Japan is a country of efficiency, especially when it comes to transportation. But to fully enjoy things, you’ll want to get your hands on a train card. So this is my guide on how to get an IC card in Japan.
For me, having the right train pass and an IC card made my travels way simpler and much quicker. But there are a few pass types to know about and each one has its own nuances.
So if you’re not sure where to begin, you’re in the right place. After this post, you’ll know exactly what to do.
Alright then, let’s get to it!
What Are IC Cards In Japan?
IC cards are prepaid, rechargeable cards used for trains and other purchases throughout Japan. They work similar to other cards that use chip reading technology.
You simply hover your card over a scanner for a second or two (at a ticket gate, for example) and your card will be charged.
I loved their convenience while exploring Japan. For example, IC cards also act as e-money for payment on things, so you don’t always have to carry around a bunch of cash on you.
So let’s keep moving and get to know the different types of cards and train passes in Japan.
Types of Train Passes & IC Cards In Japan
I’ve seen a few different IC cards and train passes while in Japan, but most people are using one of these:
- Suica and Pasmo (for Kanto area)
- Icoca (for Kansai area)
- Welcome Suica (IC card for tourists)
- JR Pass (bullet train pass)
It’s worth noting that normal IC cards like Suica and Pasmo are reserved for residents only. This is due to an apparent chip shortage and subsequent supply issue. As a result, tourists can no longer get these “anonymous” train cards as they now require a residence card.
But don’t despair! You can still get an IC card (the Welcome Suica card).
Welcome Suica IC Card
If you want an IC card as a tourist, then the Welcome Suica card is your best bet. It’s good for 28 days and works the same way as normal IC cards – aside from some features, like there’s no mobile app to manage things.
The Welcome Suica IC card is ideal for local travel and if you want to have an e-money card to use during your trip.
Take note though, that if you want to use your IC card for longer trips (on trains like the Shinkansen or Narita Express), you’ll need to buy a separate ticket in addition to scanning your IC card at the ticket gates.
You can usually buy these longer-trip tickets on or near the platform for the train you’ll be taking. But if you buy a JR Pass, you can avoid that confusion altogether.
JR Pass
The JR Pass (Japan Railways Pass) is a prepaid transportation pass that provides you with unlimited travel by JR lines. It’s not an IC card per se, since you can’t recharge it or use it at stores and vending machines.
But it’s perfect for long-distance travel and unlimited use of the Shinkansen.
I bought a 7-day pass, but there are also 14-day and 21-day options. Also keep in mind that you can’t use your JR Pass outside of the JR network either (for private subways or metro lines, for example).
So if you plan on doing more city exploring and walking, the Welcome Suica card would be better suited here. But honestly, getting both a JR Pass and a Welcome Suica card could be a smart move too since they both offer unique features that compliment each other nicely.
But if you’re keen to know more about the JR Pass specifically, you’re in luck! I actually made a full guide on that very topic, which you can read here.
How & Where to Use IC Cards In Japan
I loved using my IC card in Japan. It was incredibly convenient and made travelling there much quicker and more enjoyable.
So here’s everything you need to know.
How to Use Your Welcome Suica IC Card
Using your Welcome Suica or IC card in Japan is pretty simple.
For trains, just put your card next to the scanner while entering and exiting the gates. And at stores, I usually just let the cashier know I wanted to pay with it by holding up my card to them. No Japanese required!
But if you’re feeling more confident, you can also say “Suica de” at the counter (pronounced su-ii-ka-day). This is basically a shorthand phrase for “(I want to pay) with Suica.”
Finally, if you’re using your IC card at a vending machine, just select what you want and then hold your card up to the scanner until it beeps. And that’s it! You now know how to use an IC card in Japan. So how about adding money to it?
How to Add Money to Your IC Card
Since your IC card is basically like a debit card, you’ll need to manage your balance and make sure you have enough money available. Luckily, this is also a simple process.
Here’s how to check your balance and add money to your IC card:
- Go to a ticket vending machine (or a fare adjustment machine inside the gates)
- Select English
- Look for the “Charge” button
- Insert your card
- Choose the amount you want to add to your balance
- Insert your bills
- Wait for the machine to load your balance
It’s worth noting here that you’ll need to use Japanese yen (cash) at these ticket machines since credit cards are not accepted. So if you’re in need of some cash, I usually just look for a 711, since they’re ubiquitous and they all have international ATMs inside.
Where Can I Use My IC Card In Japan?
I’ve already hinted at some of the places to use your IC card in Japan. But let’s organise everything and dig a little deeper.
Here are some of the most common places you can use your Welcome Suica IC card:
- Trains, buses and some taxis
- Rental cars
- Convenience stores
- Many shops and stores
- Many restaurants
- Vending machines
- KaraokeKan
- Some sightseeing spots
- Some hotels
If you’re not sure whether somewhere accepts IC cards, just look for your card’s logo on the storefront window or at checkout.
For Suica, keep an eye out for the bright green logo. Or you can simply ask the staff by holding up your IC card and saying “daijoubu?” (which simply means, “is this okay (for payment)?”).
How to Get A Train Pass or IC Card In Japan
Picking up an IC card in Japan is relatively easy. For regular cards, you can pick them up at ticket machines and at the counters of issuing railway companies.
But for the Welcome Suica card, you can snag one at one of Tokyo’s two international airports (Narita or Haneda).
For the JR Pass, you need to buy it online before your trip. I bought mine directly from JR on their website here. After purchasing your ticket online, you just need to print out the voucher and bring it with you to a JR Exchange Office after you arrive.
How to Return Your Welcome Suica or IC Card
According to JR’s official website, you cannot return your card or get a refund, even if the card is still valid.
So be sure to use up all (or most) of your balance before leaving Japan!
By the same token, don’t overload your card with too much money for your trip either. Because, unfortunately, you won’t be able to get those funds back. Only the regular IC cards (which require proof of residence) are able to get a refund.
If you do have a regular IC card, you can return it at the railway’s ticket counter. But keep in mind that you can’t return a Suica or Pasmo card in Osaka, since these are Tokyo-based cards (and vice versa).
What If I Lose My IC Card?
Luckily, I’ve never lost my train cards in Japan (knock on wood!). But I know how easy this can be to happen.
And unfortunately, lost Welcome Suica cards cannot be reissued.
So to avoid this headache, I try to prevent it altogether – or at least, lessen the blow in the event it does happen. Here’s how:
- I keep my card in my front pocket or somewhere I can easily check often
- I avoid drinking too much
- I leave it at home if I don’t need it (like grabbing a quick dinner down the street)
- I never load too much money onto my card at once
Wrapping Up
IC cards make travelling in Japan easier, quicker and more efficient. So I definitely recommend grabbing one.
If you’re a tourist and you want to have an e-money card to use at stores, restaurants and train stations, then the JR Welcome Suica is the perfect choice. But if you plan on using the Shinkansen a lot to explore many cities, then the JR Pass is what you’ll need.
You can pick up a Welcome Suica at either of Tokyo’s international airports but you’ll need to buy the JR Pass online before your trip.
And trust me, having the convenience of an IC card and choosing the right train pass will make your trip to Japan feel a lot more comfortable.
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