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Transportation

Guide to Suica Cards

How to get a Suica Card and more

For a convenient and stress-free travel experience, both around Tokyo and in regions beyond, it’s worth investing in a Suica card. This debit-style transportation card is popular with both residents of Japan and visitors alike. Take the hassle out of trying to figure out metro routes and ticket costs by purchasing a rechargeable Suica card.

What is a Suica card?

Suica is a debit-style transportation card sold by the JR Rail Company in its Tokyo train station hubs, as well as in locations such as Haneda and Narita Airports. This distinctive bright green card with its penguin logo can be used almost indefinitely – it doesn’t expire unless a period of ten years has passed between uses, and any monetary balance remains unaffected in that time.

What are the benefits of having a Suica card?

Above all – convenience. With Japan still often considered a cash-based society , it pays to have a multi-purpose card that can take care of most of your travel needs, but the Suica IC card can achieve a lot more:

Tap-and-go access to trains, buses and trams around Japan. More >
Pay at vending machines, shops and restaurants. More >
Access to luggage storage lockers at stations. More >

How are Suica and PASMO different?

Many first-time visitors to Japan may often wonder what are the differences between Suica and PASMO – another IC travel card often mentioned.

PASMO cards are transportation cards that are designed and sold by Tokyo Metro. Suica cards are designed and sold by Japan Rail (JR).

Aside from their outward appearance, there is virtually no difference in usage between the Suica and PASMO cards. For travelers or visitors staying near the center of Tokyo, which has an abundance of Tokyo metro stations, it may simply be easier to purchase a PASMO card from the nearest station instead of making the trek to a more outlying JR rail station.

How can I purchase a Suica?

Suica cards can be purchased from ticket machines in most of Tokyo’s main JR rail stations (ie Tokyo, Hamamatsucho, Shimbashi, Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc). English instructions walk buyers through the steps needed to obtain a card. Cards can be personalized or left blank – if personalized, a card that is lost can later be identified and reclaimed with proof of identification.

Cards require an initial ¥500 deposit, though this can be reclaimed when returning the card (inside the station) at the end of your holiday.

How to top up a Suica

Cards can be topped up immediately, or at regular intervals as needed. When charging the card, cash can be added in increments of ¥1000. Suica cards can hold a balance of up to ¥20,000. Only yen cash can be used to add money to a Suica card. Credit cards are not accepted.

You can also top up a Suica at most ticket machines, even at non-JR stations, such as Tokyo Metro, as well as buses that accept Suica/PASMO.

Did you know? If you are caught out and run out of charge on the card when arriving at a station, you can even top-up at special kiosks inside the gates before you exit. It reduces the need to worry about trying to calculate the exact fare between stations.

For children aged 6-11, a special youth Suica card can be obtained. Marked with the kanji for small (小), this card entitles younger users to a discount of 50% on the regular train fare. Youth Suica cannot be purchased at the self-service kiosks and must be bought in person from a JR staff member in one of the JR train offices. Presentation of identification or of the minor him or herself may be required.

Step-by-step guide to buying the Suica

Find the nearest ticket vending machine.
Touch the 'English' button on the right corner of the monitor to switch languages for easier use.
Select 'Purchase New Suica' on the lower left panel.
You'll have 3 options: MySuica (for personalization - useful if needing to reclaim a lost card), Suica and Charge.
There are several options you can choose, from ¥1000 to ¥10,000 (including the deposit cost of ¥500).
Insert cash.
And finally, take your Suica card, change, and receipt.

Returning your Suica when leaving Japan

If you decide not to keep your Suica for future use, you may return it to any JR rail office.

If any amount of money over ¥220 is left on the card, the JR company will charge a fee of ¥220 to process a refund and return the remaining amount to you. If the balance is under ¥220, no refund is issued and the balance is zeroed out.

(This includes balances such as ¥80, that would end up in negative numbers upon subtraction of the refund fee. The balance is simply zeroed out with no penalty to the card holder.)

However, all customers will receive the initial ¥500 deposit back upon turning in the card.

Where can I use my Suica card?

Travel with suica.

Suica are most commonly used as transportation passes, which users simply tap over the ticket gate to gain entry to the train tracks and tap again to exit a station, where the fare for the journey is automatically calculated and debited. There is a small discount on single journeys for those that use a Suica pass compared to those that rely strictly on paper tickets.

While cards emblazoned with Suica are sold in Tokyo, these JR-sponsored passes are also usable on regional forms of transportation.

Since 2013, Suica can be used interchangeably with the regional IC cards, like Kansai's ICOCA and PiTaPa, Nagoya's TOICA and Manaca, Sapporo's Kitaca, Fukuoka's SUGOCA and Hayakaken and Kyushu's nimoca. Hiroshima's street car/trams also support Suica, as well as several other regional transport systems.

Note that continuous travel between different regions of Japan is not possible just on a Suica alone.

Shop with Suica

Suica can also be used to make purchases at vending machines marked with the card’s logo. Simply tap the card against the machine’s card reader, select the product of your choice, and tap your card a second time to complete the purchase.

Many convenience stores also now provide an option for Suica holders to use their card to pay for purchases. Look for the card reader at the cash register and follow the clerk’s instructions or the instructions on the screen.

Many restaurant chains also support payments by Suica – just look for the familiar green logo near the payment terminal.

Luggage Storage

A number of lockers in Japan have begun switching to a coinless system, where users access their bags with a Suica or other debit-style transportation card.

Often found in train stations, these lockers don’t require a key for entry, and instead provide an entry code to be used in conjunction with the Suica card when reclaiming any baggage.

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By Sarah Endarastya

Community writer

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2024 Japan Suica Card Guide: Price, Where to Buy & FAQs

On our Japan spring trip, we didn’t buy any transport cards like the Japan Suica Card before our trip. We thought we could easily get one on our arrival.

Our close friend recommended that we immediately buy our Suica Card as soon as we arrive at the Tokyo Station and so we did. We used the ticket machine to buy our Suica Cards, but it got us scratching our heads several times. Mind you, it was challenging and overwhelming, to say the least.

Learn from our experience and secure your Suica Card before your Japan trip. We made this guide so you know everything about the Suica Card in Japan including its usage, price, where to buy, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

[NEWS]: Since Aug 2023, selling of Suica Cards had been temporarily suspended due to the shortage of semiconductors worldwide. Fortunately, tourists can still buy the alternative Japan IC Card Welcome Suica which is valid for 28 days.

BUY WELCOME SUICA

What is a Japan Suica Card?

The Suica Card is an integrated smart card in Japan, similar to Korea’s T-Money Card , Taiwan’s EasyCard , and Hong Kong’s Octopus Card , you can use to pay for public transport such as trains, buses, and even taxis with the Suica logo. Suica also serves as a prepaid e-money card to pay for items in vending machines and convenience stores in Japan.

Although there are many other IC cards in Japan like the PASMO Card and ICOCA Card, the Suica Card is the most popular, which is why it gets easily sold out. With its temporary suspension, tourists can opt to buy the alternative Welcome Suica instead.

Which areas in Japan can I use my Suica Card?

You can use your Suica Card in the following areas in Japan:

JR East Lines in the Greater Tokyo Area:

Tokyo Metropolis

Certain transport systems in other parts of Japan:

What is not covered by the suica card.

While you can use your Suica Card in most parts of Japan, do note that you cannot use it to ride the shinkansen , express trains , highway buses , or airport shuttles .

What can I use my Japan Suica Card for?

You can use your Suica Card to pay for the following:

1. Public transportation

The Suica Card is mainly used to pay for rides on Japan’s public transportation including trains, monorails, buses, and taxis.

2. Convenience stores

Most convenience stores in Japan accept IC cards like Suica as mode of payment. So, you can use it to pay for items you buy from convenience stores like 7-Eleven , Family Mart , and Lawson .

3. Vending machines

You can find vending machines almost everywhere in Japan. If you run out of coins or cash, you may use your Suica Card to pay instead.

You can also use your Suica Card to pay for lockers in Japan.

5. Restaurants

Some restaurants in Japan accept IC cards like Suica as payment for the food. You may ask their staff or look for the Suica logo in their payment counters.

How much does a Suica Card cost?

You may choose to buy your Suica Card for ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥4,000, ¥5,000, or ¥10,000, which already includes a deposit fee of ¥500.

Do note that the maximum top-up is ¥20,000, and you can only load your card with Japanese Yen currency. You cannot use your credit card to top up your Suica Card.

Where can I buy a Suica Card?

As of writing, the sale of the regular Suica Card is temporarily suspended until further notice. As an alternative, you can buy the special Japan tourist IC Card Welcome Suica from the following:

Option 1: Klook

Welcome suica with jr lines 1-day pass.

Card price: ¥1,500 (US$10)
Top-up not included
Nice feature: 1-Day Unli Ride on JR trains in Tokyo + Tokyo Monorail Line
Pick-up location: NINJA WiFi Service Counter of Haneda Airport

GET WELCOME SUICA

Option 2: Haneda Airport

If you failed to secure your Welcome Suica online , you can still buy it at Haneda Airport. You may proceed to the JR EAST Travel Service Center and Welcome Suica vending machine at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (Tokyo Monorail Station).

Do note that as the stocks are limited, only one Welcome Suica is sold per person.

Instructions on how to use the Suica Card

Using your Suica Card is so simple. All you have to do is tap the Suica Card on the reader at any ticket gate. The final fare will be automatically calculated and deducted at the station where you got off.

Watch the video below so you have a better idea on how to use the Suica Card:

Japan Suica Card frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. how do i put money on my suica card.

To top up or put money on your Suica Card, you can go to:

Option 1: Ticket vending machines at subway stations

Find any JR ticket machine at Japan’s subway stations and top up your Suica Card by following these steps:

1. Place your Suica Card on the card holder. 2. Change the language to English. 3. Choose the amount you’d like to top up. 4. Pay the top-up amount with Japanese Yen. 5. Get your newly reloaded Suica Card.

Option 2: Convenience stores

You may also proceed to convenience stores in Japan including 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. They usually have reloading machines for your Suica Card.

2. Can foreigners buy a Suica Card?

Yes, foreigners can buy a Suica Card in Japan. However, with the current shortage problem, tourists are encouraged to buy the Welcome Suica , a special Japan IC card for tourists valid for 28 days. While it does not have a deposit amount, it’s also not refundable.

3. Can I withdraw money from my Suica Card?

The Suica Card is a prepaid e-money card so it’s not usually used to withdraw cash in Japan. Although others say that some ATM machines do allow Suica cash withdrawals, we haven’t personally tried it ourselves.

4. Is my Suica Card refundable?

Yes, your Suica Card is refundable. There is refund fee of ¥220, which will be deducted from the remaining amount in your card. For Suica Cards issued by JR East Japan, you may proceed to any JR East stations for the refund.

However, if you purchased the Welcome Suica , you cannot request a refund for it.

5. Do Suica Cards expire?

Yes, Japan Suica Cards expire in 10 years so you have to use any remaining amount within the validity period or get a refund for it. If you bought the Welcome Suica , it expires after 28 days and any amount left is not refundable.

6. Can I still reuse my Suica Card when I go back to Japan?

Yes, you can reuse your Japan Suica Card as many times as you want so long as it’s still within the 10-year validity period. As for the Welcome Suica , it is only valid for 28 days so you cannot reuse this special tourist card in Japan after it expires.

We hope we covered the basics of the Japan Suica Card.

Excited to plan your Japan trip? Here are more resources for you:

Japan SIM card or pocket WiFi guide
Japan spring itinerary
Japanese food list
Japan Visa guide for Filipinos
Japan Visa Without ITR guide for Filipinos
Japan Tour Packages

Popular Japan experiences

Premium hotels in tokyo.

The Welcome Suica for Foreigners Visiting Japan

JR East started to sell a special IC card for visitors to Japan called Welcome Suica on September 1, 2019. Have you used it before? Where can you buy it? Where and how to charge it? Let’s see how it differs from a regular Suica card!

Table of Contents

Red Suica「Welcome Suica」

From： JR East

The design of the ‘Welcome Suica’ card differs from the standard green Suica card, featuring a red and white pattern. The red color symbolizes the sun, while the white represents cherry blossoms, both of which are also the colors of the Japanese flag.

In terms of functionality, there is no distinction between the red Suica card and the green Suica card. Both can be swiped to enter stations directly and used as electronic payment cards for purchases at locations where Suica cards are accepted.

To recharge, you have the option to add 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen, 3,000 yen, 4,000 yen, 5,000 yen, or 10,000 yen at ticket vending machines and other locations.

When applying for the Red Suica Card, unlike the Green Suica Card, there is no need to pre-deposit 500 yen. Instead, the entire amount you recharge for the first time can be used as fare or shopping money.

Additionally, the regular Suica card typically does not have an expiration date and can be used indefinitely. It only becomes invalidated if not used for ten years. In contrast, the red Suica card, known as ‘Welcome Suica,’ has a validity period of 28 days from the first swipe and will be automatically deactivated on the 28th day. Visitors can certainly take this card home as a souvenir of their visit to Japan.

Where to apply for “Welcome Suica”

Special Note:

“Welcome Suica” cards are exclusively available for purchase at Terminal 3 of Haneda Airport in Tokyo and are not sold at the Terminal 1.

Tokyo Station
Shinjuku Station
Shibuya Station
Ikebukuro Station
Ueno Station
Shinagawa Station
Hamamatsucho Station
Narita Airport Station
Narita Airport Terminal 2 Station
Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
Haneda Airport Terminal 2 Station
Haneda Airport Terminal 3 Station and other stations

Welcome Suica Card NOT Available in Narita Airport

Unfortunately, Welcome Suica cards are not available for purchase at Narita Airport. However, travelers needing a Welcome Suica card can easily obtain one by flying into Haneda Airport instead.

If you’re landing at Narita and require a Welcome Suica card for seamless travel across Japan, consider arriving at Haneda instead. Haneda Airport offers convenient access to Welcome Suica cards, allowing travelers to quickly acquire the necessary transportation pass upon arrival. With a Welcome Suica card in hand, navigating Japan’s extensive public transportation system becomes hassle-free, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience from the moment you touch down. Whether you’re exploring Tokyo’s vibrant cityscape or venturing beyond to other regions, having a Welcome Suica card offers convenience and flexibility for your journey.

How to Charge a Welcome Suica card

Charging a Welcome Suica card is a straightforward process similar to topping up a regular Suica card. At JR stations, travelers can find automated ticket machines conveniently located throughout the station. Simply insert your Welcome Suica card into the designated slot on the machine and follow the on-screen instructions to add funds to your card. These machines provide a user-friendly interface, making it easy for travelers to navigate the charging process even if they’re unfamiliar with Japanese.

The pink machine on the right is used to recharge the both Suica and Welcome Suica card.

Alternatively, travelers can also recharge their Welcome Suica cards at station staffed ticket counters, known as “Midori no Madoguchi,” where attendants are available to assist with any inquiries or assistance needed. Additionally, many convenience stores in Japan offer Suica card charging services, providing travelers with multiple options to replenish their card balance.

Whether you opt for the automated ticket machines, station staff assistance, or convenience store charging services, topping up your Welcome Suica card is a simple and convenient task, ensuring you have sufficient funds for your travels across Japan.

Notes on the red Suica card “Welcome Suica”

No need for deposit but no refund of balance.

The Welcome Suica does not require a 500 yen advance deposit, but it also does not refund the remaining balance. In other words, the balance of the card will not be refunded either before or after the expiration of the Red Suica Card.

Therefore, it is important to use up the remaining balance on your Red Suica Card before it expires in order not to lose out.

The recharge amount is limited to 1,000 yen

When you recharge your Welcome Suica, you can only recharge from

You can choose to recharge within this thousand amount, but not for example 1,500 yen.

The balance limit is 20,000 yen

If you have more cash and wish to reload all of it to your Red Suica Card, you should note that there is a balance limit on the Red Suica Card.

Even if you have 30,000 yen, you can only load up to 20,000 yen.

Valid for 28 Days and No renewal after expiration

The Red Suica Card “Welcome Suica” is only valid for 28 days. If you stay in Japan for more than 28 days, you can only apply for a new card after the Red Suica Card expires, and you cannot renew your old card.

You must bring a Reference Paper with you when you use Welcome Suica

A Reference Paper will be delivered with the Red Suica Card.

You can check the validity period of your Welcome Suica card, information about your discount ticket, etc., on the Reference Paper that you receive when you purchase the card. (This information will not be displayed on the Welcome Suica card itself.)

Always carry this Reference Paper around with you, and show it to the staff if they ask to see it.

You may also want ot read: Welcome Suica vs Suica: What’s the Difference?

