Tokyo Subway Guide 2026: Family Travel Tips for IC Cards, Train Transfers & JR Lines

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Key Takeaways

• Tokyo's train system has 4 operators but 1 IC card (Suica or Pasmo) works across all of them — you never need to figure out which company's train you're riding.

• Apple Wallet Suica lets you tap your iPhone or Apple Watch at every gate, skipping ticket machines entirely; setup takes under 2 minutes on Wi-Fi.

• Kids 5 and under ride free (up to 2 per adult), kids 6–11 pay half fare with a Child Suica card — but you must buy it at a JR ticket counter, not a machine.

• Rush hour (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:30–7:30 PM) is genuinely wall-to-wall crowded; traveling even 30 minutes later makes a huge difference with children or elderly family.

• Every Tokyo Metro and Toei station now has at least one elevator route; look for the wheelchair/stroller icon on station maps or use Google Maps' "accessible" option.

Table of Contents

I. Cracking the Code: An Overview of Tokyo's Multilayered Transit System

II. Digital Navigation: The Top Apps That Will Keep You from Getting Lost

III. Cashless Tokyo: Master IC Cards (Suica & Pasmo) in 5 Minutes

IV. Multi-Generational Travel: Stroller-Friendly Routes & Senior Comfort Tips

V. Bullet Train Blueprint: Shinkansen Transfers at Major Hubs Made Easy

VI. Tokyo Transit Pitfalls: The Top Mistakes First-Timers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

VII. Tokyo Transit Essentials: Frequently Asked Questions & Insider Pro-Tips

I. Understanding Tokyo's Public Transportation System

Tokyo's rail network looks intimidating because it's run by separate companies, not one central authority. But for you as a rider, the practical difference is smaller than it seems — especially if you're using an IC card, which smooths out almost all the seams.

The Big Three Operators

Quick answer: JR is best for moving between big stations quickly (think of it as the highway). Tokyo Metro gets you to specific neighborhoods (the local streets). Toei fills in the gaps. With an IC card, you don't need to think about which one you're riding — just tap and go.

Key Lines Every Family Should Know

1. Yamanote Line (JR, green) — The loop that connects almost every major spot: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Ueno, Tokyo Station, Akihabara. If you're unsure, get on the Yamanote and you'll probably get close.

2. Ginza Line (Metro, orange) — Runs from Shibuya through Ginza to Asakusa. Great for sightseeing: one train hits Shibuya Crossing, Omotesando, Ginza, Ueno Park, and Senso-ji.

3. Marunouchi Line (Metro, red) — Connects Shinjuku to Tokyo Station in just 12 minutes. When Google Maps suggests this, take it — it's faster and less crowded than the Yamanote between those two hubs.

4. Oedo Line (Toei, magenta) — A big loop that hits Roppongi, Shinjuku, Tsukiji Outer Market, and Ryogoku. Useful but deeper underground; elevators can be a long walk from the platform.

5. Chuo Line Rapid (JR, orange) — Shoots east–west across the city. If you're going from Shinjuku to Tokyo Station, this is the fastest option at around 15 minutes. But skip it during rush hour — it's standing-room only and the doors close fast.

How Transfers Work

When you switch from one operator to another (say, JR to Tokyo Metro), you'll go through a transfer gate. With an IC card, just tap out and tap in — the system calculates the combined fare automatically. No need to buy a second ticket.

The one catch: transferring between Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway counts as two separate rides, so it's slightly more expensive than staying on one system. If you're doing 4+ subway rides in a day, a Tokyo Subway Ticket ($5/24 hr, $10/72 hr) might save you money — it covers both Metro and Toei lines.

Planning your whole trip? Our first-time Tokyo travel guide has neighborhood-by-neighborhood advice that pairs well with this subway breakdown.

II. Best Apps for Navigating Tokyo Subway

You don't need a dozen apps. Two or three will cover you. Here's what actually works.

Google Maps

This is the one you'll use 90% of the time. It shows you which line to take, which platform, how many stops, and even the car number closest to your exit. A few tips that make a big difference:

• Check the exit number before you board. Tokyo stations have dozens of exits, and the wrong one can add 10 minutes of walking. Google Maps always lists the recommended exit (e.g., "Exit A4").

