Picture this: you’ve just landed at Narita, you’re half asleep, and you’re staring at a ticket machine that only speaks Japanese. You fumble with coins, you press the wrong button, and before you know it you’ve wasted precious time. Now imagine another scenario: you tap a sleek little card at the gate, the light turns green, and you stroll onto the platform—no queues, no confusion.
That’s the power of an IC card for Tokyo’s subway and transit network. If you googled ‘ic card tokyo subway’ to figure out which card to pick, you’re in the right place. In this ultimate guide you’ll learn how these contactless marvels work, where to get one, and how they can save you both time and money on your Tokyo adventure.
Benefits of IC cards
Using a prepaid transit card in Tokyo offers perks you’ll love whether you’re hopping between Shinjuku and Shibuya or grabbing a snack on the go. You can expect:
- Faster gate access: just tap and go, no paper tickets or coins to juggle
- Pay-as-you-go flexibility: load only what you need, and top up anytime
- Cashless shopping: use the same card at kiosks, vending machines, and convenience stores
- Easy balance tracking: check your remaining yen on screen or via app
These simple wins add up, especially when you’re racing through Tokyo’s subway network at rush hour.
Types of IC cards
Tokyo and its neighboring regions share several reloadable fare cards. Most work interchangeably on trains, buses, and even some shops. Here’s a quick breakdown.
Suica and PASMO
Suica (issued by JR East) and PASMO (issued by private rail and bus operators) are the big two in Tokyo. Functionally they’re twins—you can use both on rail, subway, and bus lines across the metro area. They each carry a 500-yen refundable deposit, and you can load up from 1,000 to 20,000 yen.
For a deep dive on the difference between Suica and PASMO, see difference between Suica and PASMO.
Standard Suica
- Deposit: 500 yen (refundable)
- Initial load options: 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 or 10,000 yen
- Coverage: JR East lines, subway, bus, plus shops and vending machines (Go Tokyo Official Travel Guide)
Standard PASMO
- Deposit: 500 yen (refundable)
- Initial load: typically 1,500 yen total (including deposit and credit)
- Coverage: private railways, subway, and buses in Greater Tokyo and beyond
- Available at most station machines and counters, plus where to buy a PASMO
Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport
If you’re a short-term visitor, consider these tourist-targeted options.
Welcome Suica features
- No deposit required, so no refund fuss at the end
- Valid for 28 days from first use
- Can be purchased in denominations from 1,000 to 10,000 yen
- Usable in any zone that accepts standard Suica (GoWithGuide)
PASMO Passport features
- Deposit waived, designed for foreign tourists
- Issued by Tokyo Metro with a special design
- Can be used on 28 rail operators and 73 bus operators nationwide
- Note: issuance fee waived after June 18, 2024, but availability may vary
Other regional cards
Beyond Tokyo, cards like ICOCA, TOICA, and PiTaPa function under the same standard thanks to the 2013 compatibility upgrade. You can tap the same card in Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and other major cities, as long as you stay within each card’s valid zone (Japan-Guide). If you plan to hop around Japan’s major metros, one card really can cover most of your trip.
Buying and topping up
Getting started with an IC card is straightforward. You can buy and recharge at multiple locations.
Buying at stations
Most major stations have dedicated vending machines or ticket counters selling Suica and PASMO. Look for screens or signs in English and follow these steps:
- Select English on the touch panel
- Choose your card type (Suica or PASMO)
- Pay deposit plus initial load (usually around 1,500 yen total)
- Collect your new card and you’re good to go
You can also buy a PASMO via English instructions, check pasmo card english instructions.
Reloading at convenience stores
No need to loop back to a station to top up. Just hand your card to the cashier at any major convenience store—Lawson, FamilyMart, 7-Eleven—or use the self-service machines. You can load up to 20,000 yen in one go, and some machines let you check your recent usage and remaining balance. For a list of reload locations, see suica card convenience stores and suica card reload locations.
Mobile IC cards
Prefer to keep things digital? iPhone and Android users can add Suica to Apple Pay or Google Pay, then just tap your phone at the gate. In March 2025, Tokyo introduced a Welcome Suica Mobile option for tourists 13 and older. To learn more, visit mobile suica for tourists.
Using your IC card
Once your card has credit you’re ready to explore. Here’s how to tap into Tokyo’s transit with ease.
At ticket gates
- Approach the gate’s card reader (it’s usually on the left side for IC cards)
- Hold the card or phone over the marked area for about one second
- Wait for the green light and beep, then pass through
Need extra detail? Check out suica card how to use tokyo.
On buses and trams
Ever wonder how locals board those crowded Toei buses so fast? They just tap at the front reader when they get on, then tap again at the back when they jump off. The fare automatically deducts based on distance. Easy.
