💳 Essential

How to Use IC Cards in Japan

IC cards are rechargeable smart cards that work on trains, subways, buses, and even at convenience stores. Getting one is the first thing every visitor should do.

What is an IC Card?

An IC card (Integrated Circuit card) is a rechargeable contactless smart card. You tap it on card readers at station gates to pay for trains and buses, and you can also use it to buy drinks at vending machines, food at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart), and more.

🚆

All trains & subways

Works on nearly all railways in Japan

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Buses

City buses, highway buses, airport shuttles

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Shopping

7-Eleven, Lawson, vending machines, taxis

IC Cards for Foreign Tourists (2026)

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Welcome Suica

Best for Tokyo

✅ No deposit — just pay ¥1,500 (all usable balance)
✅ Valid for 28 days
✅ Available at Narita & Haneda airports
⚠️ No refund when balance remains
⚠️ Limited sales locations

🟢

Regular Suica / PASMO

Best for Long Stays

✅ ¥500 deposit (refundable)
✅ No expiry while used regularly
✅ Available at any JR/Metro station
✅ Can refund remaining balance
⚠️ Availability may be limited in 2026

🟠

ICOCA (Kansai Region)

ICOCA is the IC card issued by West Japan Railway (JR West). Best if you're starting your trip in Osaka or Kyoto. Available at Kansai International Airport and major JR Kansai stations. Works nationwide just like Suica and PASMO.

💡 Digital Option: iPhone 8+ users can add Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA directly to Apple Wallet. Works even when your phone battery is nearly dead (up to 5 hours after shutdown).

How to Buy an IC Card

Find a ticket machine

Look for JR or subway ticket machines. They have English language options — press the 🌐 or "English" button.

Select "IC Card" or "Suica"

Choose "Purchase new IC card" or "Suica" on the screen.

Insert cash

Minimum ¥1,500 total (¥500 deposit + ¥1,000 initial balance). Machines accept ¥1,000, ¥5,000, and ¥10,000 bills. Many now accept credit cards.

Take your card and receipt

Your IC card is ready to use immediately. The balance is shown on the card reader every time you tap.

How to Charge (Top Up) Your IC Card

🏧 At Station Machines

Select "Charge IC Card" (チャージ), insert your card, and add ¥1,000–10,000. Cash only at most machines.

🏪 At Convenience Stores

7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart cashiers can charge your IC card. Just hand it to the staff and say "Charge please — [amount]"

📱 Via Smartphone

iPhone users can charge Suica/PASMO in Apple Wallet using foreign credit cards. Android users can use Google Pay or the Suica app.

✅ Minimum Balance Alert

The gate beeps if your balance is too low. Always keep ¥500+ on your card. Maximum balance is ¥20,000.

How to Use at Train Gates

🚆 Entering a Station

1. Walk to the ticket gate
2. Tap the IC card icon (blue pad) with your card
3. The gate opens — walk through
4. The screen shows your remaining balance

🚪 Exiting a Station

1. Find the exit gates
2. Tap the same card on the reader
3. The fare is automatically deducted
4. If insufficient balance, use the "Fare Adjustment" machine

⚠️ Never tap two cards at once! If you have multiple IC cards in your wallet, take one out and tap only that. Tapping two cards at once causes an error and may lock the gate.

Getting a Refund When Leaving Japan

You can refund your remaining IC card balance at any JR ticket office (みどりの窓口) or major station service center.

💰 You'll get back: remaining balance − ¥220 handling fee
💰 Plus the ¥500 deposit (regular Suica/PASMO only)
⚠️ Welcome Suica has no refund option
⚠️ Bring your passport for foreign tourist refunds

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🎫 Combine IC Card with JR Pass for Maximum Savings

Use your JR Pass for Shinkansen and long-distance JR trains, and your IC card for short local trips and convenience stores. The perfect travel combo.

Get JR Pass (Foreign Tourists Only) →

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