Japan-Rail
IC Cards in Japan: Suica, PASMO & ICOCA Explained
An IC card is a rechargeable smart card that lets you tap in and out of almost every train, subway and bus in Japan — no ticket machines, no fare tables. If you ride trains more than a couple of times, get one on day one.
Which card should I get?
All major IC cards (Suica, PASMO from Tokyo, ICOCA from Osaka, and others) are interchangeable nationwide. Buy whichever is sold where you land — they all work the same way in other regions.
Mobile Suica (recommended for iPhone users)
You can add a Suica to Apple Wallet in seconds and charge it with a credit card — no physical card needed and no deposit. Express Mode means you just tap your phone on the gate, even if the battery is low.
Buying and charging a physical card
- Buy at ticket machines or JR ticket offices in stations (500 yen deposit, refundable).
- Charge with cash only at station machines and convenience stores (1,000–10,000 yen at a time).
- Check the balance every time you tap — it shows on the gate display.
Where it works
Trains, subways, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, many restaurants and coin lockers. A few rural lines and buses are still cash-only — keep some coins as backup.
FAQ
- Can I use one IC card in both Tokyo and Osaka?
- Yes. Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and the other major IC cards are accepted across nearly all of Japan interchangeably.
- Do children need their own IC card?
- Children aged 6–11 can get a child IC card (issued at staffed ticket offices with a passport) that automatically charges child fares.
- Can I get my deposit and balance back?
- Yes, physical cards can be refunded at ticket offices of the issuing region (a small handling fee may apply to the remaining balance).