{"id":730,"date":"2023-08-14T09:50:27","date_gmt":"2023-08-14T07:50:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=730"},"modified":"2025-06-17T14:49:45","modified_gmt":"2025-06-17T12:49:45","slug":"using-japanese-ic-cards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards","title":{"rendered":"How to use Japanese prepaid IC cards: PASMO, SUICA, ICOCA and more!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Navigating international travel can be daunting, whether you&#8217;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? <b>The IC Card<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, designed to make traveling throughout the country as effortless as a gentle summer breeze.<br \/>\n<!--more--><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Update<\/strong>: SUICA cards become available for purchase again starting <strong>March 1, 2025<\/strong>. Just in time for the Sakura season! Replacements and reissues due to loss or damage were always possible. Consider the purchase of a JR Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains nationwide.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#What_is_an_IC_Card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> What is an IC Card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#PASMO_card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> PASMO card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#SUICA_card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> SUICA card<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Welcome_SUICA\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.1<\/span> Welcome SUICA<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#SUICA_vs_PASMO\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> SUICA vs PASMO<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Other_types_of_Japanese_IC_Cards\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Other types of Japanese IC Cards<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#ICOCA_card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">5.1<\/span> ICOCA card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#PITAPA_Card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">5.2<\/span> PITAPA Card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#TOICA_Card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">5.3<\/span> TOICA Card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#MANACA_Card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">5.4<\/span> MANACA Card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#KITACA_Card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">5.5<\/span> KITACA Card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#SUGOCA_Card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">5.6<\/span> SUGOCA Card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#NIMOCA_Card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">5.7<\/span> NIMOCA Card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#HAYAKAKEN_Card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">5.8<\/span> HAYAKAKEN Card<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Where_to_buy_an_IC_Card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">6<\/span> Where to buy an IC Card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_use_IC_cards_in_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">7<\/span> How to use IC cards in Japan<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_recharge_your_IC_Card\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">8<\/span> How to recharge your IC Card<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Supplementing_your_Japan_Rail_Pass\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">9<\/span> Supplementing your Japan Rail Pass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"What_is_an_IC_Card\"><strong>What is an IC Card<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Similar to those subway cards used in transportation systems around the world, <strong>the Japanese IC Cards are rechargeable prepaid travel cards<\/strong> that can be loaded with funds and used for public transportation at train stations, metro stations, bus depots, and on ferries, and cable cars.<\/p>\n<p>They are also commonly accepted at some convenience stores, vending machines, and restaurants throughout the country. Besides, the <strong>10 most popular IC cards<\/strong>, including Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca, are <strong>compatible with each other<\/strong>, so it is possible to travel with them on almost all train, subway, and bus lines inside <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/cities\">Japanese cities<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"PASMO_card\">PASMO card<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-749\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pasmo-card-1024x652.jpg\" alt=\"PASMO Card\" width=\"600\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pasmo-card-1024x652.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pasmo-card-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pasmo-card-768x489.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pasmo-card-1200x765.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/pasmo-card.jpg 1331w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This credit-card-size card is available for non-Japan Rail transportation in Tokyo, such as the <strong>Tokyo railway, Tokyo Metro subway system, and city buses<\/strong>. The Pasmo Card can be purchased at Tokyo Metro stations.<\/p>\n<p>Pasmo cards come pre-charged and ready to use, and can also be employed as an <strong>electronic wallet<\/strong> to make small purchases in convenience stores and at vending machines.<\/p>\n<p>Initially, the <strong>PASMO costs 1,000 yen: 500 that you will get as credit, and 500 as deposit<\/strong>, which will be refunded 100% once you give the card back at a Japan Railways office.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"SUICA_card\"><strong>SUICA card<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/suica-card-1024x651.jpg\" alt=\"SUICA Card\" width=\"600\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/suica-card-1024x651.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/suica-card-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/suica-card-768x488.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/suica-card-1200x763.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/suica-card.jpg 1332w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This popular card is offered by<a href=\"http:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/e\/pass\/suica.html\" rel=\"nofollow\"> JR East<\/a>. The SUICA mascot, a friendly penguin, is an icon of the Tokyo subway.