JR East Fare Increase for the First Time in 31 Years

On March 14, 2026, JR East implemented a fare revision. Excluding adjustments related to consumption tax increases, this marks the first fare hike since 1995, a span of approximately 31 years.

Railway fares, long regarded as a “model of price stability,” have finally reached a major turning point. This revision is not a simple across-the-board increase, but is characterized by a combination of multiple system changes. Overall, fares have risen by an average of 10.9%.

  • Standard passenger fares (tickets and IC): approximately 11% increase
  • Commuter passes: approximately 13% increase
  • Student commuter passes: unchanged (excluded this time as a consideration for household burden)

Initial fare (within the Yamanote Line area)

  • Before revision: 150 yen (ticket)
  • After revision: 170 yen (ticket)

    *Meanwhile, the “barrier-free surcharge” (10 yen) introduced in 2023 has been incorporated into the base fare and abolished, meaning the actual increase is more moderate than it appears in some sections.

The last time JR East raised fares for reasons other than consumption tax adjustments was in 1995 (Heisei 7). At that time, management efforts following privatization and the deflationary economy after the collapse of the bubble made it possible to keep fares unchanged. However, in recent years, declining ridership due to population decrease, rising electricity costs, and the cost of renewing aging infrastructure have overlapped, finally bringing corporate efforts to their limit.

2026年3月26日
鉄旅ライフ編集部
過去のコラムはこちら

2026 Guide: How to Get a Suica Card in Japan for Foreign Travelers

There are many types of discount options available for Shinkansen travel, including online-only deals and special tickets with specific conditions.

However, some discounts are limited to residents of Japan or require Japanese-language booking systems, making them difficult for international travelers to use.

This guide explains how to get a Suica card in Japan and how to book Shinkansen tickets at a lower price.

  • No need to buy paper tickets
  • No need to settle extra fare at the ticket counter when you travel beyond your planned station
  • Can also be used at convenience stores and other shops

If you are traveling in Japan, Mobile Suica is a very convenient option.

Three Ways to Get a Suica Card

If you are traveling to Japan, having an IC card like Suica is the most convenient way to pay for trains, buses, and even at convenience stores.

  1. Standard Suica (Anonymous)

Foreign travelers can purchase a standard Suica card at major JR East stations.

Where to buy: Ticket machines or JR ticket offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi) at major stations such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Shibuya
Cost: Initial payment, including a 500 yen deposit
Validity: Valid for 10 years. The 500 yen deposit is refundable when the card is returned at designated JR East stations.

However, return locations are limited, and the refund process may take time depending on how busy the station is.

  1. Welcome Suica (Tourist Card)

A special version designed for short-term visitors.

Where to buy: Narita and Haneda Airport
Key advantage: No deposit required

Important:
Valid for 28 days only
Remaining balance is non-refundable

  1. Welcome Suica Mobile (App)

For iPhone users, this is often the easiest option.

How to get: Download the Welcome Suica app
Payment: Apple Wallet (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)

No physical card is needed—just tap your phone at the ticket gates.
Important:The remaining balance will expire after 180 days.

Recommended Option: Welcome Suica Mobile (App)

Welcome Suica Mobile is the best option for most travelers. It is the fastest and easiest way to start using public transportation in Japan without needing a physical card.

Important Note About Welcome Suica (Physical Card)

The physical Welcome Suica is not always recommended because any remaining balance cannot be refunded or reused after your trip.

Mobile Suica and Payment Limitations

Mobile Suica requires FeliCa, a contactless payment technology. Many smartphones outside Japan do not support this feature, so Mobile Suica may not be available on some devices.

Even if the device is compatible, some overseas-issued credit cards may not be accepted for charging Mobile Suica.

In such cases, cash top-ups at station machines may be required.

So I started thinking about a better way to use this system.

First, before traveling to Japan, you can set up Welcome Suica Mobile. Then register for Smart EX and book your Shinkansen tickets in advance. This allows you to take advantage of early booking discounts.

However, Welcome Suica Mobile expires after 180 days, and any remaining balance will also disappear after that period.

The ticket counters at Tokyo Station were extremely crowded, with so many people that it was difficult even to take photos.

The ticket counters at Tokyo Station were extremely crowded, with so many people that it was difficult even to take photos.It is almost unthinkable to line up to buy tickets.
It is better to book your Shinkansen tickets before arriving in Japan. It is cheaper and more comfortable.

How to Ride the Shinkansen at a Lower Price Without Losing Your Deposit

The remaining balance expires after 180 days, which can feel a bit wasteful.

Because of this, a practical approach is to use Welcome Suica mainly for Shinkansen travel and basic transportation when you first arrive in Japan. After that, it is better to purchase a standard Suica card for everyday use, such as local trains and convenience store payments.

Step 1: Before you fly Install Welcome Suica Mobile on your iPhone and link it to the Smart EX app. Book your Shinkansen using “Hayatoku” (Early Bird) discounts. You save money and skip the station queues!

Step 2: After you arrive Find a Standard Suica (Green Card) at a local station. Charge this card with cash for your daily travel on local trains (JR/Subway) and shopping.

Why this works?

  • The Welcome Suica handles your discounted Shinkansen tickets.
  • The Standard Suica stays valid for 10 years, meaning your remaining balance won’t expire even if you come back to Japan years later.

One Smartphone is Enough for the Whole Family

Single Account: One parent can book up to 6 seats at once using their credit card.

Linking Cards: You can link your kids’ Welcome Suica (Physical cards) to the seats you booked on your app.

QR Code Option: If your kids don’t have IC cards, simply use the QR codes generated by the app to pass through the gates.