Transit IC cards in Japan (Suica, PASMO), explained

As of July 2026. Physical-card availability has fluctuated recently — see the note below.

A single rechargeable IC card is the easiest way to get around Japan. You tap it at the gate, the fare comes off automatically, and the same card pays for drinks and convenience-store snacks. Here’s how they work, from the official sources.

What they are

“Suica cards are a prepaid form of electronic money… Simply tap your Suica card onto the ticket gate and the fare will automatically be deducted from the card’s balance.” (JR East)

Suica (JR East) and PASMO (Tokyo-area railways and buses) are the best known; they work on trains, subways, buses and monorails, and as electronic money at shops, restaurants and vending machines that show the transit IC logo.

One card works almost everywhere

“With a single PASMO you can use it on railways and buses nationwide, starting with the Tokyo metropolitan area.” (PASMO)

Since 2013, ten IC cards — Kitaca, Suica, PASMO, TOICA, manaca, ICOCA, PiTaPa, SUGOCA, nimoca and Hayakaken — are mutually usable across most transit in Japan. Hold any one and you’re set in most cities. Caveat: you can’t ride continuously across two separate fare areas on a single tap — cross-area trips need a ticket.

Mobile vs physical

• Mobile Suica / Welcome Suica Mobile (Apple Wallet on iPhone 8+; Suica/PASMO via Google Wallet on a FeliCa-equipped Android — mostly Japan-market phones, so many overseas Android phones aren’t supported): no deposit, set up and top up in the app before or after arrival.
• Physical Suica / PASMO: a refundable 500-yen deposit is built into the price.
• Welcome Suica (physical, for short-term visitors): no deposit, but valid 28 days from first use, the remaining balance is non-refundable at expiry, and it’s sold only at select JR East stations/airports.

Deposit, top-ups and the balance cap

“The number of times you can top up is unlimited but the maximum balance is 20,000 yen.” (JR East)

For standard physical Suica and PASMO, the 500-yen deposit is always returned when you hand the card back, but a 220-yen handling fee is deducted from any remaining balance — so spend the balance down first to avoid it.

What IC cards don’t cover

“When using your Suica to ride a super (limited) express train, an express train, or in a green car, you will need to purchase a super (limited) express train ticket separately.” (JR East)

So IC cards are perfect for local trains, subways, buses and small purchases — but Shinkansen, limited express and reserved seats still need separate tickets.

Note on physical-card supply

Sales of unregistered physical Suica were suspended in 2023 due to a global IC-chip shortage and resumed on 1 March 2025; availability can still vary by location. If you want certainty, use mobile Suica. (JR East)

FAQ

General information, current as of July 2026. Fees, caps and card availability can change — check the official pages below.