GetAround Japan is your number one travel guide, providing the latest information on visiting and living in Japan, with tips on what to eat, things to do, and places to stay. Whether you’re planning for a trip far in the future, or already in Japan in need of some fresh ideas, our archive of posts will help you find the best way to fill your time and get the most out of your travel experience. We provide you updates on serious policies that affect visitors and foreign residents while also keeping things light and fun with articles on quirky trends and pop culture. How do we know how to provide visitors the information they need? Our affiliate company CDJapan Rental provides WIFI and Sim Card rentals to thousands of visitors to Japan every year. In other words, we are constantly in touch with and listening to the voices of our customers, and infuse our blog with the information they ask us for. For inquiries, contact us here =Company Information= CDJapan Rental (Neowing Corporation) 1-10-15-3F Nihonbashi Horidome Chuo, Tokyo 103-0012, Japan

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What’s a Suica?

About Suica Cards

Suica is a JR EAST IC card that can be used on trains, buses, for shopping, and more.

Suica for Visitors to Japan

Welcome Suica

This convenient IC card lets you ride trains and buses and even shop with a single tap. No need to deposit money to purchase the card. It can be used for 28 days.

Suica for Residents of Japan

This Suica is for people living in Japan. A 500-yen deposit is required to purchase a card. The remaining card balance can be refunded.

Perks of Using Suica

Discount tickets

Suica and Welcome Suica let you use some discount tickets.

Suica e-money

Suica e-money makes shopping more convenient♪

Before Your First Trip on JR
What’s a Suica (IC card)?

The Suica Card: A Travel Essential in Japan

Suica is the name of an electronic prepaid card that allows an easy simple use of public transportation network in Japan as well as to pay at some shops and vending machines. The Suica system of virtual wallet is debited each time its holder uses it and help travel faster by metro, train or bus throughout the archipelago.

We have already mentioned the Suica in other various articles on Kanpai-Japan, as a useful complement to the Japan Rail Pass . This card has become such an essential item to any traveler in Japan that it seemed crucial to describe it in great length in an article. Suica was introduced in the early 2000’s, and at the same time we began traveling Japan we found out it was a necessary tool, but we came to realize not everybody was aware of how convenient it was.

Suica is a prepaid multiuse magnetic card (FeliCa IC technology by Sony) mainly used as a means of payment for transportation fees but also for small purchases in a great number of partner shops. In Japan, where 200 million IC cards have been issued as of 2021 (that is to say more than 150% of the total Japanese population!), and especially in urban areas, the prepaid card has become a real institution thanks to the time it saves and its convenience. It is an individual card (one card per holder), name registered when purchased in Japan, but not name specific when bought in advance from a registered travel agency.

The homophone スイカ suika means "watermelon," but the name of the card we are discussing here is the acronym for Super Urban Intelligent CArd . The initial intent was to facilitate the use of railway networks in greater Tokyo and the archipelago's other megalopoli. In Japan, the base for setting a regional train 🚅 or metro fare is almost systematically the distance. It means that when you buy an individual ticket, you must check the amount beforehand with maps that are only in Japanese and can be a jumble, to buy a ticket at the right amount. Not really flexible and hard to understand for foreigners...Furthermore, several companies can share the same networks and just buying a ticket can be a head-scratcher.

🚃 Operating the reloadable "pass"

The Suica card was established in November 2001 by the national railways company Japan Rail (more precisely JR East) to break free from those constraints with an electronic wallet: the card is swiped at the entrance gate of the departure station, and at the exit at the arrival station. Regardless of the train companies or number of trains used, the exact fee will automatically be debited from the card and displayed on the pay-gate's control screen.

Miscellaneous information about the Suica card:

As often in Japan, cash is king and Suica makes no exception: you can only reload it with coins or bills, but not with a bank card.
If you do not have enough credit on your card to pay the fee, you will have to reload it at a ticket vending machine to get out of the station.
The maximum amount the card can contain is ¥20,000 (~US$128.32).
If the card is lost, the amount cannot be refunded.
Important: the Suica card cannot replace a JR Pass , but often comes as a complement.

It may happen that a bug or a technical malfunction prevents you from using the exit gate. No need to panic: Just go to the information desk and say ___から来ました ( ___ kara keemashta ), which means "I'm coming from ___ ." For example, if you took the train/metro at Shibuya , say " Shibuya kara keemashta " and the station attendant will debit the fare from your card, whilst checking its condition.

However, it is not possible to enter and exit the same station (for example to cross it or hand it to someone) with the Suica. It will then be necessary to find the station attendants near the gates and pay ¥140 (~US$0.90).

Seasoned travelers in Japan appreciated the combined ticket "N'EX+Suica", but it is not on sale anymore since 2013, March 31. Moreover, the Narita Express fare cannot be paid by Suica, and buying a ticket is necessary.

Since 24 December 2014, the Suica card can be used on the bus network in Kyoto .

💴 Prices and discounts

Until August 1st, 2023, you could purchase the Suica upon arrival in Japan, at the airport or at one of the JR stations, such as stations on the Yamanote Line in Tokyo. Say スイカカードを買いたいです。( Suica caado o kaitaidess ) which means "I want to buy a Suica card." It was also possible to buy the card at any time from a vending machine in the station.

The card costs ¥2,000 (~US$12.83) which includes a ¥500 (~US$3.21) deposit and gives you an immediately useable starting balance of ¥1,500 (~US$9.62). Use your card as you like and reload it when needed at any station where you can find a vending machine marked with the Suica logo.

Returning the card can only be made in the area where it was bought, meaning the greater Tokyo for Suica. The deposit and the remaining balance are then refunded, minus a ¥210 (~US$1.35) return fee. However, as the Suica can be used for a period up to ten years, you can keep it for your next trip to Japan .

Children can have their own Child card: the purchase price is the same, but each swipe cost half the usual price.

On a side note, the use of prepaid cards like Suica grants a small discount (about 5%) on most of transportation fares. Therefore, each trip cost a little bit less , which can be an additional advantage, especially if you use it a lot.

Since August 2, 2023, the classic Suica is no longer available anymore in Japan.

🏪 Suica, beyond Transportation

The prepaid card is considered essential in Japan because its usage is not limited to transportation . Beyond the metro where Western tourists mostly use it, Suica is a convenient method of payment for train tickets (on 52 lines throughout the country), buses, many vending machines, as well as a lot of small neighborhood shops like konbini and many restaurants.

The popularity of the Suica system has led to its adaptation to another must-have tool: The smartphone 📱 . Most Japanese cell phones can now use the Suica function through the NFC protocol (contactless payment). This system is called "mobile-Suica" and turns phones into what is called saifu-keitai (財布携帯) in Japan, which literally means "Cell phone-wallet." Since 2016, October 25, Apple has implemented a Suica function on the iPhone (starting from version 7 only in Japan, then for all devices with iPhone 8 and X).

Even giants like Amazon and Nintendo have adopted Suica. For example, Wii U and New 3DS game consoles equipped with NFC accept payment by Suica and Pasmo. Even arcades increasingly accept payment by prepaid cards, especially since the successive rises of VAT in April 2014 and October 2019 on the ¥100 (~US$0.64) base fee.

JR does not forget its hobby collectors; frequent redesigns of its penguin mascot, special version releases, and limited editions either in time (mostly around special events) or in limited quantity. One of the most memorable was the special "Tokyo Station," with only 15,000 cards released on December 20, 2014. The design was so popular, with 1.7 million of orders in the following two months, that a reedition was announced!

🗾 The other pay-as-you-go cards: Pasmo, Icoca...

With its 42,1 million users, Suica is the most widely used card in Japan. But other cards are available in most city hubs throughout the country:

Pasmo in Tokyo (22 million users) and its monthly subscription system by Tokyo Metro – for tourists, Pasmo’s use is quite similar to Suica’s ;
Icoca (7,7 million users) and PiTaPa for Kansai :Kyoto, Osaka , Nara region;
Manaca (2,8 million users) and Toica for Nagoya and Tokai region;
Hayakaken and Nimoca / Sugoca for Fukuoka and Kyushu island;
Okica in Okinawa (to use only with the airport’s monorail from spring 2020);
Kitaca for Hokkaido .

Before 2013, March 23, each card was only useable in their respective region and not compatible with one another. Now, each card works on every network (except in Hiroshima ), making them more convenient and comfortable to use. It is now possible to pay transportation fees in 4,275 out of 9,000 stations in Japan, and even in more than 200,000 shops and restaurants throughout the country and climbing.

On June 8th, 2023 the JR East company announced that due to a shortage of semiconductors, the classic Suica can no longer be supplied anymore to travel agencies spanning the globe. The Pasmo card is also affected by this sales suspension. The cards retroactively purchased are valid and still usable, but it has become difficult to buy new ones.

Moreover, travelers who purchase their IC card in Japan have to provide personal information (name, gender and date of birth) now.

Since August 2, 2023, it is not possible to purchase an ordinary Suica or a Pasmo in Japan anymore. As for the Welcome Suica, the stocks are also very limited and it is currently only purchasable at Narita and Haneda airports.

Once the last of the classical Suica stocks run out, tourists will have to buy the Welcome Suica, with a special attention on its expiry date (displayed on the paper receipt) at the time of purchase.

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Ultimate Suica Card Guide: Perfect Travel Card in Japan

April 30, 2024

Welcome Suica Card Sale

Welcome Suica&JR Line One Day Pass (Pick up at Haneda Airport)

What is Suica Card?

Source: JR East official website

Suica Card is a prepaid smart card that allows you to use most public transport, including JR East lines, subways, buses, and even some taxis. The card can also be used for shopping at convenience stores, vending machines, and other retail outlets. There is also children Suica card available. The difference between the adult's card and the child's card is the amount deducted in transportation. When using a child's Suica card, the child's fare is deducted, and when using an adult's Suica card, the adult's fare is deducted.

The Suica Card is applicable in the Greater Tokyo Area, the Tohoku region, and the Hokuriku region. It can also be used in other regions of Japan where the ICOCA, Kitaca, PASMO, TOICA, manaca, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, nimoca, or Hayakaken systems are accepted .

Two Types of Suica Cards: Welcome Suica Card & Suica Card

Welcome Suica Card Tokyo

Suica Card Tokyo offers the following benefits:

Enjoy unlimited rides on JR local trains and rapid train non-reserved seats for one day in the 23 wards of Tokyo and the Tokyo Monorail Line Seats
One-day unlimited rides on the Tokyo Monorail line between Haneda Airport and Hamaka-cho.

Suica Card Tokyo Applicable Areas

Valid on JR East lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area as well as for subways, buses and the Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo.

In addition to the Tokyo area, the Welcome Suica can be used for certain transportation systems in the Sendai and Niigata, Hokkaido, Tokai, West Japan and Kyushu areas.

Where to buy a Welcome Suica Card Tokyo?

How to Use a Welcome Suica Card?

Welcome Suica card is a popular contactless smart card used for electronic payment in Japan, primarily for public transportation. If you want to learn how to use it, here is a general procedure you might follow:

1. Purchase the Welcome Suica card : You can purchase the card in JR EAST Travel Service Centers, which located in Narita Airport and Haneda Airport.
2. Activate the Welcome Suica card: Once you obtained the card, top up your Welcome Suica card to start your journey.
3. Use your Welcome Suica card: Keep the card in your card holder, then tap it onto the automatic ticket gate for a second to pay automatically.
4. Check your card balance: When you passes through the gate, your remaining balance and validality will be showed after you tap your Welcome Suica card.
5. Shopping&Dining: Apart from public transportation, Welcome Suica card can also be used at a wide range of stores, vending machines, and coin lockers.
6. Recharge your Welcome Suica card: The Welcome Suica can be recharged and used as many times as desired during its validity period, which can charged up to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines.

Tips for Using Welcome Suica Card

1. No refunds can be made, regardless of the validity period status or balance loaded on the card.
2. When recharging your card, only yen may be used to recharge. A credit card cannot be used to top up a Welcome Suica card.
3. The Welcome Suica can be topped up to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines.
4. The Welcome Suica is valid for 28 days , including the date of purchase.

Where to Buy Suica Card?

How to charge my suica card.

The Suica card can be charged in major JR EAST stations at Multifunction Ticket Vending Machines, JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi). Here's the photo guide to show you how to charge your Suica Card.

Source: Photo by Lily Crossley-Baxter

Tips for Charging the Suica Card

You can only use Japanese yen to charge your Suica Card, credit card is not allowed. However, you could use a credit card to purchase a commuter pass and top up your Suica card at the same time.
Apart from Ticket Vending Machines, you can also charge your Suica card at a convenience store, the ATM in the store, or the cash register.
The minimum charging amount would be 500 yen , and the maximum amount would be 20,000 yen .

How to Add a Suica Card to Apple wallet?

Requirements

An Apple ID that you used to sign in on your device, with two-factor authentication enabled.
An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later, or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later, with the latest version of iOS or watchOS.
Apple Pay payment card already in Wallet for adding money to Suica card.
Stable network Connectivity.

How to Add a New Suica Card on Your iPhone or Apple Watch?

How to Transfer a Physical Suica Card to Your iPhone or Apple Watch?

You can transfer your physical Suica card and its current balance to Apple Wallet. After the transfer, your physical card won't work and your deposit will be added to your Suica balance in Apple Wallet.

Tap "Agree" to transfer your physical Suica Card to your iPhone or Apple Watch.

How to Recharge Your Suica Card with Apple Pay?

FAQs about Suica Card

What is the difference between suica and welcome suica, is it worth buying a suica card, how can i recharge my welcome suica card, how to check my suica card balance, can i use the welcome suica card on multiple transports in japan, can two people share the same suica card.

Suica Card Guide

1. Welcome Suica Card Sale
2. What is Suica Card?
3. Two Types of Suica Cards: Welcome Suica Card & Suica Card
4. Welcome Suica Card Tokyo
5. How to Use a Welcome Suica Card?
6. Tips for Using Welcome Suica Card
7. Where to Buy Suica Card?
8. How to Charge My Suica Card?
9. How to Add a Suica Card to Apple wallet?

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How to Use the Suica card as a Tourist in Japan

Sharing is caring!

The Suica card is an absolute must-have if you’re visiting Japan. Find out how to use it here (and why it makes your trip so much easier!)

Planning a trip to Japan can be overwhelming. I recently returned from a 15-day adventure through Japan’s most popular cities and it was unlike any other trip I’ve been on before. I was overwhelmed by how much I didn’t know. Cultural norms, restaurant culture, tipping or not, navigating public transit in a non-Romance language, etiquette and politeness, and more – everything was a bit unknown to me, no matter how much I researched.

But I was most nervous about navigating public transportation in Japan.

My arrival hotel was located adjacent to Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world! In the largest city in the world!

How would I know where to go? How would I buy tickets? Would the ticket machines even have an English option?

Within a day or so, however, I had effectively mastered public transit in Tokyo – and I can attribute a lot of my success to the Suica card.

I know, that sounds silly. But having the Suica card eliminated a lot of the barriers to getting on public transit. It even helped me at the conbini (convenience stores, like 7/11, Lawsons, or Family Mart) and even at Tokyo Disney!

If you’re a tourist visiting Japan, you absolutely need to get a Suica card. Find out why you need to use a Suica, how to use it, and even where to buy a Suica here!

Please note: this post may contain affiliate links. What that means is, if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, please see my Affiliate Disclosure .

What is a Suica card?

A Suica card is a type of contactless smart card used for transportation in Japan, particularly in major cities like Tokyo. If you’ve been to New York, it’s similar to the Metro card there!

A Suica card can be purchased and loaded with a specific amount of money or linked to a credit card for automatic top-ups. It is used as a convenient and efficient way to pay for public transportation fares, including trains, subways, buses, and even some taxis.

To use a Suica card, the user just taps the card on the reader located at the ticket gate or on the transportation vehicle. The fare is automatically deducted from the card’s balance, and the remaining balance can be checked on the reader or at designated machines.

You can have either a physical Suica card or add your Suica to your iPhone and use it effortlessly from your Apple Wallet. Both are easy, but loading it to your Apple Wallet is definitely the way to go. More on that below.

It really couldn’t be any easier than that!

How do you pronounce Suica?

You may be tempted to say “soo-ee-kuh” but that is not correct.

Suica is promounced “swee-kuh”.

(You may think you’ll never need to pronounce Suica outloud, but your Suica can be used at convenience stores and Tokyo Disney, and you’ll almost certainly have to pronounce it then! Read more below)

Why use a Suica card?

A suica is super convenient for public transit.

You may be thinking “why bother with a Suica card? I’ll only be visiting for a short time – it’s going to be too much hassle for my short trip”.

I cannot emphasize enough how useful a Suica card is.

With a Suica, you can literally just tap into and out of turnstiles at public transportation hubs. You can skip the ticket line all together…

… And just head straight through the passenger gates to your platform.

Entrance turnstiles where you can scan your Suica

Just tap and walk!

This means you are (1) skipping lines that can be long AND (2) skipping what may be a confusing ticket buying experience. (I wouldn’t know how hard it is – I haven’t had to do it! #ThanksSuica). On buses and trams, it also means that you can skip having exact change to pay your fare and just tap in & out.

