Japan IC Card Guide: Suica, Pasmo and ICOCA for Tourists (2026)

An IC card (pronounced “eye-see card”) is a prepaid tap-to-pay card that works on most trains, buses and at convenience stores across Japan. Getting one at the airport is one of the most practical steps you can take on arrival.

This guide covers every IC card option available in Japan in 2026 — including the newly launched Tourist PASMO (May 2026), Welcome Suica (physical card and mobile app), ICOCA for Kansai, and regular Suica and PASMO. It also explains how to set up a digital IC card on your iPhone and what to know about Android phones.

Last updated: May 2026  |  Last checked: May 2026  |  Sources: PASMO official (pasmo.co.jp/tourist-pasmo/), JR East, JR West (ICOCA), Apple Support (support.apple.com/en-us/108772)

Quick Answer: Which IC Card Should I Use in Japan?

My situation	Best option
Arriving at Narita or Haneda, no strong preference	Tourist PASMO or Welcome Suica — both available at the airport, no deposit required
Arriving at Kansai International Airport (Osaka/Kyoto)	ICOCA — buy at KIX or JR West stations in Kansai
I have an iPhone and want to avoid carrying a physical card	Welcome Suica Mobile app — accepts foreign credit cards, 180-day validity
I have an Android phone purchased in Japan (Osaifu-Keitai)	Mobile Suica or Mobile PASMO app
I have an overseas Android phone	Physical IC card recommended — most overseas Android phones cannot use mobile IC cards
Staying longer than 30 days	Regular Suica or PASMO — ¥500 deposit, no expiry, balance refundable
I already have a JR Pass	You still need an IC card for local trains, private railways, buses and shops

What Is an IC Card in Japan?

IC stands for integrated circuit — the chip inside the card that stores your prepaid balance. You tap in at the station entrance gate, ride the train, and tap out at the exit. The system calculates the correct fare automatically. No need to buy a separate ticket for each journey.

Ten IC card brands operate across Japan: Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, Kitaca, TOICA, manaca, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, nimoca and Hayakaken. They are all mutually compatible for transit use across the country. The main practical differences for tourists are where you buy them, whether they require a deposit, and how long they remain valid.

IC cards are accepted at:

• JR trains across all regions of Japan
• Most private railways and subway lines
• Most city buses in major urban areas
• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson)
• Vending machines displaying the IC mark
• Some taxis (varies by region and company)
• Station coin lockers
• Some restaurants and shops near stations

Tourist IC Cards: No Deposit, Limited Validity

Two IC card programs are designed for visitors to Japan and require no deposit. The trade-off is a fixed validity period — any unused balance is forfeited when the card expires.

Card	Deposit	Validity	Where to buy	Refundable?
Tourist PASMO (new May 2026)	None	28 days from date of purchase	Narita and Haneda airports only	No deposit, no refund
Welcome Suica (physical)	None	28 days from first use	Narita, Haneda, JR East stations (Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Shinagawa), JAPAN RAIL CAFÉ	No — balance forfeited at expiry

Tourist PASMO launched on 20 May 2026, replacing the previous PASMO PASSPORT program (which ended in October 2024). It is available at Narita Airport (Keisei Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 stations) and Haneda Airport (Keikyu Terminal 1/2 and Terminal 3 stations). Priced at ¥1,000–¥10,000 depending on purchase location. Source: PASMO official.

Welcome Suica (physical card) has no deposit and is valid for 28 days from first use. It is available at Narita and Haneda airports and at JR East Travel Service Centers at major Tokyo stations. Stock availability at non-airport vending machines may vary — confirm before visiting. Source: JR East official.

For most tourists, Tourist PASMO and Welcome Suica work identically across Japan. The main practical difference is that Tourist PASMO is airport-only, while Welcome Suica is also available at some station counters in Tokyo.

Regular IC Cards: With Deposit, No Expiry

If you are staying more than 28 days, or you want a card with no expiry and a refundable deposit, a regular IC card is a better choice.

Card	Total cost	Deposit	Validity	Best for
Suica	¥2,000	¥500 (refundable)	Indefinite	Tokyo and eastern Japan; long stays
PASMO	¥2,000	¥500 (refundable)	Indefinite	Tokyo area; identical to Suica for most uses
ICOCA	¥2,000	¥500 (refundable)	Indefinite	Osaka, Kyoto, Kansai visitors and residents

Regular IC cards give you ¥1,500 of usable balance on a ¥2,000 purchase (the ¥500 is a refundable deposit). When you return the card at an issuing station office, you receive the deposit and remaining balance back, minus a handling fee. Confirm the current handling fee at the station when returning your card.

ICOCA is the right choice if you are arriving at Kansai International Airport or spending most of your trip in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe or Hiroshima. Buy it at KIX or any JR West station. ICOCA works on trains, buses and shops across all of Japan. Source: JR West official.

Mobile IC Cards on iPhone (Apple Wallet)

You can add a Suica, PASMO or ICOCA to your iPhone’s Apple Wallet and tap your phone on ticket gates and payment terminals, with no physical card needed. Device requirement: iPhone 8 or later. Source: Apple Support.

