Discount Tickets
There are discount ticket stores and vending machines where you are able to purchase discount tickets for buses,trains, and other things. You are able to save a good chunk of change instead of paying full price. For example, if you buy a daytime (昼間) JR train ticket from Enmachi to Osaka, you can save 300 yen one way!
Depending on which kind of ticket you buy, there may be a black out time if you ride the regular JR trains. Tickets with blackout times will have the kanji 昼間hiruma (meaning daytime) on them. On regular weekdays, you are able to use these tickets from 10am - 5pm, or all day on Saturday, Sundays, and Holidays. The black-out time only applies to the time when you first enter the turnstile (ticket gate), for example, you are able to enter the turnstile at 4:59pm and exit at your destination at 6:30pm. Regular tickets, which do not have a blackout time, are also sold. These type of tickets have the kanji 普通 futsu (meaning regular) on them. In the picture (big version) , you can see both types of tickets.
These links below are for a discount ticket shop called Tokai.
For a list of prices check here
For a list of shops check here
There are other discount ticket shops, but this is a popular chain with many locations.
Besides discount ticket shops, there are other discounted tickets/ passes available for residents of Japan. The Japan Guide website has good information about the different types of passes available. In addition to these passes, there is are discount tickets (puratto kodama economy plan) available for the Kodama shinkansen. You must reserve the ticket at least a day in advance, but it also includes a drink! The fare from Kyoto to Tokyo will cost about ¥10,100 (vs ¥13,600 for the Nozomi), but it will take about 4 hours (vs 2 hours 20 minutes on the Nozomi). Click here for more information.
If you have visiting friends or family, you may want to tell them about the Japan Rail Pass. The Japan Rail Pass is the most affordable way to travel around Japan. There are several different options available.
There are also discount coach tickets available to all foreigners in Japan (tourists and residents) from Willer. You buy a ticket that lasts either 3/5/7 days and then choose the dates you wish to travel on within 2 months of purchasing the ticket. The prices are very reasonable and you can choose from a variety of destinations!!
Discount Tickets- Visiting Friends and Family
- Japan Rail Pass. This is an extensive pass that covers all of Japan. The JR Pass is available for 7 days, 14 days, or 21 days. This pass must be purchase OUTSIDE of Japan at an authorized dealer.
Click here for more information.
- JR Kansai Wide Area Pass or JR Kansai Area Pass. As the names imply, theses passes cover the Kansai area. These passes are a good option if your friends or family plan on staying only in the Kansai area. These passes can be purchased in Japan.
Please click here for more information.
- Icoca & Haruka. This is a good option for travelers who will be flying into Kansai International Airport, but will be using more than just JR branded transportation. This pass can be purchased in Japan.
Please click here for more information.
In addition, some places offer discounts and perks to holders of these passes.