The Ultimate Japan IC Card Guide: Suica vs Pasmo And More

Traveling around Japan can’t be easier than by using Suica or Pasmo. Using IC cards is one of the best purchases for any traveler in Japan, allowing you to hop on and off public transport without needing to calculate ticket fares. And they can do so much more, too.

The most common IC card people have heard about is either the Suica or Pasmo. But how different are they? And which is the best IC card to use in Japan?

To help you out, here is an article about all the IC cards Japan has to offer.

What is an IC card?

All Japanese IC cards in their respective region

An IC card in Japan, which stands for “integrated circuit,” is a prepaid card that lets you insert money into it. They are most commonly used to pass through ticket gates and make purchases by simply tapping your card onto an IC reader and the amount is automatically deducted.

The first IC card was Suica, and the widespread usage of them became popular for different Japan Railway (JR) companies, local lines, and city transportation.

Most foreigners traveling to Tokyo have heard about Suica or Pasmo. However other regions of Japan have their own IC prepaid card design. 

Previously, different IC cards were restricted to certain areas of Japan. For example, your Suica card in Tokyo could not be used in Osaka or Fukuoka. It wasn’t until 2013 that the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service for IC cards was introduced to allow users to use one IC card to ride any trains or buses and make cashless purchases anywhere. 

Tokyo IC card: Suica vs Pasmo

When you’re in Tokyo, there are two common IC cards for you to choose from: Suica and Pasmo. But what’s the difference?

Here’s the thing, they both are interchangeable. It doesn’t matter which one you choose. Both allow you to travel on trains, subways, and buses and make purchases. Especially after the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service was implemented. 

1. Suica card

The Suica card is distributed by JR East. It was the first IC card to be developed and is still in use today. It started in Tokyo but later expanded to accommodate the greater Tokyo areas as well as in Niigata and Sendai.

It is well known for its green accent color and penguin mascot.

Suica also offers a special foreign tourist IC card called Welcome Suica that is only valid for 28 days. 

Note: Currently, there is a semiconductor shortage, so the Suica and the Welcome Suica card sales are very limited.

2. Pasmo card

Pasmo is a cute pink prepaid IC card issued by the Tokyo Metro subway operator to cover the public and private train services and buses in Tokyo. 

You can obtain this card at any Tokyo station and use it throughout Japan.

Pasmo also offers the PASMO PASSPORT for tourist visitors which is valid for 28 days.

Note: Currently, there is a semiconductor shortage, so the Pasmo card and the Pasmo Passport sales are very limited.

Kansai IC cards

These cards are mainly found and used in the Kansai region of Japan such as Osaka and Kyoto, but can also be seen in the Chūbu and Chūgoku regions.

3. Icoca card

The Icoca card is a prepaid IC card from JR West for the Kansai area which includes Osaka and Kyoto, and it later spread to nearby regions in Chugoku and Hokuriku. It has a blue platypus as its mascot.

There is a special version of the Icoca card called the Kansai One Pass that is only for foreign tourists and offers discounts at certain locations.

5. PiTaPa card

PiTaPa is an IC card issued by transport companies in the Kansai area of Osaka, but it can also be used in Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe.

What makes PiTaPa unique is that it is a postpaid card, which means users have to have a registered bank account where fares and purchases are deducted from. While not easily available to foreign tourists, it is perfect for those living in Japan as you can get points and discounts when shopping.

Chubu IC card

These cards are mainly found in the great regions of Nagoya.

4. Toica card

Toica is a prepaid IC card distributed by JR Central and is mostly used in Nagoya. It’s most known for its cute small yellow chicks.

Interestingly, you can obtain this card in different regions in Japan. For example, you can obtain a Toica card at Tokyo Station at the JR Tokai Ticket Office, near Yaesu North Exit. 

Making it a perfect Pasmo and Suica alternative.

6. Manaca card

Manaca is a prepaid IC card by Nagoya City and works with other transportation companies that are around. Its mascot is a yellow smiley face. 

Kyushu IC cards

There are 3 IC cards you can use in the Kyushu region in Japan.

7. Sugoca card

The Sugoca card is an IC card issued by JR Kyushu and can be used on trains and buses in the Kyushu region of Japan. So you can find this card in Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Oita, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima. The mascot is a pink frog.

You can also use this card to ride on the Fukuoka City subway, Nishitetsu trains, Nishitetsu buses, and other IC area cards.

8. Nimoca card

Nimoca is an IC card by Nishi-Nippon Railroad (Nishitetsu) for their trains and buses in Fukuoka, but it also works in the greater Fukuoka area and other cities in Kyushu. It has a cute ferret for its mascot. 

9. Hayakaken card

The Hayakaken card is an IC card issued by Fukuoka City for the Fukuoka Subway lines. Its mascot is a prairie dog.

Hokkaido IC card 

10. Kitaca card

The Kitaca card is issued by JR Hokkaido, a rail operator in Japan’s most northern island. The card works with Sapporo's subway, trams, and buses and can also be used around the greater Sapporo area.

