Trains, Buses, and IC Cards

In Japan, you can travel by train or bus for commuting, school, shopping, and more.

Besides paper tickets, transit IC cards are widely used to pay fares.

What to check for trains and buses

Where a transit IC card can be used varies depending on the card and the region. This is not one uniform boarding procedure nationwide.

Check your destination and the train line at the station, and pass through the ticket gate with a ticket or a transit IC card that is accepted.

You may need to transfer between lines.

Boarding points, how to pay the fare, and whether you pay before or after riding vary depending on the region and route.

On a bus you are riding for the first time, check the signage and in-vehicle announcements.

Transit IC cards such as Suica and PASMO can be used on trains and buses that accept them.

The area where a card can be used varies depending on the card and the region.

If your balance is insufficient, you charge the card before using it.

If you repeatedly use the same section for commuting or school, you may be able to use a commuter pass.

Check if your workplace or school specifies a commuting or school route.

Trains and buses can be delayed or suspended due to accidents, disasters, bad weather, and other causes.

Check the official information from the railway or bus company.

Last checked: August 2026