A Suica is also convenient for convenience stores and vending machines!

Yes, your Suica can also be used to buy things at vending machines or other convenience stores!

The three main conbini – 7/11, Lawsons, and Family Mart – seem to have a surcharge if you pay with credit card. In my experience, at least, the cashier always seemed disappointed if I paid with credit card. Japan is very much a cash-forward society but I love the convenience of paying with cards.

Suica to the rescue!

You can nearly treat a Suica like a credit card. Top it up before making a purchase and then you can use tap-to-pay effortlessly at all the main conbini . Just politely say “Suica?” when going to pay and the cashier will help you navigate to do that.

You can also use it to make purchases at vending machines! Get water, electrolyte drinks, coffee drinks, juice, and even alcoholic beverages… all with a quick tap of the Suica.

Your Suica can even be used to make purchases at Tokyo Disney

Tokyo Disney was definitely more credit card friendly than anywhere else I went in Japan, but I hated having to pull out my card everytime I wanted a churro or a drink.

Using my Suica in my Apple Wallet let me make purchases super easily without whipping out a credit card. It was accepted everywhere that I found – including in the shops!

Why to get a Suica card on your iPhone

Tourists love to purchase the physical Suica card but getting the Suica on your iPhone just elevates the convenience of the Suica card.

Imagine not having to worry about keeping your little physical Suica card safe… not having to pull it out in the middle of hectic rush hour in Tokyo … not having to worry about topping it off… not wondering what the balance is on your physical Suica…

Without a doubt, the absolute best way to have a Suica is to add it to your Apple Wallet. Just pull the phone out of your pocket and tap in and out at the reader on the turnstiles above. You don’t even need to unlock your phone to use it! You can pull it out with a dark, black screen and tap in and out – and your fare will still be processed.

The tap-to-pay at the conbini and vending machines is equally valuable. No digging around for a card (of any kind!) or rumaging through your bag for coins to get your drink – tap, pay, drink. Easy.

How to get a Suica card on your iPhone

I hope you’re convinced now that having the Suica on your iPhone is incredibly convenient.

Open up your Apple Wallet and hit the “+” button in the upper right-hand corner.

Hit “Transit Card” in the bottom box of options and then search “Suica”. Tap Suica, press continue, and then select a yen amount. 1000 yen will be $10 or less with current exchange rates, but you can enter any value you want here.

After that, voila! You have your Suica linked to your Apple Wallet and now will get all the benefits outlined above.

If you weren’t able to add money to your Suica, you may have incompatible cards. When I visited Japan (November – December 2023), only MasterCard was accepted for foreigners. I had to open up a new card in order to top up my Suica which may sound crazy, but it guaranteed that I was alway carrying a broadly-accepted card while in Japan, so it was worth it.

Rumor has it that Visa is going to be accepted soon, but you may need to get a MasterCard until then.

How to buy a physical Suica card

Not willing to mess around with Apple Wallet? Not using an iPhone? No worries, you can always buy a physical Suica card!

To buy a Suica card, you can simply head to any major train station in Japan. Look for the ticket machines or ticket counters, often located near the entrance or inside the station. Go to the ticket machine or counter and select the option for purchasing a Suica card. The machine will guide you through the process, prompting you to select the desired amount to load onto the card. You’ll be charged a deposit that is refundable once you return the card.

The official Suica website indicates that the card can only be loaded with yen instead of a credit card, but some bloggers say it can be loaded with a credit card. It may depend on where you purchase your Suica, I’m sorry I’m unsure!

A “Welcome Suica” is an alternative option for tourists only. It is only valid for 28 days from the date of purchase and doesn’t require a deposit, but still carries all the benefits of the regular Suica card. Both physical Suicas and Welcome Suicas seem to be limited lately due to semiconducter chip shortages, so please research availability of both before departing for Japan.

Save Money and Travel Japan in Style With Suica, Japan's Most-Used Transit IC Card

Emiko Tanaka

Working out how to use the local public transport is a common hassle when traveling overseas. Luckily, the Suica IC card, issued by JR East, magically solves this problem for you! Use cash to charge your Suica card and you can glide through the ticket gates with just a tap. Suica also automatically calculates your fare, so there's no need to work out ticket prices. Plus, it's not just valid in Tokyo; you can use Suica all over Japan! Suica cards can also be used for cashless payments at convenience stores, taxis, game centers, vending machines, coin lockers, and more, which saves you from carrying around wads of cash when you travel. In this article, we'll run down all you need to know about Suica cards so that you can travel smart in Japan!

Check out our writers’ top Japan travel ideas!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

What Is Suica, Japan's Number One Transport IC Card?

Many Japanese transport companies have introduced IC cards in recent years. These cards save time by removing the need to buy tickets, and also often offer discounted fares, which has led to a rapid uptake by the public. Certain IC card types, when pre-loaded with cash, can also be used as digital money to pay at shops or taxis.

Issued by the East Japan Railway Company (or JR East), Suica is the most-issued IC transit card in Japan. Used mainly in the Tokyo area, Suica is accepted on public transport systems all over the country. More stores accept cashless Suica payments than any other IC card, making it a good choice for locals and international visitors alike. Let's dig a little deeper into how to use Suica and save money!

Not Just for Transit! The Many Places Where You Can Pay with Suica

Public transport.

Suica is sold and mainly used in the greater Tokyo region, but is accepted all over Japan. Suica's coverage extends beyond its four core areas of the Greater Tokyo Area, Sendai, Niigata, and Okinawa. It's also accepted in Hokkaido, the Tokai and Kansai regions, and Kyushu, meaning you can use it wherever you go in Japan. However, you do need to buy a ticket in advance if you want to travel across different areas. Suica can also be used on a number of local bus and train networks.

The areas that accept Suica are constantly expanding. You can check the official JR East website or ask JR staff for the latest network details.

**The difference between the "core areas" and other areas is that other regions have their own IC cards that they sell primarily, although they accept Suica. Learn more about the dizzying array of IC cards with this article!

Suica is also a very convenient method for cashless payments. It's accepted at large chain stores like convenience stores, supermarkets, drugstores, and electronics stores, as well as vending machines, restaurants, variety stores, clothes stores, and recreation spots like karaoke, manga cafes, and arcades. You can even use it to pay for a rental car or when filling up your car at a gas station. As of September 2019, around 750,000 stores around Japan accept Suica, with the number growing all the time!

However, many smaller independent stores and restaurants may not accept cashless payments. There are also stores that accept Suica payments but don't provide recharge services. You can request a refund if you don't manage to use up all the cash you've loaded onto your Suica card during your travels. Since refunds do come with a service fee of 220 yen, it might be easier to load an amount you know you'll be able to use up before you leave.

It's easy to find stores that accept Suica. Just look for the Suica logo displayed at the counter like in the photo below.

There's Even a Card for Tourists! How to Get and Charge a Suica Card

Suica is very convenient for getting around and shopping, so if you're planning to travel in Japan, it's smart to have one. But how do you actually get a Suica card of your own? Let's look at the different types and how to get them.

Suica Card Types and How to Get Them

・My Suica (Registered)

A "My Suica" card can be reissued if lost. The advantage to this type is that if you lose it, you can suspend the card to protect its remaining balance. However, you have to register the card with your name, birthdate, and gender, which limits its use to the registered user, which may be a downside for some travelers. You can buy a "My Suica" at ticket machines or ticket offices at major JR East Stations.

If you are traveling with a child aged 6 to 11, we'd recommend making a children's My Suica. Children's fares are around half the cost of adult fares, but an unregistered Suica card only supports adult fares. To get a children's My Suica, you must visit a staffed ticket office at a JR East station in the areas Suica are sold (Greater Tokyo Area, Sendai, or Niigata). You'll just need your child's passport as proof of age.

You can first charge your "My Suica" at 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, or at 10,000 yen, which all include a refundable 500 yen deposit.

・Suica Card (Unregistered)

An unregistered Suica card can be used by anyone. The fact that you don't need to register your personal details may be more convenient for some, but you do run the risk of losing your balance if you lose the card. You can also buy this card at ticket machines or ticket offices at major JR East Stations. Like My Suica, you can load the card with your choice of 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, or 10,000 yen, including a refundable 500 yen deposit.

There is no children's version of an unregistered Suica card, so unfortunately any children using one will be charged the full fare. We recommend making the effort to get a children's My Suica if you are travelling with children aged between 6 and 11.

・Welcome Suica, for International Tourists

Welcome Suica is a version designed specifically for international tourists. If you'll only be using your Suica for 28 days or less, this is a good choice. Designed with a Japanese feel in colors that resemble the Japanese flag, with white sakura blossoms on a red background, this card can be taken home as a souvenir. Only valid for 28 days, the Welcome Suica doesn't require a 500 yen deposit, but you can’t have the balance of the card refunded. The rest of its features are identical to a normal unregistered Suica card.

You can get a Welcome Suica card from JR East Travel Service Centers, as well as dedicated Welcome Suica vending machines at Narita and Haneda airports. Check the official website for further details.

・Where Is the Best Place to Get a Suica Card?

All Suica cards, with the exception of the Welcome Suica, are available to buy at any major JR East train station. That said, we recommend visiting a JR East Travel Service Center at Narita Airport Station, Narita Airport Terminal 2·3 Station, Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, Shibuya Station, Ikebukuro Station, Ueno Station, or Hamamatsucho Station. These centers sell tickets and have a range of services for international visitors, including English-speaking staff who can help with sightseeing information. If you have questions about using your Suica for sightseeing, they'll likely be able to help.

**If you're planning on staying in Japan for a bit longer, then you should look into Suica's points program , where you earn points by spending money on JR East fares and retail!

How to Charge a Suica Card

Suica cards are rechargeable, not single-use. When the balance runs low, you can recharge your Suica at ticket machines or convenience stores in Japan.

・Station Ticket Machines

You can load up to 20,000 yen onto your Suica card at ticket machines with an IC logo. If you're already inside the ticket gates and need to recharge, you can also add funds using the machines labeled "Fare Adjustment".

To add funds using these machines, first either insert your card or place it on the designated reader. Select your preferred language on the upper right hand side of the screen. Select the amount to recharge, insert your cash, and the charge will complete.

Please see this pamphlet for more details on the process.

・Convenience Stores

Using machines at the station may be the easiest way to recharge, but if you're able to communicate a little in Japanese, you can also do this at convenience stores. Some electronics and drug stores also provide recharge services, but convenience stores are probably the most convenient place to do it. Almost every major convenience store chain like 7-Eleven or Lawson will let you recharge your Suica at the register. To do this, tell the register staff the amount you want to recharge, give them your cash, then place your card on the Suica reader.

Go Cardless and Travel Even Smarter! All About Mobile Suica

An additional service called Mobile Suica is also available. The benefit to this service is that you can use your smartphone rather than needing to keep track of a separate card. There's also no need to make a 500-yen deposit. Just like a physical Suica card, you can use Mobile Suica both for public transport and cashless payments. The official website and App Store listing are only in Japanese, which could be a barrier for some, but if you can manage to get it set up, it's very convenient.

To get started, first download the Suica app. On Apple devices, you can use Suica with Apple Pay to use the service on your iPhone or Apple Watch. On Android devices, you can link Suica with Google Pay. If you don't want to link a credit card and would rather just recharge by other means, EASY Mobile Suica is another option to consider. Recharges are available from 1,000 yen and up, and can be done using a registered credit card/payment service, or with cash at major convenience store chains and other shops.

Please keep in mind that Mobile Suica isn't available on all devices. For more details, check out the official site (in Japanese only).

To download Mobile Suica: Apple devices Android devices

Good to Know! Suica How-Tos and Troubleshooting

You can't leave the ticket gates without a sufficient balance.

You tapped your Suica on the reader, but the gates won't open? Don't stress! It's likely you need to just recharge your card. At most major stations, you can add funds at the automatic machines located before the ticket gates. If you can't find the machines, ask the staff at the ticket gate window. They can help you charge your card there, too. If you don't have cash on you, speak to the station staff. They can either help you buy a new ticket with a credit card, or help find another solution.

What Happens If You Lose Your Card?

If you lose your registered My Suica card, you can have it reissued. Ask a station attendant at a major station within Suica coverage areas. When you apply for a reissue, the balance of the lost card is frozen at the time it was suspended. You can pick up your new card the next day. To reissue a card, you need to pay a processing fee of 520 yen plus a 500 yen deposit for the new card. So, if you can't find the card, it's best to take into account the amount actually left on it and apply for a reissue if it makes sense to you.

Unfortunately, unregistered Suica and Welcome Suica cards can't be reissued. If you're planning to put a significant amount of cash onto your card, a My Suica will give you more peace of mind.

What If There's Money Left on My Card?

If you can't use up the whole balance of your card while you're in Japan, you can have the remaining balance refunded. The amount refunded will be the remaining balance plus your initial 500 yen deposit, minus a 200 yen service charge. Refunds are available at all JR East station ticket offices within the core Suica area (Greater Tokyo Area, Sendai, Niigata).

If you're planning to come back to Japan, it's also fine to leave some balance on the card for next time. If you don't think you'll come back but don't want to pay the refund fee, you can also just try to use the balance up. Some convenience stores sell candy for a few dozen yen, including some around the 20 yen range, which are perfect for using up your last remaining balance. You can use your Suica card at many airport shops and restaurants, too. Enjoying some Japanese food and souvenirs before you leave could be a worthwhile way to finish up your Suica balance!

Don't worry if your bill comes out to more than your Suica balance; you can pay the remainder in cash if you need to. Doing this is a hassle-free way of using up your Suica balance completely.

"Suica" actually stands for Super Urban Intelligent CArd. Just as this name suggests, Suica magically guides you to easy travel and shopping during your trip. Suica is the most-used card of its type in Japan, and is accepted in an impressive range of stores. It's even conveniently available on your smartphone! It's clear why you should choose Suica, so pick one up as soon as you arrive in Japan and travel stress free! ■ What Is Suica? JR East Japan (English) https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html ■ JR East Guide (English) https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/downloads/pdf/jr-east_guide_e.pdf

If you want to give feedback on any of our articles, you have an idea that you'd really like to see come to life, or you just have a question on Japan, hit us up on our Facebook , Twitter , or Instagram !

Thumbnail: Terence Toh Chin Eng / Shutterstock.com

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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Suica, Pasmo, Icoca and seven more of Japan's most popular IC cards were made compatible with each other in 2013, making it possible to travel on almost all trains , subways and buses in most of Japan's largest cities with just a single of these cards.

What is an IC card?

IC cards are rechargeable cards that can be used to conveniently pay fares on public transportation and to make payments at many vending machines , shops and restaurants by simply touching the card on a reader for about one second. Dozens of train and bus operators across Japan have started issuing their own IC cards since 2001.

Instead of physical IC cards, it is possible to use digital versions of some of the cards on mobile phones ; however, at present, oversea tourists can do this only if they own an Iphone .

What are the ten major IC cards?

The following ten major IC cards are compatible with each other:

What is covered and what is not?

The ten cards are valid on virtually all trains, subways and buses in most of Japan's major cities, including Tokyo , Osaka , Kyoto , Nagoya and Fukuoka . But there are a few issues to keep in mind:

It is not possible to travel outside IC card areas. Both, the origin and destination stations have to be located inside the IC card's coverage area. Furthermore, it is not possible to use an IC card to travel between disjoined IC card areas (except when using shinkansen trains; see details below). For example, you cannot use it to travel between Tokyo and Sendai .

IC cards can be used on selected shinkansen lines, but need some set-up before use. There are currently three different systems:

On the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen IC cards can be used on the Tokaido / Sanyo / Kyushu Shinkansen via the Tokaido Sanyo Kyushu Shinkansen Online Reservation Service . In order to do so, one or more IC cards and a credit card have to be registered on the website or app (note that the app is available only in a limited number of countries and known as smart EX). Afterwards, it is possible to purchase shinkansen tickets online and use the registered IC cards to pass through the shinkansen ticket gates. Fares are charged to the registered credit card rather than subtracted from the IC cards' balance.
On shinkansen in eastern and northern Japan It is possible to use regular IC cards on all shinkansen trains in eastern and northern Japan by purchasing e-tickets through JR East's reservation website . Fares are charged to the registered credit card rather than subtracted from the IC cards' balance.
On shinkansen operated by JR East Regular IC cards can be used on non-reserved seats along the Tohoku, Akita, Yamagata , Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen trains (Hokuriku Shinkansen only between Tokyo and Joetsu-Myoko stations). Before you can use an IC card for this service, which is known as "Touch de Go", a one-time set-up procedure is required at a ticket machine. Fares will be subtracted from the IC card's balance.

When riding other trains that require a supplement fee, e.g. limited express trains, travelers can use the IC card to pay the base fare when passing through the ticket gates, but the supplement ticket needs to be purchased separately at a ticket machine, office or online.

Many highway buses cannot be paid by IC card.

The table below shows in more detail the coverage of the IC cards:

How to use IC cards?

