Planning a trip to Japan? Confused about which IC card to get for seamless travel? Suica? PASMO? ICOCA? Something else?
You’re not alone. We’re here to help you choose one IC card you can use throughout your entire Japan trip to pay for local transportation.
What is an IC Card?
First, let’s demystify IC cards. An IC card, or Integrated Circuit card, is a rechargeable smart card used mainly for local transportation and even shopping in Japan. The main advantage of IC cards is their time-saving and stress-reducing benefits for public transportation.
With an IC card, you can easily tap in and out of train stations and buses, pay for items at convenience stores, buy drinks at vending machines, rent luggage lockers and more. All with one simple card! No more fumbling coins or buying multiple individual tickets.
Each person 6-years-old and above needs to have their own IC card for transportation. You only need one IC card per person, either physical or digital.
Recharging an IC card at a machine
Recharging your IC card is a breeze. You can charge physical IC cards only with cash. Just head to a train ticket machine or charging station. You can even top-up at many convenience stores, especially 7-11s. We’ll discuss digital IC cards later.
Types of IC Cards
Now, you may have heard about the Suica and PASMO cards, but they are certainly not the only IC cards available in Japan.
There are actually 10 major IC cards that you can use across the country and they are all interoperable!
Meaning you can purchase an IC card in Osaka, and later also use it in Tokyo. Or purchase an IC card when you arrive in Sapporo and use it throughout your Japan trip, as long as you get the right one!
Let’s break down the 10 interoperable IC cards by region. Starting from up north, we have…
Kitaca – Hokkaido
Kitaca – Issued in Hokkaido, which is home to the cities Sapporo, Otaru and Asahikawa. If you fly into New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, this is the IC card to get.
Suica – Tokyo and Northern Honshu
Suica – Yes, it’s popular, the most widely used IC card in Japan. Issued in Tokyo and northern Honshu
Welcome SUICA (tourist version)
If you can’t get a regular SUICA card, there is a tourist version called Welcome SUICA. This is a temporary card valid for 28 days, which cannot be renewed. The balance is non-refundable, so use it up before leaving Japan and keep the card as a souvenir.
Child versions of tourist cards are also available. You can purchase from vending machines or from the ticket office. If you are not sure, please visit the tourist information desk, they speak excellent English and can point you in the right direction.
Pasmo – Greater Tokyo
Pasmo – Another excellent choice to buy in the Greater Tokyo area.
Toica & Manaca Central Japan, Nagoya
Toica and Manaca – If you are arriving in Nagoya in Central Japan you can get either of these IC cards.
ICOCA & Pitapa – Kansai Region, Osaka/Kyoto
Heading to the Kansai region, Osaka, Kyoto or Kobe? The IC cards are ICOCA or Pitapa. But while I mention the Pitapa Card it is not easy for travelers to get. So get the ICOCA which can be purchased directly from the vending machine or at JR West ticket offices in the Osaka/Kyoto areas. The ICOCA is also the card to get if you will be visiting for World Expo 2025 in Osaka.
And a fun fact, while saying ICOCA might be hard for a foreigner it actually has a meaning, maybe more than one. But in Japanese ICOCA can be translated to “Shall we go?” which is perfect since you will be traveling.
As of May 2024, ICOCA has an exclusive offer that’s a hot ticket item! Introducing the specialty design IC card: “The Wind and Thunder Gods Fujin and Raijin.” 🌬️⚡ This striking design draws inspiration from the historically significant folding screen painting of Fujin and Raijin, capturing the essence of these legendary deities!
But here’s the catch – this highly coveted IC card is a treasure available **exclusively for foreigners at Kansai Airport**. You won’t find it anywhere else in Japan, making it a true collector’s gem!
So if you are flying into Kansai airport in Osaka, don’t miss your chance to get your hands on this piece of cultural history. Whether you’re a traveler, a collector, or a fan of Japanese mythology, this is a must-have item you won’t want to pass up! I’m going to get mine.
And because it is a regular ICOCA card it can be used all over Japan. Again, if you are unsure if it can be used, always look for this IC symbol.
Kansai One Pass
But Wait, There’s More!