<\/p>\n<p>The card <strong>services JR trains in the areas of Tokyo, Sendai, and Niigata<\/strong> and includes transport by train, subway, monorail, and bus. Travel on bullet trains, long-distance trains, or airport transfers is not included.<\/p>\n<p>In the same way as the PASMO, you can <strong>use it as an electronic wallet in food stores, restaurants, taxis, station ticket offices, and automatic vending machines<\/strong> where the SUICA logo appears.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Each SUICA is charged with 2,000 yen<\/strong>, including the 500 yen deposit that you can retrieve at JR East stations in Tokyo. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/suica-card-vs-jr-pass\">SUICA<\/a> is <strong>valid for 10 years<\/strong> and is not unipersonal, although it is only valid only for use by adults. A children\u2019s version of SUICA can be obtained while in Japan.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Welcome_SUICA\">Welcome SUICA<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>Welcome SUICA card<\/strong> was introduced in September 2019 and is useful for travelers only planning to stay in Japan for a few weeks. <strong>Valid for 28 days and deposit-free<\/strong>, a Welcome SUICA card can be issued with a variety of preloaded amounts from 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen.<\/p>\n<p>This blossom-print <strong>disposable IC card<\/strong> is perfect for those wishing to avoid the hassle of having to return a SUICA card and obtain the \u00a5500 yen deposit.<\/p>\n<p>The Welcome SUICA card <strong>can be purchased at the following<\/strong> JR East Travel Service Centers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hamamatsucho-station\">Hamamatsucho Station<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-airports\">Haneda Airport<\/a> International Terminal Station<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ikebukuro-station\">Ikebukuro Station<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-airports\">Narita Airport<\/a> Terminal 1 Station<\/li>\n<li>Narita Airport Terminal 2\/3 Station<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinjuku-station\">Shinjuku Station<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-train-station\">Tokyo Station<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ueno-station\">Ueno Station<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"SUICA_vs_PASMO\">SUICA vs PASMO<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>What are the <strong>differences between the PASMO and SUICA<\/strong> cards? The Pasmo and Suica cards are <strong>essentially identical<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<p>Suica cards, unlike PASMOs, support virtual IC cards.<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background: #3793F4; color: #fff;\">\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\"><\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>PASMO<\/strong><\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>SUICA<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Seller<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">PASMO Co.<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">JR East<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Purchase<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Private stations or online<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">JR stations or online<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Recharge<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">All stations<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">All stations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Card deposit (refundable)<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a5500<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a5500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Initial minimum charge<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a5500<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a51,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Replacement fee<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a5510<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a5510<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Return fee<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a50<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a5220*<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Shinkansen<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">No<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Outside Tokyo<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Yes<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align: center;\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>* <em>Only deductible from the remaining charge, not your deposit.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Can\u2019t decide on whether to use <strong>PASMO vs SUICA?<\/strong> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-train-stations\">JR train station<\/a>\u00a0(Suica) or a Tokyo Metro station (Pasmo).<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Other_types_of_Japanese_IC_Cards\">Other types of Japanese IC Cards<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>There are a number of regional IC Cards to choose from<\/strong>. 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> for local travel.<\/p>\n<p>Below you can find the top regional IC cards, all named with phrases appropriate for their district and distinguished by their own individual mascots.<\/p>\n<p>The cards are <strong>compatible with one another<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"ICOCA_card\">ICOCA card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-754\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/icoca-card.jpg\" alt=\"ICOCA Card\" width=\"600\" height=\"378\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/icoca-card.jpg 887w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/icoca-card-300x189.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/icoca-card-768x484.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The ICOCA Card is offered by <strong>JR West<\/strong> and services <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japanese-trains\">JR trains<\/a> in the regions of Hiroshima, <strong>Kyoto, Osaka, and Okayama<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This card <strong>covers a slightly larger area than the others<\/strong> and is also compatible with some minor local cards, such as the Paspy Card in Hiroshima.<\/p>\n<p>ICOCA stands for IC Operating Card, but it is also a play on a Japanese phrase meaning &#8220;Shall we go?