Complete Guide to Transportation in Japan: Shinkansen, Subways, and Transportation Cards
Understand the JR Pass, IC cards, and airport express trains to save up to 30% on transportation costs in Japan.
Arrival and Getting into the City
| Airport | Getting into the City | Time/Price |
|---|
| Narita (NRT) | Narita Express / Keisei Skyliner | 60–90 minutes, around 2,570–3,070 yen |
| Haneda (HND) | Keikyu Line / Monorail | 30 minutes, around 300–500 yen |
| Kansai (KIX) | HARUKA / Nankai Railway | 50–75 minutes, around 1,000–3,000 yen |
How to Buy the JR Pass
The nationwide 7-day JR Pass costs around 50,000 yen (after the October 2023 price increase), and is only suitable for long-distance intercity travel (such as Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka round trips). If you're staying in just one part of Japan, regional JR passes such as the JR East Pass offer better value.
Urban Transport
- Suica / ICOCA: IC transportation cards usable on subways, JR lines, private railways, buses, convenience stores, and vending machines. Can be directly linked to Apple Pay.
- Tokyo Metro 24/48/72 Hour Passes: Only valid on Metro and Toei lines, available to foreign tourists, and great value.
- Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass: 700 yen, essential for sightseeing in Kyoto.
- Osaka Amazing Pass: Includes subway rides and entry to dozens of attractions, available as 1-day and 2-day passes.
Travel Between Cities
- Tokyo – Kyoto: Shinkansen Nozomi, around 2 hours 15 minutes, about 14,000 yen.
- Kyoto – Osaka: JR Special Rapid Service, 30 minutes, about 580 yen.
- Tokyo – Hokkaido (Hakodate): Shinkansen, around 4 hours.
- Osaka – Fukuoka: Shinkansen, around 2.5 hours.
Tips
- Use Google Maps to enter your start and end points, and it will automatically recommend the best routes and fares.
- Most last trains run between midnight and 1:00 am. If you miss one, take a taxi (starting fare around 500 yen).
- Luggage can be sent between hotels using Yamato Transport (Yu-Pack), starting at around 2,000 yen per item.