Welcome Suica Mobile App (Recommended for Overseas Visitors)

Welcome Suica Mobile is a dedicated app from JR East built for international visitors. Unlike the standard Suica app (which requires a Japanese credit card for in-app top-up), Welcome Suica Mobile accepts foreign credit cards registered in Apple Pay.

• Requirements: iPhone XR or later, iOS 17.2 or later
• Validity: 180 days from the date you issue the card in the app
• Top-up: Anytime via foreign credit card in Apple Pay (no cash needed)
• No account registration required — just set a secret keyword

Can I set it up before arriving in Japan? If traveling from South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia or Vietnam, you can issue the card before departure. From other countries (including the US, UK and most of Europe), complete setup on arrival using airport Wi-Fi — takes about 5 minutes in the arrivals lobby.

Standard Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet: These can be added directly via the Apple Wallet app, but the standard Suica app requires a Japanese credit card for in-app top-up. For tourists with foreign cards, the Welcome Suica Mobile app is the more practical option.

Android Phones and IC Cards in Japan

Using a mobile IC card on an Android phone requires Osaifu-Keitai hardware — a FeliCa-based secure element found in Android phones sold in the Japanese market. Standard NFC (used for Google Pay, contactless credit cards) is a different technology and does not support Japanese IC card apps.

Your Android phone	Mobile IC card support
Japanese-market Android (Osaifu-Keitai mark)	✓ Yes — download Suica or PASMO app
Google Pixel purchased in Japan	✓ Yes — Osaifu-Keitai supported on Japan-market Pixel
Google Pixel purchased outside Japan	⚠ Varies by model — verify before relying on this; not guaranteed
Overseas Android (Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc.)	✗ Generally no — use a physical IC card

For overseas Android users: get a physical IC card at the airport. Tourist PASMO, Welcome Suica or ICOCA are immediately usable as a tap-to-pay card, no phone required.

For SIM and phone setup options in Japan, see the Japan Smartphone Guide.

Where to Buy an IC Card in Japan

Airport	Cards available	Where in the airport
Narita (NRT)	Tourist PASMO, Welcome Suica, regular Suica	Keisei station T1 and T2; JR East Travel Service Center
Haneda (HND)	Tourist PASMO, Welcome Suica, regular Suica	Keikyu T1/T2 and T3 stations; JR East counter
Kansai International (KIX)	ICOCA, regular Suica	JR West ticket machines and counters
Other airports	Regional IC card or regular Suica	JR station inside or adjacent to the airport

Buy your IC card before boarding the first train from the airport. Most vending machines have English-language menus. If you need help, JR East Travel Service Centers at major airports have English-speaking staff.

At Tokyo stations: Welcome Suica physical cards are also available at JR East Travel Service Centers at Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shibuya and Shinagawa stations, and at JAPAN RAIL CAFÉ. Stock availability may vary.

How to Charge Your IC Card

• Ticket vending machines at stations — cash only at most machines
• Convenience store cashier desks (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) — ask to charge your IC card and pay cash
• 7-Bank ATMs inside 7-Eleven — accepts some foreign debit and credit cards
• Welcome Suica Mobile app — top up anytime with a foreign credit card in Apple Pay

Minimum top-up: usually ¥1,000 at vending machines. Maximum balance: ¥20,000. Keep ¥2,000–¥3,000 cash on hand for your first day if using a physical card without foreign card top-up.

Where You Can Use IC Cards

• JR trains across all regions
• Most private railways and metro lines (Tokyo Metro, Osaka Metro, Hankyu, Kintetsu and others)
• Most city buses in major urban areas
• Convenience stores nationwide (tap at the IC reader at checkout)
• Vending machines with the IC or FeliCa mark (common at stations)
• Some restaurants and cafes near stations
• Some taxis (check for the IC mark inside the cab)
• Station coin lockers accepting IC cards

For a broader overview of cashless payment options in Japan including QR codes and credit cards, see the Japan Cashless Payment Guide.

Where IC Cards Do Not Work

• Most Shinkansen journeys: IC cards cannot be used for reserved Shinkansen seats. You need a separate Shinkansen ticket or JR Pass. Some specific Shinkansen services accept IC cards for unreserved seating — confirm when booking.
• Long-distance highway coaches between cities: Most require a pre-purchased ticket.
• Some rural train lines: Smaller private lines may not accept IC cards. Check before boarding.
• Shops without an IC reader: Look for the IC or FeliCa symbol.
• When your balance is too low: You cannot exit a gate if your balance would go below zero after the fare. Top up before it drops below ¥500.

