Japan's IC Cards Explained: Suica, PASMO and ICOCA — Which One and How to Use It

One card covers most of your trip

In Japan it's far easier to tap an IC card than to buy a ticket for every subway, JR or bus ride. The names differ by region — Suica and PASMO in Tokyo, ICOCA in Kansai, hayakaken in Fukuoka — but the major cards are interoperable, so one card works on most transport in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and other big cities.

That means there's little to choose between them. Buy whichever card is on sale where you arrive, and if you already have one from a past trip, just bring it back.

• Suica: JR East (Tokyo and the wider capital region)
• PASMO: Tokyo subways and private railways
• ICOCA: JR West (Osaka, Kyoto and Kansai)
• Regional cards such as Fukuoka's hayakaken and Nagoya's manaca are also largely interchangeable

Where you can use it

Trains, subways and buses are the main use, but you can also pay for coin lockers, convenience stores, vending machines and some shops and restaurants. Less loose change, less hassle.

There are exceptions. Some small regional lines and buses don't accept IC cards, and a single journey that crosses between different regional systems may not work on a card. Many shinkansen and limited express services need a separate ticket, so check before you board.

Using it on your phone

On a reasonably recent iPhone you can add Suica, PASMO or ICOCA to the Wallet app and tap through gates with your phone or Apple Watch, with no physical card needed. You can check the balance and top up in the app.

Android phones often need to be models sold in Japan to use these cards. Supported devices and OS requirements change, so check each card's official information before you travel. Carry a power bank: a dead phone means you can't get through the gate.

Buying a physical card, and tourist versions

Physical cards are sold at station ticket machines and counters. Airports and major stations sometimes offer special cards for visitors, but where and how they're sold changes often, so check the official sites before you arrive.

Some cards include a deposit, and tourist versions may have a limited validity period. How remaining balances and deposits are refunded differs by card type, so read the terms before buying. If you'll be back in Japan, keeping the card for next time is an option.

How to top up

Physical cards can be topped up at station machines and convenience store registers, often with cash only. Keep some coins and 1,000-yen notes handy.

Phone-wallet cards can be topped up in the app with a credit card, but cards issued outside Japan sometimes fail. As a backup, you can usually top up with cash at a convenience store.

Common ticket-gate mistakes

Everyone gets stuck once. Remember these and you'll be fine.

• Tap in and tap out — missing one side blocks the gate next time
• Low balance closes the exit gate — use the fare adjustment machine beside the gates, then tap again
• Several IC cards stacked in one wallet can cause read errors
• If you also use a JR Pass or other ticket, don't mix methods on a single journey
• Bus boarding doors and when to tap vary by region — follow the person in front

FAQ

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