Short-term IC Cards, Multi-City JR Pass, and All-Day Tokyo Metro/Toei Transit Passes: Cost Comparison and Usage Guide for 3 Options
Table of Contents
Tokyo's train system is complex, with Shinjuku Station alone serving 5 JR lines, 3 subway lines, and 2 private railways.
Which type of ticket should you buy? Below we compare options from a usage perspective.
3 Ticket Types Comparison
01｜IC Card (Suica / Pasmo)｜Essential for Short Trips
Deposit ¥500, rechargeable with any amount. **Accepted on all trains, buses, and convenience stores**. Welcome Suica for tourists (no deposit required, valid for 28 days).
For short trips within 3 days, hopping on trains spontaneously, and traveling without a set route — an IC card is most convenient. You can add Suica directly to Apple Pay.
02｜JR Pass｜Best Value for Multi-City Travel
National JR Pass 7 days ¥50,000, 14 days ¥80,000. **JR only** — subway not included. **Best value for intercity travel (Tokyo ↔ Kyoto ↔ Osaka)**.
Staying only within Tokyo and not taking the Shinkansen — JR Pass is **completely not worth it**.
03｜Tokyo Metro One-Day Pass｜Great Value on Busy Days
Tokyo Metro 24 / 48 / 72 Hour Pass ¥800 / ¥1,200 / ¥1,500. **Valid only on Tokyo Metro (9 subway lines)**—JR trains are not included.
It's worth getting a day pass if you take the subway more than 4-5 times in a day (average ¥200 per trip). Perfect for a packed sightseeing day (Asakusa → Ueno → Ginza → Shibuya).
**90% of travelers just need an IC card**. Consider a JR Pass only for multi-city trips, and add a Tokyo Metro one-day pass on days with packed sightseeing schedules.
Staying at IGO HOTEL means you can explore Shin-Okubo and Shinjuku on foot—you won't necessarily need train tickets every day.
IGO Journal
Stories from the neighbourhood — food, culture, and the rhythm of Shin-Okubo life. Have a suggestion? Drop us a line at [email protected].