• Use the "accessible" route option. Tap the three dots when getting directions, then select "Wheelchair accessible." This routes you through stations with elevators — essential if you have a stroller.

• Look for the congestion forecast. On many Tokyo routes, Google now shows predicted crowding levels by time of day. Use it.

Navitime for Japan Travel

This is the local favorite and does a few things Google Maps can't:

• Shows fare comparisons across different pass types.

• Has a dedicated "with IC card" filter so you don't get routes requiring paper tickets.

• Includes offline station maps you can download before your trip (helpful in underground stations where signal drops).

Suica App

If you're using a physical Suica card (not Apple Wallet), the official Suica app lets you check your balance and recharge without going to a machine. Honestly, though, if you have an iPhone, just add Suica to Apple Wallet — it's simpler. More on that in the next section.

App Comparison

Want to dig deeper into tech and travel tools? Our Japan family travel interest guide covers apps, packing, and itinerary planning for families.

III. How to Buy and Use IC Cards on Tokyo Subway

An IC card is a prepaid tap-and-go card that works on every train, bus, and most convenience stores in Tokyo. Think of it as a CharlieCard or a Clipper Card — but it covers the entire metro area and then some.

Suica vs. Pasmo: Does It Matter?

No. For tourists, Suica and Pasmo are functionally identical. Either one works on every train line in Tokyo and at every convenience store. Get whichever is available.

The only real difference: Suica is issued by JR East, Pasmo by the private railways. If you're buying a physical card at a JR station machine, you'll get Suica. At a Metro station, you'll probably get Pasmo. With Apple Wallet, you choose.

One thing to know: physical Suica and Pasmo cards have been periodically unavailable due to a global chip shortage. If you see "Welcome Suica" or "Pasmo Passport" at the airport, grab one — they're the tourist versions with no deposit required and a 28-day validity. Otherwise, go digital.

How to Add Suica to Apple Wallet (Step-by-Step)

Quick answer: Open Wallet → tap + → Transit Card → Suica → Add New Card → choose balance → confirm with Face ID. Takes under 2 minutes. Works on iPhone 8+ with Apple Pay set up. Express Transit mode turns on automatically — just hold your phone near the gate, even from the lock screen.

One crucial update for 2026: Regular physical Suica and Pasmo cards are no longer sold at stations due to permanent chip changes. If your family uses iPhones, digital is your absolute best bet. For Android users, you must look for the specific 'Welcome Suica' or 'Pasmo Passport' tourist counters at Haneda or Narita airports immediately upon arrival.

This is the single best thing you can do before your trip. Once Suica is in your Apple Wallet, you tap your phone at every gate — no ticket machines, no fumbling with coins, no worrying about finding the right fare.

Before you start: You need an iPhone 8 or later, iOS 16+, and Apple Pay set up with a credit or debit card. Make sure you're on Wi-Fi or cellular data.

1. Open the Wallet app.

2. Tap the + button (top right).

3. Tap Transit Card.

4. Scroll to or search for Suica (listed under Japan).

5. Tap Add New Card.

6. Choose your starting balance ($6.3, ¥12.6, $16.9, $25, $31, or $62). For a week in Tokyo, $18 is a solid start.

7. Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Apple Pay charges your linked card.

8. Done. Your Suica appears in Wallet. Express Transit mode turns on automatically — just hold your phone near the gate reader and it works even from your lock screen.

To recharge: Open Wallet → tap your Suica → tap the three dots (⋯) → tap "Add Money." Choose an amount and confirm with Face ID/Touch ID. The charge goes to your Apple Pay card. Takes about 5 seconds.

Already have a physical Suica? You can transfer it to your iPhone: In Wallet, tap + → Transit Card → Suica → "Transfer Existing Card." Then place your physical card flat on a table and rest the top of your iPhone on it. The balance and history transfer over; the physical card becomes inactive.

Mini story: The Chen family from Portland told us about arriving at Narita Airport at 9 PM with two tired kids. While other travelers stood in line at the ticket machines, Mr. Chen pulled out his iPhone, tapped it at the Keisei Line gate, and walked straight through. "My daughter thought I was doing magic," he said. No coins. No confused button-pushing. Just tap and go — even at 11 PM when their train pulled into their neighborhood station.

Child IC Cards: What Families Need to Know

Here's where it gets a little less magic — but still manageable.

Ages 0–5: Free. Up to 2 young children ride free with each adult or child passenger. A third child needs a child ticket.

Ages 6–11: Half fare. But the half-price discount only applies when you tap a Child Suica or Child Pasmo card. If your 8-year-old taps your adult Suica, they'll be charged the full adult fare.

How to get a Child Suica card:

• You cannot buy it from a machine or add it to Apple Wallet. (Yes, really.)

• Go to a JR East ticket counter (Midori no Madoguchi, the green-window counters found at major JR stations like Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno).

• Bring your child's passport as age verification.

• Fill out a short application form (available in English at major stations).

• Pay the $3.3 deposit + initial charge ($6.7 minimum).

• The card expires on March 31 of the year your child turns 12, after which you swap it for an adult card.

Why not just buy child tickets from machines? You can — but it's slower. Every ride, you'd need to select "Child" on the fare screen, which isn't always in English. A Child Suica makes every tap automatic.

Tip for families with multiple kids: Buy a Child Suica for your 6–11 year old. For younger siblings, they ride free as long as you don't have more than 2 per adult. If you're a family of 4 with 3 kids under 6, one parent should buy a child ticket for the third child.

What to Do When Your Balance Runs Low

It happens to everyone. You tap out and the gate beeps and flashes red. Don't panic.

Look for a fare adjustment machine (seisan-ki) near the exit gates — they're usually yellow and located right next to the regular ticket machines. Insert your IC card, and the screen shows how much you owe. Pay with cash or recharge the card right there.

On Apple Wallet Suica, you're less likely to hit this problem because you can top up anywhere, anytime, from your phone. But if your balance drops below the minimum fare (about $1), some gates won't let you in. Keep at least $3.3 on the card and you'll be fine.

If you're planning day trips beyond Tokyo, our JR Pass family guide explains when a rail pass actually saves money versus pay-per-ride.

IV. Tokyo Subway Tips for Families with Kids and Seniors

This is the chapter most guides skip. If you're traveling with a stroller, an energetic 4-year-old, or a parent who doesn't do stairs well, Tokyo's subway is absolutely manageable — but it helps to know the right strategies.

1. Finding Elevators in Tokyo Subway Stations

Every Tokyo Metro and Toei station now has at least one elevator route from street level to platform, as Toei Transportation completed elevator installations at all stations. But "has an elevator" and "the elevator is easy to find" are two different things.

How to find the elevator:

• Google Maps accessible route: Before you head to the station, set your route to "Wheelchair accessible." This prioritizes stations with elevator access and routes you to the correct entrance.

• Station maps on the platform: Look for the wheelchair/stroller icon on the yellow information boards posted near the stairs on every platform. These show which car to board to be nearest to the elevator.

• Tokyo Metro app and website: Tokyo Metro publishes detailed barrier-free maps for every station showing elevator locations, accessible toilets, and wide gates.

• Ask the station staff. The attendants in uniforms standing near the gates are genuinely helpful. Say "elevator?" or "escalator?" and they'll point or walk you there.

Wide gates: Every station has at least one wider ticket gate designed for wheelchairs and strollers. Look for the gate with a blue wheelchair symbol. These are wide enough to push a stroller through without folding it.

2. When to Avoid Rush Hour (Specific Times)

Tokyo's rush hour is not a joke. Trains run at over 150% capacity during the worst stretch, and if you're standing with a stroller or holding a child's hand, it's genuinely unsafe and deeply unpleasant.

The simple rule: Leave your hotel after 9:30 AM and plan to be on your last train before 5:00 PM. That gives you about 7 hours of comfortable riding. If you must travel during rush hour, stick to the subway (Metro/Toei) rather than JR — the subway is slightly less packed because commuter traffic skews toward JR.

3. Stroller Tips for Tokyo Subway

Mini story: Sarah from Denver arrived at Shinjuku Station with a Uppababy Vista and three kids. She'd read that Tokyo was "stroller-friendly" and figured she'd be fine. Two hours later, she'd navigated four elevator rides, a transfer through a tunnel she swears was a mile long, and one moment where she had to carry the stroller up a short flight of stairs because the elevator was out of service. "It wasn't impossible," she told us, "but I wish someone had told me: take the smaller stroller."

Here's what experienced parents recommend:

• Bring a lightweight, foldable stroller. A Babyzen Yoyo, GB Pockit, or similar compact fold is ideal. Full-size strollers work, but you'll encounter narrow passages, tight elevator waits, and the occasional staircase. If your hotel has a crib and you're taking taxis some days, consider a cheap umbrella stroller just for the subway.

• The Yamanote Line and major Metro lines (Ginza, Marunouchi, Hibiya) have the best elevator access because they're the most used by tourists. The Oedo Line, however, is the deepest — some platforms are 40+ meters underground, and elevator routes can involve long walks.

• Board at the ends of the train. Cars at the front and back tend to be slightly less crowded, and you'll be closer to the wheelchair/stroller priority seating areas near the doors.

• Fold your stroller on crowded trains. Even outside rush hour, if the car has more than a few standing passengers, folding the stroller and holding your child (or letting them stand) is standard courtesy. Japanese parents do this routinely.

• Use the wide gate every time. Even if the regular gate looks doable, a stroller can get stuck. The wide gate has more clearance and is designed for exactly this situation.

Stroller-friendly stations (good elevator access, wide passages): Tokyo, Shinagawa, Ueno, Shibuya (new south exit), Ikebukuro (east exit), Ginza, Roppongi.

Challenging stations with a stroller: Shinjuku (just too big — expect long walks between lines), Omoide Yokocho-area stations, any station with "temporary elevator" signs.

4. Traveling with Elderly Family Members

Tokyo is surprisingly senior-friendly once you know the shortcuts.

• Priority seating (yusen-seki) is available on every train car, usually near the doors. These are for elderly, disabled, pregnant, and injured passengers. Don't hesitate to use them.

• Escalators are at every station, but not every exit. If your parent has knee issues, stick to the stations with elevator access listed above.

• Pace yourself. Tokyo's stations involve a lot of walking — Shinjuku to a Metro platform can be a 10-minute walk. Build in 15 extra minutes for every transfer, and consider taking taxis for the last mile when everyone's tired.

• Women-only cars run on many lines during rush hour (usually the first or last car). These are marked with pink signs. If your group includes male family members, avoid boarding these cars during the posted hours.

• Consider a prepaid Suica for grandma or grandpa too. Even if they don't use smartphones, a physical IC card saves the stress of buying individual tickets. Load $33 on it and they're set for days.

Want more family-specific planning help? Check out our Japan family tours — designed by parents who've actually done this with their own kids.

V. Shinkansen Transfers in Tokyo: Station-by-Station Guide

If you're taking a bullet train to Kyoto, Osaka, or Hakone, you'll depart from one of three Tokyo stations. Here's how to get through each one without losing your family in the crowd.

Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station is the main Shinkansen hub. Tokaido Shinkansen (toward Kyoto/Osaka) departs from the south side; Tohoku/Hokuriku/Shinkansen (toward Sendai, Nagano, Niigata) departs from the north side.

How to navigate:

1. Arrive by Metro (Marunouchi Line) if possible — the Marunouchi underground entrance drops you much closer to the Shinkansen gates than the JR surface-level entrances.

2. Follow the green "Shinkansen" signs. They're everywhere and clearly marked in English.

3. Look for the color of your line: Tokaido = blue, Tohoku = green, Hokuriku = orange, Joetsu = dark blue.

4. Allow 20–30 minutes from arriving at Tokyo Station to boarding your train, especially if you need to pick up tickets or find the right platform.

With kids: The underground Marunouchi entrance has an elevator directly to the Shinkansen transfer corridor. There's also a character street (Okashi Land) on the first floor if you need a distraction while waiting.

With a JR Pass: The Shinkansen ticket gates have a separate lane for pass holders. Look for the "JR Pass" sign — it's faster than the regular line.

Shinagawa Station

Shinagawa is smaller and far less chaotic than Tokyo Station, making it the secret favorite of experienced travelers. All Tokaido Shinkansen trains stop here.

Why it's easier:

• The station is compact — you can walk from the JR lines to the Shinkansen gates in about 5 minutes.

• Elevator access is straightforward and well-marked.