Its mascot is a flying squirrel. 

Where can I get an IC card in Japan?

There are three main places where an IC card can be purchased. 

Airports

One of the easiest ways to get an IC card in Japan is at the airport you arrive at. The most common airports people travel to are Narita or Haneda airport where you can get a Suica or Pasmo card. But, you can get an IC card at most major Japanese airports.

Train stations

Most major train and subway stations in Japan have ticket vending machines where you can purchase an IC card. These card vendors are usually near the ticket gate and you can change the language to easily purchase an IC card.

Bus terminal

Some bus terminals offer IC cards. You can find the machine for one or ask for help from the service counter.

How much does an IC card cost in Japan?

A physical IC card requires 500 yen plus an initial starting amount to be charged to the card. For example, getting a Suica in Japan can cost 2000 yen, resulting in 1500 yen at the starting out charge on that IC card. This initial cost will vary throughout Japan.

You can avoid the card fee by opting for a digital IC card.

How to use an IC card in Japan

Tap your IC card with the IC logo | Pasmo example

For transportation such as buses and trains, you can tap your IC card onthe scanner with the IC logo. 

When paying at the counter in a department store or restaurant, there will be signs about different payment methods from credit cards, QR code payments, and IC card payments. All you have to say is “ICカードで おねがいします(aishī kādo de onegaishimasu),” or just show the cashier your IC card and they will help you with the purchasing process.

Common cashless payments in Japan, including IC card payments | TokyoMK

You can even use your IC cards at vending machines. Tap the drink you want, tap your card on the machine, and your drink will come to you.

Can I use one IC card throughout Japan?

Thanks to the Nationwide Mutual Usage Service, many IC cards can be used throughout Japan. So you can use a Pasmo card from Tokyo in Osaka. However, there are specific cases where this method is not allowed. 

If you are entering a Suica station, then it is not possible to exit at a Toica station. This instance is highly unlikely as there are transfer areas where you tap the card when switching or exiting stations. But if this situation occurs, please ask for help from the station staff. 

Another situation is if you have a commuter IC card. You would have to pay the difference between where you got on in your commuter area and where you got off, which is not included.

Are there digital versions of the IC cards?

There are digital versions of IC cards but only for Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca cards. For iPhones, you can add any of these cards to your Apple Pay or Apple Wallet and have the cards connected to your credit card. Please note that some foreign cards might not be able to be charged.

For Android phones, you can download the "Mobile Suica," "Mobile Pasmo," or the "Mobile Icoca" app to your phone.

You can top up these IC cards directly through their app or find a compatible kiosk at the train station, convenience store, or a 7/11 ATM.

Which is the best IC card in Japan?

All IC cards are identical in their purpose. The only difference is where you get one, so most people would buy one in the first Japanese city they arrive, Suica or Pasmo in Tokyo or Icoca in Osaka.

What’s the difference between these IC cards?

Pasmo vs Suica

Both Pasmo and Suica cards are Tokyo’s IC cards that can be used on public transportation and to make cashless payments.

The main difference between Suica and Pasmo is that Suica is distributed by JR East company while Pasmo is distributed by the Tokyo Metro subway.

Additionally, you can use the Pasmo and Suica app on your phone to 

Kitaca vs Suica

Both Kitaca and Suica cards are IC cards used in Hokkaido and Tokyo, respectively. The main difference is where they are distributed. Kitaca cards are distributed from JR Hokkaido stations in Hokkaido vs. the JR East line in Toyko, Niigata, and Sendai for Suica.

Suica vs Pasmo vs Icoca

Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca are all IC cards that can be used throughout Japan. Both Suica and Pasmo are found in Tokyo, while Icoca cards are seen through Osaka and the Kansai area.

Can I use my IC card to ride on the Shinkansen?

Yes. You need to use the Smart EX Shinkansen app where your IC card and credit card information are registered. Then you can tap in and out of the Shinkansen just like it was a bus or train.  

Tapping with the IC card is like an ID for the Shinkansen system, but payment will be taken from the registered credit card you’ve inputted.  

More information can be found here: Shinkansen Boarding with an IC card 

Frequently asked questions

Which IC card to buy in Japan?

The best IC to buy in Japan is whichever is the most convenient option for you when you arrive. Many international travelers will land at Narita or Haneda International Airport, resulting in getting a Suica or Pasmo card to ride the train to their destination. If you land at Fukuoka International Airport, you might get the Sugoca, Nimoca, or Hayakaken card. 

What a good Suica alternative?

If you are unable to get a physical Suica card due to the chip shortage, you can get the Suica Welcome Suica that will operate for 28 days, a Pasmo, the Pasmo Passport, or other IC cards that are available throughout Japan. Additionally, many IC cards are downloadable on your phone.

In closing

Consider getting an IC card even if your time in Japan is short. Not only can it help you to get from point A to point B, but you can make easy purchases from vending machines, conbini (convenience stores), and even at department stores. Try them out, and you'll definitely benefit from the convenience an IC card will give you.