Suica & IC Cards in Japan: The Complete Guide (Mobile, Welcome Suica, Tourists & Residents)

Quick answer (30 seconds): An IC card (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and friends) is the rechargeable tap card you'll use every day in Japan — for trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, and lockers. They're interoperable nationwide, so one card works almost everywhere. The smartest setup for most people is a Mobile Suica/PASMO on your phone (Apple Wallet / Google Wallet) — no plastic, top up from your phone. Tourists can grab a Welcome Suica at the airport (28 days, no deposit) or use Mobile; residents usually use Mobile or a regular card (¥500 refundable deposit).

ℹ️ Card availability, the deposit, and tourist-card options change over time — confirm current details with JR East / PASMO before you rely on a specific one.

What an IC card is and where it works

IC cards are prepaid, rechargeable tap cards. Touch the reader and you're through the gate or paid at the till. They work for:

• Trains and subways nationwide
• Buses in most cities
• Convenience stores, supermarkets, many shops
• Vending machines, coin lockers, some taxis

The major cards — Suica (JR East), PASMO (Tokyo private rail/bus), ICOCA (JR West) and others — are mutually compatible, so a Suica works in Osaka and an ICOCA works in Tokyo. You only need one.

Mobile vs. physical card

Mobile (recommended for most):

• Add Suica or PASMO to Apple Wallet (iPhone) or Google Wallet (Android), or use the Suica app.
• Top up from your phone with a card; no machines, no deposit, never "sold out."
• iPhones handle Suica especially smoothly.

Physical card:

• A plastic Suica/PASMO needs a ¥500 deposit (refundable) plus your charge balance.
• Buy and recharge at station machines (cash; some take cards).