The ICOCA card is recommended for travel in Japan, particularly for routes including Osaka and Tokyo
The ICOCA card is recommended for travel in Japan, particularly for routes including Osaka and Tokyo. It can be purchased in Osaka and functions in both cities. Special child-fare IC cards are available for individuals under 12 years old, offering a 50% discount on fares. All 12 major Japanese IC cards are interchangeable.
Regional transport cards: Suica/Pasmo are issued by JR East/Tokyo Metro and are for the Kanto region
Regional transport cards: Suica/Pasmo are issued by JR East/Tokyo Metro and are for the Kanto region. For the Kansai region (Osaka/Kyoto), use ICOCA cards. ICOCA cards can be purchased at JR stations (e.g., JR Kansai International Airport, Osaka Station). Standard balance limit for these cards is 20,000 JPY.
Welcome Suica: Free to issue, non-refundable, expires after 28 days
Welcome Suica: Free to issue, non-refundable, expires after 28 days. Best for short-term tourists. Standard Suica: Costs 500 JPY deposit, refundable, valid for 10 years from last use. Both act as digital wallets for transit and convenience stores.
Tokyo transport passes like the 48-hour Subway/Toei Subway pass may not cover all lines, particularly private railways
Tokyo transport passes like the 48-hour Subway/Toei Subway pass may not cover all lines, particularly private railways. You might need to pay extra or purchase separate tickets for certain private lines (e.g., Gotokuji Line, lines connected to Shinjuku Station). It's advisable to research the specific coverage of your pass and the transportation network to plan your routes effectively.
Suica cards cover most local transport (Tokyo-Kamakura, Kyoto-Nara, Kyoto-Osaka), but cannot be used for Shinkansen…
Suica cards cover most local transport (Tokyo-Kamakura, Kyoto-Nara, Kyoto-Osaka), but cannot be used for Shinkansen trains. Note: A regular Suica card cannot be returned/refunded in Osaka; consider 'Welcome Suica' or keeping the card for future trips if you plan to return.
In Japanese public transport, priority seats are available to anyone when empty but must be vacated immediately for…
In Japanese public transport, priority seats are available to anyone when empty but must be vacated immediately for elderly, disabled, or pregnant passengers. Locals may decline offers of seats from foreigners as a matter of cultural pride. If an elderly person needs a seat, they will typically approach the priority area. Foreigners are encouraged to follow local lead: sit if seats are free, but stay alert and ready to yield.
Suica cards can be purchased at airport kiosks using large banknotes (10,000 JPY)
Suica cards can be purchased at airport kiosks using large banknotes (10,000 JPY). For trips under 28 days, Welcome Suica is recommended as it requires no deposit. Balances up to 20,000 JPY can be stored on the card.
Cycling in Tokyo offers mixed experiences
Cycling in Tokyo offers mixed experiences. While dedicated bike lanes exist and locals use bikes for short commutes to metro stations, using a bicycle for extensive city travel can be challenging due to the city's size. It's generally more practical for local neighborhood rides or reaching nearby transit points. Paid parking is available near stations and supermarkets (around 150 JPY/day). Some rental services, like Luup, may have registration restrictions for Russian phone numbers.