How to use Japanese prepaid IC cards: PASMO, SUICA, ICOCA and more!

Japan IC cards

Navigating international travel can be daunting, whether you’re a novice voyager or a seasoned globetrotter. Yet, Japan has always striven to simplify its internal transportation for everyone, resident or tourist. Their ingenious solution? The IC Card, designed to make traveling throughout the country as effortless as a gentle summer breeze.

Update: Please note the sale of IC cards, Pasmo and Suica, has been put on a temporary hiatus. No resumption date has been set. Consider the purchase of a JR Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains nationwide.

What is an IC Card

Similar to those subway cards used in transportation systems around the world, the Japanese IC Cards are rechargeable prepaid travel cards that can be loaded with funds and used for public transportation at train stations, metro stations, bus depots, and on ferries, and cable cars.

They are also commonly accepted at some convenience stores, vending machines, and restaurants throughout the country. Besides, the 10 most popular IC cards, including Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca, are compatible with each other, so it is possible to travel with them on almost all train, subway, and bus lines inside Japanese cities.

PASMO card

PASMO Card

This credit-card-size card is available for non-Japan Rail transportation in Tokyo, such as the Tokyo railway, Tokyo Metro subway system, and city buses. The Pasmo Card can be purchased at Tokyo Metro stations.

Pasmo cards come pre-charged and ready to use, and can also be employed as an electronic wallet to make small purchases in convenience stores and at vending machines.

Initially, the PASMO costs 1,000 yen: 500 that you will get as credit, and 500 as deposit, which will be refunded 100% once you give the card back at a Japan Railways office.

SUICA card

SUICA Card

This popular card is offered by JR East. The SUICA mascot, a friendly penguin, is an icon of the Tokyo subway.

The card services JR trains in the areas of Tokyo, Sendai, and Niigata and includes transport by train, subway, monorail, and bus. Travel on bullet trains, long-distance trains, or airport transfers is not included.

In the same way as the PASMO, you can use it as an electronic wallet in food stores, restaurants, taxis, station ticket offices, and automatic vending machines where the SUICA logo appears.

Each SUICA is charged with 2,000 yen, including the 500 yen deposit that you can retrieve at JR East stations in Tokyo. A SUICA is valid for 10 years and is not unipersonal, although it is only valid only for use by adults. A children’s version of SUICA can be obtained while in Japan.

Welcome SUICA

The Welcome SUICA card was introduced in September 2019 and is useful for travelers only planning to stay in Japan for a few weeks. Valid for 28 days and deposit-free, a Welcome SUICA card can be issued with a variety of preloaded amounts from 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen.

This blossom-print disposable IC card is perfect for those wishing to avoid the hassle of having to return a SUICA card and obtain the ¥500 yen deposit.

The Welcome SUICA card can be purchased at the following JR East Travel Service Centers:

SUICA vs PASMO

What are the differences between the PASMO and SUICA cards? The Pasmo and Suica cards are essentially identical. Perhaps the only thing that could make a difference is if you need a commuter pass, since traveling daily on a JR line requires a Suica and on a non-JR line requires a PASMO.

Suica cards, unlike PASMOs, support virtual IC cards.

PASMO SUICA
Seller PASMO Co. JR East
Purchase Private stations or online JR stations or online
Recharge All stations All stations
Card deposit (refundable) ¥500 ¥500
Initial minimum charge ¥500 ¥1,500
Replacement fee ¥510 ¥510
Return fee ¥0 ¥220*
Shinkansen No No
Outside Tokyo Yes Yes

* Only deductible from the remaining charge, not your deposit.

Can’t decide on whether to use PASMO vs SUICA? The cards are compatible and nearly identical in their uses. Which one you choose will likely depend on which station you come to first, whether your travels take you to a JR train station (Suica) or a Tokyo Metro station (Pasmo).

Other types of Japanese IC Cards

There are a number of regional IC Cards to choose from. Most are compatible with one another and differ mostly by where they can be purchased. Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca are the three most popular IC Cards you can consider to supplement your Japan Rail Pass for local travel.

