How to Use IC Cards in Japan

If you’re traveling around Japan, an IC card is one of the easiest ways to pay for public transportation. Simply tap your card at the ticket gates—no need to buy individual tickets for every journey.

Whether you’re taking trains, subways, or buses, an IC card makes getting around Japan much faster and more convenient.

What Is an IC Card?

An IC card is a rechargeable prepaid transportation card.

Popular IC cards include:

Welcome Suica (Best for tourists)
Suica
PASMO
ICOCA
TOICA
Kitaca
SUGOCA

The good news is that these cards are compatible with each other, so you can use one card in most major cities across Japan.

Where Can You Buy One?

You can purchase an IC card at:

Airport train stations
Major JR stations
Subway stations
Ticket machines
JR Travel Service Centers

If you’re visiting Japan for a short trip, Welcome Suica is usually the best choice because it doesn’t require a refundable deposit.

How to Use an IC Card

Using an IC card is simple.

Load money onto your card.
Tap the card on the ticket gate when entering.
Tap again when exiting.
The correct fare is automatically deducted.

The process takes only a second.

Where Can You Use It?

Besides trains and subways, many IC cards can also be used for:

City buses
Convenience stores
Vending machines
Drugstores
Coin lockers
Some restaurants and cafés
Selected taxis

Look for the IC card payment logo at the checkout.

How to Recharge Your Card

You can add money at:

Ticket machines
Fare adjustment machines
Convenience stores (at many locations)

Most ticket machines offer English language options.

Can I Use My Phone Instead?

Yes.

If you have a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch, you can add a Suica to Apple Wallet and recharge it using a credit card.

Some Android phones sold in Japan also support Mobile Suica.

Things to Know

Always tap when entering and leaving the station.
Keep enough balance on your card before traveling.
If your balance is too low, use a Fare Adjustment Machine before exiting.
Children require a separate Child IC Card for discounted fares.
Most IC cards do not expire quickly, but Welcome Suica is valid for 28 days and cannot be refunded.

LOCAL TIP

IC cards are useful for much more than transportation. During your trip, you’ll probably use your card to buy drinks from vending machines, pay at convenience stores, or purchase small items without needing cash. It’s worth keeping a little extra balance on your card—you’ll likely use it more often than you expect.