Sendai

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Ticketing

Information about buying tickets for trains, buses, and other modes of transportation in Sendai.

Sections

1. Overview of Sendaiโ€™s Public Transportation System

Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region, has a well-organized public transportation network that includes:

  • Subways: Two lines (Namboku Line and Tozai Line).
  • Buses: City buses and Loople Sendai (a tourist-friendly sightseeing bus).
  • Trains: JR East trains, including the Senseki Line, Tohoku Main Line, and others connecting Sendai to nearby areas.

2. Ticketing Options

You can use either single-ride tickets, prepaid IC cards, or special passes depending on your needs.

A. Single-Ride Tickets

  • Subway: Tickets are purchased at ticket machines in subway stations. Fares are distance-based, ranging from 200 to 330 yen for adults and 100 to 170 yen for children.
  • Buses: Pay the fare when you board or alight. Fares are also distance-based, starting at 150 yen for short trips.
  • Trains: Tickets are purchased at JR ticket machines or counters. Fares depend on the distance traveled.

B. IC Cards

Sendai uses the Suica and PASMO IC cards, which are rechargeable smart cards that can be used on subways, buses, and trains across Japan. These cards are highly convenient for both locals and tourists.

  • Initial Cost: 2,000 yen (includes a 500-yen refundable deposit and 1,500 yen usable balance).
  • Where to Buy:
    • JR Sendai Station ticket counters or machines.
    • Major subway stations.
  • How to Use: Simply tap the card on the reader when entering and exiting the subway gates or when boarding and alighting buses.
  • Recharging: Recharge at ticket machines in subway stations, JR stations, or convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.
  • Balance Check: Check your balance at ticket machines or when you tap the card on a reader.

C. Special Passes for Tourists

  1. Sendai Area Pass:

    • Unlimited rides on JR trains, subways, and buses within the Sendai area.
    • Cost: 1,320 yen for one day.
    • Where to Buy: JR Sendai Station or online (JR East website).

  2. Loople Sendai Pass:

    • Unlimited rides on the Loople Sendai sightseeing bus.
    • Cost: 630 yen for one day.
    • Where to Buy: Loople Sendai stops, Sendai Station, or tourist information centers.

  3. Sendai Marugoto Pass:

    • Unlimited rides on subways, buses, and Loople Sendai, plus discounts at select attractions.
    • Cost: 2,720 yen for two days.
    • Where to Buy: JR Sendai Station or tourist information centers.

3. Procedures for Purchasing Tickets

  • Subway Tickets:

    1. Locate a ticket machine at the station.
    2. Select your destination or fare amount (English is available).
    3. Insert cash or use an IC card to pay.
    4. Collect your ticket and proceed to the gates.

  • Bus Tickets:

    • If paying with cash: Take a numbered ticket when boarding (from the machine near the door). When alighting, check the fare displayed on the screen at the front of the bus and pay the exact amount into the fare box.
    • If using an IC card: Tap your card on the reader when boarding and again when alighting.

  • Train Tickets:

    1. Use a ticket machine or visit a JR counter.
    2. Select your destination and pay the fare.
    3. Collect your ticket and use it to pass through the gates.

4. Recharging IC Cards

  • At Ticket Machines:

    1. Insert your IC card into the machine.
    2. Select the recharge option.
    3. Insert cash (1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 5,000 yen, or 10,000 yen bills are accepted).
    4. Confirm the recharge and retrieve your card.

  • At Convenience Stores:

    1. Hand your IC card to the cashier.
    2. Specify the amount you want to add.
    3. Pay in cash, and the cashier will recharge your card.

5. Considerations for Tourists

  • Language Support: Most ticket machines and IC card systems have English-language options, making it easy for non-Japanese speakers to navigate.
  • Tourist Information Centers: Located at JR Sendai Station and other key locations, these centers provide maps, brochures, and assistance in English.
  • Loople Sendai: This bus is ideal for sightseeing, as it stops at major attractions like Zuihoden Mausoleum, Sendai Castle Ruins, and the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine.
  • Peak Hours: Avoid traveling during rush hours (7:30โ€“9:00 AM and 5:00โ€“7:00 PM) if possible, as trains and buses can be crowded.

6. Local Insights

  • Efficient Transfers: The subway and bus systems are well-integrated, and IC cards make transfers seamless. Be sure to check route maps in advance.
  • Discounts at Attractions: Some passes, like the Sendai Marugoto Pass, offer discounts at museums, shrines, and other attractions, so plan your itinerary to maximize savings.
  • Cash is King: While IC cards are widely accepted, some buses and smaller stations may only accept cash for single-ride tickets. Always carry small denominations and coins.
  • Weather Considerations: Sendai experiences snowy winters, so plan extra time for travel during this season as delays may occur.

7. Useful Apps and Resources

  • Sendai Subway App: Provides real-time subway information and route planning.
  • JR East App: Useful for train schedules and ticketing.
  • Google Maps: Reliable for navigating public transportation in Sendai.
  • Tourist Information Website: The official Sendai tourism website offers updated information on passes, attractions, and events.

By understanding these ticketing options and procedures, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate Sendaiโ€™s public transportation system with ease. Enjoy your time in this vibrant city!