Below you can find the top regional IC cards, all named with phrases appropriate for their district and distinguished by their own individual mascots.

The cards are compatible with one another. IC Cards are available for other areas and specific forms of transportation within the areas discussed. Talk to an attendant when visiting a station in these or other areas to discover what card options may be available to you.

ICOCA card

ICOCA Card

The ICOCA Card is offered by JR West and services JR trains in the regions of Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okayama.

This card covers a slightly larger area than the others and is also compatible with some minor local cards, such as the Paspy Card in Hiroshima.

ICOCA stands for IC Operating Card, but it is also a play on a Japanese phrase meaning “Shall we go?”. The ICOCA cards are decorated with one of 2 mascot designs; either Ico, a blue duckbill platypus, or a pair of different platypuses, Icota and Icomi.

PITAPA Card

PITAPA is the main IC card for the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka), and the Okayama, Hiroshima and Shizuoka Prefecture.

The PITAPA can be used on 11 buses and 19 Kansai train systems other than JR Rail, including the Hankyu Railway. the Osaka Municipal Subway and New Tram, and the Keihan Electric Railway.

PITAPA is postpaid rather than a prepaid card, unlike the other nine IC cards.

TOICA Card

TOICA is issued by JR Central for the area of Chugoku (Greater Nagoya) and some parts of Shizuoka prefecture.

The TOICA card is accepted on the following JR Central lines:

  • Tōkaidō Main Line, between Kannami and Samegai (except between Ōgaki and Mino-Akasaka, Atami and Kannami, Samegai and Maibara)
  • Chūō Main Line, between Nagoya and Nakatsugawa
  • Kansai Main Line, between Nagoya and Kameyama
  • The whole of Taketoyo Line
  • Gotemba Line, between Shimo-Soga and Numazu
  • Minobu Line, between Fuji and Nishi-Fujinomiya
  • Iida Line, between Toyohashi and Toyokawa
  • Takayama Main Line, between Gifu and Mino-Ōta
  • The whole of Taita Line.

MANACA Card

MANACA is a prepaid IC card issued in Nagoya. Manaca means “center”, because Nagoya is roughly in the center of Japan. The mascot is a yellow smiley face.

It can be used on the following transportation systems in the Nagoya area:

  • Aonami Line
  • Linimo
  • Nagoya City Bus
  • Nagoya Municipal Subway lines
  • Nagoya Railroad (Meitetsu) lines
  • Meitetsu Bus
  • Toyohashi Railroad
  • Yutorito Line

Like the other IC cards, it can also be used for traveling nationwide on private train, metro and bus operators other than Japan Railways and Kintetsu.

KITACA Card

KITACA is the prepaid card issued by JR Hokkaido in the greater Sapporo area, and can be be used on Sapporo’s subways, buses and tram.

The official mascot of the card is Ezo momonga, a kind of flying squirrel native to Hokkaidō, as designed by Sora, a famous local illustrator.

SUGOCA Card

SUGOCA is the prepaid card issued by JR Kyushu in the greater Fukuoka and Kyushu metropolitan areas. Sugoka means “great” in the local Japanese dialect.

SUGOCA is also an acronym of “Smart Urban GOing CArd”. The card was implemented on March 1st, 2009, and can be used across 124 JR stations in Fukuoka Prefecture.

NIMOCA Card

NIMOCA, an acronym of “nice money card”, is issued for the Fukuoka area and covers the Nishitetsu trains.

The card’s design features one of 2 mascots; NINOCA mascot Ferret, or Mejiron, a widely-loved cute bird mascot.

The fact the name of the card contains nimo (Japanese for ‘also’) is apt because like the other 9 IC cards, the NIMOCA can be used also on buses, also on trains, also for shopping, and so on.

HAYAKAKEN Card

Hayakaken cards are also IC Cards for the Fukuoka area, issued by Fukuoka city for its subway system.

