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If you're planning to use the Suica card for buses in Shibuya, you'll be happy to know that it's a convenient option. The Suica card can be used on buses operated by Keio Bus, which is one of the major bus operators in the area.
However, not all buses in Shibuya accept the Suica card. You'll need to check the bus route and operator to see if it's a Keio Bus route.
In Shibuya, you can use the Suica card on buses that follow the Keio Bus routes, such as the Keio Bus routes that connect Shibuya to other parts of Tokyo.
Suica Card Basics
The Suica card is a prepaid IC card that can be used to ride trains, buses, and subways in Japan. It's a convenient and efficient way to navigate the country's public transportation system.
You can purchase a Suica card at most train stations, including Shibuya Station, and it's available in various denominations. The card itself costs ¥2,000, which is refundable when you return the card.
To use the Suica card, simply tap it on the reader when entering and exiting the train or bus. The card will automatically deduct the fare, making it easy to keep track of your expenses.
What is Suica
Suica is a prepaid IC card that can be used to ride trains, buses, and subways in Japan.
It was introduced by JR East, the largest railway company in Japan, in 2001 to simplify ticketing and make travel more convenient.
Suica cards are available at most train stations in the Tokyo area, and you can also purchase them online.
You can load a Suica card with a minimum of ¥2,000, and the maximum balance is ¥50,000.
Suica cards can be used to ride all JR East trains, as well as some buses and subways in the Tokyo area.
One of the benefits of using a Suica card is that you can avoid waiting in line to buy tickets at train stations.
Suica cards can be refilled at any train station with a Suica refill machine.
Suica cards can also be used to make purchases at some convenience stores and vending machines.
For your interest: Do I Need a Suica Card in Japan
How to Get Suica
To get a Suica card, you can purchase one at any JR East train station in Japan.
You can also buy a Suica card online and have it delivered to your hotel or a nearby post office.
Suica cards are available in various denominations, including ¥2,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000.
The Suica card is a prepaid IC card that you can use to ride trains, buses, and subways in Japan.
You can add value to your Suica card at any JR East train station or at a convenience store.
The Suica card is a convenient way to pay for train fares, as you don't need to carry cash or worry about changing money.
Using Suica on Buses
Suica cards can be used on buses in areas of Japan served by various IC card operators.
Suica cards are sold for prices starting at 1,000 yen and going up to 10,000 yen, which includes the card, a 500-yen deposit, and usable credit.
How to Pay Bus Fare
Paying for a bus in Tokyo can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got you covered. Most buses will accept cash and IC cards for one-off trips, and the most popular IC cards are Suica and PASMO.
You'll usually see a reader on the bus where you can scan your card, as well as a slot for paying with coins or bills. Some more rural buses may only accept cash, so it's worth keeping in mind if you head towards the outskirts of Tokyo.
Most buses have a flat fee of around ¥200, regardless of how far you travel. You'll usually board at the front of the bus, pay, and then leave the bus at your destination.
Some buses will display a fare board at the front, and you'll need to board from the back. You'll either touch your IC card to the reader or receive a ticket upon boarding.
When you arrive at your destination, you'll touch your IC card to the reader at the front of the bus, or give your ticket to the driver, who will calculate your fare based on the distance you've travelled.
For your interest: Can Suica Card Be Use for Purchase Metro Ticket
Bus Routes and Schedules
Using Suica on buses can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. The bus routes and schedules in Japan are extensive, with over 30,000 buses operating daily.
To make the most of your bus ride, you can check the route and schedule on the bus operator's website or at a local train station. The Suica website also provides a route finder tool.
The bus routes are usually color-coded and have a designated stop, making it easy to navigate. You can also use the bus's digital display to check the destination and next stop.
The buses run frequently, with some routes operating every 10 minutes during peak hours. Be sure to check the schedule in advance to plan your trip accordingly.
You can pay for your bus fare using your Suica card, which is a convenient and hassle-free option. Simply touch your Suica card to the reader at the bus entrance to pay for your fare.
For more insights, see: Can You Use Credit Cards to Pay Bills
Exploring Tokyo by Bus
You can use the bus to see more of Tokyo, especially in outer suburbs or for short inner-city jaunts. The Toei bus network is extensive, and a particularly useful bus is the number 06, which connects Shibuya, Hiroo, and Azabujuban.
Fares are ¥210 for adults and ¥110 for children, with no transfer tickets. You can pay by IC pass or deposit your fare into the box as you enter the bus.
Most buses have digital signage that switches between Japanese and English, making it easier to navigate. Listen for your stop or signal the bus to stop in advance by pushing one of the buttons near your seat.
Types of Buses
Tokyo's bus system is quite extensive, and there are several types of buses to choose from.
Highway buses are a popular option for long distance travel, offering an economical means of travel between major cities and tourist destinations.
You'll also find special limousine buses designed to carry passengers to airports.
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For smaller, municipal routes, buses take circular routes through the ward.
Some examples include Shibuya's Hachiko bus and the Shinjuku WE bus.
These buses are ideal if you want to see all the major spots in one location.
Toei buses, on the other hand, usually travel between stations that are poorly connected by rail or other means of transport.
These are the most common buses you'll see in Tokyo and the ones you'll be taking to travel between different wards in the city.
See More of Tokyo
Toei runs an extensive bus network in Tokyo, though it’s only more convenient than the subway when you’re in the outer suburbs or making short inner-city jaunts.
A particularly useful bus, the number 06, connects Shibuya, Hiroo and Azabujuban – three popular cosmopolitan neighborhoods.
Fares are ¥210 for adults and ¥110 for children; there are no transfer tickets.
Some 85 hydrogen fuel cell buses have been in operation since March 2021, traveling primarily between Tokyo Station and the Tokyo Big Sight convention center in Ariake.
These buses pass through the popular Yurakucho, Ginza and Tsukiji neighborhoods.
The local government is aiming to have more than 300 hydrogen buses in operation by 2030.
You can pay by IC pass or deposit your fare into the box as you enter the bus – if your pass is out of credit, you can charge it at the front of the bus.
Most buses have digital signage that switches between Japanese and English; otherwise, listen for your stop.
Signal the bus to stop in advance of the approaching stop by pushing one of the buttons near your seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Suica not work?
Suica does not work on express trains, shinkansen, highway buses, airport shuttles, and some private transportation services. Check the Suica logo for accepted usage on buses and taxis.
Sources
- https://www.gotokyo.org/en/plan/getting-around/ic-card/index.html
- https://tokyocheapo.com/travel/a-guide-to-catching-the-bus-in-tokyo/
- https://www.jrailpass.com/blog/using-japanese-ic-cards
- https://www.japan.travel/en/au/plan/useful-tickets-tokyo/
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/getting-around-tokyo
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