Japan has probably one of the most efficient ways of transportation. In Japan, train is the primary means of getting around the cities and prefectures.
Japan’s train system is a complex network of subways and train stations that operates throughout Japan, making the daily commute of Japanese people very easy, convenient, and fast. Train schedules are always on time even on rush hours; and almost all Japanese ride the train everyday.
Just a reminder on rush hours, the crowd at the train stations can be overwhelming.
Website Applications and Mobile Apps that can help you navigate your trip around Japan
- Yahoo Transit
- Google Transit
- Tokyo Metro App
Commuter Pass
The easiest way to go around Tokyo is to use the subway and ride the train. It is cheap, convenient and on time. There are 2 kinds of Commuter pass that you can choose from for your everyday commute in the subway
| PASMO |  | SUICA |  |
PASMO
| PASMO Type | Recommended for | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blank PASMO | Travelers staying in Japan for a short period | Purchased easily without needing a form of identification. Can be used by anyone. | Cannot be reissued if lost. |
| Named PASMO | Long-term Residents | Can be reissued if lost Your name is printed on the card. | Requires Registration |
| Child PASMO | Travelers or Residents with children | Child fares are applied Can be reissued if lost. | Requires Registration |
| Commuter Pass | Residents commuting to work or school | Child fares are applied Can be reissued if lost. | Requires Registration |
Step #1
On the PASMO vending machine, press the language option on the upper right corner of the screen.
You can select “English” or “Japanese”
Step #2
On the next screen, select the “PASMO” button on the left side menu.
Step #3
For a new PASMO card, select the first button “PASMO”
Step #4
Next, select the “General user PASMO” option.
This options will give us a blank PASMO card.
No need for registration for this option.
Step #5
Select the amount that you want to load on your PASMO card.
This includes a deposit of 500 yen.
Step #6
On the next screen, check and confirm if the amount you selected is correct.
Step #7
Once the displayed amount is correct, insert the cash in the machine based on the amount you selected for your PASMO card.
Step #8
Finally get your new PASMO card.
For lost PASMO card only the Named PASMO, Child PASMO and Commuter Pass PASMO can be reissued if lost.
Blank PASMO cannot be reissued if lost.
If you misplaced or lost your PASMO card you can file a report for Lost PASMO.
- Proceed to the sales office of PASMO service area at any station near you.
- Fill out and submit the reissue form with the necessary information needed.
- You will also be asked to provide proof of identity such as Residence ID and Driver’s license.
Step #1
On the PASMO vending machine, press the language option on the upper rigth corner of the screen.
You can select “English” or “Japanese”
Step #2
On the next screen, select the “PASMO” button on the left side menu.
Step #3
To charge you PASMO card select “Charge / Check Balance History”
Step #4
Select the amount that you want to load on your PASMO card.
Step #5
Insert your card to the machine to check or charge your PASMO card.
Step #6
Insert the amount of cash equivalent to your selected PASMO charge amount.
Step #7
You can now use your charged PASMO card.
SUICA
Step #1
On the SUICA vending machine, press the language option on the upper right corner of the screen.
You can select “English” or “Japanese”
Step #2
On the next screen select the “Purchase / Cahrge” button on the left side menu.
Step #3
Select “Suica – New Purchase”.
Step #4
Select the initial load that you want for your New SUICA Card.
Step #5
Confirm the amount displayed on the screen and insert the equivalent cash in the vending machine.
Step #6
Get your new SUICA card.
For lost SUICA card only the “My SUICA” card can be reissued if lost.
SUICA card cannot be reissued if lost.
If you misplaced or lost your SUICA card you can file a report for Lost SUICA.
- Proceed to the sales office of SUICA service area at any station near you.
- Fill out and submit the reissue form with the necessary information needed.
- You will also be asked to provide proof of identity such as Residence ID and Driver’s license.
Related Link : http://yourjapanjourney.com/how-to-get-a-train-pass-japan/
Let’s Learn Japanese!
| Japanese | English |
|---|---|
| Sumimasen. Kono densha wa (station name) ni tomarimasuka | Will this train stop at (station name)? |
| Sumimasen. (station name) e wa doo ittara ii desu ka | Excuse me. How do I go to (station name)? |
| (train line name) wa nanbansen desu ka | What platform do I use for (train line name)? |
| JR mo chikatetsu mo Suika de daijoobu desu ka | Can I use suica on JR lines as well as on the subways? |
| Kono densha wa (name of station) ni tomarimasu | This train will stop at (name of station) |
| Kono densha wa (name of station) ni tomarimasen | This train will not stop at (name of station) |
| English | Kanji (漢字) | Romaji (ローマ字) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take / Ride | 乗る | のる | noru |
| How | – | どのように | donoyouni |
| Station worker | 駅員 | えきいん | ekiin |
| Transfer | 乗り換えます | のりかえます | norikaemasu |
| Subway | 地下鉄 | ちかてつ | chikatetsu |
