Life Guide
Trains and buses in Japan: IC cards, commuter passes, etiquette and transit apps
An IC card lets you tap in and out of trains and buses and pay at many shops. Most need a ¥500 deposit, and a registered card can be reissued if you lose it. If you travel the same route every day, a 1-, 3- or 6-month commuter pass costs less. On trains, do not talk on the phone and keep your bag out of the way.