IC Cards in Japan: Suica, PASMO, and How to Use Them

The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Contactless Train Cards (2025)

If you’re planning to use public transportation in Japan, IC cards like Suica and PASMO are absolute lifesavers. They’re not just for trains—they also work on buses, vending machines, convenience stores, and more. But which one should you get? And how do you use them?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about IC cards in Japan, including how to get them, how to use them, and special options for tourists.

🚉 What Is an IC Card?

An IC card is a rechargeable prepaid smart card that lets you travel on trains, subways, and buses without buying tickets each time. You just tap the card on the ticket gate—and you’re in.

IC stands for “Integrated Circuit”, but think of it as “tap & go” travel.

🥇 Most Popular IC Cards: Suica vs PASMO

🎯 Key Point:
Functionally, they’re almost identical. You can use either one on almost all trains, buses, and stores across Japan.

So don’t stress—just get whichever is available at the station you arrive at.

🛒 Where to Buy IC Cards

You can buy Suica or PASMO at:

• Ticket machines in JR East or Tokyo Metro stations
• Midori no Madoguchi (JR ticket offices)
• Airport train stations (Narita, Haneda)
• Some convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven)

💴 Initial cost: Usually ¥2,000 (includes ¥500 deposit + ¥1,500 balance)

🔁 How to Recharge Your IC Card

1. Go to a ticket machine at any train station
2. Insert your IC card
3. Choose a recharge amount (e.g., ¥1,000, ¥2,000)
4. Insert cash
5. Tap “OK” and you’re ready to go!

🧠 Tip: Most machines do not accept credit cards—bring cash for recharging.

🌍 Where Can You Use IC Cards?

✅ Transportation:

• JR trains, subways, private railways
• Local buses in most cities
• Airport trains (Narita Express, Keisei Skyliner, etc.)

✅ Shops & Facilities:

• Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
• Vending machines
• Coin lockers
• Some restaurants and cafes

🚫 Not accepted at:

• Long-distance shinkansen tickets (unless using smart EX or other services)
• Taxis in rural areas (though some big cities allow it)

🧳 Special for Tourists: Welcome Suica & PASMO Passport

If you’re a short-term visitor, consider one of these tourist-only IC cards:

🎫 Welcome Suica

• No deposit required!
• Valid for 28 days
• Available at Narita/Haneda/JR East Travel Service Centers
• Same usability as regular Suica

🎫 PASMO Passport

• Same features as PASMO
• Valid for 28 days
• Cute limited-edition designs (great souvenir!)
• ¥500 issuance fee (non-refundable)

💡 You’ll need to show your passport to buy these cards.

🧼 IC Card Tips & Etiquette

・✅ Touch the reader flat and quickly—don’t swipe or wave

・✅ Keep your card in a separate wallet/pouch to avoid reading errors

・❌ Don’t tap twice or hesitate—it might double charge

・❌ Don’t bend or punch holes in the card (it may stop working)

🛑 What Happens When You Leave Japan?

• Regular Suica/PASMO: Return the card at a JR/PASMO service center to get the ¥500 deposit refunded (plus any remaining balance)
• Welcome Suica / PASMO Passport: Non-refundable and yours to keep

🎁 Bonus: Many tourists like to keep the card as a souvenir!

✨ Final Thoughts

IC cards are one of the easiest ways to travel around Japan, especially in Tokyo and other big cities. They save time, reduce confusion, and even let you shop without cash.

Whether you choose Suica, PASMO, or a tourist version, you’re only a tap away from exploring Japan like a local.