Japanese IC Cards 日本のICカード

In Japan, public transportation is heavily utilized, and instead of a flat-rate subscription, fares are based on distance. To simplify fare payments, a centralized system was introduced in the early 2000s, using a prepaid contactless card known as the "IC Card." Various types of these cards exist, all compatible with each other and usable throughout most of the country.

Due to a shortage, SUICA / PASSMO IC Cards are no longer available for sale to tourists. You can buy a Welcome SUICA for 13 €, shipping included.

What Is an IC Card?

An "IC Card" stands for "Integrated Circuit Card," meaning it contains a chip that allows for unique, contactless recognition. These cards can be recharged with cash at kiosks found in every public transportation station.

Once you’ve loaded money onto the card, you can use it not only for transportation (subway, train, bus) but also at vending machines, convenience stores (konbini), and even some restaurants. Importantly, no fees are deducted when you recharge or make purchases with the card.

There are about a dozen different brands of IC Cards, all compatible thanks to the centralized system. They are anonymous, valid for ten years, and you can get any remaining balance refunded at the end of your trip or when the card expires.

Why Is an IC Card Convenient for Tourists?

When traveling in Japan, managing coins and bills can clutter your wallet. With an IC Card, you always pay the exact fare without any hassle. No more carrying around dozens of coins, and you’ll save time when using public transportation.

For example, in most Japanese transport systems, ticket prices depend on the distance traveled, measured in the number of stops. Without an IC Card, you’d need to figure out the correct fare and purchase a ticket each time—fun at first but quickly becomes tedious.

With an IC Card, you simply tap it when entering and exiting the transportation system, and the fare is automatically deducted based on your journey. The remaining balance on the card is displayed upon exit. Additionally, there are no fees, and you even get a slight discount on fares (though just a few yen).

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, the IC Card might be less useful since JR train rides are covered. However, you can still use it for purchases at konbini and for metro rides.

Finally, since the card is valid for ten years, you can reuse it on future trips or lend it to friends planning to visit Japan. Although the card is anonymous, each traveler needs their own card for public transportation.

Main Types of Japanese IC Cards

Numerous IC Cards are customized according to the region and transportation companies. The two most commonly found are:

SUICA

Perhaps the most well-known IC Card outside Japan, SUICA is issued by JR East, the train company for Tokyo. You’ll know you’re in a JR station when everything around you is green! Detailed information can be found on JR East's SUICA page (in English).

You can purchase it at:

• Ticket machines in major JR East stations
• Service counters labeled "みどりの窓口" ("Midori no Madoguchi" / "The Green Window")

The card costs 1,000 yen (~€8.20), including a 500 yen deposit and 500 yen in credit.

Upon leaving Japan, you can return the card at the "みどりの窓口" counters to get your deposit and remaining balance refunded, minus a 220 yen fee.

For tourists, JR East offers a special "Welcome Suica," similar to the regular SUICA but with a few differences:

• It’s valid for 28 days and free (no deposit required).
• You cannot get any remaining balance refunded.

PASMO

The second most popular IC Card, PASMO, is issued by Tokyo’s metro company. More details can be found on the Tokyo Metro’s PASMO page (in English).

You can buy it at:

• Narita and Haneda Airports
• Ticket machines in metro stations

The card also costs 1,000 yen (~€8.20), with 500 yen as a deposit and 500 yen as credit.

You can get a full refund of the deposit and remaining balance at major metro station counters.

For tourists, a special "Pasmo Passport" card is available, similar to the regular PASMO but with the following differences:

• It’s valid for 28 days and costs 500 yen (non-refundable).
• You can’t get any remaining balance refunded.
• It offers discounts at some locations, though the savings aren’t particularly impressive.

Which Card Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick comparison of SUICA/PASMO, "Welcome Suica," and "Pasmo Passport."

How to Order an IC Card in France ?

To prepare for your trip to Japan, you can order an IC Card in France!

"Japan Experience" sells Welcome SUICA cards at a reasonable price for 13 €, shipping included.

Pensez bien qu'il faut une carte par personne pour les transports en commun.

How to Use an IC Card

This video on JR East’s website offers a good demonstration of how to use a SUICA card. The process is the same for all IC Cards across various transport systems.

In Public Transportation

When you reach an automatic gate, place your card on the reader for a second. You’ll hear a BEEP, and the gates will open. Do the same when exiting, and the fare will be automatically deducted.

If there’s insufficient balance, the gate will close with a red cross displayed on the machine. You’ll need to recharge your card at one of the ticket machines in the station.

The same principle applies to buses: tap your card when boarding from the rear and when exiting from the front. Remember, each traveler needs their own card.

In Convenience Stores

To pay with your IC Card at a konbini, show it to the cashier and place it on the reader, just like a contactless bank card.

How to Recharge an IC Card

Cards can be recharged at ticket machines in any station or train station, even if your card isn’t from that specific company. For example, you can recharge a SUICA at Tokyo Metro or Sendai stations.

Look for the "IC" logo on the machine to know where to insert your card. The maximum balance you can load onto an IC Card is 20,000 yen.

Limitations of IC Cards

There are a few limitations concerning public transportation.

• The card must be used within the same management zone.
• The geographical area should remain consistent.

For instance, if you’re using the metro or JR trains in Tokyo, there’s no problem.

However, if you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto or Sendai, don’t use your IC Card, even if the stations technically allow it. When switching train/metro companies or geographical zones, it’s best to buy a ticket from the kiosks.

In short, use your IC Card only for local travel within the same metropolitan area.