Essential Guide to Japan’s IC Transportation Cards for International Students｜WAYO Japanese Language School

2025年8月18日

1. What Is an IC Transportation Card?

Japan’s IC transportation cards are rechargeable contactless smart cards used for riding subways, trains, buses, and even for making small purchases at convenience stores, vending machines, and more.

Most cards require just a simple tap when entering and exiting stations, and the fare is automatically deducted — quick and easy to use!

2. Common Types of IC Cards

Card Name	Issuing Region	Features
Suica	JR East (Tokyo & surrounding areas)	Most popular. Green design. Covers Kanto and parts of Tohoku.
PASMO	Tokyo Metro & Private Railways	Pink design. Almost identical in usage to Suica.
ICOCA	JR West (Kansai)	Blue design. Used in Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, etc.
TOICA	JR Central (Nagoya area)	Yellow design.
Kitaca	JR Hokkaido	For use in Hokkaido. Penguin design.
manaca	Nagoya City Transit	Circular yellow design.
PiTaPa	Private railways in Kansai	Postpaid system (requires credit check).

Note: Most IC cards are now interoperable nationwide, meaning you can use one card in most major cities across Japan.

3. Where Can You Use IC Cards?

Transportation: Subway, train, bus, monorail
Shopping: Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, etc.), vending machines, some restaurants, bookstores, etc.
Other: Coin lockers, ticket machines at tourist attractions

4. How to Get an IC Card

Where to buy: At major train stations via ticket machines or staffed counters (You can choose a card with a refundable deposit at counters).
Mobile option: Use Apple Pay Suica or Google Pay Suica on your phone — no physical card needed.
Cost: Usually a ¥500 deposit (refundable when you return the card).
How to recharge:
- Ticket machines at stations
- Convenience store counters
- Auto top-up machines (for some cards)
Validity: Valid for 10 years from the last use.

5. Tips & Reminders

If your card is lost, the balance cannot be refunded. It’s recommended to register for a personalized (named) card such as My Suica so it can be reissued if lost.
You must tap your card both when entering and exiting stations — otherwise, you may be charged the maximum fare.