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen lines are covered by the Japan Rail Pass, and they can take you from Tokyo to Osaka in about 3 to 4 hours. In Tokyo, you can catch the Shinkansen either at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, and then arrive to Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka.

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With your Japan Rail Pass The cities of Tokyo and Kyoto are linked to each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line. A one-way trip from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station on a Hikari or Kodama train costs 13,080 yen (unreserved seat) or 13,800 yen (reserved seat), but is completely free with a JR Pass.

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The JR Pass and other JR deals cover only green bold lines. But you have to take Tokyo Metro Ginza line or Toei Subway Asakusa line to get to Asakusa. Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway are not covered by the JR Pass and any other JR deals.

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You may get some value from some day type passes, but not from a nationwide rail pass. (if you were going as far a Kyoto, it would be about breakeven for you). A JR pass is of no value if you're only going to be in Tokyo. If you plan to arrive at NRT - http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/ - is a good value.

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The Narita Express – also known as N'EX – is the most convenient Tokyo city transfer from and to Narita International Airport, which hosts most of the overseas flights to Japan. This limited express train service is fast, reliable and punctual, and you can ride it for free with your Japan Rail Pass.

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Ownership and operation: JR trains are owned and operated by the Japan Railways Group, which is a conglomerate of regional railway companies across the country. Metro trains, on the other hand, are owned and operated by various municipal governments in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

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