Hayakaken means “Because it’s quick” in local Japanese dialect. The card has a distinctive design featuring the mascot prairie dog of the region, Chikamaru.

Where to buy an IC Card

Upon your arrival in Japan, you can purchase an IC Card from a ticket counter or an automated kiosk at any major train station. Kiosk instructions are available in English to aid international travelers.

Usually, the card will cost ¥2000. This includes a ¥500 refundable deposit and ¥1500 loaded to the card for use. The card can be loaded with up to ¥20,000. When your balance gets low, the IC card can be recharged with additional funds at any train station and at other convenient locations.

How to use IC cards in Japan

When using the train or metro lines, find a ticket gate that accepts IC Cards – be advised that some gates accept regular tickets only. At the gate, just touch the contactless card to the blue illuminated card reader for a second.

IC card reader
To use your IC card, bring it close to the illuminated reader at the gates

Cards must be used within their service area. This means that both the station of departure and arrival must be located within the card’s geographic area. If you pass through the wrong gate or scan your card in error, see a station attendant for assistance.

To use your IC Card to make purchases at vending machines, stores, or restaurants, look for the IC Card logo. Once you have located the card reader, scan the card as you would at the station. Look for participating vendors in urban areas and near train stations. For buses, the card reader will be located at the vehicle’s entrance or exit.

How to recharge your IC Card

When going through a train or metro gate with an IC card, your card’s balance will be displayed near the card reader.

When your balance gets low, the IC card can be recharged with additional funds directly in the train or metro station.

In most locations, kiosks where you can recharge your IC card are available on the platform side of the station.

As you prepare to leave Japan, you can return your card and redeem your deposit. To do this, bring the card to a station attendant. You may also collect the balance of your card for a processing fee of ¥220. Balances less than ¥220 cannot be redeemed.

If you plan on traveling to Japan again in the future, the validity of your card and its balance will remain intact for ten years.

Supplementing your Japan Rail Pass

You can purchase an IC Card once in Japan and use it along with your Japan Rail Pass for an ease of travel like you’ve never experienced before. With them, you will be able to move quickly through busy train stations without waiting in long lines to purchase your ticket.

This speedy combination will provide you with less wait time and more time to enjoy your Japanese vacation.

Related Tours & Activities

50 thoughts on “How to use Japanese prepaid IC cards: PASMO, SUICA, ICOCA and more!”
  1. I’ll be in Nagoya for 3 days and planning to go to tokyo with the standard train. Can I buy JR pass tickets for only 2 days? And what type of JR ticket should bought if don’t wanna ride to bullet trains? Any suggestion to more cheaper price from Nagoya to tokyo ?

  2. Hello I am traveling to Tokyo for 4 nights 5 days and want to just do a trip to Disney land and the base of mount Fuji what do you recommend getting and we land in Narita airport. Thanks

  3. Hi,
    I am arriving in Tokyo from Narita Airport. We are traveling after a few days to Kyoto and perhaps from Kyoto to Osaka or Nara and then back to Tokyo (straight to airport).
    How/Where can I find the fees of each of these travels?
    In addition to a JR pass a PASMO/SUICA/IC card has to be purchased for local metro travel? If I buy one of these cards in Tokyo can I also use them in metros Kyoto/Osaka/Nara? Can I buy any of these at Narita airport.

  4. Konnichiwa!
    My travel companion & I will be visiting Kyushu Fri 6 – leaving on 12 Sept 2019.

    Our itinerary :
    6 Sept – Arrive at Hakata
    7 to 8 Sept – Nagasaki
    9 Sept – Return to Hakata
    10 Sept – Day trip to Saga from Hakata
    11 Sept – Day trip to Kumamoto from Hakata
    12 Sept – Depart Hakata in morning

    My current understanding on how I should go about with the IC Prepaid cards + JR Kyushu Pass :
    1. Upon Arrival at Fukuoka International Airport,we can get 2 cards – 1. Hayakaken Card – which enables to take our subway to Hakata Station & I can continue to use it for subways in other cities & prefectures within Kyushu.