&#8221;. The ICOCA cards are <strong>decorated with one of 2 mascot designs<\/strong>; either Ico, a blue duckbill platypus, or a pair of different platypuses, Icota and Icomi.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"PITAPA_Card\">PITAPA Card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>PITAPA is the main IC card for the Kansai region<\/strong> (Kyoto, Osaka), and the Okayama, Hiroshima and Shizuoka Prefecture.<\/p>\n<p>The PITAPA <strong>can be used on 11 buses and 19 Kansai train systems<\/strong> other than JR Rail, including the Hankyu Railway. the Osaka Municipal Subway and New Tram, and the Keihan Electric Railway.<\/p>\n<p><strong>PITAPA is postpaid<\/strong> rather than a prepaid card, unlike the other nine IC cards.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"TOICA_Card\">TOICA Card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>TOICA is issued by JR Central for the area of Chugoku<\/strong> (Greater Nagoya) and some parts of Shizuoka prefecture.<\/p>\n<p>The TOICA card is <strong>accepted on the following JR Central lines<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>T\u014dkaid\u014d Main Line, between Kannami and Samegai (except between \u014cgaki and Mino-Akasaka, Atami and Kannami, Samegai and Maibara)<\/li>\n<li>Ch\u016b\u014d Main Line, between Nagoya and Nakatsugawa<\/li>\n<li>Kansai Main Line, between Nagoya and Kameyama<\/li>\n<li>The whole of Taketoyo Line<\/li>\n<li>Gotemba Line, between Shimo-Soga and Numazu<\/li>\n<li>Minobu Line, between Fuji and Nishi-Fujinomiya<\/li>\n<li>Iida Line, between Toyohashi and Toyokawa<\/li>\n<li>Takayama Main Line, between Gifu and Mino-\u014cta<\/li>\n<li>The whole of Taita Line.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span id=\"MANACA_Card\">MANACA Card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>MANACA is a <strong>prepaid IC card issued in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nagoya-travel-guide\">Nagoya<\/a><\/strong>. Manaca means &#8220;center&#8221;, because Nagoya is roughly in the center of Japan. The mascot is a yellow smiley face.<\/p>\n<p>It can be <strong>used on the following transportation systems<\/strong> in the Nagoya area:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Aonami Line<\/li>\n<li>Linimo<\/li>\n<li>Nagoya City Bus<\/li>\n<li>Nagoya Municipal Subway lines<\/li>\n<li>Nagoya Railroad (Meitetsu) lines<\/li>\n<li>Meitetsu Bus<\/li>\n<li>Toyohashi Railroad<\/li>\n<li>Yutorito Line<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Like the other IC cards, it <strong>can also be used for traveling nationwide<\/strong> on private train, metro and bus operators other than Japan Railways and Kintetsu.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"KITACA_Card\">KITACA Card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>KITACA is the prepaid card issued by JR Hokkaido<\/strong> in the greater <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sapporo-travel-guide\">Sapporo<\/a> area, and can be be used on Sapporo&#8217;s subways, buses and tram.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The official mascot of the card is Ezo momonga<\/strong>, a kind of flying squirrel native to Hokkaid\u014d, as designed by Sora, a famous local illustrator.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"SUGOCA_Card\">SUGOCA Card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>SUGOCA is the prepaid card issued by JR Kyushu<\/strong> in the greater Fukuoka and Kyushu metropolitan areas. Sugoka means &#8220;great&#8221; in the local Japanese dialect.<\/p>\n<p>SUGOCA is also an acronym of &#8220;Smart Urban GOing CArd\u201d. The card was implemented on March 1st, 2009, and <strong>can be used across 124 JR stations in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fukuoka-travel-guide\">Fukuoka<\/a> Prefecture<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"NIMOCA_Card\">NIMOCA Card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>NIMOCA<\/strong>, an acronym of &#8220;nice money card&#8221;, is <strong>issued for the Fukuoka area<\/strong> and covers the Nishitetsu trains.<\/p>\n<p>The card\u2019s design <strong>features one of 2 mascots<\/strong>; NINOCA mascot Ferret, or Mejiron, a widely-loved cute bird mascot.<\/p>\n<p>The fact the name of the card contains nimo (Japanese for \u2018also\u2019) is apt because like the other 9 IC cards, the NIMOCA <strong>can be used also on buses, also on trains, also for shopping<\/strong>, and so on.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"HAYAKAKEN_Card\">HAYAKAKEN Card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Hayakaken cards<\/strong> are also IC Cards for the Fukuoka area, <strong>issued by Fukuoka city for its subway system<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Hayakaken means &#8220;Because it&#8217;s quick&#8221; in local Japanese dialect. The card <strong>has a distinctive design<\/strong> featuring the mascot prairie dog of the region, Chikamaru.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Where_to_buy_an_IC_Card\"><strong>Where to buy an IC Card<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Upon your arrival in Japan, <strong>you can purchase an IC Card from a ticket counter or an automated kiosk at any major train station<\/strong>. Kiosk instructions are available in English to aid international travelers.<\/p>\n<p>Usually, <strong>the card will cost <\/strong><strong>\u00a52000<\/strong>.\u00a0This includes a \u00a5500 refundable deposit and \u00a51500 loaded to the card for use. <strong>The card can be loaded with up to \u00a520,000<\/strong>. When your balance gets low, the IC card can be recharged with additional funds at any train station and at other convenient locations.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_use_IC_cards_in_Japan\"><strong>How to use IC cards in Japan<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When using the train or metro lines, find a ticket gate that accepts IC Cards \u2013 be advised that some gates accept regular tickets only. <strong>At the gate<\/strong>, just touch the contactless card to the blue <strong>illuminated card reader<\/strong> for a second.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_752\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-752\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-752\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/ic-card-reader-e1483527950772.jpg\" alt=\"IC card reader\" width=\"600\" height=\"370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/ic-card-reader-e1483527950772.jpg 781w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/ic-card-reader-e1483527950772-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/ic-card-reader-e1483527950772-768x474.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-752\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">To use your IC card, bring it close to the illuminated reader at the gates<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Cards must be used within their service area. This means that both the station of departure and arrival must be located within the card\u2019s <strong>geographic area<\/strong>. If you pass through the wrong gate or scan your card in error, see a station attendant for assistance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>To<\/strong> <strong>use your IC Card to make purchases at vending machines, stores, or restaurants<\/strong>, 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\u2019s entrance or exit.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_recharge_your_IC_Card\">How to recharge your IC Card<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When going through a train or metro gate with an IC card, <strong>your card\u2019s balance<\/strong> will be displayed near the card reader.<\/p>\n<p>When your balance gets low, the IC card can be recharged with additional funds directly in the train or metro station.<\/p>\n<p>In most locations, <strong>kiosks where you can recharge your IC card<\/strong> are available on the platform side of the station.<\/p>\n<p>As you prepare to leave Japan, <strong>you can return your card and redeem your deposit<\/strong>. To do this, bring the card to a station attendant. You may also collect the balance of your card for a processing fee of \u00a5220. Balances less than \u00a5220 cannot be redeemed.<\/p>\n<p>If you plan on traveling to Japan again in the future, <strong>the validity of your card<\/strong> and its balance will remain intact for ten years.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Supplementing_your_Japan_Rail_Pass\">Supplementing your Japan Rail Pass<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You can<strong> purchase an IC Card once in Japan and use it along with your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a> for an ease of travel<\/strong> like you\u2019ve never experienced before.This powerful combination lets you move effortlessly through busy train stations, avoiding long ticket lines and maximizing your time exploring Japan.<br \/>\n<div class=\"custom-shortcode-element image-left\"><div class=\"image-container desktop\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jr-pass-cta-1.png\"  width=\"300\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Buy your JR Pass\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container\"><div class=\"custom-title\">Unlimited train travel in Japan<\/div><div class=\"image-container mobile\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jr-pass-cta-1.png\"  width=\"300\" height=\"200\"  alt=\"Buy your JR Pass\"><\/div><div class=\"custom-text\"><\/p>\n<p>The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to transportation all around Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days, including Shinkansen.<\/p>\n<p>A single ticket, huge savings.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\" class=\"custom-button\">Buy your JR Pass<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n<p>You can purchase an IC Card once in Japan and use it alongside your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a> for seamless travel like never before. For even more flexibility, consider regional passes tailored to specific areas of Japan. Explore your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\">regional JR Pass<\/a> options here and find the best pass for your trip.<br \/>\n<div class=\"custom-shortcode-element image-left\"><div class=\"image-container desktop\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jr-regional-passes-cta-1.png\"  width=\"300\" height=\"200\" alt=\"JR Regional Passes\"><\/div><div class=\"content-container\"><div class=\"custom-title\">Discover Japan region by region<\/div><div class=\"image-container mobile\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/jr-regional-passes-cta-1.png\"  width=\"300\" height=\"200\"  alt=\"JR Regional Passes\"><\/div><div class=\"custom-text\"><\/p>\n<p>If you're looking to extensively explore a specific area of Japan, choose one of the JR Regional Passes for unlimited travel within a designated region.<\/p>\n<p><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/regional-passes\" class=\"custom-button\">Browse the JR Regional Passes<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Navigating international travel can be daunting, whether you&#8217;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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8886,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[],"acf":{"related_tours":{"tour_number":false},"pageresume":"Similar to those subway cards used in transportation systems around the world, the Japanese IC Cards are rechargeable prepaid travel cards.","bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","shortcodes":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Prepaid IC Cards in Japan: How to Use - Japan Rail Pass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Japanese IC cards are valid for subways, trains, buses and payments. 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Read all about PASMO, SUICA, ICOCA and how to use them along with your JR Pass.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-08-14T07:50:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-06-17T12:49:45+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/japan-ic-cards-3.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1250\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"680\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"JRailPass\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/0af8e877c84593eb4df7dcd8cc76bbb2\"},\"headline\":\"How to use Japanese prepaid IC cards: PASMO, SUICA, ICOCA and more!\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-08-14T07:50:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-17T12:49:45+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards\"},\"wordCount\":2057,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Trains &amp; Transportation\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/using-japanese-ic-cards\",\"name\":\"Prepaid IC Cards in Japan: How to Use - Japan Rail Pass\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2023-08-14T07:50:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-06-17T12:49:45+00:00\",\"description\":\"Japanese IC cards are valid for subways, trains, buses and payments. 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