Order Your JRPass
Back to General Japan Travel

IC cards and Japan Rail Pass

tingest
tingest
over 10 years ago
4 responses

Hi all,

I'm planning a trip to Japan next year and would like to go to the following places:

Tokyo (3 nights)
Tokyo - Shizuoka
Shizuoka (1 night)
Shizuoka - Kyoto
Kyoto (2 nights)
Kyoto to Hiroshima
Hiroshima (2 nights)
Hiroshima to Tokyo

So basically I'm going like Tokyo - Shizuoka - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Tokyo

It will be about 9 days and I'm planning to get the 7 days Japan Rail Pass and activate it on the second or third day of my trip since I'm zipping around many places.

The problem is I don't know which IC cards (Pasmo, Suica, Icoca) to get since I will be traveling within Shizuoka, Hiroshima, and Kyoto as well. I need an IC card for traveling in Tokyo for my first 3 days too. Should I consider getting individual tickets when traveling in each prefecture? Or is there a card which can be used everywhere?

I read the information online but was still confused as they mentioned it could now be used interchangeably.
Please advise. Thank you!

avatar
Daniel-san
18828 posts
over 10 years ago
Expert

Hi there!

Amazing plan! I love the idea of visiting Shizuoka, not many people make a stop there but it is certainly recommended. Shizuoka is famous for it's green tea and you can enjoy a cup while enjoying the view of Fuji in the distance. Be sure to visit Shizuoka city park as well.

Getting an IC card (such as Suica) is a great idea, they make travel convenient and make for a good souvenir too. Until March 2013 many regions in Japan had their own IC card which was only valid in that region. Since March all these IC cards are now valid in every area, so now you can use your Suica or Icoca card in the other regions of Japan as well.

Hope this helps!
Daniel


Looking for more information? Search the forum

Select Category

Instant Quote

Starting from $343.00 for 7 days of unlimited Japan Rail travel

Can’t find the answer?

Learn from over 17323 questions about the Japan Rail Pass, or ask our Japan Rail travel experts

Ask Question

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Visit us on Facebook

Get inspired for your visit to Japan by following us on Instagram and don't forget your own shots once you are there.


Find out where to buy the japan rail pass online.

Order your JRPass Now!

We have special prices for children and great first class options. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes