Suica

Hello

I'm going with my family ( we are 7) to Japan for 17 days
we are going to visit Tokyo and Osaka only

As its our first trip to Japan Im really confused with Suica thing.. Do you think I should get JR pass or Suica is enough (I prefer suica tho)?

Can I use all Metro/train lines with Suica only? If there are few lines that I can't use suica can you please mention them?
Also can I use suica for limited express train? for example I'm planning to visit Yokohama for one day and back in the same day. Can I use suica? If not what would you suggest?

Does JR lines costs more than regular subways/metros?

About Osaka, I'm going there by bullet train do I have to purchase tickets before travelling or can I buy it in the same day of travelling?

Thanks!

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361.html

Do you think I should get JR pass or Suica is enough (I prefer suica tho)?

Your call.


Can I use all Metro/train lines with Suica only? If there are few lines that I can't use suica can you please mention them?
Also can I use suica for limited express train? for example I'm planning to visit Yokohama for one day and back in the same day. Can I use suica? If not what would you suggest?

Refer to the article on IC cards http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2359_003.html


Does JR lines costs more than regular subways/metros?

The fares are competitive.


About Osaka, I'm going there by bullet train do I have to purchase tickets before travelling or can I buy it in the same day of travelling?

No advance reservation required.

All your questions can be answered in the transport section of this website - I suggest you read it. You've got lots of questions, so doing some research will really help you understand.

A JR Pass is for long-distance travel. A Suica (a type of IC card) is for short distance travel.

All your questions can be answered in the transport section of this website - I suggest you read it. You've got lots of questions, so doing some research will really help you understand.

A JR Pass is for long-distance travel. A Suica (a type of IC card) is for short distance travel.

As its our first trip to Japan Im really confused with Suica thing..

No worries, passes and suica are quite confusing for first time travelers.

Do you think I should get JR pass or Suica is enough (I prefer suica tho)?

Depends on how long you'll be in Osaka. If its less than 7 days then a JR Pass will likely pay off. Otherwise, you'll be better off using Suica for local transport and then buying regular train tickets for the Tokyo-Osaka journey. Please note, that the Suica can't be used for long distance travel. You'll need actual tickets or a pass for that.

Can I use all Metro/train lines with Suica only? If there are few lines that I can't use suica can you please mention them?

You can use suica on virtually all of the lines in Tokyo and Osaka, with a very limited number of exceptions. No point listing them though, it would be better to know your itinerary first.

Also can I use suica for limited express train? for example I'm planning to visit Yokohama for one day and back in the same day. Can I use suica? If not what would you suggest?

Yes

Does JR lines costs more than regular subways/metros?

Depends on the routes, but they are comparable. Doesn't matter too much though on most routes, just take the faster/more convenient one for your destination. That usually ends up being cheaper anyway.

About Osaka, I'm going there by bullet train do I have to purchase tickets before travelling or can I buy it in the same day of travelling?

You can but it up to a few minutes before departure. However, I would recommend getting tickets earlier if you will be travelling by reserved seating so that you can have more options to sit together. It can get a bit full the closer you get to the departure time.