When passing automatic ticket gates, touch the card onto the card reader for about one second (rather than inserting it into the ticket slot). The applicable fare will be automatically deducted when you exit through the ticket gate at your destination station. When riding buses , card readers are placed at the entrance and/or exit of the bus. A card cannot be shared by multiple travelers for the same ride. Each traveler needs a separate card.

Is there a discount over regular tickets?

IC cards generally do not provide any discounts over regular tickets. But in Greater Tokyo , Niigata and Sendai , train fares can differ by a few yen depending on whether an IC card or a paper ticket is used. This is because fares are rounded to the nearest ten yen in case of paper tickets, but not rounded in case of IC cards. Around central Tokyo, payment by IC card is always cheaper than payment by paper ticket (by up to nine yen), but outside of central Tokyo, either ticket type can be up to five yen cheaper than the other.

Where to get an IC card?

IC cards can be purchased at ticket machines and ticket counters of the issuing railway companies. The initial cost consists of a refundable deposit of 500 yen plus an initial amount (typically 1500 yen) to be charged onto the card. For a surcharge, Suica and Pasmo cards can also be purchased and sent to you before the start of your trip through Japan Experience . Last but not least, Iphone users can add Suica, Pasmo and Icoca cards to Apple Pay .

Are there digital versions of the IC cards?

Iphone 8 and later models can be set up to serve as Suica, Pasmo and Icoca cards by adding the cards to Apple Pay, but note that some credit cards issued outside of Japan cannot be used to charge your card.

Android phones can be used as IC cards through the "Mobile Suica", "Mobile Pasmo" and "Mobile Icoca" apps; however, the apps are targeted at residents of Japan and difficult or impossible to use for visitors to Japan. Specifically, they require Osaifu Keitai compatibility, which is not provided by most phones sold outside of Japan, come in Japanese only, and require an address in Japan and possibly a credit card that has been issued in Japan.

Which IC card shall I get?

The IC cards are virtually identical to each other in terms of coverage. The cards differ mainly on where they can be purchased and refunded. Therefore, most people will want to purchase the card available in the first city they visit, e.g. Suica or Pasmo in Tokyo or Icoca in Osaka . If you load a digital card onto your mobile phone , then you have the choice of Suica, Pasmo or Icoca regardless of your geographical location.

How to recharge IC cards?

IC cards can be recharged at ticket machines and special re-charging machines found in strategically meaningful locations. They can also be recharged at stations of companies other than the issuing company, e.g. Suica can also be recharged in Osaka . Furthermore, many convenience stores allow IC cards to be recharged at the cashier. The maximum amount to be charged onto a card is 20,000 yen.

How to check the current balance?

The current credit balance is shown on a small display whenever you pass a ticket gate or make a payment at a store. Furthermore, the balance can be checked at ticket machines together with a usage history.

How to get back the 500 yen refundable deposit?

Bring your card to the ticket counter of the issuing operator in order to get back your 500 yen deposit. Unused credit can also be refunded; however, most companies will subtract a 220 yen handling fee from the remaining balance. Note that IC cards can be returned only to the issuing company, e.g. it is not possible to return a Suica card in Osaka or an Icoca card in Tokyo .

Is there an expiry date?

Cards become invalid if they are not used for ten years.

Besides regular cards, there are personalized cards which can be replaced if lost (handling fee applies), commuter cards which also serve as a commuter pass, and cards for children.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Japan On Cloud Nine blog on easy-to-understand and practical Japan travel and guides and logistics for tourists and travelers going to Japan

Where and How to Buy Your Suica or Pasmo IC Card When Visiting Tokyo Japan in 2024

If you are planning on going to Japan soon, and are looking for the best travel tips to get you started, a quick look at many travel websites, blogs, and YouTube videos will reveal that you need to get a Suica or Pasmo card.

“What is a Suica (or Pasmo)?”

“Why do I need one?”

“There are so many different IC cards out there, Which one should I purchase?”

These are the questions mostly asked by tourists and visitors going to Tokyo, Japan. After all, traveling to Japan requires a certain level of research, planning and logistics, which could lead to confusion and frustration.

But no worry. You are in the right place! I personally love this stuff. And I am always excited to share my nuggets of wisdom, which were accumulated over many years of traveling to Japan.

An IC card is one of the most essential and convenient items to have when it comes to using Japan’s vast and complex public transportation system during your travel.

And if you have a Tokyo, Japan trip scheduled for spring 2024 or later, you are in luck. Why? Because you just narrowly missed the mess and headaches of IC card sale suspension caused by the recent chip supply shortage in Japan. Good for you!

So, let’s get down to business. We will touch on the IC card topic and what it does, look together at which Japanese airport you are flying into, which IC card is available in that area that you can purchase and use while in Japan, and address and answer questions you might have when it comes to these nifty little cards.

You will walk away feeling much better, and less confused and stressed about your Japan trip. Sounds good? Let’s go!

What Is a Suica Card (or Pasmo Card) ?

Suica (or Pasmo) is an IC card, or a Japanese prepaid transit card, which you can load up with yen, and use it to tap and pay for rides on trains, subways, buses, without purchasing a paper ticket for each ride.

It can also be used to buy snacks and drinks at stores or vending machines, and even to pay for goods and souvenirs in department stores and shops.

Essential Information on Suica and Pasmo IC Cards

I wrote several posts on Suica and Pasmo cards, as I know it could be a confusing topic to research for first-time visitors and travelers to Japan.

The thing about the Internet is that sometimes, you get all sorts of info, and it seems everyone gives you different opinions, and sometimes not in the clear and organized way. And you end up being more confused than you was, before you started your research.

Below are some of the articles I wrote about IC cards like Suica and Pasmo , with first-time Japan visitors in mind. These will provide you with easy-to-understand concepts, functions and practical usages, and all the how-tos of these IC cards :

Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know

Suica vs welcome suica card : which one to choose when visiting japan.

Which IC Card to Buy When Going to Japan : Pasmo or Pasmo Passport Card?

Japan Travel with Digital Suica Card : Easy Fail-Safe Step-by-Step Guide To Add and Top Up a Suica Card in Apple Wallet

The easiest way to get a suica card on your phone : adding a digital suica (mobile suica) to your apple wallet, iphone users.

Do you have an iPhone? If you answer Yes, then you are going to love this : There is no need to run around to locate a ticket counter to buy a Suica card or Pasmo card, no need to stand in long lines, and no need to get cash to load your Suica or Pasmo card with yen.

Just open up Apple Wallet on your phone, click “Add a Transit Card”, choose “Suica”, and voila – You are now a proud owner of a digital Suica card!

newly added Mobile digital virtual Suica card on Apple Wallet iPhone zero balance need top up

Every time you need to pay for train, subway, or bus rides, or buy goods, just hover your phone over the IC card reader at the terminal or cashier area, and the fares are automatically deducted from your digital Suica card. Easy peasy, right?

And another beauty is that you can use your digital Suica card (mobile Suica) anywhere across Japan.

For step-by-step guide on how to add a digital Suica to your Apple Wallet, how to use it, how to reload the card with more yen, and get answers to any other questions you might have, see my simple and easy-to-understand posts below. You will so glad you did.

Digital Suica Card as a Quick Easy Payment Method for Public Transport in Japan : Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Android phone users.

For Android phone users, unless your Android phone was originally purchased inside Japan, unfortunately, your phone is not yet compatible to use a digital Suica card.

But no worry, below are all available alternatives for your choosing :

best ways for android phone users to pay for japan train subway bus easily using ic cards suica pasmo toica icoca

4 Best Ways to Pay for Public Transport for Android Phone Users After Suica Pasmo Card Sale Suspension in 2023

What Was All the Commotions about Suica and Pasmo Card Sale Suspension Earlier ?

In case you were curious, Suica and Pasmo card sale suspension earlier (caused by the chip supply shortage in Japan as well as the rest of the world) was frantic and stressful for foreign visitors and tourists to Japan, to say the least.

Want to know what happened? Check out the whole thing here, as well as a suggested workaround, which is useful, if you even find yourself in an unfortunate situation at a ticket counter, where there is no Suica or Pasmo card left in stock.

Suica and Pasmo Card Sale Discontinued : Best Way to Pay for Public Transport in Japan without the Iconic IC Cards

Suica and Pasmo IC Card Sale Suspension in August 2023 – What It Means, and What to Do If You Are Going to Japan

Now that you have a good grasp of what a Suica or a Pasmo card is, let’s look together at which Japanese city you are flying into, and which IC card is available in that area, so that you can purchase one and use it for the duration of your Japan trip.

Which Airport You Land in Japan, and Which IC Card You Can Purchase in that Area

If at all possible, after landing in Japan and clearing customs and immigrations, it is strongly recommended to purchase your IC card at the airport.

Currently, with the chip supply shortage still somewhat going on, the airport is the best place for you to pick up IC cards, as several types of cards are currently available for purchase there.

Once you leave the airport, you can still purchase an IC card, however, there are fewer choices, and you might have to travel to specific train stations or subway stations to buy an IC card.

So it is your best bet to obtain an IC card at the airport, where many options and higher card supply are available.

If You Fly Into Narita International Airport in Japan

If you land in Narita Airport, you will have many options of IC cards to pick from.

Each type of cards can be purchased at a specific area in the airport. So after you make your choice, head there to buy your card.

Below, I have listed all different types of IC cards available at Narita International Airport, and where to go to get them. Enjoy!

IC cards smart prepaid transit cards Pasmo Suica Icoca Stress free Japan Travel

If you are not sure where to go, don’t worry.

Head to the “Information Desk” or “Visitor Service Center” booth right inside the Arrivals area of Narita International Airport. You will see them right away, in front of you, when exiting the Customs and Immigration area.

The staff here will be able to help point you into the correct direction and booth to get your card.

1 . Buy a Suica Card

Just a few months ago, the wildly popular Suica card was still out of stock due to the chip supply shortage in Japan and all over the world.

This has caused so much stress and panic for visitors going to Japan, who had to scramble to find alternatives to replace this awesome card .

However, around March 2024, Japan has slowly brought these cards back in stock and for sale. Hurray! So if you are going to Tokyo, Japan starting spring 2024 or later, you are good to go!

Where to Buy Your Suica Card

Head to the JR Ticket Office or JR East Travel Service Center in the Arrivals area of Narita International Airport. It is located downstairs, in the Train Station area of the airport, and there will be huge overhead signs letting you know where to go to get to the Train Station area.

Follow the signs, and take an escalator or elevator down 1 level. Look for sign for the JR Ticket Office, get in the queue, and when it’s your turn, the staff will help you with your Suica card purchase.

2 . Buy a Pasmo Card

Pasmo is another popular IC card next to Suica, which can be purchased in the Tokyo area of Japan.

This card have the exact same functions and usages as Suica, and can also be used all over Japan, not just in Tokyo.

Similar to Suica, Pasmo card was also hit with the chip supply shortage, and card sale was suspended as well.

Where to Buy Your Pasmo Card

Unlike Suica, Pasmo sale suspension has not yet been lifted, so the chance that you might find this card sold in the airport and subway stations in Tokyo is rare at this time.

But don’t worry. Its close cousin, the cute Pasmo Passport IC card, is widely available for sale in Narita airport (and in major subway stations, such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc.), and you can pick one up easily. I will address it below in its own section.

3 . Buy a Welcome Suica Card

Welcome Suica is essentially the same as a Suica card, but created for foreign tourists visiting Japan only.

There are only a few differences between a Suica and a Welcome Suica . None of which is significant for most visitors.

If you are curious, check out my comparison article between a Suica card and Welcome Suica card here : Suica vs Welcome Suica Card : Which One to Choose When Visiting Japan?

You might be required to show your passport to the staff before buying this card, in order to prove that you are a foreign visitor to Japan, as the Welcome Suica card is currently only sold to tourists and visitors to Japan.

Where to Buy Your Welcome Suica Card

narita international airport train terminal narita express train nex ticket booking early

Follow the signs, and take an escalator or elevator down 1 level. Look for sign for the JR Ticket Office, get in the queue, and when it’s your turn, the staff will help you with your Welcome Suica card purchase.

You can also skip the line altogether, and get a Welcome Suica card at the Welcome Suica machines nearby.

These machines accept cash (yen), debit cards, and credit cards as well. However, there has been issue with some foreign (non-Japanese) Visa card acceptance.

So if you plan to buy through the machine, it is best to use a non-Visa card, such as MasterCard or AmericanExpress.

4 . Buy a Pasmo Passport Card

The adorable Pasmo Passport IC card is widely available for sale in Narita airport and Haneda airport.

It is also available in major subway stations, such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ueno-okachimachi, Ikebukuro, Ginza, Meiji-jingumae, Shimbashi, Otemachi, Iidabashi, Shinagawa, Yokohama.

Tokyo Metro has announced that they will discontinue the Pasmo Passport after August 2024. So if you are going to Japan before August 2024, you will be able to get one just fine.

For those going after August 2024, don’t worry, as this seems to be good news – Pasmo Passport sale suspension most likely means the normal Pasmo card will be available for sale again. And if not, there’s plenty of Suica card to buy at that time.

Where to Buy Your Pasmo Passport Card

After exiting Customs and Immigrations area, you will arrive at the Arrivals area of the airport. Follow the overhead signs to get to the Train Station area of the airport.

You will see signs in front of various ticket counters letting you know where to go to buy a Pasmo Passport card. Two of the places to pick one up are the Keisei Train Ticket counter or Skyliner & Keisei Information Center counter.

Keisei and Skyliner Information Center ticket counter office at Narita Airport

Get in line, and the staff will help you get a Pasmo Passport. No stress!

AS previously mentioned, this card is also available in major subway stations until August 2024, such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Ueno-okachimachi, Ikebukuro, Ginza, Meiji-jingumae, Shimbashi, Otemachi, Iidabashi, Shinagawa, Yokohama.

So if the airport is too crowded with long queues, you can purchase you Pasmo Passport later at one of the major subway stations above.

5 . For iPhone Users – Get a Digital Suica Card on Apple Wallet

Dif you have a chance to read “The Easiest Way to Get a Suica Card on Your Phone : Adding a Digital Suica (Mobile Suica) to Your Apple Wallet” section above?

Yes, just open up the Apple Wallet on your phone, click “Add a Transit Card”, choose “Suica”, and voila – You are now a proud owner of a digital Suica card!

How To Add a Digital Suica on Your iPhone

For step-by-step guide on how to add a digital Suica to your Apple Wallet, how to use it, how to reload it with more yen to use, and get answers to any other questions you might have, see my simple and easy-to-understand posts below. You will so glad you did.

If You Fly Into Haneda International Airport in Japan

If you are flying into Haneda International Airport, you will have pretty much the same options as those at Narita Airport.

Each type of cards can be purchased at a specific area in the airport. So after you make your choice from the below list, read the “Where to Buy” section to head to the correct area and buy your card.

Head to the “Information Desk” or “Visitor Service Center” booth inside the Arrivals area of Haneda International Airport. You will see them right away, in front of you, when exiting the Customs and Immigration area.

The wildly popular Suica card was out of stock in earlier months, due to the chip supply shortage in Japan and all over the world.

However, around March 2024, Haneda airport is starting to bring it back slowly, but at a smaller supply per day. So if your flight arrives earlier in the day, there is a good chance you will be able to purchase a normal Suica card.

So if you are going to Tokyo, Japan starting spring 2024 or later, you are good to go!

Head to the JR Ticket Office or JR East Travel Service Center in the Arrivals area of Haneda International Airport. There will be huge overhead signs letting you know where to go to get to the Train Station area.

Follow the signs, and look for sign for the JR Ticket Office. Queue up with other travelers, and when it’s your turn, the staff will help you with your Suica card purchase.

If you arrives at the JR Ticket counter too late in the day, and Suica cards are sold out, don’t panic!

The staff can help you get a Welcome Suica (which is an alternative to the normal Suica card, but only available to foreign visitors to Japan) instead.

2 . Buy a Welcome Suica Card

IC Card smart prepaid transit card Welcome Suica card red cherry blossom design for tourists to Japan

Head to the JR Ticket Office or JR East Travel Service Center in the Arrivals area of Haneda International Airport. It is located close to the Monorails area of the airport, and there will be huge overhead signs letting you know where to go to get there.

Follow the signs, and look for sign for the JR Ticket Office, get in the queue, and when it’s your turn, the staff will help you with your Welcome Suica card purchase.

You can also skip the line altogether, and get a Welcome Suica card at the red Welcome Suica vending machines nearby.

3 . Buy a Pasmo Passport Card

The adorable Pasmo Passport IC card is widely available for sale in Haneda airport.

Pasmo Passport IC card for tourists in Japan cute design with colorful animal cartoon characters and cherry blossoms on card cute souvenir

You will see signs in front of various ticket counters letting you know where to go to buy a Pasmo Passport card.

4 . For iPhone Users – Get a Digital Suica Card on Apple Wallet

Are all these ic cards the same.

One of the questions that are mostly asked by visitors and tourists going to Japan is : “What IC card should I get for my trip?”.

All these different IC cards essentially function the same way, and can be used eerywhere across Japan.

The only difference being that, while the normal Suica and Pasmo cards only expire after 10 years of the last time they are used, Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport cards are designed for tourists only, and expire 28 days after purchase.

Which is really not that big of a deal if your trip lasts 28 days or less. You will want to use up all your balance in the card before the card expires though, if you buy a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport card.

In case you are interested, here are the point-by-point comparisons between the normal Suica and Pasmo cards vs. the tourist-version Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport cards :

With this said, if you can’t find a specific card that you want (or it’s sold out for the day), just grab a different IC card available where you stay at : Suica, Pasmo, Welcome Suica, Pasmo Passport. They all do the same thing.

And there you have it. Happy travels!

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] , and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels!

Post You Might be Interested In

– Have many questions about a digital Suica card, and whether it is a great choice to pay for public transports in your Japan trip? Have all your questions answered here in my latest post “Digital Suica Card as a Quick Easy Payment Method for Public Transport in Japan : Frequently Asked Questions and Answers”

– Interested in buying a Suica IC card, but not sure what the differences between a regular Suica card and a Welcome Suica card? Read my “Suica vs Welcome Suica Card : Which One to Choose When Visiting Japan?” post here.

– Interested in knowing more about the all-time favorite and super awesome IC cards such as Pasmo and Suica cards? Read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

– Wonder what awesome tips you could get in order to hit the ground running and navigate Japan smoothly and stress-free, with or without a JR Pass ? Read my “12 Ultimate Tips for Taking Tokyo’s Public Transport With Ease” post here .

– Wonder what the JR Pass everyone talks about all the time is? More importantly, if getting a JR Pass would be a good idea and save you a lot of money on transportation costs in your trip? Get concise and practical answers here at “ Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying? “

– Do you need an easy, convenient, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo with luggages ? Read my “Airport Limousine Bus – The Convenient Way to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo” post here. Going to Haneda airport instead? Read this post .

– Do you need a fast, easy, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo ? Read my “ The Narita Express (N’EX) : Fast and Easy Travel from Airport to Tokyo” post here.

And much more – Check out all of my posts here on the Main page .

JR Pass Price Increase : Read This If You Go to Japan In October 2023 or After

Digital Suica Card as a Quick Easy Payment Method for Public Transport in Japan : Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?

Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know

Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

IC Cards in Japan: Pasmo versus Suica

Using a prepaid IC card in Japan is a guaranteed way to make your trip easier.

They’ll save you time, money, and most importantly, the embarrassment of lost tickets. But travelers who want to use IC cards in Tokyo always end up asking one important question about them: Which is better Pasmo or Suica? Not to worry, we’re here with the lowdown on the Pasmo vs Suica debate.

The latest on IC cards in Japan

In 2023, a worldwide chip shortage caused the temporary suspension of sales of all new Pasmo and Suica IC cards in Japan. This means that at the moment you can’t buy a new blank or registered Suica or Pasmo. However, you can still buy commuter passes, virtual IC cards, and the special tourist-only Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport.

But, as with many things, the situation is always changing. As of our latest update, May 2024:

The Welcome Suica is only available for purchase online , at Haneda Airport and some major JR East Stations
Regular Suica cards are available at Narita Airport and at travel service centers at some major JR stations. But they are only for short term visitors
The Pasmo Passport is only available at ticket offices at Haneda Airport, not at ticket machines
At the moment the ¥ 500 issuing fee for the Pasmo Passport is being waived
Toica cards were available at Tokyo Station for a while, but now the sales are suspended

What are Suica and Pasmo IC cards?

Suica and Pasmo cards are just two of the many different prepaid train cards in Japan. They work similarly to smart travel cards in other parts of the world — you preload money and then tap them on a reader whenever you pass through ticket gates. Basically, they save you the trouble of buying (and potentially losing) tickets. And you can also use IC cards in Japan to shop at certain stores (including convenience stores), buy drinks at vending machines, and even pay for coin lockers.

Pasmos and Suicas are just one type of IC card available in Japan. They both cover the Tokyo area, but are operated by different companies. Other parts of Japan have their own IC train cards, run by different companies. The good news is though, that for the most part all these different IC cards still work Japan wide. So yes, you could use your Suica card in Osaka.

Why you should consider getting an IC card in Japan

We can’t emphasize enough how handy IC cards are. Yes, you can skip confusing ticket machines and the side-eyes of salarymen as you search every pocket in vain for your ticket stub. But there’s more to IC cards than that. Here are some other great reasons you need to get one:

Time-saving: Changing train lines can be stressful enough, and having to buy a new ticket in between can be all it takes for you to miss your last train home.
Money-saving: Suica and Pasmo cards offer a marginal discount on every journey. For example, you’ll save from ¥ 1 to around ¥ 10 on a trip from Shinjuku to Asakusa (depending on which route you take). It may not be much, but it adds up! You also won’t lose money by accidentally buying the wrong tickets.
Flexible: Because you don’t specify a location when boarding a train or bus with a Suica or Pasmo card, you have more flexibility. If you change your mind, or see something cool out of the window, you can hop off without worrying about having the the right ticket. Also great if you don’t know the exact bus stop and rely on following Google Maps on your phone until it looks close!
Shopping: Like their counterparts in other areas of Asia, IC train cards in Japan can also be used for vending machines, coin lockers , and in plenty of shops (especially convenience stores).
Long-term: If you’re staying in Tokyo for a while , you can register your Suica or Pasmo card. This means if your IC card is lost or stolen, you can get the balance transfered to a new card. You can also use a registered card to buy a commuter pass.

Suica vs. Pasmo: What’s the difference?

To be perfectly honest, there isn’t a big difference between Suica and Pasmo IC cards. The main difference is that they are managed by different companies — Suica cards are managed by JR East, while Pasmo cards are managed by non-JR Lines, including Tokyo Metro and Keikyu Electric Railway. However both cards can be used on train lines run by other operators. For example, you can use your Suica on a Tokyo Metro Line or your Pasmo on a JR Line without issue.

So, which do you get? Sometimes, the smallest decisions are the hardest to make — so here’s a table to help!

* The ¥ 220 is only deductible from leftover charge, not your deposit. If you return it with less than ¥ 220 on it, you will not pay the fee. #cheapowinning

Suica vs. Pasmo: Which train card should I buy?

Essentially, Pasmo and Suica cards are identical. The only real consideration is if you need a commuter pass, as daily work journeys on a JR line require a Suica and vice versa. The only semi-real consideration is if you have plans to travel to an unusual area , and it isn’t listed by Pasmo — but then it may not be covered by Suica either and you might not find out until you get there.

tl;dr: It doesn’t really make much of a difference, but if you are only staying for a few weeks and know in your heart of hearts you won’t remember to return your card for the ¥ 500 , we suggest the deposit-free Welcome Suica. The regular cards can easily be bought at machines in train station.

Specifically for short-term visitors to Japan

Both Suica and Pasmo have special IC cards for short-term visitors to Japan. The Welcome Suica is a blossom-themed card while the Pasmo Passport features Sanrio characters. Like regular Suica and Pasmo cards they’re not too different from each other — both automatically expire after 28 days and you cannot return them for a refund. Yes, that means you’ll lose whatever balance remains at the end of the 28 days. The Welcome Suica has no deposit but doesn’t have associated discounts, while the Pasmo Passport has a ¥ 500 issuing fee but entitles you to discounts at participating businesses.

What else you need to know about Suica

For a full break down of everything Suica related, check out our dedicated Suica IC card guide . It has the answers to all your questions, including information on children’s Suica cards and virtual Suica cards.

Everthing else you need to know about Pasmo

Ditto Pasmo — we’ve got your information needs covered in our full guide to Pasmo cards .

Video on how to buy and use Suica and Pasmo cards

Bonus: Turn foreign coins into IC card cash

If you have any foreign currency you want to get rid of, or you want another option for topping up your IC card in Japan, you can always use a Pocket Change machine . These machines — which are dotted around the country — collect your foreign coins and transfer them into digital cash and vouchers in yen form. They support both Suica and Pasmo services and even take 1 yen and 5 yen coins. They’re a worthwhile way to make use of miscellaneous coins collected along your travels.

Frequently asked questions about IC cards in Japan

Can i use a suica or pasmo card in kyoto.

Yes, you can. Suica cards can be used in most areas of Japan, including the old capital and its merchant neighbor, Osaka . Pasmo cards also have a wide range, which includes Kyoto.

Pro tip: If you’re planning to head that way, see our Tokyo to Kyoto transport guide for a few money-saving tips.

How do I refund an IC card in Japan?

This is one of the times when it actually does matter whether you have a Suica or a Pasmo card. Both cards can be returned for refunds of the ¥ 500 deposit, but you have to return them to the right place. Suica cards need to be returned to a JR Ticket Office, while Pasmo cards need to be returned at a non-JR Line Station Office, for example at a Tokyo Metro Station.

Which IC card in Japan is the best?

When it comes to the Pasmo vs. Suica debate, there’s no clear winner. They’re both super convenient and will definitely make your life easier. The only time it will really matter is if you need to buy a commuter pass.

As for IC cards in the rest of Japan, the regional versions are also great and work all over Japan just like the Suica and Pasmo do.

While we do our best to make sure it is correct, the information in this post is subject to change. Post first published in April, 2017. Last updated by Maria Danuco in February 2024.

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Guide to Suica Card: Where and How to Buy Suica Card Japan

May 9, 2024

😉Suica Card price

What is Suica Card?

The Suica Card is a contactless e-card with prepaid e-money, used on public transportation in Japan, including trains, subways, buses and even some taxis. It was introduced by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East) and has become one of the most popular and widely accepted IC cards in Japan.

You can simply tap the Suica Card on the card reader at the ticket gate and the fare is automatically deducted from your Suica, eliminating the need for paper tickets or exact change. Besides, the Suica Card can also be used to buy drinks from vending machines and convenience stores. It offers a convenient and cashless payment to make travel much more convenient.

Types of Suica Card

Source: JR East offficial

Where to use my Suica card?

Public transportation.

Suica cards are primarily used for public transportation, including JR East lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area, subways, buses and the Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo, as well as certain transportation systems in the Sendai and Niigata, Hokkaido, Tokai, West Japan and Kyushu areas . You can use your Suica card to conveniently tap in and out at ticket gates without purchasing paper tickets.

Other smart card transportation systems

You can use your Welcome Suica Card for any train, bus or store in Japan with the IC logo, which is for the nationwide network of mutual use services, including Suica, PASMO, Kitaca, TOICA, manaca, ICOCA, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, nimoca, and Hayakaken.

Note: The Welcome Suica cannot be used for continuous travel between areas. If you want to travel across one to another, make sure you leave the ticket gate and re-enter.

The Welcome Suica can be used to buy drinks or snacks from onboard train sales, vending machines, and convenience stores, wherever the logos below are displayed. You can use your Suica card to make purchases by simply tapping it on the card reader.

Coin lockers and facilities

Certain facilities such as coin lockers at train stations or public baths may accept Suica cards as a payment method.

Where to buy Suica Card?

Buy suica card pass online.

Trip.com offers online Welcome Suica pass purchase, allowing you to buy it in advance and pick it up at Haneda Airport.

Buy Suica Card pass on-site

Welcome Suica are sold at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 (Tokyo Monorail) station (JR EAST Travel Service Center and Welcome Suica exclusive vending machine).

The Suica can be purchased in major JR EAST stations at Multifunction Ticket Vending Machines, and JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-madoguchi).

*Please note that only one Welcome Suica will be sold per person.

How to use Suica Card?

Step 1: redeem your suica card.

If you buy a Welcome Suica Card online, please present your electronic voucher at the Haneda Airport Ninjia WiFi Counter to exchange for a physical pass.

Location: 3rd floor, departure hall, Haneda Airport Terminal 3
How to get there: Go to the 3rd floor from the arrival hall opposite the Tokyo Monorail ticket gate
Counter service hours: 07:00 - 23:00

If you buy a Suica Card on-site, you will directly get the card and there’s no need to redeem.

Source: NINJA WiFi official

Step 2: Top up the Suica Card

Activate your Suica Card at the selling spot or ticket machines, such as Haneda Airport. Then top up your Suica Card.

Step 3: Use the Suica Card for transportation and shopping

When entering a train station or boarding a bus, hold your Suica Card over the card reader. The gate will open, or you'll hear a beep indicating that your card has been successfully read. When exiting, repeat the process. This will deduct the fare from your card's balance. If you use it for shopping, just touch your card.

Source: Wikipedia

Note: You can check your balance at ticket vending machines. Your balance is also displayed on the ticket gate when you pass through.

Suica vs PASMO or ICOCA cards: What’s the difference?

Source: PASMO official and JR West official

How to use Suica Card on iPhone in Japan?

Check your devices first.

To add a Suica Card to your iPhone or Apple Watch, you need:

An Apple ID that you used to sign in on your device, with two-factor authentication enabled.
An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later, or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later, with the latest version of iOS or watchOS. Or an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or Apple Watch Series 2 that was purchased in Japan.
An eligible payment card in Apple Wallet.

Steps to add Suica Card to the Apple Wallet app

Step 1 : Open the Wallet app and tap the Add button
iPhone: Open the Wallet app and tap the Add button.
Apple Watch: On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and tap the My Watch tab. Then scroll down, tap Wallet & Apple Pay, and tap Add Card.
Step 2 : Tap Transit Card.
Step 3 : Choose the card that you want to add.
Step 4 : Tap Continue.
Step 5 : Choose an amount to put on the card and tap Add.
Step 6 : Follow the steps on the screen to confirm your purchase and add your Suica Card.

Note: You can select Suica in Wallet, and tap “Transactions” to check the transactions' history

How to recharge the Suica Card?

At Ticket Vending Machines

You can recharge your Suica Card at JR East ticketing machines, service centres, or convenience stores. The Welcome Suica can be charged to a maximum of 20,000 yen at Automatic Ticket Vending Machines and Fare Adjustment Machines displaying the Welcome Suica mark.

At convenience stores

You can recharge your Suica Card at Seven Bank ATMs, found at 7-Eleven and at other convenience stores.

From credit card

You can recharge your Suica Card from a credit card, but only the Apple Wallet app can be used to load.

Why choose the Suica Card?

Convenience.

The Suica card offers unparalleled convenience to take public transportation, covered all over Japan. Simply tap your card at the gate or on the card reader, and you're good to go. It saves a lot of time to bypass ticket queues.

Versatility

Not only for transportation, the Suica card can also be used for making purchases at stores, vending machines, and restaurants. This versatility makes it convenient for everyday transactions during your stay in Japan.

Cost-effective

Suica Cards offer discounted fares compared to purchasing individual tickets, especially if you plan to use public transportation frequently during your trip. Discount tickets can now be registered and used through the Welcome Suica card.

Popular attractions you can get by Suica Card

FAQ about Suica Card

Can i get a refund for my suica card, what should i do if my suica card is lost or stolen, are there any discounts or benefits for using a suica card.

1. 😉Suica Card price
2. What is Suica Card?
3. Types of Suica Card
4. Where to use my Suica card?
5. Where to buy Suica Card?
6. How to use Suica Card?
7. Suica vs PASMO or ICOCA cards: What’s the difference?
8. How to use Suica Card on iPhone in Japan?
9. How to recharge the Suica Card?
10. Why choose the Suica Card?
11. Popular attractions you can get by Suica Card

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The transport prepayment card, essential for any trip to Japan!

The transport prepaid card, a must-have for any trip to Japan!

©Nattaphat Saysuwan / 123RF

With this card you can board the Tokyo metro ...

©Kasto / 123RF

Tokyo Subway Map

©flamiaki8 / 123RF

Many other means of transport are accessible everywhere in Japan such as Kyoto buses ...

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... Or many other trains and buses all over Japan!

... Or many other trains and buses throughout Japan!

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Description

Suica Pre-paid Transport pass

A0909C1A-93FB-4548-8F2A-CE5CA53C0BF6 Created with sketchtool. Can be used as an electronic wallet
A0909C1A-93FB-4548-8F2A-CE5CA53C0BF6 Created with sketchtool. Pre-charged and ready to use
Valid in Tokyo and other major cities
Add to favorites

NOTE The SUICA IC Card is currently out of stock.

To travel around cities such as tokyo, osaka, kyoto, and more, take a look at some of our other pre-paid ticket/card options:.

Travel around Japan with the new Welcome Suica card .

This card is the best alternative, as it works similarly to the Suica card, for a set period of 28 days. Please note, it can only be first charged in the Tokyo area.

Travel around Tokyo with the Tokyo Subway Pass .
Travel around Osaka with the Osaka Subway and Bus Pass .
Travel around Kyoto with the Kyoto One Day Pass-Buss .
Travel around the Kansai Region with the Kansai Thru Pass .

