If you’re traveling in Japan, you’ll be using a train or bus at some point. That’s where IC cards like Suica, ICOCA, and PASMO come in handy — they’re contactless prepaid cards that make travel and shopping in Japan super easy. This guide covers everything you need to know about these IC cards, including how to use them, their mobile versions, and things to watch out for.
What Are Suica, ICOCA, and PASMO?
Suica: Issued by JR East, mainly used in the Tokyo area.
PASMO: Managed by Tokyo’s private railway companies and also widely used in Greater Tokyo.
ICOCA: Issued by JR West and popular in the Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, etc).
All three cards are interchangeable across most of Japan’s major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, and transportation networks — meaning you can use a Suica in Osaka or an ICOCA in Tokyo without problems.
You can easily recharge these cards at station ticket machines, fare adjustment machines, or even ATMs at Seven Bank locations.
Mobile IC Cards (Suica / ICOCA / PASMO)
Or, you no longer need to buy a physical IC card — just use your smartphone!
All three mobile IC cards—Suica, ICOCA, and PASMO—are available for both iPhone (Apple Wallet) and Android (Google Wallet or dedicated apps). However, depending on your device model and OS version, some features or apps may not be fully supported. For example, certain versions of Android or iOS are required to use Mobile ICOCA or Mobile PASMO smoothly.
You can add funds using your credit card, easily check your balance, and recharge on the go. Another advantage is that mobile IC cards do not require the usual ¥500 deposit and can be set up without a Japanese address.
How Much Do They Cost?
Physical card: ¥2,000 (includes ¥500 deposit + ¥1,500 usable balance).
Mobile version: No deposit required — just charge with your credit card.
Where Can You Use Them?
Trains, subways, buses
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart)
Vending machines, restaurants, lockers, and more
They work like prepaid e-money — just tap and go!
Returning Your IC Card
If you decide to get a physical card and want to return it for a deposit refund:
Suica / PASMO must be returned in the Tokyo area.
ICOCA must be returned in the Osaka-Kyoto area.
Deposit Refunds and Fees for Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA
When returning your Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA card, you will generally receive your ¥500 deposit back. However, a handling fee of approximately ¥210 is usually deducted from your remaining balance as a processing charge.
For example, if your card has a balance of ¥500 when you return it, ¥210 will be deducted as a fee, and you will receive the deposit plus the remaining balance minus the fee in cash.
Please note that the refund process and policies might slightly vary depending on the issuing company and region (Tokyo area for Suica/PASMO, Osaka-Kyoto area for ICOCA). It’s recommended to confirm with station staff when returning your card.
If the card is not returned and remains unused for 10 years, it will become invalid and your deposit will not be refunded.
⏳ Does My Card Expire?
Yes. If there’s no activity for 10 years, your IC card or mobile balance may become invalid.
So if you’re planning a trip to Japan every few years — don’t worry, your balance will still be there.
Final Tips for Travelers
IC cards save you time and hassle — no need to buy tickets or worry about fares at every station. Just tap and go!
Great for families — child cards are available for kids under 12. You can ask about how to get them at station counters.
IC cards work seamlessly across major public transit systems in Japan’s big cities, and you can also use them at convenience stores, vending machines, and more. This means no more fumbling with coins!
Both iPhone and Android devices support mobile versions of Suica, ICOCA, and PASMO. Be sure to set up your mobile IC card in advance to enjoy smooth travel.
Suica, ICOCA, or PASMO—physical or mobile—make traveling and shopping in Japan easy and hassle-free. Get yours ready before your trip and enjoy more time exploring!
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