Making purchases
Your IC card isn’t just transit magic. Tap it at vending machines, convenience store counters, fast food joints, and even some taxi meters. It works like electronic money in many Tokyo shops, so you can pick up a bottle of iced coffee or even pay at the duty free counter with just a tap (Tokyo Metro).
Coverage and limits
IC cards do a lot, but they have boundaries you should keep in mind.
Area coverage
- Valid on most trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and other major cities
- Works only within covered zones—if you cross into an area not served by your card’s operator, you can’t tap out again (Japan-Guide)
Shinkansen trains
You can’t use your card to pay for a reserved seat on the bullet train. However, unreserved platforms at some stations allow simple “tap and go” for non-reserved boarding. Always buy a proper Shinkansen ticket or use a JR Pass for full coverage.
Expiry and inactivity
Keep using your IC card at least once every 10 years, or it will expire. If you plan to store it as a souvenir, make sure to tap it once in a valid zone before the clock runs out (Japan-Guide).
Cost and fares
Understanding fees and fare quirks helps you avoid surprises.
Deposit and initial load
- A refundable 500-yen deposit applies to standard cards
- You typically load between 1,000 and 10,000 yen at purchase
- Mobile cards have no deposit, but some special tourist versions do require a one-time fee
Fare differences vs tickets
In central Tokyo, paying with an IC card can save you up to nine yen per ride compared to a paper ticket. Outside the metro core, the price gap can swing by five yen either way, depending on fare rounding (Japan-Guide).
Card refunds
When your trip wraps up, return your card at a station ticket counter or airport kiosk to get your deposit back. You’ll receive any remaining balance minus a small handling fee if you’re outside the issuing area. For airport refunds, see suica card refund tokyo airport.
Comparing cards and passes
IC cards shine for flexibility, but day passes and JR options have their moments.
Suica vs PASMO
Functionally identical, the choice often comes down to where you begin your journey. JR stations will stock Suica, while private rail hubs lean PASMO. Either way, you tap the same reader. For a full list of pros and cons, check pasmo card vs suica benefits.
IC card vs day passes
If you plan to ride more than a handful of times in a single day, look at unlimited passes. The Tokyo Subway 24 hour ticket and Tokyo Metro 72 hour ticket may save you serious yen if you’re racing from temple to tower.
JR Pass integration
Your JR Pass covers the Yamanote Line loop, but it doesn’t include private subways. For details on what JR handles and how it fits with your IC card, see JR Pass Yamanote line coverage. If you’re weighing a Tokyo-only JR Pass, visit jr pass worth it tokyo only.
Tips for smooth travel
A few extra habits keep your exploration stress-free:
- Check your balance before peak hours to avoid unexpected taps to surcharge gates
- Keep a small emergency stash of coins if you need to buy a one-day ticket at off-hour kiosks
- Register your mobile card details when possible, so you can restore your balance if you lose your phone
- Hold your card near the reader, but don’t tap it like a drum—in most spots a gentle hover does the trick
- If you misplace a physical card, head to a service counter right away for possible transfer of remaining credit
Summary and next steps
- IC cards turn Tokyo transit into a tap-and-go experience
- Suica and PASMO cover most rails, buses, and shops, with zero difference in fares
- Tourist versions like Welcome Suica let you skip deposits and refunds
- You can buy and top up cards at stations, convenience stores, or right on your phone
- Day passes and JR options still make sense for heavy hitters
Give a reloadable card a try on your first morning in Tokyo—you’ll thank yourself when you’re tapping through gates like a local. Ready to pick your perfect card? Share your questions or top tips in the comments below so everyone can breeze through Tokyo together.
FAQs
1. What’s the best IC card for short-term visitors?
Welcome Suica and PASMO Passport waive the 500-yen deposit and expire after 28 days. They’re ideal if you don’t want to fuss with refunds.
2. How do I top up my IC card?
You can reload at station machines, ticket counters, and most convenience stores (Lawson, FamilyMart, 7-Eleven). Just choose the top-up option on the screen or hand your card to the cashier.
3. Can I use my IC card on JR lines and private subways?
Yes, both Suica and PASMO work on JR East, Tokyo Metro, Toei subways, and a host of private rail and bus services. Just tap at the start and end of your ride.
4. Does my IC card expire?
A card will become invalid if you don’t use it for ten years. Just tap it at any valid reader to reset the clock.
5. How do I get a refund for my IC card?
Head to a station ticket office or airport refund kiosk. You’ll get your 500-yen deposit back minus any small handling fee if you’re outside the issuing area. For airport returns, see suica card refund tokyo airport.
