One IC card, all of Japan
Tap the card on the gate and the fare is worked out for you. Suica, PASMO, ICOCA: ten cards work alike on trains, subways, buses and in konbini.
Which one to get?
Welcome SuicaNo deposit, valid 28 days; balance never refunded. Tokyo airports, big JR East stations.
TOURIST PASMONo deposit, valid 28 days. Haneda and Narita airports, since May 2026.
Suica, PASMO, ICOCAAt station machines: 500 ¥ deposit, refunded when you leave. ICOCA: 2,000 ¥, deposit included.
On your iPhoneSuica, PASMO or ICOCA in the Wallet app, iPhone 8 or later. Android bought outside Japan: get a physical card.
In four steps
- Buy itat the airport or a station machine
- Top it upat the machines, in cash, 500 to 10,000 ¥
- Tap iton the reader, going in and coming out
Return itSuica, when you leave: the balance minus 220 ¥, plus the deposit
Its limits, and what to do
- From one IC area to another, like Tokyo → Nagoya, buy a ticket: the card won't work.
- For an express or the Green Car, add a ticket.
- For the Shinkansen, register it on smart EX or link it to a JR East e-ticket.
- On highway buses, pay separately. The balance tops out at 20,000 ¥.
Hinomaru's tip
Keep a 1,000 ¥ bill for top-ups: station machines take cash. A tourist card expires after 28 days: the gate then refuses it.
PlanJapanGetting around · Suica, PASMO, ICOCAPlanJapan · Japan, the complete guide · 2026–20271