This section will cover the complete guide on how to use the train to get around in Tokyo.
Short Summary
- Purchase an IC card (Suica or Passmo) at the ticket machine located at the station
- Use your card at the gate to go in and out of the platform
- Use any ticket machine to top up your card when the balance is low
What you need
To get on a train in Tokyo you either need a paper ticket or an IC card (IC = Integrated Circuit). Both can be bought at the ticket machine located at the train station.
Paper tickets are just like any old school tickets. You insert them at the gates and the ticket is used up once you get to point A to B.
IC cards can be topped up at the ticket machine and you can use it over and over as long as you have it topped up. You can also use them as a form of payment (like a credit card) at stores such as convenience stores and super markets, as well as purchase drinks from vending machines.
For convenience an IC card is absolutely recommended for using the train in Tokyo. IC cards in Tokyo are called “Suica” or “Passmo”. Suica is issued when you purchase via the JR line, and Passmo will be issued on other train lines. Don’t worry about which to get as both cards work the same and it does not matter which one you have.
You can use Suica/Passmo cards universally at basically all region in Japan. So even if you are planning on going around Japan you can do so with this one card.
IC card (Suica, Passmo)
Purchasing the Suica/Passmo card
1.Find the ticket machine located at the train station
There are 2 types of ticket machines – one that is only for recharging your existing IC card and one that can do both. Look for the PASSMO or SUICA logo displayed on top of the machines.
The details on the screen may be slightly different depending on the machine but the general flow of process is the same across the board.
2.Change the language on the screen to English by tapping it on the touch screen.
3.Select “Passmo (or Suica)”.
Follow the prompts on screen to issue a Blank Passmo/Suica.
4.Select your desired amount.
\2000+ is recommended if you plan to use the train frequently.
You will be charged \500 for the initial card fee (or rather a deposit). Hence if you charge with \2000, your actual credit at the beginning will be \1500. This card fee can be refunded by taking your card to the Ticket office if you no longer wish to use the card.
5.Insert your money in the machine and retrieve your card
Now you are ready to use your card. Just hold it near the automatic touch gate and you will hear a sound if the card is recognized correctly. The amount that is deduced will be displayed on the gate display along with the balance on your card. Use this to keep track of when you need to top up your card next.
Topping up your Suica/Passmo card
1.Find any ticket machine and change the display language to English.
2.Insert your Suica card in the machine OR place it on the charging tray. (This will depend on the ticket machine)
3.Select Recharge IC card
4.Insert the required cash
5.Follow the prompts to recharge the amount you wish
If you are using a machine with IC card tray, make sure you wait for the prompt to complete so the recharge goes through properly.
…And your done!
Best way to navigate the train routes
There are 85 different lines (including bullet trains and monorails) operated under 18 different Railway companies in Tokyo. This makes it super confusing and difficult to navigate the trains to get to your destination efficiently. Above the ticket machine at each station there is usually a big white board with the train lines and numbers drawn in. This is almost impossible to read as the font is too small and it is only written in Japanese.
The absolute best way to navigate the trains is to use an app on your phone.
I have rounded this up in another post you can check out below.