What is the difference between JR and Metro in Japan?
What is the difference between JR and Metro in Japan? JR is spread all over the country in a large network. Metro is privately owned and only runs in and around central Tokyo, but if you are in Tokyo and don't know what to look for it is hard to see the difference between JR trains and Metro lines.
What is JR transportation in Japan?
Japan's leading railway company, Japan Railways (JR), has an elaborate and well-established network of trains throughout the country. From scenic local trains to the super express shinkansen, if you are traveling on rail in Japan, the chances are it will be with JR.
What is the cheapest way to travel in Tokyo?
Buses. For travel within the city, the bus system can be useful for making those trips that the subway doesn't handle well ? like Roppongi to Shimbashi. Fares are cheap and you can use Pasmo/Suica IC cards to pay.
Is JR same as Shinkansen?
Shinkansen bullet trains are the fastest and most convenient way of discovering Japan. The Japan Rail (JR) network is extensive and the trains reach a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph). This allows you to get to wherever you need in little time. The nine Shinkansen lines take you in different directions around Japan.
How do you tell the difference between JR line and metro line?
The JR Group contains seven railway companies, including JR East, which is the biggest private railway in the Tokyo area. Tokyo Metro is the biggest subway/rapid transit system in the Tokyo area. Tokyo Metro trains run underground most of the time, while JR trains usually run above ground.
Do Suica cards expire?
You can keep your Suica card for your next trip. It will remain valid for 10 years. The Suica cards we offer are non-personal and are reserved for adult travellers.
Can JR Pass be used on Japan Metro?
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.
Can I use the JR Pass to get around Osaka?
Yes, the Japan Rail Pass is valid for the entire line and all JR lines branching of it. Using your pass to explore Osaka this way, is a very cost-efficient option.
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.
Is Tokyo Metro same as Tokyo Subway?
Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway operate the subways in Tokyo. At the entrance to each station, you will see the subway sign and the name of the subway station. Be sure to remember the station name, number and line color (circular colored outline) of the subway line you want to ride.
Can you use a JR Pass from Tokyo airport?
Yes. The JR Pass is valid on the JR lines that connects the main airports to the main cities. If you land in Narita Airport, you can take the Narita Express to connect to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro stations.
Is Shinjuku line covered by JR Pass?
With the Japan Rail Pass, you can ride on all JR trains, including the Shinjuku Line, without paying additional fares.
Which trains Cannot be used with JR Pass?
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.)
Can foreigners buy Suica?
Suica is the prepaid IC card by JR East for JR trains in the Greater Tokyo, Niigata and Sendai regions. A special version of Suica, called Welcome Suica, is available to foreign tourists. The special cards are valid for only four weeks, come without a deposit fee, but do not allow for refunds.
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.