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Getting Around Japan

The Shinkansen, the JR Pass math, and IC cards — Japan's transport is a genuine highlight, not just a way to get around.

Japan's trains are the best argument for public transport on Earth: clean, silent, and reliably on time to the minute. The Shinkansen (bullet train) connects Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka in under 3 hours each way. Whether the 7-day Japan Rail Pass (around $330 as of 2026) is worth it depends entirely on your route — for a Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-only trip, buying individual tickets is often cheaper; add Hiroshima or more back-and-forth legs and the math flips.

Japan's public transport isn't just efficient — it's arguably one of the best reasons to visit. But the JR Pass, once an automatic yes for any visitor, got a real price hike in 2023 and isn't the obvious deal it used to be. Here's the actual math, plus the IC card and driving rules that trip people up.

Getting Around Japan: JR Pass, Shinkansen & IC Cards
Transport

Getting Around Japan: JR Pass, Shinkansen & IC Cards

The actual math on whether the rail pass pays for itself — plus how everything else works.

Questions people actually ask

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it in 2026?
It depends on your route. A 7-day ordinary pass costs roughly $330 (¥50,000) since the October 2023 price increase. If your trip is just Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka round trip, buying individual Shinkansen tickets is often cheaper. If you're adding Hiroshima, multiple side trips, or a lot of long-distance backtracking, the pass usually wins — do the math on your specific itinerary before buying.
What is an IC card and do I need one?
Suica, Pasmo, and ICOCA are the main rechargeable IC cards — tap-to-pay for trains, subways, buses, and most convenience stores. If your phone supports Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, adding Suica digitally is the easiest option and skips any card-purchase queue at the station.
Can I drive in Japan on my home country's license?
Only with an International Driving Permit based on the 1949 Geneva Convention — many European countries issue 1968 Vienna Convention permits instead, which Japan does not accept. Driving on an invalid IDP is treated as driving without a license. Check your IDP's convention year before you fly if you're planning to rent a car.