    2. Separately I should also buy a 3 Days Northern Kyushu JR Pass which covers :
    – JR Kamome Limited Express from Hakata to Nagasaki
    – Limited Express Train from Hakata station to Saga City
    – Shinkansen to from Hakata to Kumamoto

    While I understand SUGOCA Prepaid Card covers JR Pass, I’m still not sure if buying the prepaid card is enough or I need to combine with a 3 Days Northern Kyushu Rail Pass.

    Look forward to your advise . Thank you

    Ms SY Lim

  5. Hi, We purchased the JR Pass for one week. We are arrive in Narita airport 2.25 p.m. and go to Kyoto.
    What the train we have to use? Do we need request for sites? We need to use one train or two?
    Anna.

    1. Hi Anna! For routes and timetables we strongly recommend you to check Hyperdia, which offers detailed timetables, platform information, trip duration and exact distance, which will help you greatly in organizing your trips in Japan. Happy travels!

  6. hi there! I’m planning to buy the 7 day Rail Pass, can I use it to and from Narita Airport, Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto? How about Mt. Fuji or the Lakes/ Gotemba outlet? Does this mean that as long as I have the pass, and as long as it is within the JR Line, then it is for free?

  7. Hi,

    My family will be traveling to Japan in May 2019. We are arriving at Narita airport and staying in Tokyo most of the time. However, we are planning to travel to Osaka and then to Kyoto, then back to Tokyo. What pass would you recommend purchasing?

    1. Hi Shelbie! The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to all Japan Rail National trains, JR bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. A 7-day JR Pass only costs ¥29.110 which is actually cheaper than a return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train. This means that if you make just one long-distance trip you can already save money. If you make multiple trips then you start saving thousands of yen.

  8. Hi,
    If We arrive in Osaka and buy the Icoca card, will We be able to use the card for our trip around Japan?
    Is the top up machine also available in other cities in Japan?
    Can We redeem our balance in Narita Intl Airport?
    Thank you

  9. I want to make sure that I understand these prepaid cards correctly. All cards (ICOCA, PASMO and SUICA) will work with all rail providers (JR, Toei, etc), and the only difference between the cards is what station they are purchased at.

    1. Hi Kristofer,

      Yes, the IC cards are practically identical to each other in terms of coverage. They mainly differ on where they can be bought and refunded. Most people prefer to get the card available in the first city where they arrive
      (Suica or Pasmo in Tokyo or Icoca in Osaka).

      Happy travels!

  10. Hi,
    I will be in traveling to Japan in October with my parents and my 5 year old daughter, already ordered the 7 day pass. Have the following questions that hope that you can clarify:

    Arriving at 22:45 at Haneda Airport, what would be the most economical way to get to my hotel in Tokyo city center (Shinjuku)?
    What is the nearest station or point near Shinjuku to exchange my JR Pass?
    What is the best card to use to travel within Tokyo city using metro, monorail, bus, etc?
    Planning to have a day trip to Mount Fuji what is the best station to exit for sightseeing?

    Thank you

    1. Hi Francisco!

      From Haneda Airport you can take the Tokyo Monorail to get to Tokyo’s city center. It is included in your Japan Rail Pass. Should you need to reach Shinjuku, please step off the monorail at Monorail Hamamatsucho Station and take the Yamanote line (also included in your pass), which will take you straight to Shinjuku Station.

      At Shinjuku Station you will find not one, but 2 JR Exchange Offices. One of them is located at JR EAST Travel Service Center (New South Gate) and the other in the Information Center (East Gate).

      Regarding your trip to Mount Fuji we strongly recommend you to check our article Mount Fuji from Tokyo: Day trip itinerary to get all the details!

      Very happy travels!

  11. Arriving Narita airport Dec 20, 2018, and will stay in Ikebukuru till return to Narita airport on Jan 5, 2019. What type of travel pass is recommended for only touring areas surrounding Ikebukuro, Asakadai, and Shiki Station?

