IC cards are how most people pay for trains and buses in Japan. Suica is the most well-known, but there are several depending on where you live. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is an IC Card?
An IC card is a rechargeable contactless card that you tap to pay for:
- Trains and subways
- Buses
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
- Vending machines
- Some restaurants and shops
You load money onto the card, tap in when you board, tap out when you exit. The fare is deducted automatically.
Which IC Card to Get?
| Card | Region | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Suica | Tokyo / JR East | Works nationwide at most locations |
| PASMO | Tokyo metro | Interchangeable with Suica |
| ICOCA | Osaka / West Japan | Works on JR West |
| TOICA | Nagoya | JR Central area |
| Hayakaken | Fukuoka | Fukuoka subway |
All major IC cards work interchangeably on trains and buses across Japan. If you get a Suica, you can use it in Osaka too. Just get whichever is most convenient to buy where you live.
How to Get a Suica
Option 1: Physical Card (at JR station)
- Go to any JR ticket machine (green machines)
- Select “Suica” → “New Suica”
- Pay ¥1,000 minimum (¥500 deposit + ¥500 usable balance)
- You’re done
Note: As of 2023, new physical Suica cards were temporarily limited due to chip shortages. This has eased, but check availability at your station.
Option 2: Mobile Suica (Recommended)
Add Suica to your iPhone or Android phone:
- iPhone: Apple Wallet → Add Card → Suica
- Android: Suica app (available in English)
Mobile Suica works the same as a physical card — just tap your phone. No card to lose, easy to recharge from your bank account.
Option 3: Welcome Suica (Tourists)
A special Suica for tourists — no deposit, no My Number needed. Available at airports. Valid for 28 days. Good if you’re short-term or waiting to get your proper residence card.
How to Recharge (Charge Up)
- At station machines: Insert cash into any green JR ticket machine → select “Charge”
- Mobile Suica: Link a credit card or Japanese bank account in the app
- At convenience stores: Bring your card to the register and ask to charge it (“チャージしたいです” — charge shitai desu)
Suica vs Cash
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| IC card | Fast, no change needed, works everywhere | Need to recharge |
| Cash | Always accepted | Slow, need exact change sometimes |
| Credit card | No recharging | Not accepted at all train gates |
For trains, IC card is always faster. For convenience stores, IC card works perfectly.
What Happens to the Balance if You Leave Japan?
Return your card at any JR station. You get back:
- Your remaining balance
- The ¥500 deposit (minus a small processing fee)
Mobile Suica: cancel the card through the app and any balance is refunded to your account.
Bottom Line
Get a Suica (physical or mobile) on your first day in Japan. It’s the single most useful card to have. Load ¥3,000–¥5,000 and you’re set for a week of commuting. Top up as needed.