IC Card – the Japanese contactless transit card 🐧

“Suica” and “Pasmo” are IC cards - rechargeable cards that are extremely popular in Japan. They can be used to easily pay for public transportation, as well as for payments at vending machines, shops, and restaurants by simply tapping the card on a reader (similar to other contactless payments).

You simply tap the card on the reader for about a second (instead of inserting it into a slot like I did on my last trip during a brief moment of distraction), and the relevant fare will be automatically deducted when you exit through the ticket gates at your destination. The fare is determined based on the distance traveled.

On buses, you tap the card on the reader when boarding and/or when getting off.

Note: one card cannot be used by multiple travelers at the same time.

IC cards can be purchased from machines located throughout train stations, including at airports. If you have an iPhone 8 or newer, you can add a virtual card to Apple Pay. Note: money loaded onto a digital wallet cannot be withdrawn back as cash.

If you choose a physical card, the initial cost includes a ¥500 deposit (refundable) plus an initial top-up amount (usually a minimum of ¥1,000).

So, Pasmo or Suica? What’s the difference?

IC cards are essentially identical in terms of coverage.

The main difference is where you can purchase and return them (returning the card is optional, but if you do, you’ll get the deposit back - around $3–4 USD).

You can recharge IC cards at machines located throughout train stations, usually using cash.

Do they expire?

In theory, the card can be used forever. It will only stop working if it hasn’t been used for ten consecutive years.

Pro Tips:

• You can use IC cards across Japan for payments at many vending machines, shops, restaurants, and other services, it’s very convenient and highly recommended.

• Convenience stores also allow you to top up your IC card at the register.