How to Get & Use a Japan IC Card (Suica & Pasmo)
Get an IC Card immediately to make your Japan trip smooth and stress-free. Avoid ticket machine lines and tap effortlessly onto trains, subways, buses, and pay at convenience stores or vending machines.
Option 1: Digital Card (Recommended)
Add a digital Suica or Pasmo card directly to your smartphone's Wallet before you land. Fast, free, and tops up using your credit card.
No Lines • InstantOption 2: Physical Card
Buy a physical Suica or Pasmo at JR Travel Service Centers, airport counters, or get a specialized Tourist Card (Welcome Suica/Tourist Pasmo).
Requires Cash to Top UpSetting Up Digital Suica or Pasmo
Setting up a digital transit card on your phone is the ultimate travel hack for Japan. It bypasses ticket kiosks completely and allows you to top up at any time.
Open Your Phone Wallet
On iPhone, open the default Apple Wallet app. On Android, open Google Wallet (note: Android compatibility requires a Japanese Osaifu-Keitai compatible phone, so Apple Wallet is standard for international visitors).
Add a Transit Card
Tap the plus (+) icon, search for “Suica” or “Pasmo”, and select it.
Load Funds
Choose your starting amount (e.g., 1,000 to 2,000 JPY) and pay instantly using your stored credit card via Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Physical Card Options
If you prefer a physical card or do not have a compatible smartphone wallet, physical cards are easily available at major transit hubs.
Regular Suica & Pasmo: Available again at major JR East Travel Service Centers and subway kiosks.
Welcome Suica: A special tourist card with a cherry blossom design. Available at Haneda and Narita airports. Valid for 28 days with no deposit required.
Tourist Pasmo Passport: Similar to the Welcome Suica, this has a cute mascot/Sanrio design and is sold at major Tokyo subway stations and Narita/Haneda desks.
Important physical card rule:
Unlike digital cards which can be topped up via Apple/Google pay on your phone, physical IC cards can only be loaded with cash at transit ticketing machines. Keep plenty of yen coins and bills on hand!
Where Can You Use Your IC Card?
Your Suica or Pasmo is universally accepted across most of Japan, not just in Tokyo:
Transit Network
Trains, metropolitan subways, and local city buses nationwide.
Convenience Stores
Tap to pay at 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, and local shops.
Vending Machines
Most drinks and food vending machines accept IC card payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Suica in Kyoto and Osaka?
Yes! Suica, Pasmo, and Kansai's local ICOCA cards are fully cross-compatible. You can use your Suica or Pasmo on subways and buses in Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Sapporo.
What happens to the remaining balance?
Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport balances are non-refundable and expire after 28 days. Regular physical Suica or Pasmo cards last for 10 years, and you can get a refund on the remaining balance (minus a small fee) at JR station ticket offices before leaving Japan.