Yaya, a Tokyo-based tour guide, provides a comprehensive guide on how to use Japan’s railway system, with a particular focus on purchasing tickets and obtaining a Suica card.
She shares some surprising statistics about Tokyo’s railway system, noting that around 25 million people use the city’s main railway lines each day, and that between late 2024 and early 2025, JR’s Shinkansen recorded an all-time high of 412,000 passengers.
Yaya offers a detailed explanation of how to purchase train tickets and emphasizes the importance of carrying cash, as credit cards are often not accepted. While the smart Suica card is a convenient option, she explains that it may not work outside the Tokyo area, so it’s essential to know how to buy physical tickets as well.
She goes on to explain how to obtain a Suica card, highlighting the difference between the standard version and the personalized version. She notes that a personalized Suica card can be replaced if lost—just visit a JR station—whereas a Pasmo card can only be replaced at the store where it was originally purchased.
The guide also introduces the “Welcome Suica,” a special IC card for tourists. It can be obtained at JR East Travel Centers and airport vending machines. This card requires no deposit, can be charged with amounts between ¥1,000 and ¥10,000, is valid for 180 days, but does not come with loss protection.
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