An IC card is the single most useful thing you can set up before visiting Japan. It pays for almost every train, subway, bus, and tram in the country — plus convenience stores, vending machines, and coin lockers. No ticket queues, no wrong change, no stress.
Last updated: April 2026
What Is an IC Card?
IC stands for Integrated Circuit. It is a rechargeable contactless smart card — similar to an Oyster card in London or a Metrocard in New York, but accepted everywhere in Japan. You tap in at the station gate, tap out, and the exact fare is deducted automatically.
The key thing to understand: all IC cards work nationwide. A Suica bought in Tokyo works in Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and everywhere else. You do not need a different card for each city.
Which IC Card Should You Get?
| Card | Where to Buy | Deposit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Suica | Narita and Haneda airport vending machines | No deposit | Tourists flying into Tokyo — get it at the airport immediately |
| Suica | JR vending machines at major stations | ¥500 deposit (refundable) | Anyone staying long-term or returning to Japan |
| Pasmo | Tokyo Metro and other private rail vending machines | ¥500 deposit | Similar to Suica — either works fine in Tokyo |
| ICOCA | JR West vending machines, Osaka and Kyoto stations | ¥500 deposit | Visitors flying into Osaka or Kansai International Airport |
| Digital Suica (iPhone) | Apple Wallet — add before departure | No physical deposit | iPhone users — the best option, set up before you land |
Bottom line: If you have an iPhone with Apple Pay, add Digital Suica before you fly. If you have an Android or prefer physical cards, get a Welcome Suica from the vending machines right after landing at Narita or Haneda.
How to Set Up Digital Suica on iPhone
- Open the Wallet app on your iPhone
- Tap the + button in the top right
- Scroll down and select Suica
- Choose an amount to load (¥1,000 minimum)
- Pay with Apple Pay (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express)
- Your Suica is ready — hold your iPhone to the card reader at any gate
This works even if your iPhone is out of battery — iPhones have a reserve power mode for transit cards. You can also top up from anywhere in the world before your trip.
What Can You Pay for With an IC Card?
- Transport: All JR trains (local and some express), Tokyo Metro, Osaka Metro, private railways, most buses, many taxis
- Convenience stores: 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, Mini Stop
- Vending machines: The vast majority across Japan
- Coin lockers: At major train stations
- Some restaurants and cafes — mostly chains
What it does NOT cover: Shinkansen (bullet trains) require a separate ticket or JR Pass. Some private bus routes and rural ferries are also excluded.
How to Load Money (Top Up)
- Station vending machines: Look for machines labeled Charge or Juuden. Insert cash (¥1,000 minimum), tap your card or place it on the reader
- Convenience stores: Tell the cashier you want to charge your Suica, hand over cash
- App (digital Suica): Top up instantly via Apple Pay or credit card from anywhere
Recommended starting balance: Load ¥3,000 to ¥5,000. A typical day of local trains costs ¥500 to ¥1,500 depending on how much you move around.
IC Card vs JR Pass: What Is the Difference?
These solve different problems and you will likely need both:
- IC card: Pays for all local trains, subways, and daily getting-around. Essential for everyone.
- JR Pass: Covers Shinkansen and long-distance JR trains between cities. Only worth it if you are doing multiple intercity trips. Use our JR Pass Calculator to check if it saves you money.
Getting Your Deposit Back
Physical Suica and Pasmo cards have a ¥500 deposit. You can refund this at any JR station ticket window (Midori-no-Madoguchi) before you leave Japan. Bring your card and passport. Any remaining balance is also refunded (minus a small handling fee if balance is high).
Welcome Suica has no deposit, but any unused balance is forfeited when the card expires (28 days after first use). Use it up at convenience stores before you leave.