There’s another ICOCA card for foreign tourists only, the Kansai One Pass featuring none other than the legendary Astro Boy! 🌟 This iconic 1950s character adds a nostalgic touch of fun to your travel experience. But it’s not just about the cool design!
With the Kansai One Pass, unlock a world of perks: enjoy exclusive discounts at shops and attractions, and seamless travel throughout the Kansai region and beyond. It has an initial cost of 3000 yen. 2500 yen goes towards your balance and 500 yen is the refundable deposit.
And here’s the kicker – while designed with tourists in mind, this card never expires! That means you can use it again the next time you visit Japan.
Plus, there’s a companion mobile site that makes your journey even smoother! Use it to easily navigate the Kansai area with its handy location-based features.
But note, the Kansai One Pass may not have as wide acceptance as the 10 major IC cards.
Sugoca/Nimoca/Hayakaken – Kyushu, Fukuoka
If you’re arriving in Fukuoka on Kyushu Island, Sugoca, Hayakaken or Nimoca are your go-to options.
Cannot Cross Areas in One Journey
While these interoperable IC cards are incredibly convenient, there’s one important limitation you should know about: You can’t use them to cross different IC card areas in a single trip.
According to JR, transportation started in one IC card area must be completed within that same area. If you need to travel across multiple areas, like from Sapporo to Hakodate, you’ll need to exit the ticket gate in one area before re-entering in the next. Because while they are both on the island of Hokkaido, they are in different areas.
For long-distance journeys like this, it’s more common to purchase a limited express train ticket and so you would not be using your IC card to cross into a new area. Therefore, it is unlikely you will encounter this situation. Just remember, when crossing from one area to another, first exit the ticket gate and then re-enter. If you run into problems, see the attendant at the gate.
Physical Child Card
Families with children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old can get a physical child IC card. To purchase this card, you may need to visit the issuing card office and have your child’s passport ready to verify their age. Child fares are half the price of adult fares, and children under 6 can travel for free. However, each adult can only accompany two children under the age of 6 for free. Any additional children under 6 will need to pay the child fare
Digital IC Cards – iPhone 8+
If you have an iPhone 8 or newer, you can get the digital version of either Suica, PASMO or ICOCA cards. They are super easy to use and you can top-up directly from your Apple Wallet with your credit card (we’ve had luck with Apple Card – Mastercard) or using cash at a charging machine at the train station or many 7-Elevens.
In order to install, open Apple Wallet and click +. Then select Transit Card. Scroll down to Japan. Select either Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA. Each of these can be used to pay at the same places in the same manner. We recommend PASMO as we’ve never had any translation issues.
Sorry digital IC cards are currently not available on Android devices unless purchased in Japan.
There are not any digital Child IC cards. Children ages 6 to 11 years old can only get a physical Child IC card.
Fascinating Facts: Why You Should Go Digital with Your IC Card!
Did you know that Suica was the first IC card issued in Japan back in 2001? ICOCA followed in 2003, and the last of the 10 interoperable IC cards, Manaca, was introduced in 2011. According to Japan Times, by 2021, a staggering 200 million IC cards had been issued in Japan!
Now, here’s a mind-blowing stat: back in 2013, Japan Railway and Transport reported that 82 million IC cards had been sold. If you stacked all those cards together, they would tower 16 times the height of Mt. Fuji! Fast forward to 2021, and with 200 million IC cards issued, the stack would reach an astounding 39 times the height of Mt. Fuji!
That’s a lot of plastic and e-waste! So, why not help reduce this waste? If you have an iPhone, you can opt for the digital version of Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA. It doesn’t matter which one you choose, as they all work seamlessly across Japan! Make the eco-friendly choice and go digital! Plus, it’s easy to top-up your card on the go.
Summary
So there you have it!
Now you know which IC card to get for your trip to Japan. Based upon which area you enter Japan, get the card offered there. As long as it’s one of the 10 interoperable cards, it will work seamlessly for your entire Japan trip. Just look for the IC logo if you’re unsure.
I wanted to get the specialty Fujin and Raijin card, but knowing these facts about e-waste, I might just stick with the digital version. 🌱📲