Why You Need an IC Card for Japan Travel
TL;DR — Suica & ICOCA, why they matter
IC cards are rechargeable transit cards used nationwide for trains, buses, and small purchases
Popular types include Suica (Tokyo), Pasmo (Tokyo subways), and ICOCA (Kansai) — they are interchangeable
iPhone users can add Suica or ICOCA to Apple Wallet and recharge with international credit cards
IC cards are essential for local travel, but they are not the same as a JR Pass or Shinkansen ticket
What is an IC card and why should travelers get one?
You might have heard of an “IC Card” with regards to your Japan trip. Or maybe someone’s told you about something called “Suica”?
What are these cards? Why do you need one? Where do you get a Suica and how do you use it?
An IC card (such as Suica, ICOCA, Pasmo etc) is a rechargeable smart card used for everyday travel in Japan, as well as l payments at a variety of places (many of which don’t take credit cards but do take these IC Cards.
By tapping a Suica (or Pasmo or ICOCA) card at station ticket gates, your fare is calculated and deducted automatically. It eliminates the need for paper tickets and makes life easier in crowded train stations in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and elsewhere.
Beyond transportation, IC cards are accepted at vending machines, convenience stores, coin lockers, many attractions and often restaurants. For most trips longer than a few days, an IC card is indispensable.
That makes an IC card is an indispensible part of your Japan Trip.
How do you get an IC card in Japan?
You can buy IC cards at major train stations, either at ticket machines or service counters. The usual cost is 2000 yen (500 yen deposit plus 1500 yen stored value). There is also a “Welcome Suica” card that’s sold at international airports and a handful of transportation hubs in Tokyo.
In recent years, physical Suica cards have sometimes been in short supply. If you are offered a Pasmo or ICOCA instead, accept it — they all work nationwide.
You can also get a digital version of an IC card! More on this coming up, so read on…
How do you use an IC card for travel and purchases?
First, always make sure your Suica, ICOCA or other IC card is topped up. You’ll need to have at least enough on the card to cover the fare between Point A and Point B (and if you’re not sure how much will be, although Google Maps often shows it pretty accurately, probably better to have more than enough loaded).
Tap your card at the station gate (looks like a turnstile area) when you enter and again when you exit. The correct fare is deducted automatically. On buses and trams, tap when boarding and again when leaving.
For shopping, simply hold the card over the reader at the cashier. You can recharge the balance at machines in stations or at convenience stores.
How can iPhone users set up Suica or ICOCA in Apple Wallet?
At the time of this article’s publication, iPhone users traveling in Japan have an advantage with IC Cards.
Apple Wallet allows travelers to add a Suica or ICOCA card before arriving in Japan.
This means that, in places that don’t take credit cards (quite common in Japan), you can often use your IC Card (ICOCA or Suica) instead, giving you a de facto payment through your credit card. This saves you from having to withdraw so much cash at ATMs in Japan.
We recommend starting with 5000 yen, and top up as needed.
Which is better: Suica or ICOCA?
Most travelers choose Suica because it is the most widely recognized name and strongly associated with Tokyo. It works fine nationwide and is accepted almost everywhere.
ICOCA has a slight advantage if you plan to buy and link Shinkansen tickets through online systems, because its card number is visible in Apple Wallet. Suica hides this number inside the Suica app, which you must download separately. That extra step can be confusing, especially for first-time visitors.
If your trip is Tokyo-focused, Suica is fine. If you are traveling across regions by Shinkansen, ICOCA may make life simpler.
Are IC cards and the JR Pass the same thing?
No — and this is where many visitors get confused.
An IC card is a prepaid travel card for everyday local transport. It does not give you free rides, discounts or unlimited travel. You pay the normal fare each time, but with far more convenience than paper tickets.
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a prepaid pass for unlimited long-distance travel on JR trains (including many but not all Shinkansen lines) for a set number of days. It was once good value, but after the 2023 price hike it rarely pays off unless you are riding the Shinkansen multiple times in one week. For most travelers today, the JR Pass is not worth it.
In short:
IC card = essential, for local transport and convenience
JR Pass = niche, usually poor value after the price increase
How do you buy Shinkansen tickets?
IC cards are not enough for the Shinkansen. You need to buy a separate ticket or reservation. Options include:
Online, using a credit card (SmartEX, JR East, JR West or similar sites)
At station ticket offices (“Midori no Madoguchi”) with cash or credit card
At station vending machines with cash or credit card
Want a ticketless experience?
Some services (such as SmartEX) allow you to link your IC card to your reservation. This is easiest with ICOCA in Wallet since the card number is visible. With Suica, you need the separate app to find the number.
One advantage to linking your IC card is that it will generally give a bit of a smoother experience at the station gates, especially if you are transferring to another local line.
Say you’re going from Kyoto to Shinjuku (in greater Tokyo). Here’s what the flow would look like:
Tap your Suica or ICOCA card (or iPhone) at the shinkansen ticket gates in Kyoto Station
This means you’re entering the shinkansen system, as it has your train ticket info
When you get to Tokyo station, go to the transfer gate and tap your card or phone again
This means you’ve exited the shinkansen system and entered the local train network (JR, for example)
When you get to Shinjuku station, tap your card or phone one more time to exit the system
Your local train fare will have been calculated and deducted from your IC card account automatically
Seem pretty simple? It usually is. Just make sure you’ve tapped in and out properly, and you’re good to go.
Need help planning your Japan trip?
If any of this sounds complicated and has you asking questions, or if you’re finding things a bit overwhelming when it comes to planning your trip to Japan, why not reach out to the experts?
Use the calendar below to book your FREE 20-minute Zoom consultation with Japan Travel Pros. We’ll be happy to talk about your Japan travel itinerary, answer some of your questions and let you know how we can help.
Until next time, happy travels!
FAQ
Can I use one IC card everywhere in Japan?
Yes. Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA and other major IC cards work across regions. Only in a few rural areas might you need a separate card or paper ticket.
Can I use an IC card to pay for the Shinkansen?
No, not by itself. You still need a Shinkansen ticket. You can link IC cards to certain ticketless systems, but that is separate from normal IC card use.
What happens if I run out of balance mid-trip?
If your balance is too low, the gate will not open. You can recharge at a nearby “fare adjustment” machine and continue.
Can I refund my IC card before leaving Japan?
Yes for physical cards besides the Welcome Suica, at a JR service counter. You’ll get your 500 yen deposit back plus any unused balance (minus a small handling fee). Digital cards cannot be refunded, nor can the Welcome Suica, so spend down the balance before leaving (food and souvenirs should eat that up in to time!).
What if my phone dies?
Digital Suica and ICOCA in Apple Wallet still work for several hours even if the iPhone battery is drained, thanks to “express transit mode.”
Can kids use IC cards?
Yes, but children’s cards require setup in person with proof of age. They offer discounted fares for kids under 12.
