RJG’s complete transport hub for foreign tourists in Japan 2026: Welcome Suica IC card, Shinkansen with foreign Visa/Mastercard, Tokyo trains, Haneda/Narita airport transfer, and Google Maps tips. 9 verified guides updated for 2026 — start here before you fly.
Quick Answer
This hub covers every transport choice tourists need in Japan in 2026: which IC card to buy (Welcome Suica only), how to ride Tokyo trains, Shinkansen booking from overseas, airport transfers, and Google Maps tips. Each section below links to a detailed 2026 guide.
The 9 Guides at a Glance
IC Cards & Payment
- Suica or PASMO in 2026? What Tourists Should Buy at Haneda, Narita, Tokyo & Osaka
- Apple Pay Failed at Midori no Kenbaiki? 5-Minute Welcome Suica Mobile Fix (2026)
Shinkansen
- Shinkansen for Tourists 2026: Tokyo→Kyoto in 2h17, ¥13,320 — Foreign Visa/Mastercard OK
- How to Book Shinkansen with a Foreign Credit Card from Overseas (2026)
- JR Pass 2026: Worth ¥80,000? Break-Even Calculator Inside
Tokyo Local Transport
- Tokyo Trains 2026: JR vs Metro vs Toei — When to Tap Suica or Use a Foreign Card
- Tokyo Airport Transfer 2026: Narita & Haneda to Your Stay
- Tokyo Train Manners: How to Ride Like a Local Without Annoying Anyone (2026)
Navigation
Quick Decision Tree: Which Guide Do I Need?
Just landed at Haneda or Narita? Start with the Welcome Suica guide, then the Airport Transfer guide.
Planning Tokyo→Kyoto or Osaka? See the Shinkansen guide + Foreign Card Booking guide.
Need to figure out the Tokyo subway? Read Tokyo Trains + Google Maps.
Foreign credit card rejected at the ticket machine? See the Midori no Kenbaiki fix.
2026 Key Changes to Know
- Welcome Suica is now the only IC card tourists can buy (regular Suica/PASMO suspended since 2023)
- Tokyo subway fares went up in March 2026 — see updated day pass prices
- JR Pass price hike coming October 2026 (¥80,000 for 7-day) — buy early if your trip qualifies
- SmartEX now accepts all major foreign cards for Shinkansen booking (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, Diners)
- Oversized luggage seats are free to reserve in 2026
How to Use This Hub
Each linked guide is updated for 2026 and verified by a Japan-based author. If you’re a first-time visitor, work through them in this order: IC Cards → Airport Transfer → Tokyo Trains → Shinkansen → Google Maps. If you’re a returning visitor, jump directly to the 2026 Key Changes section above to spot what’s new.
Last updated: 2026-05-23