• There's a dedicated Shinkansen transfer gate near the central concourse. Just follow the signs from any JR platform.

If you're coming from Haneda Airport: The Keikyu Line connects directly to Shinagawa Station (about 15 minutes). From there, it's a short walk to the Shinkansen gates. This is the fastest airport-to-bullet-train connection in Tokyo.

Ueno Station

Ueno is the departure point for the Joetsu Shinkansen (Niigata) and Hokuriku Shinkansen (Nagano, Kanazawa, Tsuruga). It's also where you catch the Keisei Skyliner from Narita Airport.

How to navigate:

1. The Shinkansen area is on the elevated level. If you're coming from the Tokyo Metro Ginza or Hibiya Line (underground), take the elevator up to the JR concourse.

2. Follow the Shinkansen signs through the central concourse. It's about a 5-minute walk from the subway gates.

3. Ueno's layout is simpler than Tokyo Station — there's basically one main corridor, and all the Shinkansen platforms are accessed from it.

With kids: Ueno Park is right outside the station (home to the zoo, science museum, and several shrines). If you have time before your train, it's a great place to let kids burn energy. The park entrance is about a 3-minute walk from the station's main exit.

Planning a longer trip? Our 1-week Japan itinerary maps out day-by-day routes including Shinkansen segments.

VI. Common Mistakes First-Time Travelers Make on Tokyo Subway

You're going to make a few small errors. Everyone does. But here are the big ones you can avoid.

Mistake 1: Going the Wrong Direction

On the Yamanote Line, it's easy to board the wrong direction because it's a loop — both platforms go to the same stations, just one takes 3 minutes and the other takes 50. Always check the direction sign on the platform (e.g., "Shibuya / Shinjuku direction" or "Ueno / Ikebukuro direction") before boarding.

Fix: If you realize you're going the wrong way, get off at the next station, cross to the opposite platform, and get on the train going the other direction. No penalty, no extra charge.

Mistake 2: Taking the Wrong Exit

As mentioned earlier, Shinjuku has over 200 exits. Taking the wrong one can put you on the wrong side of a massive intersection or a 15-minute walk from where you meant to be.

Fix: Before you leave your hotel (or while you still have signal), look up your destination on Google Maps and screenshot the exit number. Then follow the exit signs in the station — they're color-coded and numbered (e.g., "A5" in red for the Marunouchi Line area).

Mistake 3: Not Having Enough Cash or IC Card Balance

Some ticket machines only take cash. Some smaller stations don't have machines that accept foreign cards. If your Suica balance hits zero and the recharge machine is cash-only, you're stuck.

Fix: Keep $13–$18 in coins and small bills at all times. Or better yet, use Apple Wallet Suica — you can recharge from your credit card anywhere, even standing at the gate.

Mistake 4: Riding During Rush Hour with Kids and Luggage

This one's worth repeating because it's the #1 regret we hear from families. A packed train at 8:15 AM with a double stroller and carry-on bags is miserable. The crowds are intense, people are rushing, and there's nowhere to put luggage.

Fix: Plan your day around the 9:30 AM–4:30 PM window. If you have an early Shinkansen or day trip, leave your luggage at the hotel and travel light. Most hotels will hold bags before check-in and after check-out.

Mistake 5: Confusing Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway

These are two different operators. If you have a Tokyo Subway Ticket (the 24/48/72-hour pass), it covers both — so no issue. But if you're paying per ride and you transfer from a Tokyo Metro line to a Toei line, you'll pay two base fares, not one combined fare.

Fix: Check the line name on the platform. Tokyo Metro lines have letter codes like G (Ginza), M (Marunouchi), H (Hibiya). Toei lines have codes like A (Asakusa), E (Oedo). If you're switching between the two, expect a slightly higher fare — or just get the Subway Ticket if you'll ride 3+ times that day.

Mini story: The Garcias from Austin had been in Tokyo for three days and felt like pros. Then Mr. Garcia accidentally boarded a Rapid train instead of a Local on the Chuo Line and sailed right past their stop at Koenji — three stations past, in fact, before he could get off. "The train didn't stop at our station because it was a Rapid," he explained later. "I didn't even know that was a thing." Lesson: always check if your train is Local (kakueki-teisha), Rapid (kaisoku), or Limited Express before boarding. Google Maps tells you this, but it's easy to miss if you're not looking.

