Japan IC Card Guide

Suica · PASMO · ICOCA Which one should I choose?

The answer for most people: Choose the one that is most convenient to purchase. Because the main card can be used across a wide region. But the issue of card validity, deposit, and refund are different.

Last updated 9 Sep 2026 · By the MjourneyGo team

Train ticket gates in Japan that accept IC cards
Picture: Buddy AN · Unsplash License

Summary before buying

  • Starting in Tokyo and coming back: Suica or normal PASMO
  • Short trip, don't want to pay a deposit: Welcome Suica Validity: 28 days
  • Starting in Osaka/Kyoto: ICOCA
  • Use supported iPhone models: Consider Apple Wallet To reduce adding cash
No need to buy multiple tickets in different cities.Suica, PASMO and ICOCA can be used together in major IC areas throughout Japan. Just choose one card and top up according to usage.

Sample images of each type of card

Use the color and name on the card to help differentiate when purchasing. But the card design may change depending on the year, special edition, and point of sale. Confirm the card name with the staff or the machine's screen again.

Example of a green Suica card touching the reader.
SuicaJR East Main Card — Example of a regular green cardPicture: タチヤマカムイ / CC BY-SA 4.0
Sample image of a pink PASMO card
PASMOFound a lot on private railways and Metro in the Tokyo area.Picture: PASMO, vectorized by Astrid / Public domain
Example of a green KIPS joint model ICOCA card
ICOCAJR West main card — This image is an example of the KIPS co-design.Picture: 吉田宅浪 / CC BY-SA 3.0
Example of a red Welcome Suica card with cherry blossom pattern.
Welcome Suicared sakura pattern For tourists and without a depositPicture: Ravi Dwivedi / CC BY-SA 4.0
Images are used to aid identification only.Special edition cards, co-branded cards, and actual designs may not be exactly like the images. But the product name and conditions of use are the main things that should be checked.

What's the difference?

cardBest forAge/DepositNote
SuicaStart JR East / Tokyo¥500 deposit; อายุยาวUnregistered cards can be purchased again from 2025.
PASMOPrivate railway/Tokyo MetroDeposit by typePASMO PASSPORT has been discontinued.
Welcome SuicaShort trip tourists28 days; NoneมัดจำThe balance and age should be planned accordingly.
ICOCAStart JR West / KansaiStarting at ¥2,000 including deposit ¥500Return your card at a supported JR West area.

Anonymous sales of Suica/PASMO resume March 1, 2025. PASMO PASSPORT sales have been discontinued. According to the JR East/PASMO joint announcement

What can an IC card be used for?

Getting aroundTrains, subways and buses with the IC symbol
payConvenience stores, vending machines, some restaurants
Leave your luggageCoin Locker that supports IC

What the card can't do automatically

  • It is not a Shinkansen ticket or reserved seat express train.
  • Not guaranteed to work in all local buses or rural areas.
  • Do not travel across separate IC zones without checking the conditions.
  • The general peak is ¥20,000

Use on iPhone/Apple Watch

  1. Open Wallet and press add card.Choose your Transit Card and Suica, PASMO or ICOCA.
  2. Create a new card or transfer an existing card.If the plastic card has been moved That card cannot be used again according to Apple's terms.
  3. Set Express ModeTap through doors without having to unlock them every time.
  4. Top up with supported cardsSome foreign cards may be rejected. Always have cash or a plastic card as a backup plan.
Official Apple Guide →

5 things that people often misuse

  1. Not enough balance when leaving the station — Use the Fare Adjustment machine or top up before leaving.
  2. Tap in and change your mind. — Have the officer change the card status. Don't tap it too many times.
  3. I think IC includes express bus fare. — Reserved/Limited Express buses may require additional tickets.
  4. Top up more than the last day — Use to buy things at supported stores with the balance near zero.
  5. I can't remember which one I used to touch it. — Must be tapped out with the same card or device.

Frequently asked questions

I have a Suica, can I use it in Osaka and Kyoto?
Can be used in networks that support IC nationwide and at stores with the IC symbol, but should not be used for long distance travel across IC areas. and some lines or rural areas may not be supported.
Suica or ICOCA, which one is better?
For tapping city trains and paying at supported stores The core abilities are similar. Choose a card that is convenient to purchase from the first region of travel and is easier to return.
Welcome Suica, can I refund the balance?
Refund conditions change according to product and channel. You should use up the full balance and check the latest terms and conditions from JR East. The card is valid for 28 days and there is no deposit.
Can an IC card be used to ride the Shinkansen?
Not automatically for the average tourist. Must have a Shinkansen ticket or be connected to a compatible reservation service according to the conditions. An IC card alone is not a Shinkansen ticket.
Can Android purchased from Thailand use Mobile Suica?
Support depends on your device's hardware and region. Therefore, it should not be assumed that all versions of Android work. If in doubt, use a plastic card. Supported iPhone models can add a Japan Transportation Card to Apple Wallet.

Planning next steps

Japan pre-travel checklistPrepare according to the time Don't miss important things. 5 day Japan tripTokyo or Osaka–Kyoto Where to Stay in TokyoCompare Ueno, Shinjuku, Asakusa. Tokyo Airport TransfersChoose from Narita and Haneda. Luggage Delivery and StorageYamato lockers and Shinkansen Following in the footsteps of Japanese anime6 real places with how to go and etiquette Easy station exitElevators, lockers, restrooms, and airports
Open Trip Planner → Trip budget calculator

Resources: JR East – Suica · JR East – Welcome Suica · JR West – ICOCA · Latest check 9 Sep 2026