IC Cards in Japan: Suica, PASMO, ICOCA & Mobile

Last reviewed: October 22, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

A rechargeable IC card is the single most useful thing you can carry in Japan. Tap it at ticket gates and you never need to work out fares. The major cards are interoperable nationwide for transport and many shops.

The main cards

• Suica (JR East, Tokyo area)
• PASMO (Tokyo private railways and subways)
• ICOCA (JR West, Kansai)
• Others: Kitaca (Hokkaido), TOICA and manaca (Nagoya area), SUGOCA, nimoca and Hayakaken (Kyushu)

They all work on most trains, subways and buses in the major cities that support the national interoperable system, so it doesn't matter much which one you get.

Visitor versions: Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport

JR East sells Welcome Suica for short-term visitors; it requires no deposit but is valid for a limited period and the balance isn't refundable. A mobile version (Welcome Suica Mobile) has also been launched. Availability, selling points and rules have changed in recent years (including temporary suspensions of some card sales due to chip shortages), so check JR East's official page before you go.

IC cards on your phone

Suica, PASMO and ICOCA can be added to Apple Wallet on iPhone, and are available on many Android phones with the relevant NFC support (Osaifu-Keitai), which tends to apply to Japanese-market models. Topping up with foreign-issued cards in Apple Wallet is often possible but depends on your card — test it before you rely on it.

Topping up

Recharge with cash at station ticket machines (look for the IC charge option) and at most convenience store registers. Physical cards usually hold a maximum balance of ¥20,000.

What IC cards can be used for

• Trains, subways, most city buses, some ferries and taxis.
• Convenience stores, many vending machines, coin lockers and chain restaurants.

What IC cards don't cover

• Shinkansen and limited express tickets require a separate ticket in most cases (though some JR online booking services let you link an IC card for ticketless boarding).
• Travel between some regions in a single journey — if you cross from one IC area into another, you may need a paper ticket.

Tips

• Keep your balance above a few hundred yen so you don't get stopped at the gate.
• If you tap in with too little balance, use the fare adjustment machine before exiting.
• Each traveller needs their own card. Children's IC cards with discounted fares are available at ticket offices with proof of age.