Other pass options:

The japan rail pass:.

The National Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited access to a majority of the Japan Railway Network throughout Japan , including within major cities.

The pass will see a price increase as of October 1st, so book your pass by September 29th to purchase it at its current price for use up to the end of December!

Order your Japan Rail Pass here .

Regional Passes:

There are a number of regional passes we offer that allow unlimited travel within specific regions of Japan .

If your destination city is within one of these regions, consider a regional pass to get fully covered access to the transportation there and in the surrounding area!

Take a look at all of our regional pass options here .

The Suica card is a prepaid chip card that allows use of most forms of public transport (metro, trains, buses, monorail and taxis) in Japan. The card is charged for each journey or purchase by simply touching the terminals displaying the Suica card logo.

The Suica card is already loaded and ready for use. You will be able to add credit during your stay if necessary.
Only one Suica card per person is required: once the credit has been used up, the card can be topped up at the station as many times as needed.
The Suica card can be purchased prior to your departure to Japan , without affecting its operation.

The card was created by the company JR East, but can also be used throughout Japan on other prepaid card networks, such as Pasmo.

Suica card validity

The Suica card can be used in the majority of Japanese public transport: subways, buses and all local trains, as well as in buses and taxis displaying the Suica logo.

Please note that the Suica card does not work on express trains, shinkansen, highway buses or airport shuttles.

Electronic wallet

The card also functions as an electronic wallet . You can make small purchases on board trains, at vending machines, mini-markets, shops and restaurants displaying one of the Suica card symbols. It can also be used to pay for taxis and station lockers.

For more information, visit the official JR East website .

Practical information on the Suica card

The Suica card is ready to use and already credited with 2000 yen (including a 500 yen deposit). To recover the deposit, you will have to return your card in Tokyo only, at JR East stations.
You can keep your Suica card for your next trip. It will remain valid for 10 years.
The Suica cards we offer are non-personal and are reserved for adult travellers. Children's Suica cards can be purchased directly in Japan.
Although it is now possible to load your Suica card onto your phone and use it as a payment card linked to your bank account, we strongly advise against doing so. Indeed, if you do, the physical card is no longer usable, and unjustified withdrawals have been noted among some users; certainly due to the link with a non-Japanese bank card and the inherent international money transfers. Japan Experience cannot be held responsible for these inconveniences, as the sale was made for a physical Suica card only.

Common questions related to the suica card

What is a pasmo or a Suica card ?

A Pasmo Card or Suica Card is a rechargeable smart card used throughout Japan for travel on trains, buses, and subways. Similar to the Navigo pass in Paris or the Oyster card in London, the Pasmo or Suica card is very easy to use: simply tap it against the automated gates in train stations or on the readed on the bus, and the cost of your journey is automatically deducted. The card is rechargeable at any time.The Pasmo or Suica card also functions as an electronic wallet to make small purchases or to pay for services, such as parking spots. New : The Pasmo passport is a new Pasmo dedicated for visitors. It has a nice design but is not refundable after 28 days.

What is the difference between the Pasmo card and Suica card?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PASMO CARD AND SUICA CARD?

The Pasmo card and Suica card are sold by different companies. However, they work the same way and can be used in the same places. They are for example comparable with Mastercard and Visa credit cards, which belong to different companies but can be used in the same way. The only small difference is the location where you can give your card back and receive your deposit.If you would like to return your Pasmo card at the end of your trip, you can only return it within the Tokyo area. Head to a station of a non JR subway line (for instance : the Keihin or Keisei lines), or the stations at Narita or Haneda Airports. Your remaining balance and ¥500 deposit will be returned to you.If you want to return your Suica card at the end of your stay, you can only do this in the Tokyo region. In order to get a refund, go into any other JR East station. You will then be able to recover the 500 yen deposit.

How do I get my Pasmo or Suica card?

You can have your Pasmo or Suica card delivered to your home before your departure, or directly in Japan (for example at your hotel). Your card will be sent at the same time as your rail pass, if applicable.

You can also come and collect your Pasmo card or Suica card directly in one of our agencies.

The suica / pasmo cards can be purchased before your trip to Japan, without any impact on their use.

Pasmo or Suica cards usage and restrictions

CAN THE PASMO OR SUICA CARDS BE USED IN ALL OF JAPAN?

Although originally created only for use in Tokyo, since March 2013, the Pasmo card can be used on virtually all rail networks in Japan, as well as many bus lines. Similarly, the Suica card, founded in 2001 by the JR East company, provides access to virtually all rail networks in Japan as well as many subway lines and buses. Look for the special logo below in train stations or on buses to see if they accept IC cards.

WHICH TRAINS CAN I TAKE WITH THE PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

Train stations that accept Pasmo or Suica cards will display the logo shown to the left. Pasmo or Suica cards can be used to travel on:

JR train lines
Privately owned train lines
On the Tokyo subway system

Please note that Pasmo or Suica cards cannot be used on limited express trains or shinkansen. Suica cards are not valid on long distance buses (highway bus) or airport shuttles.

CAN I TAKE THE BUS WITH A PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

You can use a Pasmo and Suica card on most buses in the Tokyo area, as well as in other Japanese cities, and even a few inter-city and overnight buses. Buses accepting Pasmo and / or Suica cards will always display the Pasmo logo and / or Suica logo shown below.

IN WHICH STORES CAN I USE A PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

Pasmo and Suica cards can be used as electronic wallets in stores that display the symbol shown here as an example:

Combini (Japanese convenience stores)
In trains
Shops inside train stations
Vending machines
Certain restaurants

You can also use the Pasmo and Suica cards to pay for certain services such as lockers, parking and taxis.

IS MY PASMO OR SUICA CARD REGISTERED TO MY NAME? CAN I GIVE IT AWAY?

All our Pasmo and Suica cards are non-registered. It is therefore possible to give your Pasmo card or Suica card to a family member or friend if you no longer require it.

CAN I KEEP MY CARD FOR MY NEXT TRIP TO JAPAN?

Yes, you can. Pasmo and Suica cards do not expire for 10 years.

How do I top up a Pasmo or Suica card?

IS MY PASMO OR SUICA CARD ALREADY CHARGED?

Yes, your Pasmo or Suica card is already charged and has ¥2000 on it (including the ¥500 deposit).

HOW CAN I TOP UP A PASMO OR SUICA CARD?

You can top up a Pasmo or Suica card in stations at ticket machines, or on buses that accept Pasmo and/or Suica cards. You can only use cash to top up your card. Instructions will be in both Japanese and English.

Quick guide of how to use the machines :

It is really easy to recharge your suica transport card. You can recharge it on the automatic machine provided for this purpose, in any station. Moreover, the terminals are available in several languages and you will always find English. Step 1: Select the load button on the main screen and insert your card. Step 2: You can then choose to recharge your card, view the remaining amount on your account and print it. Step 3: Select the amount of money you want to insert. You can choose between 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, or 10 000 yens. Usually you will have to pay in cash. Still few machines accept card or contactless. Also, it often do not take small change or coins. Step 4: Take your change if you have some and get your card back!

IS THERE A MINIMUM OR MAXIMUM AMOUNT?

You can add between ¥1,000 and ¥20,000 to your card at one time.

HOW DO I CHECK HOW MUCH MONEY IS LEFT ON MY CARD?

The remaining credit is displayed when you place your Pasmo or Suica card vending terminals in stations or on the reader in the bus.You can also check the amount by placing your Pasmo or Suica card into a ticket machine, which can also print a history of your trips.

IF I MAKE A MISTAKE WHILE CHARGING MY CARD, WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Please take your card to a station attendant immediately. You can be reimbursed if you have not used your card since topping it up.

Where do I return a Pasmo or Suica card? Can I get the deposit back?

If you would like to return your Pasmo card at the end of your trip, you can only return it within the Tokyo area. Head to a station of a non JR subway line (for instance : the Keihin or Keisei lines), or the stations at Narita or Haneda Airports. Your remaining balance and ¥500 deposit will be returned to you.

If you want to return your Suica card at the end of your stay, you can only do this in the Tokyo region. In order to get a refund, go into any other JR East station. You will then be able to recover the 500 yen deposit.

What can i do if my pasmo or suica card is lost or stolen?

Because the Pasmo and Suica cards sold on our website are not registered to an individual, unfortunately they are not eligible for a refund or a replacement.

What are the cancellation conditions and fees for Pasmo and Suica cards?

Is there an app for the suica card?

There is indeed an application for the suica card, however, you should know that : For Apple users, the app is only available for Iphone 8 and above and the latest IOS. It can also be downloaded and used on applewatch. It takes the form of a credit card and facilitates contactless purchases. For Android users, for the moment the app is only available in Japan.

The Suica is out of stock for the moment due to the supply chain situation. We highly recommend that you would buy our Welcome Suica card , our Tokyo Subway Pass or our Kansai Rail Way Pass .

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Suica Card vs JR Pass: Which is right for you?

Suica Card vs JR Pass: Which is right for you?

April 5, 2024

Planning a trip to Japan and wondering how to navigate the vast transportation network efficiently? You might opt for one of 2 popular travel passes, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) or the Suica Card, one of the prepaid IC cards in Japan.

Both offer unique advantages, but which one is right for your journey? On this page, we break down the strengths and differences of each and help you decide whether to order a JR Pass or Suica card, or both.

Suica Card vs JR Pass: What’s Best for You?

Figure out how to get the most bang for your buck by checking out our Suica Card vs JR Pass table below 😉

Key differences between Japan’s travel passes

young woman with mobile in Japanese train station

Comparing the Suica Card and JR Pass reveals distinct advantages and features. However, the many strengths of the JR Pass stand out, particularly:

Purpose and use : The Suica Card is designed primarily for urban travel, while the JR Pass offers extensive coverage and unlimited travel, making it ideal for long-distance journeys.
Validity and convenience : The JR Pass offers unlimited travel with its validity period, eliminating the need for the constant top-ups and balance checks required by the Suica Card.
Coverage and accessibility : With nationwide coverage on JR lines, including bullet trains, the JR Pass provides extensive access to Japan’s diverse regions.
Added value : The JR Pass offers several additional benefits, such as free seat reservations and discounts on hotels and tourist attractions, enhancing the overall travel experience and potentially saving you money.

Overall, while the Suica Card offers flexibility for local commuters and short-term visits, the JR Pass is advantageous for tourists aiming to cover more ground . It offers you the ease of unlimited travel with added perks.

Below, we’ll break down the differences in more detail .

Area coverage

The Suica Card is good for navigating within metropolitan areas like Tokyo and Osaka. It’s accepted on a variety of urban public transport networks, making it a good option for local travel.

On the other hand, the JR Pass offers unlimited coverage across Japan’s JR national railway , also including bus and ferry routes. It’s an ideal choice for long-distance travel between cities.

If you’re only planning to travel within one region of Japan , the nationwide JR Pass may not be the best fit for your trip.

In this case, you may wish to opt for a Regional JR Pass . These are cost-effective options for intensive travel within specific areas of Japan.

The JR Pass is available for either 7, 14, or 21 days of unlimited travel across all of Japan . This feature offers flexibility and freedom, removing the need to purchase tickets for each journey.

The Suica Card operates differently – its validity is tied to the balance you load onto the card. This means the card remains valid as long as you have funds.

However, it requires constant monitoring and topping up . Therefore, it’s less convenient for those on a tight travel schedule.

The Welcome Suica card exclusively available to foreign tourists is valid for 28 days from issue. However, at present, it can only be issued at Haneda Airport Terminal 3 .

Convenience

Although it offers the convenience of touch-and-go payment on public transit, you constantly need to top up the Suica Card balance whenever it gets low. This could be a minor inconvenience.

On the other hand, the JR Pass offers great ease of use . A single purchase grants you unlimited travel, allowing you to explore Japan without the hassle of buying individual tickets.

Lines covered

The Suica card is accepted on JR East lines , including subways, private railway lines, buses, and even some shops. It covers the Greater Tokyo, Niigata and Sendai regions, but is also interoperable with IC Cards in other urban areas of Japan.

The JR Pass covers JR lines that span the entirety of Japan , including Shinkansen bullet trains, local trains, buses, and ferries. This extensive coverage makes it a great option for those looking to travel between multiple regions.

Seat reservations

A significant advantage of the JR Pass is the ability to make seat reservations at no extra cost . This ensures you have a seat on busy routes, especially helpful during peak travel seasons.

The Suica card does not offer this feature , as it operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. Therefore, it’s more suitable for spontaneous travel plans and short distances.

Benefits and discounts

Unlike the Suica Card, the the JR Pass comes with additional perks like discounts at:

Selected JR hotels
Tourist facilities and attractions
Car rental services

If you’re visiting Japan with your kids, you can also get a JR Pass at a discounted price for children . This can make it an invaluable asset to maximize your family travel budget in Japan.

In conclusion, the choice between a Suica card and a JR Pass depends largely on the nature of your travel.

For extensive travel across multiple regions, the JR Pass offers unbeatable value and convenience . For local exploration within cities and short-distance travel, the Suica card provides flexibility and ease.

Assess your itinerary, compare the benefits, and choose the option that best suits your journey through Japan.

Related tours & activities.

Use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards on iPhone or Apple Watch in Japan

In Japan, you can use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards in the Wallet app to ride transit and make purchases in stores using Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch.

To use a Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card with Apple Pay, you need:

An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later, or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with the latest version of iOS or watchOS .
You can also use a Suica card on an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or Apple Watch Series 2 that was purchased in Japan.
ICOCA only: An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later with iOS 16 or later. Or, an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 8.7.1 or later.
Your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card added to the Wallet app .*

When you add your first Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card to the Wallet app, Express Mode is turned on for that card by default. Express Mode allows you to use your card without waking or unlocking your device, or authenticating with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

If you add additional Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards, you can change which card you set to Express Mode.

Learn more about Express Mode .

*To add a PASMO or ICOCA card in the Wallet app, you need to set up two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.

Ride transit with your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card

You can use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA with Apple Pay to ride transit anywhere that you can use a physical Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, or where interoperable Integrated Circuit (IC), or prepaid, cards are accepted.

How to ride transit with your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card

With your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card set to Express Mode, you can quickly pay for rides with just a tap of your iPhone or Apple Watch.

Make sure that your device is turned on. It doesn't need to be connected to a cellular or Wi-Fi network.
Hold the top of your iPhone or your Apple Watch display near the ticket gate scanner when you enter and exit.
You'll see Done and a checkmark on the screen. If you're using your Apple Watch, you'll also feel a gentle tap and hear a beep.

Depending on your iPhone model, you might be able to use your Express Mode card when your iPhone needs to be charged .

If you want to use a card that isn't set to Express Mode:

On your iPhone: Authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
On your Apple Watch: Double-click the side button to access your cards, swipe down to select your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, and authenticate with your passcode.

Put your Suica card in Service Mode

If you need to have a station agent service your Suica card, put your device in Service Mode before you hand it to the station agent.

How to put your Suica card in Service Mode on your iPhone

Open the Wallet app.
Select your Suica card.

Turn on Service Mode.

How to put your Suica Card in Service Mode on your Apple Watch

Remove the Apple Watch from your wrist.
Enter the passcode to unlock it.
Double-click the side button.
Scroll down to select your card.
Use the Digital Crown to scroll down, and tap Turn on Service Mode.
Ask the station agent to hold your watch with the display facing down.

Use your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card in stores

You can use your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card where you see these symbols:

You might need to select the Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA option on the terminal when you pay, or let the sales clerk know which card you are paying with.

When your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card is set to Express Mode, you can pay using Apple Pay without waking or unlocking your device, authenticating, or opening an app. You might even be able to make purchases when your iPhone needs to be charged.

Hold the top of your iPhone or the display of your Apple Watch near the contactless reader.
When the transaction is complete, you'll see Done and a checkmark on the screen. If you're using your Apple Watch, you'll also feel a gentle tap and hear a beep.

If your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card isn't set to Express Mode, learn how to make a purchase using Apple Pay .

Check the balance on your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card

Check the balance on your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card on your iPhone or Apple Watch.

On your iPhone

Tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card to see your current balance.

On your Apple Watch

Tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card.
Use the Digital Crown to scroll down to see your current balance.

If your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card balance doesn't update

On your iPhone, open the Wallet app.
Turn on Service Mode, then authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

To turn off Service Mode, tap on the card. Learn what to do if your balance still doesn't update .

Top up your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card

To add money to your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, you need a supported credit or prepaid card in the Wallet app.

How to top up your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card on your iPhone

In the Wallet app, tap your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card.
Tap Add Money.
Choose the amount that you want to add and tap Add.
Select the credit or prepaid card that you want to use to pay and confirm the transaction with Face ID or Touch ID.

How to top up your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card on your Apple Watch

Follow the instructions on the screen.

Get a refund for purchases made with your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card using Apple Pay

For items that you bought with a Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card using Apple Pay, return the item to the same terminal where you made the purchase before you use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA to make another purchase using Apple Pay.

Learn more about refunds for purchases made with a payment card using Apple Pay .

Use the Suica or PASMO app

When you download the Suica app or PASMO app , you can use it for additional services on your card. For example, you can:

Create a new Suica or PASMO card
Create or change your commute plan
Buy a Shinkansen or Green Car ticket**
Set up auto-reload (using a View Card only)
Set or change the notifications that you get from JR East

** You can buy Shinkansen tickets for Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Hokkaido, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansens. You can buy Green Car tickets for JR East trains only.

Information about products not manufactured by Apple, or independent websites not controlled or tested by Apple, is provided without recommendation or endorsement. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance, or use of third-party websites or products. Apple makes no representations regarding third-party website accuracy or reliability. Contact the vendor for additional information.

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35+ Helpful Japan Travel Tips To Know BEFORE You Go

J apan is a remarkable country filled with so much history, natural beauty and modern touches. I’ve just returned from my second trip to Japan and was reminded of so many things I had forgotten about the country! Traveling in Japan is an amazing and enriching experience, however it is also a country filled with traditions and unique ways of operating that visitors may not be used to. Below I share the best Japan travel tips to help you make the most of your trip.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Top Japan Travel Tips to Know BEFORE You Go

Before you head off to Japan, there are a few things you will need to know in advance and to plan for. While most things on this list can be figured out while in country, a few MUST be done before you leave your home. Whether you opt for the classic tourist circuit Japan itinerary or get off the beaten path , these tips will go a long way to help you enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Get A Japan Rail Pass in ADVANCE

If you want a Japan Rail Pass , it is only available to purchase for overseas tourists BEFORE they enter the country. Once you are in country, you can no longer purchase a JR Pass, so if you plan to use the bullet train between destinations quite a bit, this is a must do before you leave. You must also give yourself plenty of advance notice as well as the pass is still mailed to a physical address.

However, I will say that sometimes it’s not actually cheaper to get a JR Pass. Research the Shinkansen trains here and which trains you plan to take to budget accordingly. Often you can take a train that is just a bit slower, for a lot cheaper.

Regardless, the most important piece of advice for the JR Pass is once it is activated you CANNOT lose it. If you lose it, it is gone. You will not be able to print a new pass. You will not be given a refund. You cannot buy another pass until it is expired as it is connected to your passport. A fellow traveler on my recent trip had this experience, and it was not pleasant to lose a $600 pass on day 1 of his trip!

Keep Your Train Tickets With You

Along with the JR Pass information above, another thing to know when traveling on the trains in Japan is to keep your train ticket with you at all times. One, you will often be asked to show it on many longer distance train journeys and you will need it to exit the stations. Even better is to get a transportation card mentioned below for city travel as it is a little less easy to lose. Trust me, these tiny slips of paper are easy to misplace!

Get an IC Transport Card

There is nothing worse than arriving to Japan, transferring through the airports and needing a drink but unable to get one! Japan’s vending machines and many shops do not take US or foreign credit cards. What do you do when you only have a vending machine as an option in the airport? The best way to deal with this is to download and preload an IC card BEFORE your arrival. Not only does a Suica card or Pasmo card provide easy access to public transportation, it can also be used at vending machines and for small purchases at convenience stores.

Insider Japan Travel Tips You MUST know: If you have an iPhone, you can go to your wallet, click the plus sign, then click Transit Card. Now you can search “Japan” to see the Suica option. Now you can select the amount to add to your card and go through the payment portal. BAM. You are ready to roll upon hitting the ground in Japan.

If you cannot load it on your phone, you can purchase Suica Cards at most train stations. You can also order Suica Cards online and have them mailed to your house abroad prior to your trip to be sure you will have access when in the country.

Learn Basic Japanese Words

While you might find some level of English in the big cities or top tourist spots, much of Japan still exists without much English. I always find this interesting, but again, how cool that they have managed to keep their language and Japanese culture so true to themselves! That said, if you plan to get off the beaten path at all, make sure you know a few phrases and have your Google Translate handy!

The top phrases I found useful while in country include:

Hello – Konichiwa

Thank you – Arigato

Thank you very much – Arigato Gozai mas

Delicious – Oishi

Cute – Kawaii

Cheers – Kanpai

Sorry, Excuse me, Pardon me – Sumi masen

Download Google Translate

One of the most important travel tips I can provide is to download the Google Translate app and Japanese packet as you will often need it. As mentioned above, there is often still quite a bit of a language barrier in Japan, especially in smaller towns or off the beaten path at all. Having Google translate will help you when you want to say something to someone but can’t communicate. The translate will provide it in text for the other person to read which is super helpful. Additionally, you can actually just turn on your microphone and let a person speak into your app and get the translation quickly. This is a great help throughout Japan!

Cash is King

Tipping is not customary.

Contrary to the West, tipping is not customary here and in some cases can be considered rude. To be honest as an American who is asked for a tip at every turn, this was a welcome change. I was so happy to not have to worry about tipping at restaurants, bus drivers or our guides. If you are unsure you can ask, but in general it is not done!

Don’t Expect a Western Breakfast

One of the things I most remembered from my first trip to Japan was the very different, for me, breakfast options. While I am all for trying things and diving into the local culture, sometimes you want a little something that is reminiscent of home. For me that is often breakfast. At most restaurants and hotels, you can expect to see very little western offerings for breakfast. If you want something you are used to (coffee even) you will need to seek out western establishments. I don’t often go to McDonalds at home or abroad, but I sure do like that sausage egg mcmuffin after a week in Japan!

Walk on the Left Side of the Street

Without even noticing it, I found myself crossing over a path of people in the underground to get on the “right” side of the walking path. You will see that people traffic flows very smoothing in Japan and most of that is because of how the Japanese walk on the correct side. Watch the flow of food traffic and you will quickly see where you need to be! When I was in Sapporo, there was an entire city of underground walkways. I quickly realized that everyone was sectioned off in the direction of their travel. It made it very easy to get through even with large end of day crowds. But beware of those very useful, but pesky bumps for sight impaired. They are everywhere and are not really an indicator of which side of the street you should be on!

Get Ready to Take Off Your Shoes

While it isn’t as common to remove your shoes in Japan as it is for say India, you will need to remove your shoes for more traditional establishments including restaurants. We had to remove our shoes at the front door to one of our hotels even and couldn’t put them back on until we were leaving! I love not wearing shoes indoors, but it was not always easy especially when I was wearing my Blundstones that are so difficult to get on/off!

Take Your Passport Shopping

If you would like to take advantage of tax-free shopping, make sure to take your passport with you when you go shopping. Some shops like UNIQLO will automatically give you the tax free savings right away once they see your passport, helping you to avoid doing it at the airport. Other shops will require you get a refund at the airport. If you plan to do any shopping, just take it with you!

Respect the Japanese Traditions

One of the most amazing parts of traveling to Japan is how it is SO different than what many of us are used to. Historically, Japan has been a closed off society. Most of the country is Japanese origin with little Western influence. It is one of the many things that makes it so unique. That said, the most important thing is that you recognize and respect their traditions even if it’s very foreign to you. Take time to learn and ask about the traditions and practice them during your visit. It’s a great way to show respect and fully immerse yourself in the country.

Prepare Yourself for A Japanese Onsen

One of the most beautiful parts of Japanese society is the public bathing system of the onsen. These hot springs are located throughout the country in stunning locations. It is definitely a big part of life here and something tourists should try at least once. I will warn you though, that unless you are having a private onsen, they are completely nude and can be mixed gender as well. I could write an entire article on how to visit an onsen as there are customs and rules to know, but in general you will need to fully shower and bathe with soap before entering the pools, they are totally nude and many do not allow people to enter with visible tattoos. If you are staying in a ryokan with no private shower facility in your room, make sure the staff are aware of any tattoos in advance so they can make arrangements for you.

Transportation Etiquette

Don’t be afraid of shopping at convenience stores.

In Japan, convenience stores are everything. And EVERYWHERE! There are so many varieties from 7-11 to Lawson’s to Family Mart or more local shops like SeicoMart in Hokkaido that you can never be very far from one. Here you can literally get anything you want including breakfast or dinner! You can find ready made meals like fried chicken in Hokkaido to udon noodles, tempura, sandwiches and more. They also have chargers if you happen to have soaked your phone and need a cordless charger. They have candy and sweets, beer, iced coffee and so more more.

Get Ready to Carry Your Trash Around

One thing that is always a surprise to me when I’m in Japan is the lack of trash cans in public spaces. They are not on the roadsides or even that frequently found in shops. You will carry a lot of trash in your pockets all day long! Carry a small plastic bag for your trash to make life easier, but do remember to say no to plastic bags at most places as they are given very freely still or a minimal extra cost.

Separate Your Trash

Japan is not super up on the “use less plastic” concept, but they are very strict about separating their garbage. Hopefully this means they have a much better track record of recycling than we do in the US! If you are not used to separating your trash, educate yourself a bit on what is compostable, what is recyclable and what is landfill trash. At big festivals or events you will find very trash cans (as mentioned above), but when you do, they will expect you to seperate it all into the correct containers.

Eating, Drinking & Smoking in Public

While I am not 100% if there are rules on this, but in general you will notice that the Japanese people do NOT eat, drink or smoke while walking. There are of course designated areas for smoking, which is not allowed all over the place. But for drinking your morning coffee on the way to the train station? Nope, you won’t see Japanese people do this. Is it an unspoken rule or just a custom I am not certain, but I tried to follow suit as much as I could.

Throughout history, Japan has been a closed off society. Would you believe that almost 99% of the country is Japanese? The result is a unique culture with little Western influence and little English. So don’t be surprised if you ask questions or try to converse with people, but don’t receive much of a response. It’s not because they are rude, they simply know they can’t speak your language, and you likely can’t speak Japanese

Japanese Toilets Will Spoil You

Ok, one of the BEST things about Japan has to be their toilets. From the airport to public restrooms, you will find some really great toilets to literally write home about! My absolute favorite that I didn’t realize until I got back home was the heated seats. It really does feel so nice to sit down on a toasty toilet in the middle of the night. There are also several bidet options, drying options and of course also “privacy” sounds/music for many public toilets. Make sure to have your phone handy though as you may need to translate some of the buttons if they aren’t obvious. I have found myself stuff with the water on, not knowing how to turn it off! All of that said, you will also still find squat toilet options in most public bathrooms. They typically have a sign on the door indicating what type of toilet you can expect.

Get an e-SIM For Your Phone

If you haven’t tried an e-SIM yet, you need to get on the wagon. They are SO easy to use, super affordable and available all over the world. For my recently 2 week trip, I used a 10 GB e-SIM card which allowed me to have data access wherever I went. While there is often free Wi-Fi around major cities, often the log-in screen is only in Japanese which makes it challenging to login quickly. Get $3 off your first purchase at AIRLO using my code: KARILY0402

Stay at Ryokan At Least Once

One of the coolest Japanese cultural experiences I can recommend is to stay in a ryokan. A ryokan is basically traditional Japanese inns. While they come in many forms these days including a super traditional ryokan where you sleep on the tatami mats, you can also opt for ones that do have more “western” beds. I have stayed in all various forms and personally I love being able to plop down in an actual bed, but for a one night experience I would recommend trying the super traditional way as well.

As part of the experience, you might find that you have a traditional kaiseki meal for dinner or breakfast, you might also have no private shower in your room or have to take your shoes off at the hotel entrance. It is so fun and cool to see Japanese locals having their dinner or breakfast in the provided yukata (robe in the room) and wearing the slippers. I find this to be one of the most immersive cultural experiences you can have in Japan and well worth the price tag. (Shockingly they are usually quite a bit more expensive than western style hotels).

Japan is Not THAT Expensive

Japan has a reputation of being an excessively expensive country. While it is definitely more expensive than it’s other Asian counterparts, it is also not as pricey as some places in Europe! There are ways to reduce your expenses quite easily. One recommendation to mix up accomodation options – stay in a traditional ryokan, but also stay in chain hotels like Tokyu Stay. We had a great room at Tokyu Stay with a washer/dryer in our room for less than $80 a night. There are plenty of small shops for meals that will run you $5-10 a meal, while more traditional kaiseki meals will cost more. The biggest expense tends to be transport between cities, so that is why it is important to price it out in advance and check for internal flights and getting the JR Pass.

Do NOT Lose (or Keep) Your Hotel Key Card

Traditional hotels still use actual keys, so those are much easier to keep track of and not loose. If you are worried about losing one, you can drop it off with reception before you go out for the day.

Japan Trains Run VERY Timely

While I can’t say that Japanese trains run on time always because I have experienced delays with them, overwhelmingly they do run on a very tight schedule with very little disturbances. This is great as long as you are early, but it’s tough when you are running late! Always plan for delays in the train station and arrive with plenty of time.

Check for Seasonal Festivals

Regardless of when you visit Japan, there is sure to be some type of festival happening. These are often the best places to fully immerse yourself into the culture. For example, the cherry blossoms in the spring often have many festivals that accompany it, which can be quite fun. In Sapporo, there is an Autumn Festival in September that brings in tons of amazing food options every day for visitors to sample.

Bring Snacks With You

Whether it is a bus or train journey, do not plan on food being available. There are no dining cars on trains regardless how many hours they are. We found out the hard way that we needed to always have water and snacks with us because options were not always available. Shockingly though, you can eat and drink on the long distance trains, just make sure to take all of your trash with you.

Tap Water is Safe to Drink

One of the best things about travelling in Japan is that the tap water is safe to drink. I loved not having to purchase water bottles all the time or worry about water being bad quality. I even drank from a mountain spring in Rishiri Island that was crisp and cold and so delicious. Bring you recyclable water bottle and fill up in the hotels every day instead of buying more plastic.

Public Space & Japanese Etiquette

Japan has a concept called “ma” or personal space. Respect it, especially in crowded places with lots of people. Many of these etiquette rules are unspoken, but if you take time to look around you, you will notice that the Japanese people strictly adhere to them. Again, one of the best Japan travel tips I can provide is to look around you and follow what the locals are doing!

Wear Your Bag In Front on Crowded Trains

In places like Paris or New York, you might see people wearing their backpacks on their front on busy trains, but in Japan this is not for safety as much as it is a respect for fellow passengers. When you wear your bag on the front you are making sure that you are not accidentally hitting other people. This culture is one that is very fond of respect for others and I just love this example!

Safety in Japan

Overall I feel VERY safe in Japan at all hours of the day and night. Trains can get super crowded and you will see people wearing their bags in front like I mentioned above, however that is not necessarily for safety as it might be in other cities. All of that said, I would still be aware of your belongings when in crowded public places and wear your mobile on a strap like this one to make sure it isn’t snatched!

Use Google Maps for Train Travel

If you don’t already use Google Maps, one of my top Japan travel tips is to download it now! One of the coolest features of Google maps is that it will tell you how to walk to a train station, which train to get on and even which exit to look for when you arrive to the destination train stations! However it is important to note that oftentimes your internet may not work in the subway stations, so it is a good idea to have it all loaded before you get underground.

Expect Lines at Restaurants

Dietary restrictions are challenging.

In Tokyo you can often manage with dietary restrictions more easily, but once you leave the big city, it can often be quite challenging to deal with dietary restrictions. I personally am allergic to MSG, which meant asking everywhere if I could eat the food prepared. For the most part, most chef’s knew instantly whether they used it or not. In the more rural parts of Japan in the far north of Hokkaido, I ran into a few more challenges. If you are a strict vegetarian, it is also a bit cumbersome to find food that does not include any fish sauce as it seems to be included in a ton. Just take your time and ask around as there are often places that can cater to your needs.

An International Drivers License is Required in Japan

If you plan to hire a car and self drive during your visit to Japan, make sure you acquire an International Driver’s license before you leave home. If you are in the US, this is easily obtained at AAA for around $20 in one day. This is just an additional piece of paper that says that yes, your license is for driving and you are able to drive outside of your home country.

Japanese Wait for the Walking Sign

Just like in Germany, for the most part Japanese people do not jaywalk or cross until the walking sign is illuminated. I have seen a few people here and there cut across the road or go before the walk sign is lit up, but by far the general rule is that you wait patiently on the sidewalk!

Try All the Drinks, But Don’t Expect Much More than Coke

In Japan you will quickly notice that the only western drink you can purchase by and large is Coca Cola and not even diet, just regular coke. I was so surprised when our Japanese exchange student had never had a Sprite, but after my recent visit I was reminded why – it’s tough to come by! Only occasionally did I see a Sprite in a convenience store and almost never in a vending machine. Overall, you will be presented with a ton of drinks that are only Japanese!

Also, I found out after much sampling and discussion with our Japanese hosts – you will never find sweetened tea in the vending machines unless it is Chinese or American. They do not put sugar in their green tea at all. I purchased MANY tea varieties looking for a sweet option, with absolutely no luck!

