When visiting Japan, one of the first differences you’ll notice is how public transportation operates compared to France.
Instead of fixed fares, the cost of a trip depends on the distance traveled, which can make managing money a bit tricky. Fortunately, Japan offers a convenient solution: IC Cards, prepaid contactless cards that simplify not only transit but also shopping at numerous locations, including konbini (convenience stores).
For tourists, the easiest option is to order a Welcome SUICA for 13 € (shipping included). If you have an iPhone, it is also possible to have a virtual IC Card.
12/01/2025: out of stock
Our partner, Japan Experience, is unfortunately out of stock of Welcome Suica. We have no other solution to offer you for ordering a card in Europe. You will need to purchase it at the airport upon arriving in Japan or use virtual IC Card.
What is an IC Card and How does it work?
IC Cards are prepaid, contactless cards widely used across Japan for public transportation and shopping.
Popular brands include Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA. While these cards were initially region-specific, they are now interoperable, meaning one card works almost anywhere in Japan.
Recharging is mainly done via terminals in train and metro stations.
Main Uses
- Public Transportation: Subways, trains, buses, trams, and even some taxis.
- Shopping: Vending machines, konbini, fast-food outlets, and certain restaurants.
The Welcome Suica
The Welcome Suica is a special IC Card designed for visitors.
Key Features
- No refundable deposit: Unlike regular IC Cards, it doesn’t require the 500 yen deposit.
- Availability: Purchase it at major international airports (Haneda and Narita) or at select JR stations in Tokyo.
- Minimum initial load: 1 000 or 2 000 yen at the time of purchase.
- Non-refundable balance: Any remaining money cannot be refunded after your trip.
To make your trip preparation easier, we recommend ordering a Welcome Suica from Europe for 13 €, including shipping.
You can buy the Welcome Suica at international airports like Haneda or Narita, and at major JR stations in Tokyo. However, sales locations are limited to a few specific places listed on the JR East website.
Using an IC Card: How It Works in Practice
Public Transportation
This video on the JR East website shows how an IC Card works, and the process is the same across all modes of transport.
Trains and Subways
- Entry: Tap the card on the gate reader. A beep confirms it’s read.
- Exit: Tap again at your destination to deduct the fare and display the remaining balance.
- Insufficient Balance: If the balance is too low, recharge your card at a kiosk before proceeding.
Buses
- Enter through the rear door and tap your card.
- Exit through the front door, tapping the card near the driver to deduct the exact fare.
In Stores
IC Cards are accepted in many stores, including konbini such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart or Lawson.
- Show your IC Card to the staff or choose to pay by IC Card directly at the terminal.
- Place the card on the payment terminal for the amount to be debited.
It’s very practical for small expenses like a bottle of water or a snack.
How to Recharge an IC Card
You can recharge IC Cards at kiosks available in all metro and train stations. These machines only accept cash.
- Maximum balance: You can load up to 20,000 yen (~€150) on an IC Card.
Using the Kiosk
Start by selecting the “IC Card” option on the screen, then insert or place your card on the reader. The location for placing your card isn’t always obvious, so look for the "IC" logo on the machine. (Depending on the kiosk model, you either insert the card into the reader or place it on the IC logo.) Next, choose the amount you want to add and insert the cash. Once the transaction is complete, the machine will return your card with the new balance.
Limitations of IC Cards
While IC Cards are convenient, there are some restrictions:
Company Boundaries
For transport, IC Cards can only be used on the same company for one trip. This normally only happens on long distances or at the border between companies.
For example, if you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, you will switch from JR East to JR West while remaining on the same train line. Although the systems are compatible, the card will not work when leaving because there is a change of company.
For this type of case, which is very rare, you must purchase a specific ticket. If there is a problem, you will have to go through the station counter on your way out to unlock your IC Card.
Shinkansen
IC Cards do not allow direct travel on Shinkansen lines. You will need to purchase a specific ticket at the terminals or ticket counters.
Rural Areas
In more remote areas of Japan (Kyûshû, Shikoku), you may be able to board a train by beeping your IC Card, but the exit station is not equipped to read IC Cards.
The card will then be automatically blocked for all types of payment. You will have to go to a ticket office at a large station to unlock the card.
An IC Card on your phone ?
If you prefer to avoid using a physical card, digital IC Cards are an ideal alternative. The IC Card can be integrated directly into your smartphone and functions just like the physical card.
However, this option comes with technical and regional limitations that you should understand before using it.
Which phones are compatible?
- iPhone: Digital IC Cards work with iPhone 8 and newer, as well as Apple Watch Series 3 and newer.
- Android: Android phones sold outside Japan are not compatible with Japanese IC Cards. You will need to use a physical card.
How to get and use an IC Card on iPhone
Start by changing your iPhone region to Japan. This step is mandatory starting with iOS 18.1.
Rather than providing detailed instructions, here are links to Apple’s official pages:
Important notes
- It is possible to transfer a physical IC Card into your Apple Wallet, but the physical card will no longer be usable afterward.
- There is no need to install the official IC Card apps.
- You can recharge the IC Card using a credit card linked to your Apple Wallet or at compatible recharge stations and konbini.
- For credit card recharges via Apple Wallet, some travelers have encountered issues using foreign credit cards.
- The IC Card recharge system is paused every night between midnight and 5 a.m.