IC cards are rechargeable contactless smart cards used across Japan’s urban transit networks and, increasingly, for convenience store and vending machine purchases. For most travelers, an IC card eliminates the need to buy individual tickets for local trains, subways, and buses — making urban navigation dramatically simpler.
Suica vs Pasmo: What’s the Difference?
Suica is issued by JR East and was originally associated with Tokyo-area JR lines. Pasmo is issued by a consortium of Tokyo private railways and subways. Functionally, they are interchangeable — both work on all IC-compatible transit throughout Japan, and both work at IC-accepting shops and machines nationwide. The practical choice is whichever is more convenient to purchase on arrival.
Other regional IC cards — ICOCA (Kansai), Nimoca (Fukuoka), manaca (Nagoya), Kitaca (Sapporo) — are equally valid on compatible networks nationwide. All are mutually interoperable for transit; some have restrictions on shopping use outside their home region.
Mobile Suica
Mobile Suica (via Apple Wallet on iPhone/Apple Watch, or Google Pay on Android) has become the simplest option for many travelers. No physical card needed; top-up via credit card directly in the wallet app; works identically to physical cards at all readers. Express Transit mode means you tap without unlocking the phone. Available in Japan and abroad — set up before you arrive.
Getting a Physical Card
Suica is available from any JR East ticket machine at Tokyo-area stations (Narita Airport, Haneda, Tokyo, Shinjuku, etc.). A ¥500 deposit is required, refundable when you return the card. Minimum initial load ¥1,000. Pasmo is available from any Tokyo Metro or private railway ticket machine.
Welcome Suica is a deposit-free card available at Narita and Haneda airports, valid for 28 days, non-refundable. Useful if you don’t want to deal with deposit returns on departure.
Using IC Cards
Tap the card reader at entry and exit gates — the fare is automatically calculated and deducted. If your balance is too low to exit, top up (charge/juuden) at any ticket machine. IC cards cannot be used for Shinkansen or reserved limited express fares — those require separate tickets.
IC cards work at: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, most vending machines, McDonald’s, many restaurants, airport facilities, and taxis displaying the IC mark. This makes them a practical daily wallet substitute for small purchases.
Practical Tips
- Keep ¥2,000–¥3,000 loaded for a day of transit; top up at any station machine.
- IC cards are accepted for bus travel in most major cities — a major convenience over cash.
- At tourist spots with coin lockers, IC card payment is often available and faster than finding exact change.
- Returning the card: present at JR East ticket office; ¥500 deposit returned minus a ¥220 handling fee if balance is under ¥220.