Japan Easy Travel
Japan, beyond the ordinary.
Getting Around Japan
Your complete guide to trains, JR Pass, IC cards, and navigating Japan like a local
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
The JR Pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains, including most Shinkansen (except Nozomi and Mizuho). Must be purchased before arriving in Japan.
JR Pass 7 Days
Short trips covering Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima
JR Pass 14 Days
Extended trips including Nagasaki or return journeys
JR Pass 21 Days
Comprehensive Japan exploration
JR Pass 7 Days
First-class comfort with more space
Important Note
JR Pass prices increased in October 2023. Calculate if the pass is worth it for your itinerary — it typically pays off if you're making multiple Shinkansen journeys between Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki.
IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA)
Rechargeable smart cards for convenient payment on trains, buses, and at stores. All major IC cards are interchangeable throughout Japan.
ICOCA
Kansai / West JapanJR West's IC card, the best choice for travelers in the Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima areas.
- Works throughout western Japan
- Usable on all major transit systems
- Available at JR West stations
Suica
Nationwide (digital)JR East's IC card, available as a digital card on iPhone/Apple Watch. Works everywhere ICOCA does.
- Works on trains, buses, convenience stores
- Rechargeable
- Available as digital card on iPhone/Apple Watch
Pasmo
Nationwide (digital)Compatible with ICOCA and Suica, also available as a digital card.
- Same functionality as Suica/ICOCA
- Digital card available
- Can be auto-charged
Essential Transport Tips
Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Reserve seats during peak times (Golden Week, Obon, New Year). Non-reserved cars can be packed. Green cars offer more legroom and quieter environment.
City Transit Tips
Kyoto buses are the main way to reach temples. Hiroshima has an excellent streetcar network. Avoid rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:30-8:00 PM). Last trains around midnight.
Airport Transfers
Kansai International Airport connects to Kyoto via Haruka Express (75 min) and Nara via train (90 min). Hiroshima Airport has limousine bus service (50 min). All accept IC cards.
Luggage Forwarding
Use Yamato (Kuroneko) or Sagawa to send luggage between hotels. Drop off at convenience stores. Usually arrives next day.
Recommended Apps
Google Maps
Best for navigation, real-time transit info, and walking directions
Navitime Japan Travel
Detailed train schedules, platform numbers, and fare calculations
JR EAST Train Reservation
Official JR app with accurate Shinkansen schedules