Tokyo Subway Pass vs JR Tokunai Pass: Which Is Cheaper
TokyoMate
Confused between Tokyo Subway Pass and JR Tokunai Pass? This comprehensive guide compares the two essential transport passes, covering pricing, routes, purchase methods, and exchange procedures. Find the perfect pass for your Tokyo itinerary in just 3 minutes and save both time and money.
The biggest challenge in planning a Tokyo trip? Choosing the right transport pass. 😥 Should you just charge a Suica or Pasmo card, or buy a pass to break even? To save you the headache, we’ve narrowed down the complex options to just 2 passes and provided a complete comparison!
1. Tokyo Subway Ticket Complete Guide
🚇 Bottom Line?
If you’re traveling to Tokyo’s core tourist areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa, and Omotesando using only the subway, this pass is the definitive answer. It’s a subway unlimited pass exclusively for foreign travelers, offering the best value for money.
✅ Pricing & Break-Even Point
Let’s look at the most important aspect - pricing and how many rides you need to break even:
| Type | 24-Hour Pass | 48-Hour Pass | 72-Hour Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 800 yen | 1,200 yen | 1,500 yen |
| Child | 400 yen | 600 yen | 750 yen |
| Break-Even | 5 rides/day | 4 rides/day | 3 rides/day |
📌 Pro Tip: These are hour-based passes, not day passes. If you first use it at 3 PM on September 29, the 24-hour pass is valid until 3 PM on September 30.
✅ Available Lines (Most Important!) (View Tokyo Subway Pass Route Map)
- Tokyo Metro (9 lines)
- Toei Subway (4 lines)
🚨 Critical! JR Lines (Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, etc.) are NOT available!
This is where many travelers get confused, so please remember this.
✅ Starting Stations After Airport Arrival
This is the most confusing part! You cannot use the pass immediately on airport trains (Narita Express, Skyliner, etc.). You can start using it from your first transfer station in the city.
| Arrival Airport | Transport | Subway Ticket Starting Station |
|---|---|---|
| Narita Airport | Narita Express | Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station, Shinjuku Station |
| Skyliner | Ueno Station | |
| Access Tokkyū | Oshiage Station (Sky Tree) | |
| Haneda Airport | Tokyo Monorail | Hamamatsuchō Station → Transfer to Daimon Station |
| Keikyū Line | Sengakuji Station |
📌 Tip: Check your accommodation location on Google Maps and use the airport train that passes through the nearest subway station for the best route.
✅ How to Purchase Tokyo Subway Ticket
While on-site purchase is possible, buying in advance through travel platforms like Klook or KKday is cheapest and most convenient. You can save even more with discount coupons!
➡️ Purchase Tokyo Subway Ticket at Best Price on Klook
✅ How to Exchange QR Code for Physical Ticket
If you purchased in advance, you need to exchange your QR code for a physical ticket. Find the red ticket machine at major subway stations or airports.
⭐Detailed Exchange Instructions with Photos and Complete 2025 Exchange Location List can be found in the post below!
➡️ Tokyo Subway Ticket Exchange Locations, Purchase, and Usage Guide
- Touch ‘QR Code’ button on the machine screen
- Scan QR code at the scanner
- Receive physical ticket! (Exchange takes 30 seconds!)
2. JR Tokunai Pass Complete Guide
🚃 Bottom Line?
If you’re intensively visiting JR Yamanote Line stations like Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, Akihabara, and Ueno in one day, this pass is advantageous.
✅ Pricing (1-Day Pass Only)
With JR base fare around 160-180 yen, if you plan to take JR 5+ times in a day, this is definitely worth it.
| Type | Adult | Child (6-11 years) |
|---|---|---|
| 24-Hour Pass | 760 yen | 380 yen |
✅ Available Lines (View Tokunai Pass Route Map)
All JR lines within Tokyo’s 23 wards (Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Sobu Line, etc.)
🚨 Critical! Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway are NOT available!
✅ How to Purchase Tokunai Pass
This pass can be easily purchased immediately at JR station ticket machines or ticket offices by anyone. (Passport not required)
3. Other Special Purpose Passes
Tokyo Free Kippu (1,600 yen): Consider for marathon itineraries requiring JR, subway, and buses all in one day
Yurikamome 1-Day Pass (820 yen): Almost essential for Odaiba travel. Profitable after 3+ rides
Rinkai Line 1-Day Pass (730 yen): Useful for Shibuya/Shinjuku to Odaiba
Tokyu Line One-Day Pass (780 yen): Useful for traveling Tokyu Line areas like Shibuya, Nakameguro, Jiyugaoka
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: I have a Suica/Pasmo card. Do I need to buy a pass?
A1: If you’re using public transport 2-3 times or less per day, Suica/Pasmo is better. But if you’re shopping and sightseeing at multiple locations, a pass is much cheaper.
Q2: Can I use Tokyo Subway Ticket on JR Yamanote Line?
A2: Absolutely not. This is the most common mistake! JR gates and subway gates are different, so be careful. Conversely, you cannot use Tokunai Pass on subways either.
Q3: Is the 72-hour pass the same as a 3-day pass?
A3: No. It’s hour-based, not day-based, which is much more advantageous. For example, if you start Friday at 7 PM, you can use it until Monday at 7 PM, making it usable for a 3-night 4-day trip.
Final Conclusion: Which Pass is Right for Me?
Now you can confidently choose the right pass for you.
“I’m visiting Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa, etc. by subway for 2-3 days."
✅ Answer: Tokyo Subway Ticket (24h/48h/72h pass)
➡️ Purchase Tokyo Subway Ticket with Discount on Klook
“Just one day! I’ll ride the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku-Harajuku-Shibuya-Tokyo Station."
✅ Answer: JR Tokunai Pass (1-day pass)
“I’ll probably take the subway 2 times or less per day. I’m mainly exploring neighborhoods."
✅ Answer: Use Suica/Pasmo without a pass
📌 Suica? Pasmo? Which Should I Buy?
For the latest iPhone Suica issuance method and physical card comparison information, check the ‘Transportation Card Complete Guide’ below!
➡️ Tokyo Transportation Card Complete Guide: iPhone Suica, Welcome Suica, Pasmo