    1. Hi Tena! An IC prepaid card would be a good option for you. Please make sure to read this article carefuly to assess which one fits your trip better. Enjoy your stay!

  12. Dear JR
    I will be visiting Tokyo in from 13 to 18 October for 5 days with a family of 6.
    Itinerary will be
    1. Narita to Shinjuku
    2. Disney Sea / Disneyland
    3. Tokyo to Mount Fuji
    4. Around Tokyo
    5. Shinjuku to Narita
    Will it be wise to purchase JRpass or i can opt for other.

    Thanks

    1. Hi Muhammad,

      Yes, the 7-day JR Pass will be a good choice for you! We suggest you also check Hyperdia for train schedules before making your seat reservations.

      Happy travels!

  13. My husband and I are traveling to japan in November we will be there on the 7th at Harneda
    Airport what is the best pass we need to buy as we are going to Shinjuku and we will stay in Tokyo till November 14 and then to Osaka for 5days

  14. We ( group of 5 ) will go to Narita Airport on November 3, 2018 . We will sightseeing in Tokyo 2 days , after that we will go to Yokohama port on November 5 ,2018 for Cruise . On November 13 ,2018 we will want to have sightseeing in Yokohama before go back to Natita Airport.
    What kind of tickets we should buy ?
    Best regards ,
    Tammy

  15. Hello! We will arrive in Tokyo at Narita on May 19 and stay for 5 days before going to Kyoto for 2 days and Osaka for 2 days. In Tokyo we are staying near the Akhibara Line. What is the best transportation card for using both JR and Tokyo metro subway? I was thinking of buying a 72-hour tokyo metro pass + 1-way Keisei Skyliner pass and then buy a 48-hour tokyo metro pass, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to use the JR line that goes around the city, which seems like an important line. What do you suggest? Thank you!

  16. Hello. Will be in Tokyo and Kyoto for 8 days. Will be buying jr pass to travel down to Kyoto. What card do you suggest I buy to get around Tokyo city which compliments the jr pass?

    1. Hi Hatien! As described in this article, the best would be either PASMO or SUICA. Which one you choose will likely depend on which station you come to first, whether your travels take you to a JR train station (Suica) or a Tokyo Metro station (Pasmo).

  17. Hi! I’ll be traveling directly from Harita airport to Kyoto (one way) – can I use Suica card for the Tokyo – Kyoto portion and just buy the Narita Express ticket? I will have JR West Rail Pass once in Kyoto. Thanks!

    1. Forgot to mention, I am hoping to take the nozomi shinkasen tokyo – kyoto so I can make the checkin time before they close. Thanks!

  18. Hi,

    Please advise on the most cost-efficient way to travel around on my trip:

    – 22 Dec – Narita Airport to Shibuya 12pm
    – 22 Dec – 30 or 31 Dec or 1 Jan – travel around Tokyo and day trips nearby
    – 30 or 31 Dec or 1 Jan – Tokyo to Kyoto (please advise how I can book the seats in advance as I need to book my accomodations accordingly so I need to know availability on the trains)
    – 30 or 31 Dec ot 1 Jan – 5 Jan – day trips to Osaka and travel within Kyoto
    – 6 Jan – Kyoto to Kansai Airport 8am

    Please advise if the 14 day pass will cover all of this? If not, then the most cost-efficient combination option please?

    Thanks,
    Linda

    1. You can use the IC card for all non-JR transportation in that area. So all normal Tokyo subways are fine to go (also the new transit line Yurikamome which is fully automated; not sure about the monorail because I used my JR pass there). You can also use the IC card for the Enoshima Electric Railway if you’re going for places like Kamakura and Enoshima.

  19. Hi
    I have bought the 7 day JR Pass for my 9 days stay at Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto & Hiroshima. The last two days I need to purchase an ICOCA card. I’ll be catching the shinkansen down from Tokyo to Osaka.
    Where can I purchase the ICOCA card with the Haruka ticket since I’ll be departing from Kansai Airport?
    I’ve been searching that we can collect the ICOCA card & Haruka from Kansai airport, is there another location for pick up other than the airport?

