An IC card is the single most useful item you can have in Japan. It pays for trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, taxis, and many restaurants — all with a single tap. This guide covers how to get one, how to charge it, and how to use it across Japan.
What Is an IC Card?
IC cards (アイシーカード) are contactless payment cards used across Japan’s transit and retail networks. They work on the same technology as tap-to-pay bank cards, but are specific to Japan’s infrastructure. All major IC cards are interoperable — a Suica bought in Tokyo works on Osaka’s subway and vice versa.
The Main IC Cards
- Suica (スイカ) — Issued by JR East. The most widely used card in eastern Japan. Available at JR station machines and as a digital card in Apple Wallet / Google Pay (Suica app).
- Pasmo (パスモ) — Issued by Tokyo Metro and private railways. Functionally identical to Suica in Tokyo. Also available digitally.
- ICOCA (イコカ) — Issued by JR West. Standard card for Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
- Nimoca / Hayakaken / SUGOCA — Regional cards for Fukuoka (all interoperable nationally).
For most new residents: get a Suica (if in eastern Japan) or ICOCA (if in western Japan). Both work everywhere. A digital Suica on iPhone or Android is particularly convenient — no physical card to lose.
How to Get an IC Card
Physical card: Available at any JR ticket machine or station service counter. Standard Suica costs ¥500 (refundable deposit) + however much you load. No ID required.
Digital Suica (iPhone): Add via Apple Wallet → + button → select Suica. Pay via Apple Pay. Works immediately. No deposit.
Digital Suica (Android): Install the Suica app from Google Play, link a payment method, and add to Google Pay. Works immediately.
Digital cards are recommended — no deposit, no physical card to lose, easy to charge via phone.
Charging Your IC Card
Charge (チャージ) at:
- Any JR or subway ticket machine (cash or credit card)
- Convenience store registers (ask staff: “チャージお願いします”)
- Digital card: charge via linked credit card from your phone anytime
Minimum charge: ¥500. Maximum balance: ¥20,000. When balance is low, ticket gates display your remaining balance and show a warning beep.
Where IC Cards Work
IC cards are accepted at virtually all transit and many retail locations:
- Transit: JR lines, Tokyo Metro, all subway networks, private railways, most city buses, some taxis
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, Ministop — all accept IC cards
- Supermarkets: Many major chains (Aeon, Life, Maruetsu, etc.)
- Vending machines: Most modern vending machines have IC card readers
- Drugstores: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Tsuruha, and others
- Fast food: McDonald’s, MOS Burger, Yoshinoya, and many others
Using IC Cards on the Train
Touch your card or phone to the IC card reader (orange or green panel) at the ticket gate entrance and exit. The gate deducts the correct fare automatically. No need to buy tickets in advance for local trains.
For long-distance shinkansen or limited express trains, you typically need a separate ticket or reservation — IC cards cover local and regional trains, but not bullet train seats.
Transit App Tip
Pair your IC card with Google Maps (transit mode) or Navitime for route planning, then just tap your card at gates. For fare breakdowns, the Suica app and most transit apps show transaction history.
IC card policies, accepted locations, and digital card availability are subject to change. Verify current features at time of setup.