Japan IC Card Guide: Suica, Pasmo & More
Japan's IC transit cards are one of the best travel tools you'll ever use — tap to ride any train, bus or subway, and pay at thousands of shops. This guide covers everything tourists need to know, from buying your first card at the airport to returning it at the end of your trip.
Japan's Major IC Cards
Suica
JR East · Tokyo & East Japan
Most popular card. The penguin mascot is iconic. Works nationwide on almost all transit.
Pasmo
Tokyo Metro / private railways · Tokyo & surrounds
Identical functionality to Suica. Accepted everywhere Suica is. Choose based on where you buy.
Icoca
JR West · Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe
The Kansai equivalent. Works on Osaka Metro, Hankyu, Hanshin and most Kyushu transit too.
Toica
JR Central · Nagoya & Central Japan
Best for Nagoya city and the Tokai region. Accepted nationally on major transit.
Kitaca
JR Hokkaido · Sapporo & Hokkaido
Use in Sapporo and Hokkaido. Accepted on Sapporo subway and most regional transit.
Mobile Suica
JR East (app) · Nationwide
Add Suica to your iPhone or Android Wallet. No physical card needed. Works exactly the same as the physical version.
Good news: All 10 major IC cards are mutually compatible across Japan since 2013. Buy any one and use it everywhere.
How to Use an IC Card
Buy at a station kiosk
Purchase at any JR or metro ticket machine in Japan. Select "Suica" or your local IC card option. The initial cost is ¥500 (refundable deposit) + ¥500–¥2,000 preloaded credit. Total starting cost: ¥1,000–¥2,500.
Charge (charge up) at the machine
Insert coins or notes into the vending machine ticket kiosk and tap "Charge" (チャージ). You can add ¥500, ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥5,000 or ¥10,000 at a time. Maximum balance: ¥20,000.
Tap in and out at the gates
At the station, touch your card briefly on the IC sensor (the gold/yellow pad at the gate). You hear a beep. Tap again to exit. The fare is deducted automatically based on your route.
Use it for shopping
IC cards are accepted at most convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), vending machines, taxis, Starbucks, and many supermarkets. Look for the IC logo at the register.
Check your balance
Your remaining balance shows on the gate screen when you tap. You can also check at any station kiosk. If your balance is low, top up before entering to avoid getting stuck at the exit gate.
Return your card (optional)
At the end of your trip, return your card at any JR station to reclaim the ¥500 deposit plus remaining balance. A ¥220 handling fee applies for cards held less than 3 months.
Tips for Tourists
Get it at the airport
You can buy Suica and Pasmo at vending machines in Narita and Haneda arrival halls. This is the most convenient option — you'll need it for the airport express to your hotel.
Mobile Suica for iPhone users
iPhone 7 and newer (iOS 16+) support Suica via the Wallet app. Download the Suica app, register with a credit card and add ¥3,000–¥5,000. You can even use it on the Shinkansen with the EX-IC service.
Welcome Suica for tourists
JR East sells a "Welcome Suica" at airports specifically for tourists. It has no ¥500 deposit, costs ¥1,000–¥5,000 of prepaid credit, and expires after 28 days. However, you cannot refund unused credit, making it less flexible than a regular Suica.
IC cards vs JR Pass
IC cards pay for every individual fare (best for city transit and short distances). The JR Pass covers unlimited Shinkansen and JR trains (best for long-distance inter-city travel). Use both: JR Pass for Bullet Train legs, IC card for city subways and buses.
Regional compatibility
All major IC cards work across Japan since 2013 (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca, Toica, Kitaca, Manaca, Nimoca, Sugoca and Hayakaken are mutually compatible). You only need one card for your whole trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which IC card should I buy as a tourist?
Suica is the safest choice. It works everywhere, is the most widely issued, and has excellent English support on the app. If you arrive at Osaka or Kyoto, Icoca is equally fine.
Can I use my IC card on the Shinkansen?
IC cards pay for regular fares on Shinkansen but NOT the reserved-seat supplements. For full Shinkansen use, buy a ticket at the counter or use the EX-IC/EX-Suica service linked to your IC card.
What happens if my card runs out of money at the gate?
Go to the "fare adjustment" machine (精算機) near the exit. Insert your card and pay the balance due in cash. You won't be charged extra — it's just a correction.
Is my data private on an IC card?
IC cards record transit history but not personal identity (unless you register the card in your name). Anonymous cards (guest or tourist IC cards) have no name attached.
Can I add yen to Suica from a foreign credit card?
At station kiosks, only Japanese credit cards work. Use cash (¥1,000 notes are fine). In the Suica app, some foreign Visa/Mastercard credit cards are accepted for top-ups.
Do IC cards work in convenience stores?
Yes. 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart and most other convenience stores accept Suica, Pasmo and all major IC cards at the register. Just tap the card on the reader when prompted.
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