Japan Train Symbol Meanings Explained: When to Use IC Card or JR Pass?

Overwhelmed with all the different colours and symbols for the trains on Google Maps in Japan? What do they mean? And to add another layer of confusion, when should you use an IC Card or JR Pass in Japan?

To help simplify what seems complicated, I’ve created two infographics below that explain the meanings behind the many Japan train symbols in Google Maps and when to use each pass or card. Be sure to save them for later reference, and read my extended definitions plus how to save money down the page!

Definitions of railway symbols & colours in Japan Google Maps

Now let’s see what each of the symbols mean on Google Maps for Japan:

ICOCA vs JR Pass

If you’re not familiar with the transport card options in Japan, in a nutshell they are:

• IC Card: Also known as ICOCA, a rechargeable card to tap on to enter train stations. Each region in Japan has their own version (Suica is the most popular as is it’s issued in the Kanto Region), ICOCA (issued in the Kansai Region), Manaca and more. Pasmo is very similar and can be used throughout the country too. IC Cards can be used to purchase drinks from vending machines and items from some convenience stores.
  • NOTE: The IC Card does not offer discounted travel. Each journey will charge the regular fare.
• IC Card for iPhone Apple Wallet: Load an IC Card into your digital wallet and use your phone instead of a physical card.
  • NOTE: Digital IC cards don’t work for Android users with phones issued outside of Japan. Physical cards are needed, such as the Welcome Suica (expires after 28 days) or individual paper tickets.
• JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass): Needs to be purchased outside of Japan for a number of consecutive days (7, 14 or 21 days). Since the 77% price increase in October 2023, the JR Pass no longer pays off financially in most cases. But if you prefer convenience, you can purchase your JR Pass in advance here as they are cheaper to buy outside of Japan.
• Individual paper tickets: The old fashioned way! Purchase from the dedicated ticket machine for the train company you wish to use. Don’t forget to keep your ticket in a safe place until it is captured when you leave the station!
• Tokyo Subway Pass: Offers unlimited travel on the Tokyo Metro over 24, 48 or 72 hours. You can buy in advance and redeem from a Metro ticket machine in Tokyo. These have saved me a lot of money when travelling all around Tokyo over several days!

When to use JR Pass or IC Card?

Save my handy infographic below as a reminder when you’re navigating around Japan using Google Maps:

The easiest way to remember when to use an IC Card or JR Pass is:

• ✅ The JR Pass works only on JR lines. Use the japan-guide.com JR Pass Calculator to see if a JR Pass will financially pay off for your trip.
• ✅ IC Cards work on most public transport including JR operated, except the shinkansen. You will need to purchase paper tickets for the shinkansen in person at a JR ticket office, at a JR ticket machine or online in advance. However, you can’t always choose your seats when booking online (the system will allocate the next available).

How to catch shinkansen in Japan

Contrary to popular belief, you DO NOT need to buy a JR Pass before you visit Japan. As mentioned earlier, the major price increase in 2023 means most of the time it no longer pays off financially.

Take a look at this Japan train map. If you have calculated how many shinkansen trips you’ll be using on your trip, the JR Pass may be for you. By purchasing this pass, train travel across JR trains in Japan is free (where your pass is valid). Prices vary depending on whether you purchase a 7 day, 14 day or 21 day pass.

I personally have and haven’t used the pass during my multiple Japan trips in 10+ years for reasons I explain below, but if you think it will benefit you, make sure you purchase a JR Pass here before you enter Japan (they are more expensive once you arrive).

The types of shinkansen in Japan

Here’s why you may not need to buy a Japan Rail Pass before you visit, especially if you’re travelling with a mid-range budget.

There are 3 main kinds of shinkansen in Japan, some fast facts for each:

• Nozomi のぞみ and Mizuho みずほ shinkansen reach speeds of 300km/h
• Hikari ひかり shinkansen reach speeds of 230km/h
• Kodama こだま shinkansen stop at all stations.

The Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansen are the fastest trains but are not covered by the JR Pass. Additionally, Metro tickets in all cities are only a few hundred yen each way (USD 2.70) and aren’t covered by the JR Pass (the Metro are owned by different companies and are their own systems).

Purchasing individual shinkansen tickets

You can purchase individual shinkansen tickets in advance here, or in-person during your Japan trip.

It’s simple to purchase shinkansen tickets a day or so in advance from JR stations, especially not during peak times. I can honestly say doing it this way means I’ve never had to wait long to purchase tickets. Plan ahead and you’ll be sweet!

If you are travelling with a large suitcase as I usually am, you will need to reserve a space for it on the Nozomi bullet trains. This is a space at the back of the carriage. Just tell the ticket office staff you have a big bag when reserving your ticket.

NOTE: If using the Japan Rail Pass, you cannot take your large suitcase into the unreserved seating areas on the trains. There is not enough luggage space for everyone. You’ll need to reserve a seat or have your luggage forwarded according to rules introduced in May 2020.

NOTE: During Golden Week (29 April – 5 May annually), all Nozomi shinkansen seats require reservations.

TIP: If wanting reserved seating, I recommend buying your shinkansen tickets a few days in advance. While English is spoken at ticket offices, when purchasing it’s useful to have pre-printed information in Japanese or English to give to the sales clerk. This is easy with a little help from Google Translate. If you know the time you’d prefer from the timetables I’ve linked below, add that in too. That way nothing will be lost in translation and your transaction will be swift and efficient!

TIP: You can find the Japan Rail shinkansen timetables here: Westbound from Tokyo & Eastbound from Hiroshima. 

Concluding this explanation to symbols on Google Maps for Japan

That’s a wrap for everything you need to know about the Japan train system and its symbols when using Google Maps in Japan. Now you know the difference between Japan Rail and private lines, the differences between a JR Pass or IC card, when to use each, how to catch the shinkansen and more!

Did this guide to decoding Japan Google Maps save you a headache? Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments below.

While you’re here, did you know The Invisible Tourist is a popular travel blog for Japan to help you better “blend in?” I’ve been visiting Japan for the past decade from Australia, and have shared dozens of my personal itineraries, travel guides for places to visit in Japan, ideas for exploring Japan off the beaten track including what you need to know when driving in Japan as a foreigner, Japanese for tourists cheat sheet, what you’re forgetting to pack for Japan, do’s and don’ts of Japanese etiquette and much more to help ease overtourism issues. 

 

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