IC Card vs Japan Rail Pass vs Paper Tickets

Option	Best for	Covers Shinkansen?	Upfront cost	Flexibility
IC card (Tourist PASMO / Suica / ICOCA)	Local trains, buses, shops, daily travel	No (most routes)	From ¥1,000	Very high — pay as you go
JR Pass (7-day)	Multi-city Shinkansen travel	Yes (most JR routes)	From approx. ¥50,000	Medium — JR only
Paper ticket (single journey)	One specific journey	Yes (Shinkansen ticket)	Per journey	Low
IC card + Shinkansen ticket	Most flexible setup for tourists	Yes (buy Shinkansen ticket separately)	IC card + per-journey fare	High

An IC card is useful even if you have a JR Pass. The JR Pass covers Shinkansen and JR lines between cities; an IC card handles local trains, private railways, buses and shops at each destination. Most tourists benefit from having both.

First-Visit Setup Plan

Before you land:

• If you have an iPhone and are traveling from South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia or Vietnam: download Welcome Suica Mobile and issue the card before departure
• From other countries: plan 10 minutes at the airport for IC card or app setup
• Set up a Japan eSIM for data before or on arrival — you will need internet at the airport for app-based setup. See the Japan eSIM guide for provider comparisons and setup steps.

At the airport:

• Go to the IC card vending machine or travel service counter before taking the first train
• Load at least ¥2,000 on your first top-up
• Screenshot your hotel address in Japanese for Google Maps navigation

For a full arrival checklist covering transport, SIM, cash and your first 24 hours, see the First Time in Japan guide.

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing IC card with JR Pass. IC cards pay local fares by tap. JR Pass covers long-distance JR routes including Shinkansen. They serve different purposes.
2. Forgetting to tap out. You must tap at both the entry and exit gates. Forgetting to tap out can lock your card — go to the station counter for help.
3. Running low on balance at a gate. You cannot exit if your balance would go below zero. Keep at least ¥500–¥1,000 as a buffer and top up regularly.
4. Expecting your overseas Android to work with Mobile Suica. Most overseas Android phones do not have Osaifu-Keitai. Get a physical card at the airport.
5. Not spending a tourist card balance before expiry. Tourist PASMO and Welcome Suica balances are forfeited when the card expires — spend it or top up selectively.
6. Not having cash for top-up. Most IC card vending machines accept cash only. Keep yen on hand, especially on day one.
7. Assuming IC cards work for all Shinkansen. Most Shinkansen journeys need a separate ticket or pass.
8. Buying a JR Pass for a single-city trip. For Tokyo-only travel, an IC card and local tickets are usually cheaper. Calculate your expected train spend before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tourists need an IC card in Japan?

Not strictly required — you can buy paper tickets for each train journey — but an IC card is strongly recommended. It saves time at ticket machines, works on buses where paper tickets are not sold, and is accepted at convenience stores and vending machines across the country.

Is Suica better than PASMO for tourists?

For most tourists, Suica and PASMO work identically. The practical difference in 2026 is the tourist programs: Tourist PASMO (launched May 2026) is available at airports only, while Welcome Suica is also sold at JR East station counters in Tokyo. If you have an iPhone, the Welcome Suica Mobile app is the most convenient option for foreign credit card holders.

Can I use ICOCA in Tokyo?

Yes. All 10 IC card types are mutually compatible for transit use across Japan. ICOCA works on JR East lines, Tokyo Metro and most private railways in Tokyo, and at convenience stores nationwide.

Can I use Suica or PASMO in Osaka and Kyoto?

Yes. Suica and PASMO work on JR West trains, Osaka Metro, Hankyu, Keihan and other private railways in Kansai. If you pick up a card at Narita or Haneda, it will work throughout your trip including in the Kansai region.

Can I use an IC card for Shinkansen?

IC cards can pay the fare on some Shinkansen services for unreserved seating on specific routes, but this does not replace a Shinkansen ticket for most use cases. For most tourists, buy a Shinkansen ticket separately (or use a JR Pass) and use your IC card for local travel at each end of the journey.

Can I add Suica to my iPhone before arriving in Japan?

Yes, if you are using the Welcome Suica Mobile app and traveling from South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia or Vietnam. From other countries, complete setup after arrival using airport Wi-Fi — it takes about 5 minutes in the arrivals lobby.

Can overseas Android phones use Mobile Suica?

Generally no. Mobile Suica and PASMO require Osaifu-Keitai (FeliCa) hardware found in Japanese-market Android phones. Standard NFC in overseas Android phones is a different system. Use a physical IC card instead.

How much should I charge on my IC card?

¥2,000–¥3,000 is a practical starting balance for a few days in the city. A typical subway or JR journey in Tokyo costs ¥170–¥300. Top up at vending machines or convenience stores as needed.

What happens if I run out of balance at a ticket gate?

You cannot pass through the exit gate. Go to the nearest staffed station counter — staff will help you exit and top up. Many stations also have separate fare adjustment machines (精算杰, seisan-ki) for this purpose.

Should I get a JR Pass or an IC card?

This depends on your itinerary. If you plan multiple Shinkansen journeys between cities (for example, Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima–Osaka), a JR Pass may save money. If staying in one or two cities, an IC card plus individual Shinkansen tickets is often cheaper. An IC card is useful regardless — it handles local trains, buses and shops that the JR Pass does not cover.