How to ride JR trains, private railways and subways in Japan

Learn the differences between JR, private railways and subways, how to buy tickets, tap transport IC cards, adjust fares and follow train etiquette in Japan, using JNTO guidance.

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  • Before you go
  • Trains and subways
  • IC cards

This page summarises JNTO’s official guide, How to travel by train and bus in Japan. For routes, fares and journey times in Fukuoka, see Overview of public transport in Japan.

Key points

  • In large cities, trains run every few minutes. Rural routes have fewer services and require more planning time.
  • Different cities have different railway operators, and fares are calculated separately by operator.
  • With an IC card, tap when entering and leaving ticket gates. Without an IC card, buy a ticket from a machine.
  • Keep your ticket safe: you will need it when exiting.

JR, private railways and subways

According to JNTO, public transport is often the quickest way to get around. Railway companies and fares vary by city and region, particularly in major cities:

City Railway operators given as examples by JNTO
Tokyo Japan Railways (JR), Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway and others
Osaka JR, Hankyu Railway, Hanshin Railway, Keihan Railway and others

When transferring between operators, fares are therefore calculated separately. For Fukuoka City Subway and Nishitetsu, see Overview of public transport in Japan.

Buying tickets and IC cards

  • IC cards: Prepaid, rechargeable transport cards. Most can be used across operators and cities, but restrictions vary by card, and some are usable only in particular regions or on particular transport. IC cards are not accepted in some areas or on services such as certain highway buses.
  • Most cards have a deposit of 500 yen, which JNTO says can be recovered by returning the card to the ticket office before leaving.
  • Adding value: Insert the card into an automatic ticket machine at almost any station and follow the instructions to add money.
  • For details on IC cards such as Suica and Hayakaken, see Transport IC cards.
  • Without an IC card: Buy a ticket at the station ticket machine. Fares depend on the destination, so consult the station fare chart. JNTO also notes that day tickets and unlimited weekend passes are sometimes available.

Entering and leaving ticket gates

  1. IC card: Tap once when entering and again when leaving at your destination. If a gate fails to open, the card may not have been read or the balance may be insufficient.
  2. Paper ticket: Insert the ticket into the gate slot. It comes out on the other side, so be sure to collect it. Insert it again at the exit, where it will be retained.
  3. Fare adjustment: If you have paid too little, pay the difference at a fare adjustment machine inside the ticket gates.
  4. If you have a problem, ask for help at a staffed ticket gate.

Train etiquette

JNTO advises:

  • Avoid making phone calls on trains. On long-distance trains such as the Shinkansen, calls can be made in corridors between carriages.
  • Do not smoke or use e-cigarettes.
  • Remove backpacks and carry them by hand or place them on luggage racks.
  • Give up priority seats to those who need them.
  • Women-only carriages are available during busy morning periods.
  • For more, see Manners and etiquette.

Frequently asked questions

Can you take the train without an IC card?

Yes. Buy a ticket from a machine at the station, selecting the fare shown on the station fare chart.

What if a ticket gate does not open?

According to JNTO, the card may not have been read or may have insufficient balance. You can also ask for assistance at a staffed gate.

Further reading

Sources