Japan is a train nation, so they are very proud of their trains. It goes without saying that the Japanese train system is ranked the most efficient in the world. Punctuality and safety is probably the key ingredient in leading the most successful public transports. So Before you purchase a travel pass online, Japan has so many train companies and each company runs different lines, both private lines and government-owned JR. So Japan-travel first-timer, seeing multi-lines marked with different colours on the map that looks like tangled noodles can make one feel disoriented. But don’t worry, you only need to focus on a few lines when you only want to go around Tokyo. The rest of the tracks are mostly for commuting further. For example, if you stay in Shinjuku, you will likely travel on Yamanote line because this is a circle line that connects any major stations.

Before packing and flying your way to Japan, I recommend planning your trip well. It’s no brainer to purchase JR pass if you travel around Japan. You’ll definitely save a lot of money. Pre-paid Pasmo/Suica card is useful for getting around the city. They can be used across different lines in central Tokyo, such as Yamanote Line, Keihin Tohoku line, Chuo line, and Saiko line. Pasmo/Suica card can be purchased from their web

and JR Pass can be purchased online from their official web

I decided to purchase a JR green pass because I planned to travel to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Miyajima island. With JR green pass, I could reserve my seat before the trip. Usually, I booked one or two days before the journey from any JR Offices at any major stations). Please note that JR passes are only for tourists and Japanese who live overseas. The JR pass holder only needs to show their pass on the side manned gate to get in and out the train station checkpoint.