Let’s take a simple, yet thorough, look at how to pay for public transport while in Japan, using their IC cards. There’s so much information out there, but I couldn’t find a website that covered all that you need to know, while keeping it simple – so I decided to share this information myself.
What is an IC Card?
Most people will have used these type of cards before, as most cities in the world use something similar (Myki in Victoria, Opal in NSW, Oyster in UK, etc.). One of the main differences though, is that in Japan there are numerous different companies that run their public transport, and many of them have their own brand of IC card. To avoid any confusion though, these are completely interchangeable throughout Japan. So no matter what brand you have, you can use it on most public transport throughout the country.
It doesn't matter what IC card you pick up - any card will work across any IC-compatible public transport across Japan, and all fares will be the same price.
Why get one?
The most common way to get around in Japan is via public transport – and trains, in particular. You can buy a paper ticket manually before each trip, but this can be frustrating and requires you to work out the correct fare yourself by using maps available in the station. If you’re likely to be using public transport more than once or twice during your trip, I’d encourage you to make your life easier by buying a separate IC card for everyone you’re travelling with. We’ll look later at some services you can’t use these tickets for, but this will save you a lot of time and stress across all the cities of Japan.
Common Brands and Their Regions
Public transport in Japan is often owned by private businesses, or local prefecture governments. Many of these offer their own IC cards, so they will have different names and graphics on the card. However, most importantly, they will all work on anyone else’s network, so it doesn’t matter which one you buy, it’s just a case of buying the card that is available where you first need one. They all require the same 500 Yen deposit (about $5.50 Australian), and all charge the same fare per trip. The three most often used by tourists, are Icoca for people who fly into to Osaka, and Pasmo or Suica for people who fly into Tokyo.
Buying an IC card - and their "tourist" equivalents
Pasmo, Suica, and ICOCA offer a variation on their normal IC cards that are promoted for use by tourists. Consider these differences to see if they are of interest to you.
The tourist versions available in Tokyo are called WelcomeSuica, and Pasmo Passport. These cards are often only available in the train station attached to Tokyo airports, and can be bought either from ticket counters, or from specific, well marked, ticket machines. They avoid the 500 Yen initial deposit, but are only valid for 28 days, and any extra money you loaded onto the cards can’t be returned. An important note is that when using these cards, it is expected that you keep the Reference Paper (a glorified receipt) with you as you travel, as ticket staff can ask to view it.
In Osaka, the tourist version of ICOCA is called Kansai One Pass, and can be purchased Kansai airport just outside Osaka, or from any major railway station in Osaka, Kyoto, or Kobe. This card operates the same as a normal IC card (i.e. it still has a 500 Yen deposit, and no* expiry date). However, this is the only IC card to provide extra discounts at hundreds of sightseeing spots and shops across the Kansai region.
The Kansai region includes Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Himeji, Wakayama, and more.
Type of IC Card | Standard (e.g. Pasmo, Suica) | Tourist (Pasmo Passport, WelcomeSuica) |
|---|---|---|
Deposit | 500 Yen | Nil |
Expires | Never* | After 28 days |
Refund | Deposit + Balance, less a 220 Yen processing fee | Not available - balance lost |
Place of Purchase | Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Ueno Service Counter Only | Narita Airport, Haneda Airport Ticket machine or Service Counter |
There are a couple of handy tips to pick up a standard IC card. Recently, there has been a shortage of these, which can be frustrating, but it's quite easy to solve (we're strictly a "stress free" zone here!)
They're only running low on stock in the Kanto (Tokyo) region. If you're outside of this region, you don't need to worry at all - you'll pick up an IC card anywhere, from either a counter, or a ticket machine.
If you have an iPhone, you can simply go into Apple Wallet and add a virtual version of these cards - see below for more information.
If you decide you want one of the tourist versions, pick it up from the airport when you arrive.
If you do want the normal IC card; or you're nowhere near an airport, you can pick up a Suica card from any JR East Travel Service Center in a major station: Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, or Ueno. If you do this, they can only give you one IC card per person - so you can't send one person to pick them up for your whole group, you'll need to all line up. Due to the shortage they are only available to foreigners, so there's a chance you may be asked to show a passport or similar (but often they'll just take you on your word).
iPhone / Apple Wallet IC Card
Those of you with an iPhone, have another option: within the Apple Wallet, you can Add a Transit Card. You’ll see ICOCA, Pasmo, and Suica – there’s really no difference between them. Simply attach it to a credit card that you have already set up in your Apple Wallet, and you’re good to go. Note, however, that these often do not accept Visa cards. If you don't have another option, you may need to revert to a physical card.
Unfortunately this isn't available on Android phones, unless the phone itself was bought in Japan.
How to Top Up
This can be done at ticket machines at train stations, and some convenience stores. Select your language, then place the IC card (or your phone with Apple Wallet open) on the marked space and follow the prompts on screen to top it up. Most of these machines only accept cash.
How to Use IC Cards
Simply tap it on the card reader when entering and exiting the transportation system. The fare is automatically calculated and the remaining balance will be shown on the LCD screen on the ticket gate.
Beyond Transportation
But it’s not just for travel. Your IC card is a pseudo debit card that can be used at numerous places. What started as a way to pay for train fare, has extended to be used for the ever-present vending machines; and then to coffee shops, coin lockers, convenience stores, and can now be used at an ever extending array of shops. Simply look for the IC logo among the payment options accepted when paying. My parents loved buying their morning coffee every day using their IC card!
Limitations
While versatile, IC cards aren’t quite as universal as other travellers might have you believe. There are some obvious limitations, and some not so obvious. For example, although theoretically IC cards can be used for Shinkansen's, in practice this is more complicated for tourists and not often worth the effort, as it requires numerous steps to activate – and then doesn’t use your stored balance on the card anyway. See the image for other exceptions.
Children's IC Cards
Children under the age of 12 are eligible for ½ price fares, which can be accessed by purchasing a child IC card. Proof of age (e.g. passport) is required when purchasing these cards, and must be always carried with you, otherwise a penalty may be charged.
End of Your Journey
If you purchased Tokyo’s tourist version (WelcomeSuica or Pasmo Passport), then you may either keep the card as a memento or discard it. As a tip to avoid wasting any money, use your IC card in a store. They can use any money remaining on the card to pay for your purchase, then you can pay the balance with cash or credit card.
For other IC cards, you can elect to return your card at any major train station (including those at airports). Here, they will keep 220 Yen as a fee, and refund you the balance of your card, plus the initial 500 Yen deposit.
Alternatively, take it home with you. The card remains valid for 10 years after the last date it was used – so keep it until your next trip, or pass it on to a friend or family.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve found this information helpful, and straightforward. Please use the Contact form below if you have any questions – not only am I happy to help, but by asking you’ll help me improve this information for others in future. Please visit my other blogs for other useful, straightforward, information that will help you on your next Jouney2Japan.
Finally, if you haven’t already, please visit and save my Online Travel Hub. This includes links to the best resources I can find with videos demonstrating key parts of this information on IC cards.
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