Buy From ALL the Vending Machines

One of my top Japan travel tips includes buying stuff from the vending machines. I just love the vending machines in Japan. And I love that you can purchase almost anything in the world from them. At one of my onsen visits, they had a vending machine with underwear (new!), razors, earbuds and more. We saw a vending machine selling frozen ramen which would be the perfect take out food if you lived there. You will of course find drinks machines everywhere you go as well. My favorite one of the entire country has to be the “cake in a can” vending machine in Sapporo. The cake was amazing as is the concept. It was pricey, but worth it at least once.

Another great one to look out for and try is a coffee vending machine. You can usually adjust how strong you want the coffee, how much sugar and how much milk. It is so fun to just pay 100 yen and have a hot coffee. Additionally, on most regular machines you can look for the signs that say hot/cold as some machines dispense BOTH hot and cold drinks. You want a hot tea, but your friend wants a cold drink. You got it. Seriously, these machines are the best and one of my favorite things to check out while wandering around towns!

Japan is a country with a rich culture and history, so embracing its traditions and customs can really enhance your travel experience.

There really is no “best time” to visit. There are distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences, so you do not have to only go during the high season of summer (or during the cherry blossom season in spring!). The colorful foliage in fall is worth a trip as is seeing the country blanketed in snow! Wherever you go, have fun and enjoy all the differences that you are sure to find!

MORE TRAVEL AROUND JAPAN

We hope you enjoyed these Japan travel tips! For more travel around Japan, see the links below:

3 week Classic Japan Itinerary in Photos: Tokyo, Kyoto, Snow Monkeys & More
Get off the Beaten Path in Hokkaido: Rishiri & Rebun Islands
The Best Food in Japan That You MUST Try!

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Welcome Suica Smart Card

On September 1st of this year, JR East will launch its new Welcome Suica smart card, aimed specifically at foreign visitors. The present Suica card allows easy use of trains and buses in Greater Tokyo and other areas, and can be used for shopping, taxis and entrance to tourist attractions as well. However, the new Welcome Suica version will also allow visitors to add any of four JR East discount rail passes directly to the card for convenient use. Come to Japan and give it a try!

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低迷のオフピーク定期　大盤振る舞いの割引アップでてこ入れ　ＪＲ東

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　平日朝の混雑時間帯を避けて通勤すると定期代が割引される「オフピーク定期券」へのてこ入れに、 JR東日本が乗り出した。ラッシュ解消を掲げて昨年3月に導入したが、利用率は目標の半分と低調が続く。ピークに合わせた車両や要員を減らすコスト削減の狙いもあるだけに、割引率大幅アップの大盤振る舞いで普及に懸命だ。

　オフピーク定期券は首都圏16路線約280駅を対象に、交通系ICカード「Suica」やモバイルSuicaで利用できる。午前6時前から午前9時過ぎまでの間に駅ごとに設定されたピーク時間帯（90分間）を除いて利用でき、通常の通勤定期より割安になる。ピーク時間帯に改札を通過した場合は、通常料金がチャージ額から差し引かれる。

　JR東は導入理由として、時差通勤の普及による混雑緩和を掲げる。国土交通省によると、東京圏の鉄道主要31区間の平均混雑率は2009年度以降165%前後で推移。コロナ禍の20年度は107%にまで下がったが、22年度は123%に戻った。

　同年度の路線別ワーストをみると、JR東の路線は、1位に京浜東北（142%）、2位に中央快速（139%）が入っており、「混雑緩和はいまも重要課題」という。

　もう一つの大きな狙いはコス…

※無料期間中に解約した場合、料金はかかりません

めざせ2分　終電後の東京駅、社員110人で折り返し訓練

マッハ便でつながる全国　できたて赤福餅が新潟で　新幹線荷物輸送

東海道新幹線に個室復活　1編成あたり2室、2026年度に登場

水素で走る電車「HYBARI」、走行実験を初公開　JR東日本

車内販売ワゴン「再就職」へ　抽選倍率50倍　給食で登場するかも？

号車ごとの混み具合、ホームドアに表示　東京メトロが実証実験

注目ニュースが１分でわかる

総合職だけに社宅は男女差別
衆院補選妨害した疑い　捜索
上場企業、また過去最高益

カスハラ対策　企業の義務に
ロシア軍、新たな地上作戦
4損保、割引率を事前調整か

同性カップルの名字変更許可
実質賃金　24カ月連続減少
政治資金改正案　与党が合意

みどりの窓口削減、当面凍結
トヨタ純利益、初の4兆円超
水俣病患者らの発言遮り謝罪

性犯罪歴確認　塾業界前向き
コロナ後、増える子の感染症
プーチン大統領が就任式

補選3勝ゆえの野党第1党のゆううつ　消極的支持を脱するカギは

記者会見する立憲民主党の泉健太代表=2024年5月10日午前10時30分、国会、伊沢健司撮影

「自民ふざけるな」　立憲・野田元首相、政治改革の審議で現場を志願
補選3勝の立憲「今回は敵失」　次の衆院選、維新との調整に不安

現場検事「逮捕待った方が」　取り調べ中断し進言、拒んだ特捜部主任

首都高５号池袋線の下り線で炎上したトラックと乗用車=2024年5月14日午前9時15分、埼玉県戸田市、朝日新聞社ヘリから、上田幸一撮影

首都高池袋線で7台の事故　3人死亡1人けが　運転手を逮捕　埼玉

福島県でも緊縛強盗、60代女性被害　栃木など3県の被害と関連捜査

秋田内陸縦貫鉄道で兼業生活を始めた（左から）原さん、児玉さん、広田さん=2024年5月13日、北秋田市、滝沢隆史撮影

ANAの客室乗務員3人、兼業生活始める　乗務しながら鉄道会社員も

僕も生まれた時900gだった　宇野昌磨さんが新生児病棟に届けた夢

ジュリーが映したのは体制への抵抗　体現した「女こども」の価値観

11:32 パリ五輪・平泳ぎの渡辺一平選手　地元で「メダルと日本記録狙う」
11:25 団体側の発言時間3分制限は17年から　水俣病「マイクオフ」問題
11:12 所属警備会社の制服姿で初防衛を報告　ボクシング世界王者ユーリ選手
11:00 小学生男児、右目15針縫うけが　公園ごみ置き場のトタン板に衝突

「庵野秀明展」入り口パネルにサインをしてポーズを取る庵野秀明さん＝4月22日、名古屋市

IMAGES

The Suica Card: A Travel Essential in Japan
Welcome Suica Smart Card
Make the Best of Your Trip to Japan! 6 Reasons Why You Should Get a
See More of Japan With the Help of the Suica Card
The Suica Card: A Travel Essential in Japan
Suica Card Japan / Tokyo Travel Essential Item / How to buy and use

VIDEO

SUICA is Back!! #visitjapan #SUICA #PASMO
Japan Travel TIPS First Time Travelers
Japan Travel Tips: Train rides with IC Prepaid Card! + how to charge suica
Welcome Suica How to Use All Funds (0 Balance) #travel #japan #suica #tokyo #pasmo #train #japanese
什么是Welcome Suica？这是面向海外来日本的游客的IC预付卡。
How to buy a SUICA card to get around in Japan and travel 4K

COMMENTS

Guide to Suica Cards
When charging the card, cash can be added in increments of ¥1000. Suica cards can hold a balance of up to ¥20,000. Only yen cash can be used to add money to a Suica card. Credit cards are not accepted. You can also top up a Suica at most ticket machines, even at non-JR stations, such as Tokyo Metro, as well as buses that accept Suica/PASMO.
2024 Japan Suica Card Guide: Price, Where to Buy & FAQs
You may choose to buy your Suica Card for ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥3,000, ¥4,000, ¥5,000, or ¥10,000, which already includes a deposit fee of ¥500. Do note that the maximum top-up is ¥20,000, and you can only load your card with Japanese Yen currency. You cannot use your credit card to top up your Suica Card.
Welcome Suica
For traveling in Japan, the Welcome Suica makes a more pleasant trip. ... Based on customers' current usage levels, new purchases of Welcome Suica cards at JR EAST Travel Service Centers and Japan Rail Cafe Tokyo will only be available in the two amount options of 1,000 yen and 2,000 yen from Monday, May 16, 2022.
Suica
There is a charge of 220 yen to return a Suica card, which is deducted from the total. For refunds, a fee of 220 yen is subtracted from the total (a result of less than zero is considered zero), and then the initial 500 yen deposit is added. Refund examples. With a balance of 1,000 yen, the fee of 220 yen is subtracted for 780 yen, and then the ...
The Welcome Suica for Foreigners Visiting Japan
Updated on January 12, 2024 Japan discontinued the sale of registered/unregistered Suica and registered/unregistered Pasmo cards on June 8, 2023, and August 2, 2023, respectively. As of January 12, 2024, foreign tourists can purchase unregistered Suica cards (the green regular version) at JR East Japan Travel Service Centers (駅たびコンシェルジュ) located in Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya ...
See More of Japan With the Help of the Suica Card
Issued by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East), the Suica card, easily recognised through its penguin mascot motif, is a prepaid, rechargeable card that you can use for many purposes. Besides using it for JR East train lines, it can also be used for many bus lines, major convenience stores, vending machines, and even coin lockers.
Suica Cards: Quick Guide to Tokyo's Smart Travel Cards
The Suica card is type of train card in Japan. Specifically, a Suica is a IC card issued by JR (Japan Railway) East. At the most basic level, it's a prepaid card you can use in Tokyo and wider Japan. You can use it on trains, subways, and buses, as well for vending machines, some convenience stores, and station-area facilities like coin lockers.
What's a Suica (IC Card)?
This Suica is for people living in Japan. A 500-yen deposit is required to purchase a card. The remaining card balance can be refunded. Perks of Using Suica. Discount tickets. Suica and Welcome Suica let you use some discount tickets. ... Travel Service Centers & Accessibility;
The Suica Card: A Travel Essential in Japan
The Suica Card: A Travel Essential in Japan. Suica is the name of an electronic prepaid card that allows an easy simple use of public transportation network in Japan as well as to pay at some shops and vending machines. The Suica system of virtual wallet is debited each time its holder uses it and help travel faster by metro, train or bus ...
Ultimate Suica Card Guide: Perfect Travel Card in Japan
The Suica Card is an essential tool for anyone travelling to Japan. This rechargeable, contactless smart card, issued by the East Japan Railway Company, is designed to make your travel experience more convenient and efficient.
How to Use the Suica card as a Tourist in Japan
Open up your Apple Wallet and hit the "+" button in the upper right-hand corner. Hit "Transit Card" in the bottom box of options and then search "Suica". Tap Suica, press continue, and then select a yen amount. 1000 yen will be $10 or less with current exchange rates, but you can enter any value you want here.
Welcome Suica IC Card Complete Guide: Easy Travel With This Prepaid
The Welcome Suica Card is a prepaid and contactless IC card that allows you to access subways, buses, and all local trains in Japan, including Tokyo Metro lines. It is specifically designed for short-term visitors to Japan, providing a hassle-free travel experience without the need for paper tickets or cash.
Save Money and Travel Japan in Style With Suica, Japan's Most-Used
Certain IC card types, when pre-loaded with cash, can also be used as digital money to pay at shops or taxis. Issued by the East Japan Railway Company (or JR East), Suica is the most-issued IC transit card in Japan. Used mainly in the Tokyo area, Suica is accepted on public transport systems all over the country.
Prepaid IC Cards in Japan: Suica, Pasmo, Icoca
Suica, Pasmo, Icoca and seven more of Japan's most popular IC cards were made compatible with each other in 2013, making it possible to travel on almost all trains, subways and buses in most of Japan's largest cities with just a single of these cards.
Where and How to Buy Your Suica or Pasmo IC Card When Visiting Tokyo
Japan Travel with Digital Suica Card : Easy Fail-Safe Step-by-Step Guide To Add and Top Up a Suica Card in Apple Wallet. Digital Suica Card as a Quick Easy Payment Method for Public Transport in Japan : Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. If You Fly Into Haneda International Airport in Japan.
Welcome Suica Smart Card
March 26, 2020. JNTO - Japan National Tourism Organization. On September 1st of last year, JR East launched its new Welcome Suica smart card, aimed specifically at foreign visitors. The present Suica card allows easy use of trains and buses in Greater Tokyo and other areas, and can be used for shopping, taxis and entrance to tourist attractions ...
IC Cards in Japan: Pasmo vs Suica
Both Suica and Pasmo have special IC cards for short-term visitors to Japan. The Welcome Suica is a blossom-themed card while the Pasmo Passport features Sanrio characters. Like regular Suica and Pasmo cards they're not too different from each other — both automatically expire after 28 days and you cannot return them for a refund.
Guide to Suica Card: Where and How to Buy Suica Card Japan
Suica Card revolutionises the way we travel in Japan, offering seamless access to trains, metros, and buses with just a simple tap. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into everything you need to know about Suica Card - where to buy Suica Card, how to use Suica Card, how to add Suica Card to the Apple Wallet app and more.
Buy Suica prepaid travel card
A Pasmo Card or Suica Card is a rechargeable smart card used throughout Japan for travel on trains, buses, and subways. Similar to the Navigo pass in Paris or the Oyster card in London, the Pasmo or Suica card is very easy to use: simply tap it against the automated gates in train stations or on the readed on the bus, and the cost of your journey is automatically deducted.
The Suica Card in 2023: Quick Guide to Tokyo's Smart Travel Cards
Find out about the handy Suica card for easy travel in Tokyo & Japan. A guide to where to get Suica cards, what these IC cards cost, and how to load them.Als...
Suica Card vs JR Pass: Which is right for you?
Key differences between Japan's travel passes. Comparing the Suica Card and JR Pass reveals distinct advantages and features. However, the many strengths of the JR Pass stand out, particularly:. Purpose and use: The Suica Card is designed primarily for urban travel, while the JR Pass offers extensive coverage and unlimited travel, making it ideal for long-distance journeys.
I highly recommend the virtual Suica card on iPhone
I visited Japan in 2017 and then again a few weeks ago. The virtual Suica card was really transformative. I felt free to use non-subway/JR lines in Tokyo and had no anxiety about buses/trams/metros in other cities. With virtual Suica, riding the bus in Japan -- sometimes confusing -- is no big deal.
Use Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA cards on iPhone or Apple Watch in Japan
To use a Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card with Apple Pay, you need: An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later, or an Apple Watch Series 3 or later with the latest version of iOS or watchOS. You can also use a Suica card on an iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, or Apple Watch Series 2 that was purchased in Japan. ICOCA only: An iPhone 8 or iPhone 8 Plus or later ...
35+ Helpful Japan Travel Tips To Know BEFORE You Go
Insider Japan Travel Tips You MUST know: If you have an iPhone, you can go to your wallet, click the plus sign, then click Transit Card. Now you can search "Japan" to see the Suica option. Now ...
Welcome Suica Smart Card
July 20, 2019. JNTO - Japan National Tourism Organization. On September 1st of this year, JR East will launch its new Welcome Suica smart card, aimed specifically at foreign visitors. The present Suica card allows easy use of trains and buses in Greater Tokyo and other areas, and can be used for shopping, taxis and entrance to tourist ...
低迷のオフピーク定期大盤振る舞いの割引アップでてこ入れ Jr東
平日朝の混雑時間帯を避けて通勤すると定期代が割引される「オフピーク定期券」へのてこ入れに、jr東日本が乗り出した。ラッシュ解消を掲げ ...

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How to top up a Suica

Step-by-step guide to buying the Suica

Returning your Suica when leaving Japan

Where can I use my Suica card?

Shop with Suica

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2024 Japan Suica Card Guide: Price, Where to Buy & FAQs

What is a Japan Suica Card?

Which areas in Japan can I use my Suica Card?

JR East Lines in the Greater Tokyo Area:

Certain transport systems in other parts of Japan:

What can I use my Japan Suica Card for?

1. Public transportation

2. Convenience stores

3. Vending machines

5. Restaurants

How much does a Suica Card cost?

Where can I buy a Suica Card?

Option 1: Klook

Option 2: Haneda Airport

Instructions on how to use the Suica Card

Japan Suica Card frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Option 1: Ticket vending machines at subway stations

Option 2: Convenience stores

2. Can foreigners buy a Suica Card?

3. Can I withdraw money from my Suica Card?

4. Is my Suica Card refundable?

5. Do Suica Cards expire?

6. Can I still reuse my Suica Card when I go back to Japan?

Popular Japan experiences

The Welcome Suica for Foreigners Visiting Japan

Red Suica「Welcome Suica」

Where to apply for “Welcome Suica”

Welcome Suica Card NOT Available in Narita Airport

How to Charge a Welcome Suica card

Notes on the red Suica card “Welcome Suica”

The recharge amount is limited to 1,000 yen

The balance limit is 20,000 yen

Valid for 28 Days and No renewal after expiration

You must bring a Reference Paper with you when you use Welcome Suica

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