IC Card Guide: Suica, PASMO & ICOCA

An IC card is the single most useful thing you can get in Japan. It's a rechargeable prepaid card that works on almost every train, bus, and even convenience stores across the country. Get one the moment you land.

Contents

  1. 1. What is an IC card?
  2. 2. Which card should you get?
  3. 3. How to get one
  4. 4. Cost & deposit
  5. 5. How to use at train gates
  6. 6. Where IC cards work
  7. 7. How to top up (charge)

πŸƒ What Is an IC Card?

IC cards (Integrated Circuit cards) are contactless smart cards that you tap on readers at train gates, bus doors, and store payment terminals. They automatically deduct the correct fare β€” no calculating, no buying individual tickets.

Suica

JR East

Best for Tokyo and eastern Japan

PASMO

Tokyo Metro

Also great for the Tokyo area

ICOCA

JR West

Best for Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima

βœ… All major IC cards are interoperable β€” a Suica bought in Tokyo works perfectly in Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and everywhere else in Japan.

🏧 How to Get an IC Card

1

At the airport (recommended)

IC card vending machines are available at Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and most major airports β€” right after baggage claim. Takes 2 minutes.

2

At any major train station

Ticket machines at JR and metro stations sell IC cards. Look for the "IC Card" or "Suica" button on the English menu.

3

Mobile Suica (iPhone / Android)

Add Suica directly to Apple Wallet or Google Pay. Works if your phone supports NFC FeliCa. International credit cards may work for top-up.

πŸ’΄ Cost & Deposit

Deposit (refundable)Β₯500
Minimum initial top-upΒ₯1,000 (recommended: Β₯3,000–5,000 to start)
Maximum balanceΒ₯20,000
Refund processReturn the card at a major station to get Β₯500 deposit back (minus Β₯220 handling fee)

πŸš† How to Use at Train Gates

1

Entering

Tap your card on the pink/orange IC card reader at the gate. It opens and charges your entry point.

2

Exiting

Tap again at your destination. The system calculates the exact fare and deducts it automatically.

3

Low balance

If your balance is insufficient, the gate flashes red. Top up at any ticket machine nearby before exiting.

4

Buses

Tap when boarding (flat fare routes) or tap when boarding AND exiting (distance-based routes).

πŸ—Ύ Where IC Cards Work

πŸš† JR trainsβ€” All JR lines nationwide
πŸš‡ Subway / Metroβ€” Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Fukuoka...
🚌 Busesβ€” Most city buses and many rural buses
πŸšƒ Private railwaysβ€” Keio, Odakyu, Hankyu, Kintetsu, and more
πŸ›’ Convenience storesβ€” 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson
β˜• Vending machinesβ€” Most modern vending machines accept IC cards
πŸ” Fast foodβ€” McDonald's, Yoshinoya, and many chains
πŸͺ Supermarketsβ€” Many grocery stores and retail shops

πŸ”‹ How to Top Up (Charge)

β†’At any ticket machine in any station β€” look for the "Charge" or "チャージ" button
β†’Insert cash (Β₯1,000, Β₯5,000, Β₯10,000 notes) and place your card on the reader
β†’At convenience stores β€” tell the cashier to "charge my Suica" and hand over cash
β†’Mobile Suica β€” top up with a credit card directly in the Wallet app
⚠️ Top up before you need it. If your balance runs out mid-journey you cannot exit the gate β€” you'll need to use the "Fare Adjustment" machine inside the gate area.

More travel guides:

πŸš„ Transportation🎫 Japan Rail PassπŸ’΄ Cash or CardπŸ’° Budget Guide