Navigating the Metro in Japan

I have experience navigating Osaka and Tokyo, and while getting around these cities or more accurately their stations can be complex, it doesn't have to be.

My recommendation would be to make sure you have two tools to hand:

an IC card and a travel information app.

IC cards

IC cards are contactless cards intended to pay for public transport, but can be used to make purchases at vending machines and in shops where the IC logo is displayed.

There are ten main cards available:

Source: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html

Hayakaken, Icoca, Kitaca, Manaca, Nimoca, Pasmo, PiTaPa, Sugoca, Suica, and Toica. Although each card is linked to an area in Japan they are largely interchangeable, and can be used across the country with some exceptions. Because there are generally no cost savings for using an IC card, I would recommend using the IC card for travel within a single city, and using cash or cards to buy train tickets when going from one city to another, especially where there is a long distance between them.

The three most popular cards are Icoca, Pasmo and Suica. For users of an iPhone a digital version of these three cards can be added to your Apple Wallet by choosing Add to Wallet then selecting Travel Card. It is possible to add travel cards for Canada, China, France, Hong Kong, and the United States in the same place.

Users of Android phones can download apps for a number of digital IC cards from Google Play.

The benefit of digital IC cards is that they can be carried on a phone or watch and are one less item to store in a purse or wallet, and the ¥500 charge for many physical cards is avoided. Whether you choose a physical or digital card they allow you to see your balance after each journey, and to keep on top of spending that is less easy to do using contactless payments, and more convenient than a physical ticket.

Travel information apps

When it comes to travel information apps there are probably two options that I would choose that can be used regardless of whether you are an Android or iOS user. They are Google Maps and the Navitime offering Japan Travel, which can be downloaded from your app store. Each offers pros and cons, but whichever you choose it is a valuable addition to your travel kit. Both apps need an internet connection, and provide route information and an indication of the price of the journey, allowing selection of the cheapest option if this is desirable.

The Google Maps app will provide you will accurate route and status information for public transport, including the platform or stop from which a train or bus departs, and the best boarding position to use for the fastest ext. It allows the user to provide information about the train or bus on which you are travelling to guide others. One key benefit over the Japan Travel app is that it provides information about the exit you should use. Although this may not seem that important, the fact that many stations have a number of exits means that a lot of time can be saved by using the right exit, rather than having to walk a long way to get back on track. Although you can download maps to use offline this will not provide you with information about public transport. It is however very useful if you are walking in the street or driving and do not have a data connection.

The Japan Travel app offer a wider range of services including route mapping, itinerary, and booking of travel and experiences. In common with the Google Maps app this app provides platform and best boarding information, and price information. The features that set this app apart are the ability to select transit method, walking speed, and whether you have a tourist pass to ensure the route provided best suits your needs. If you are using the app ahead of a journey it will let you know which tourist passes can be used on the route, which may save you some money. Another standout feature is that line and station numbers and the station name in Japanese are provided. The line and station numbers are particularly useful for those who do not speak Japanese as it is easy to track that you are on the right line and going in the right direction.

One disadvantage of the app is that the free plan is supported by advertising, and in order to use all of the functionality you have to purchase a Premium Plan subscription, which is currently (08.06.2025) £14.99 for 30 days, £29.99 for 90 days, and £99.99 for 365 days.

If you are an iPhone user you probably shouldn't discount the Apple Maps app, which I found to provide clear and reliable info, including line and station numbers, and fares based on use of a travel pass or ticket from a machine. One useful feature is that if you have a digital IC card installed the app will let you know if your balance is sufficient to complete the journey.

I plan to provide more information about other apps that were handy on a trip to Japan, but in the meantime the Japan National Tourist Organization does provide information about a selection of them.