What is the difference between JR Pass and Icoca card?


What is the difference between JR Pass and Icoca card? Just to clarify the difference: The JR Pass is one ticket, or pass if you will, for unlimited travel. While ICOCA is an electronic payment method, called an IC card, and does not provide any discount on itself.


What is the most popular IC card in Japan?

In Tokyo, the suica card and pasmo card are among the most popular. What is this? In Kyoto and Osaka, the icoca card is the most common. For local travel in Hokkaido, you'll hear most about the kitaca card in reference to IC cards.


How do I use my ICOCA card on the train?

To use an ICOCA card for riding the train, simply touch the card to the card-recognition area on the automated ticket gate.


Should I buy my JR Pass in Japan?

Unless you plan to ride a LOT of JR trains during your trip, you'll almost certainly save money by buying individual train tickets instead a Japan Rail Pass. You can buy shinkansen tickets online (before or after arrival) on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu lines (between Tokyo,Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Hakata).


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.