Yokohama

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Ticketing

An overview of ticketing systems for public transportation, including IC cards used across Yokohama.

Sections

1. Overview of Yokohamaโ€™s Transportation System

Yokohamaโ€™s public transportation system includes:

  • Trains and Subways: Operated by multiple companies, including JR East (Japan Railways), Yokohama Municipal Subway, and private railways like Tokyu, Keikyu, and Minatomirai Line.
  • Buses: Operated by Yokohama Municipal Bus and private companies.
  • Ferries: Limited but scenic options for travel along Yokohamaโ€™s waterfront.

2. Types of Tickets and Passes

Yokohama offers several ticketing options depending on your travel needs:

a. Single-Trip Tickets

  • What it is: Paper tickets for one-way travel.
  • Where to use: Valid for trains, subways, and buses.
  • Cost: Fares are distance-based. For example:
    • JR East trains: ยฅ140โ€“ยฅ300 for most local trips.
    • Yokohama Municipal Subway: ยฅ210โ€“ยฅ360 for adults.
    • Buses: Flat fare of ยฅ220 for adults (ยฅ110 for children).
  • How to purchase: Available at ticket vending machines in train/subway stations or directly from bus drivers (exact change required for buses).

b. IC Cards (Suica and Pasmo)

  • What it is: Rechargeable smart cards for seamless travel across trains, subways, buses, and even some ferries.
  • Cost:
    • Initial purchase: ยฅ2,000 (includes ยฅ500 refundable deposit and ยฅ1,500 usable balance).
    • Rechargeable in increments of ยฅ1,000 at vending machines or convenience stores.
  • Where to use: Accepted across Yokohama and most of Japan.
  • Advantages:
    • No need to calculate fares; the system deducts the correct amount automatically.
    • Can be used for small purchases at convenience stores, vending machines, and some restaurants.
  • How to purchase: Available at ticket vending machines, JR East ticket counters, or convenience stores.

c. Yokohama-Minatomirai Pass

  • What it is: A one-day unlimited travel pass for JR East trains and the Minatomirai Line within designated zones.
  • Cost: ยฅ550 for adults, ยฅ280 for children.
  • Where to use: Ideal for sightseeing in central Yokohama, including Minato Mirai, Chinatown, and Yamashita Park.
  • How to purchase: Available at JR East ticket counters and vending machines.

d. Yokohama Municipal Subway Pass

  • What it is: Unlimited travel on Yokohamaโ€™s subway lines for one day.
  • Cost: ยฅ740 for adults, ยฅ370 for children.
  • How to purchase: Available at subway station ticket machines.

e. Greater Tokyo Pass

  • What it is: A multi-day pass for unlimited travel on trains, subways, and buses across Yokohama, Tokyo, and surrounding areas.
  • Cost: ยฅ7,200 for adults (3 days).
  • Where to use: Ideal for travelers exploring both Yokohama and Tokyo.
  • How to purchase: Available at major train stations and online.

3. How to Purchase Tickets

a. Ticket Vending Machines

  • Found at all train and subway stations.
  • Steps:
    1. Select your language (English is available).
    2. Choose your destination or fare amount.
    3. Insert cash (coins or bills) or use a credit card (in some machines).
    4. Collect your ticket and change.
  • Tips:
    • Keep small denominations of cash handy, as not all machines accept large bills.
    • If unsure of the fare, purchase the lowest fare ticket and use a fare adjustment machine at your destination.

b. IC Card Machines

  • Found at train and subway stations.
  • Steps:
    1. Select โ€œPurchase IC Cardโ€ on the screen.
    2. Insert ยฅ2,000 (or more if recharging).
    3. Collect your card and receipt.
  • Tips:
    • Recharge your card before it runs out of balance to avoid delays.
    • Check your balance at ticket gates or vending machines.

c. Ticket Counters

  • Staffed counters at major stations like Yokohama Station.
  • Useful for purchasing passes or getting assistance.

d. On Buses

  • For single-trip tickets, pay the driver directly when boarding or alighting.
  • Use exact change or an IC card.

4. Local Considerations and Tips

a. Plan Your Route

  • Use apps like Google Maps, Hyperdia, or Navitime to plan your journey. These apps provide real-time schedules, fares, and transfer information.

b. Peak Hours

  • Avoid traveling during rush hours (7:30โ€“9:30 AM and 5:00โ€“7:00 PM) if possible, as trains and buses can be extremely crowded.

c. Keep Your Ticket or IC Card Handy

  • For single-trip tickets, youโ€™ll need to insert the ticket at the gate when entering and exiting.
  • For IC cards, tap the card on the reader at the gate.

d. Refunds

  • Unused IC cards can be refunded at JR East counters, minus a ยฅ220 handling fee.
  • Day passes are non-refundable once purchased.

e. Accessibility

  • Most stations in Yokohama are equipped with elevators, escalators, and barrier-free gates for travelers with disabilities or heavy luggage.

f. Etiquette

  • Stand on the left side of escalators to allow others to pass on the right.
  • Avoid talking loudly or using your phone on trains and buses.

5. Special Notes for Tourists

  • Language Support: Most ticket machines and station signs have English options. Station staff are generally helpful and may speak basic English.
  • Tourist Information Centers: Located at major stations like Yokohama Station and Sakuragicho Station, these centers provide maps, brochures, and assistance in multiple languages.
  • Sightseeing Tips: Consider using the Yokohama-Minatomirai Pass if you plan to visit popular attractions like the Cup Noodles Museum, Landmark Tower, and Red Brick Warehouse in one day.

By understanding the ticketing system and planning ahead, youโ€™ll find Yokohamaโ€™s public transportation to be efficient, affordable, and easy to use. Enjoy your time in this beautiful city!