Japan transport guides

Choose a Japan transport guide

Start with the ticket, route or airport choice in front of you. Each guide gives the conditions that change the answer and a direct next step.

Two travelers comparing transport choices in a hotel lounge
Choose one question first, then open the matching guide or calculator.
Two travelers arranging short and long rail journey choices

Passes and individual tickets

Start with the area and journeys you will use

Choose the page that matches the trip you are actually planning.

Nationwide Japan Rail PassCompare your long-distance JR journeys with the pass period. Kansai-Hiroshima Area PassSee when a Hiroshima return clears the ¥17,000 5-day pass. Hokuriku Arch Pass vs JR PassSee when a Tokyo–Kanazawa trip clears the ¥35,000 pass. The Tokaido Shinkansen is not included. Tokyo-area rail tripsCheck eligible journeys inside three consecutive days. Osaka Amazing PassChoose one sightseeing day or two consecutive days. JR Pass: official site or agencyCompare the ¥50,000 online price with the ¥53,000 agency price. 21-day JR Pass for a 3-week tripCheck whether three weeks of JR travel passes ¥100,000. Child fares and family costSee what children pay and compare family tickets with passes. When to start a JR PassSet the start date on the first long JR day, not at the airport.
Travelers arriving at a city hotel from an airport coach

Airport to hotel

Choose the route that reaches your hotel area

Your airport, arrival time, luggage and final hotel area can change the practical route.

From Narita AirportCompare N’EX and Skyliner by your Tokyo destination. From Haneda AirportCompare rail, bus, taxi and mixed routes. From Kansai AirportCompare Haruka, the limousine bus and Nankai for Kyoto, Umeda or Namba. Find another airport routeOpen the airport guide for destination-specific choices.
Travelers preparing an IC card and paper ticket before boarding

Cards, tickets and boarding

Check what to buy and what to use at the gate

Open only the step you need before paying or boarding.

Choose an IC card typeCompare physical, visitor and supported mobile cards. Book and board a ShinkansenCheck the official service and each traveler’s gate item. Where to book Shinkansen ticketsChoose smartEX, JR East, JR West or a station counter. Pre-book Shin-Osaka to Kyoto Shinkansen?On a normal day, this short hop usually does not need a reserved seat weeks ahead. Shinkansen oversized luggageReserve the oversized seat, or pay the ¥1,000 onboard fee. ICOCA or SuicaOne card for Tokyo and Kansai, and where the deposit comes back. Tokyo Subway Ticket or IC cardCompare covered subway rides with pay-per-ride travel.

Need a different route or ticket?

Open the complete list of TripWorth tools and choose the exact journey you are planning.

See all Japan transport tools