    Regards,
    Tracy

  20. Hi,

    I will be travelling to Kyushu. What is the best option?
    Fukuoka April 8-11
    Beppu April 11-12
    Yufu April 12-13
    Takachiho April 13-14
    Fukuoka April 14-15

    1. Hi Anna!

      The Kyushu region offers a perfect mix of history, natural beauty, and modern cities. You will for sure enjoy! The city of Fukuoka is one of the main tourist destinations in southern Japan, and it is listed among Japan’s ten most populous cities. To continue your journey throughout Kyushu, you can travel quickly and comfortably using the Kyushu Shinkansen. Also, JR Limited Express trains are available from Hakata Station. The Sonic Limited Express connects with Beppu and is also covered by the JR Pass.

      We hope you enjoy your stay!

  21. I plan to visit Osaka and Kyoto next month ,Can I use a PASSMO card in this area?
    thank you

    1. Hi Peter!

      As stated in this article, PASMO Card is available from non-Japan Rail transportation in Tokyo, such as the Tokyo railway, Tokyo Metro subway system, and city buses. It won’t be useful for Osaka and Kyoto.

  22. Hi, our family of 5 will be travelling to Japan on June 10-16,2018.
    Our itinerary will be Narita airport – Tokyo Shibuya – Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka Kansai airport
    What tickets should we buy?

    Thank you.

    1. Hi Susan,

      Given your itinerary, we would advice you to buy the 7-day Japan Rail Pass It will cover both of your airport transfers as well as transportation in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto and the bullet trains connecting these cities.

      Have a nice trip!

  23. April 12/2018 we (2) wiil be at the NRT Terminal 1. Like to go to 169-0074. Stay until April 15 to check in to the cruise ship in YOOKOHAMA port 231-0002. Please advice.
    I plan to buy one Suica or Passmo card at the air port . Could this card be used to that destination? one for both or one for each?
    Do I have to line up to buy train tickets to transfer from NRT to 169-0074 even if I have the card above Suica/Passmo.
    Buy “3-day-pass subway” to go around Tokyo.
    Go to Yokohama and get there around noon April 15.
    Please advice thru my email. Thanks

    1. Hi NhanLe!

      As stated in this article, the PASMO Card is available from non-Japan Rail transportation in Tokyo while SUICA services JR trains in the areas of Tokyo, Sendai, and Niigata. Which one you choose will likely depend on which station you come to first, whether your travels take you to a JR train station (SUICA) or a Tokyo Metro station (PASMO). The Narita Express is not included with these IC Prepaid Cards.

      We hope you enjoy your trip!

  24. Hi, can we use only ICOCA card for short-distance travel in both Tokyo and Kyoto? Thanks

  25. We (a group of 4 persons) would be visiting Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo in the next few weeks. Can the Suica card be used for all 3 cities?

    1. Hi John!

      As stated in this article you are commenting, SUICA is a card that services JR trains in the areas of Tokyo, Sendai and Niigata. You will not be able to use it in Osaka and Kyoto.

      Enjoy your trip!

    2. Hi John,

      When we were last there, that was the majority of our itinerary as well. Our friend suggested we wait until we entered Tokyo and get a PASMO in the morning (it was 2am i think). I was able to use it between Osaka and Tokyo and pretty much all the railways in between, like Enoshima Electric down south in Kamakura and north of Tokyo to Seibu Stadium in Saitama to watch a baseball game. Between the JRP and my PASMO, I don’t think I paid cash for any rail transport except for the small fee the Seibu line charges for the portion that goes directly into Seibu Dome (500Y, iirc).

      Good Luck on your trip! Make use of that JRP, it’s a great thing to have.

  26. My daughter and I will be spending 10 days in Japan in June, visiting Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Will we need to purchase both ICOCA and SUICA IC cards for our rail transportation in addition to our JR 7-Day Passes?

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