Don't know how to ride Japanese trains? Learn how to buy tickets and the process

Hello, this is Kano from JAC (Japan Association for Construction Human Resources).

If you live in Japan, it's convenient to be able to use the train.
If you don't know how to ride the train or buy a ticket, be sure to find out.

We will also introduce how to transfer to other trains.
Please feel free to use this as a reference.

Don't know how to ride the trains in Japan? First, check how to buy a ticket

When you get on the train, you buy a ticket.
Tickets can be purchased from ticket vending machines near the ticket gates.

Put money into the ticket machine, press the button for the number of people getting on the train and the fare to your destination, and you can buy a ticket.

You can check the fare to your destination on the route map posted above the ticket machine.
The number written under the name of the station you want to go to is the fare to your destination.

If you can't read a route map or don't know how to use the ticket machine, you can also buy a ticket at the ticket counter.
*JR Group, a major Japanese railway company, has ticket counters called "Midori no Madoguchi" at its stations.

If there is no ticket booth, you can ask a station attendant.
There are station staff near the ticket gates and ticket counters.

If you are riding a special train such as an "express" or "limited express," you will need a ticket (boarding ticket), an express ticket, and a limited express ticket.
Express and limited express tickets can also be purchased from the ticket machines.
Please buy it together when you buy your ticket.

[Method other than tickets①] IC card

It's convenient to use an IC card or smartphone instead of buying a ticket.

Charge your IC card and tap the card at the ticket gate to pass through.

IC cards come in names such as "Suica," "PASMO," and "ICOCA," and can be purchased from ticket machines.
Although the names vary depending on the region, their functions are almost the same.

You also use the ticket vending machine to charge your IC card.

In many cases, there will be a "Charge" button displayed on the ticket machine.
Press the "Charge" button, insert your IC card into the ticket machine, and select the charge (deposit) amount.

Put money into the ticket machine and the charge is complete.
You can charge it any number of times.

All IC cards require a 500 yen deposit when first purchased.
If you no longer need the card, you can return it and get your loaded money and deposit back.

The card should be returned to the railroad company that issued it.
It's a good idea to buy cards for the routes you use most often.

IC cards can also be used when shopping at convenience stores and other stores.
Your IC card is like money, so be careful not to lose it.

[Method other than tickets②] Smartphone

You can also register your IC card to Apple Pay or Google Pay on your smartphone (mobile phone).
Download the app, register as a member, and make a deposit with your credit card.

How to ride the train in Japan

I will introduce how to ride the trains in Japan.

1. Buy a ticket

Buy a ticket or load money onto your IC card.

2. Go through the ticket gate

Go through the ticket gate and onto the station platform.

If you are purchasing a ticket, insert it into the ticket slot at the ticket gate.
When the ticket gate doors open, go through.
The ticket you inserted earlier will appear beyond the ticket gate, so pick it up.
Keep your ticket with you as you will need it when you get off.

If you are using an IC card or smartphone app, touch the reader marked "IC" at the ticket gate.
Just like with tickets, pass through the ticket gate when the doors open.

Even if you enter through the wrong ticket gate, you will still be charged an entrance fee.
If you make a mistake, you can get a refund if you tell the station staff that you made a mistake.

3. Go to Home

Look at the information board and go to the platform where the train you want to take arrives.

There are yellow lines marked on the platform, so please line up inside them and wait.

4. Take the train

On Japanese trains, passengers getting off have priority.
Passengers who want to get off should wait until they are outside the train before getting on again.

Once you're on board, check your destination via in-car announcements or the electronic display above the doors.

Train Manners

In Japan, some train carriages are designated as "women-only carriages."
Women-only carriages are carriages reserved for women, children and people with disabilities.
There will be a sign near the door that says "Women-only car," so be sure to check it when you board.

When you get on the train, you can either sit in a seat or stand by holding on to a handrail or strap (a loop hanging from above).
You should not sit on the floor.

There are "priority seats" available for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities to sit on a first-come, first-served basis.
It's okay to sit in a priority seat, but if someone needs a seat, please offer it to them.

Try not to talk loudly or make phone calls on the train.
Smoking is also prohibited.

Additionally, it is considered good manners not to eat or drink alcohol.
However, on long train rides, such as the Shinkansen or limited express trains, it is okay to eat foods that have a mild odor.
Be sure to take your trash with you when you leave.

5. Get off the train and go through the ticket gate

When you get off the train, go through the ticket gates to exit.

Insert the ticket you used to board into the ticket slot at the ticket gate.
Your ticket will not be returned, so you can simply go through the ticket gate.

If you are using an IC card or smartphone app, you can pass through by tapping the ticket gate in the same way as when you board the train.

If your ticket or IC card does not have enough fare to get to your destination, the ticket gate doors will close and a buzzer will sound.
In that case, follow the instructions of the station staff and pay the additional fare.

If you know you don't have enough fare before you go through the ticket gate, inform the station staff at the gate.

How do I transfer between trains in Japan?

There are many railway companies in Japan.

At larger stations, various railway companies serve the station and you may need to transfer.
Transfers mean using multiple trains to get to your destination.

How to change trains

There are three main types of transfers:

1. Transfer to a different line of the same railway company (e.g. JR Yamanote Line → JR Chuo Line)
② Transfer to a train operated by a different railway company (e.g. JR East line → Tokyo Metro line)
3. Transfer from a conventional train to a Shinkansen (e.g. JR Yamanote Line → Tohoku Shinkansen)
* Conventional lines: lines other than the Shinkansen

Let me introduce each one.

1. Transfer to a different line of the same railway company

If the railway company is the same, you can often transfer without going through the ticket gates if you buy a ticket to your destination.

② Change to a train operated by a different railway company

When transferring to trains operated by different railway companies, you will need to buy a ticket from the station where you first board to the station where you will transfer.
Generally, you will exit the ticket gate at the transfer station.

At the transfer station, you buy a ticket from your transfer station to your next destination, go through the ticket gate and board the next train.

The transfer methods for ① and ② may differ depending on the railway company and line.
If it's your first time at a station, it's a good idea to ask a station attendant how to transfer.

③ Transfer from a conventional train to a Shinkansen

When transferring from a train to a Shinkansen, you will need to go through a special ticket gate.
For the Shinkansen, in addition to the regular ticket, you will also need a limited express ticket and a reserved seat ticket.

If you are switching, we recommend using IC cards or smartphone apps.

It's a hassle to go through the ticket gates and buy a ticket every time you want to transfer.
If you use an IC card or smartphone app, you don't need to buy a transfer ticket.

If you make frequent use of trains and transfers, we recommend using IC cards or smartphone apps.
*IC cards and smartphone apps may not be usable in some areas.

Try using transit guide websites and apps

Transfers can be difficult, so we recommend using websites or smartphone apps that provide transfer directions.
You can also find out the fare to your destination by using websites or smartphone apps that provide transfer directions.

The most popular ones are "Yahoo! Transit Guide," "Eki-Supert," and "Transit Guide (Jordan)."
There is also an app called "NAVITME for Japan Travel" that supports foreign languages.

Summary: Learn how to ride the train and make the most of it!

There are many trains running in Japan, so if you can learn how to use them, they are very convenient.

Train fares can be paid with a ticket, an IC card, or a smartphone app.
For people who frequently use trains or transfer frequently, IC cards are convenient and recommended.

If you don't know how to buy a ticket or ride the train, just ask a station staff member.
Transfer directions are easy to understand if you use a transfer guide app.

Learning how to ride the trains will make your life in Japan more convenient and enjoyable!

*This article was written based on information from May 2023.