VII. Frequently Asked Questions About Tokyo Subway

Q1: Can I take a stroller on Tokyo subway?

Quick answer: Yes — every Tokyo Metro and Toei station has at least one elevator and wide ticket gates for strollers. Use Google Maps' "accessible" route option to find elevator-friendly entrances. Fold your stroller on crowded trains as a courtesy to other passengers.

Q2: Does the Suica card expire?

Quick answer: A physical Suica expires after 10 years of inactivity. The tourist Welcome Suica expires after 28 days. Apple Wallet Suica does not expire as long as it stays on your device. Welcome Suica balances are non-refundable.

Q3: How late do Tokyo trains run?

Quick answer: Most lines stop between midnight and 12:30 AM. First trains start around 5:00 AM. If you miss the last train, your options are a taxi, a limited night bus, or waiting for the first morning train. Plan to be at a station by 11:30 PM to be safe.

Q4: What if I lose something on the train?

Go to the station office (ekimu-shitsu) at the station where you got off — on the same day, items are usually held there. After that, Tokyo Metro lost items go to the Lost and Found Center at Iidabashi Station. Toei Subway items go to the Toei Lost and Found Center. You can also file a report online through the Toei Transportation website. Japan has one of the highest lost-item recovery rates in the world — don't give up hope.

Q5: Is there Wi-Fi on Tokyo subway?

Tokyo Metro and Toei offer free Wi-Fi at most stations (look for the "TO-subway-Free-WiFi" or "Metro_Free_Wi-Fi" networks). However, connectivity on trains between stations is spotty. Download offline maps in Google Maps or Navitime before you head underground.

Q6: Can I use my Suica card outside Tokyo?

Yes. Suica and Pasmo are part of Japan's nationwide IC card network. You can use them in Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and most major cities. The card automatically works — no setup needed. Just note that some regional buses may not accept IC cards.

Q7: Are there luggage restrictions on Tokyo subway?

There are no strict size limits on regular subway lines, but common sense applies: don't bring massive suitcases onto rush-hour trains. If you're traveling with large luggage to catch a Shinkansen, consider using a luggage forwarding service (Yamato Transport's Ta-Q-Bin is the most popular). You ship your bags from hotel to hotel for about $13–$18 per piece and travel light on the train.

Q8: What's the difference between the Yamanote Line and the subway?

The Yamanote Line is a JR train that runs in a loop above ground, connecting all the major hub stations. The subway (Tokyo Metro + Toei) runs underground and reaches neighborhoods and attractions between the Yamanote stops. Think of the Yamanote as the beltway and the subway as the local roads.

Q9: Do kids need their own IC card?

Quick answer: Kids 5 and under ride free (up to 2 per adult) and don't need a card. Kids 6–11 need a Child Suica or Child Pasmo for the half-fare discount — buy it at a JR ticket counter with your child's passport. It cannot be added to Apple Wallet.

Q10: How do I find the right platform in a big station?

Look for the color-coded signs. Each line has a specific color and letter code (e.g., G for Ginza Line, orange). Follow the signs with your line's color and letter. On the platform, check the direction of travel (the signs list the next few stops). Google Maps also tells you the platform number before you arrive.

Wrapping Up: You've Got This

Tokyo's subway system looks complicated because there's a lot of it — 13 subway lines, multiple JR lines, and a handful of private railways, all converging at stations that feel like underground cities. But the basics that matter to your family are simple: get an IC card (or add Suica to your Apple Wallet before you fly), ride between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM when the trains are comfortable, use Google Maps' accessible routing for elevators, and always check your exit number before you leave the platform.

You don't need to memorize the whole map. You don't need to understand the difference between JR and Metro on day one. You just need a charged Suica, a phone with Google Maps, and a willingness to ask the station staff for help when you need it. The system is built for millions of people every day — including families just like yours.

Ready to plan the whole trip? Our Japan family tours take the guesswork out of everything — trains, hotels, activities — so you can focus on what matters: actually enjoying Tokyo with your kids.

And if you're still piecing together your itinerary, our first-time Tokyo guide and 1-week Japan itinerary are great next stops.