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🚇 Updated April 2026

IC Cards in Japan 2026:
Suica, Pasmo & How to Use Them

An IC card is the single most useful thing you can have in Japan. Here's everything you need to know.

✓ Updated April 2026✓ All IC Cards✓ Beginner Friendly
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Quick Answer

Best IC card

Suica (nationwide)

Where to get

Vending machine at any JR station

Works on

Trains, buses, taxis, convenience stores

Deposit

¥500 (refundable)

Overview

What Is an IC Card?

An IC card is a rechargeable contactless smart card used for paying train and bus fares across Japan. You load it with cash, then tap it on card readers at ticket gates and checkout counters. The balance is deducted automatically — no need to buy individual tickets.

IC cards work on virtually every form of public transport in Japan: JR trains, Tokyo Metro, private railways, city buses, and even some taxis. Beyond transport, they're accepted at all major convenience store chains (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) and most vending machines.

The two most common IC cards for tourists are Suica (issued by JR East) and Pasmo (issued by Tokyo Metro and private rail operators). Both work nationwide on the same interoperable network — in practice, there's almost no difference for tourists.

Comparison

Suica vs Pasmo: Which Should You Get?

FeatureSuicaPasmo
Issued byJR EastTokyo Metro & private rails
CoverageNationwideNationwide
Mobile versioniPhone & AndroidAndroid only
Tourist version✓✓
Best forMost travellersTokyo Metro frequent users

Verdict: Get whichever is available first. Both work equally well across Japan. Suica is slightly more versatile for mobile wallet use on iPhone — if you want Apple Pay, go with Suica.

Step-by-step

How to Get an IC Card

1

Find a ticket vending machine at any JR station

Look for machines marked with a Suica or IC card sticker. Available at all major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai) and urban stations. Machines have English-language support.

2

Select 'Suica' or 'New card'

Choose the new card option from the main menu. The process is straightforward — the machine walks you through each step.

3

Pay the ¥500 deposit and choose your starting balance

Insert ¥2,000: ¥500 covers the deposit and ¥1,500 becomes your starting balance. Machines accept cash; some newer machines also accept foreign credit cards.

4

Start using immediately

Touch the card to the IC reader at any ticket gate to enter. Your balance is deducted automatically and shown on the display. You'll hear a beep when it reads successfully.

Coverage

Where Can I Use an IC Card?

Works Here

  • ✓All JR lines nationwide
  • ✓Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway
  • ✓Private railways (Hankyu, Keio, Odakyu, Kintetsu, etc.)
  • ✓City buses across Japan
  • ✓7-Eleven, FamilyMart & Lawson convenience stores
  • ✓Most vending machines and some taxis in major cities

Does Not Work For

  • ✗Shinkansen boarding (requires a separate ticket)
  • ✗Some rural and regional buses
  • ✗Taxis outside major urban areas
Digital option

Mobile Suica

Mobile Suica lets you add Suica to your smartphone via Apple Pay or Google Pay — no physical card needed. You can top up using a foreign credit or debit card and tap your phone at any IC card reader across Japan.

iPhone: Apple Pay

Open the Wallet app → tap + → search for Suica. Requires iPhone XR or later. You can load money directly from a linked Visa or Mastercard — including foreign cards.

Android: Google Pay

Open Google Pay → Payment → Add payment method → IC card (Suica). Works on most NFC-enabled Android phones. Add money directly from a linked bank card.

No card needed

With Mobile Suica, you don't need a physical card. Just hold your phone or watch near the card reader — it works even if your phone battery is low (on iPhone).

Before you leave

Returning Your IC Card

If you want your ¥500 deposit back before leaving Japan, return your card to any JR ticket office (Midori no Madoguchi) or an IC card return machine at major stations.

You'll receive your ¥500 deposit plus any remaining balance, minus a ¥220 handling fee. If the remaining balance is less than ¥220, only the deposit is returned.

Alternatively, keep the card for your next Japan trip — IC card balances don't expire. Mobile Suica balances also carry over between trips.

FAQ

Common Questions

1. What is the best IC card for tourists in Japan?
Suica is the best IC card for most tourists. It's accepted nationwide on trains, subways, and buses, and at convenience stores. Pasmo works equally well in practice — both use the same interoperable network. The main practical difference is where you get one: Suica from JR station machines, Pasmo from Tokyo Metro machines.
2. Can I use Suica outside Tokyo?
Yes. Suica is accepted across Japan on most public transport — including Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Sapporo, and Fukuoka. All major IC cards use a shared interoperable network, so you can use Suica on virtually any IC-compatible transport anywhere in Japan.
3. How do I charge my IC card in Japan?
Charge (top up) at any ticket vending machine at train stations — look for a machine labeled チャージ (charge) or with an IC card logo. Insert your card and cash, select the amount, and the balance updates instantly. You can also top up via Mobile Suica if set up on your phone.
4. Can I use a foreign credit card to charge my IC card?
Some newer vending machines in major stations accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. However, it's not universal — smaller stations may only accept cash. The safest approach is to have Japanese yen available, or set up Mobile Suica linked to a foreign Visa/Mastercard via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
5. What happens if my IC card runs out of money at the gate?
If your card balance is insufficient, you'll hear an error tone and the gate won't open. Don't panic — find the nearest fare adjustment machine (精算機) inside the station, insert your card, pay the difference in cash, and exit as normal. Most stations have these machines near the gates.
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