Coming to Japan can be a great experience. But how do we get to and from destinations? With public transportations. Compared to other countries, Japan’s trains and buses are renowned for their punctuality, cleanliness, and safety. So, how do you pay for them? With a prepaid IC card. What is a prepaid IC card? This article will tell you everything you need to know about prepaid IC cards in Japan. Spoiler alert, you can use them for more than just trains.
What is an IC Card
IC stands for integrated circuit. It is a prepaid rechargeable card with an embedded chip used for seamless tap and go payments. They were originally introduced in November 2001. With extensive trial and error in the 1990s. The launch in 2001 changed train travel and payments forever. Now, you can just tap in and out of train ticket gates. They work the same way credit cards do when you tap at check out.
Where to find and buy an IC Card
Buying an IC card is extremely easy. Found in international airports, like Haneda and Narita, and major train stations. For airports, there will be signs that direct you to a ticket machine that also sells IC cards. Usually they are near where you need to board a train. But, if you are confused, you can ask at the information desk and the staff will direct you. To buy an IC card, you will need a deposit of 500 yen. The machines usually only take cash, so having some cash will be beneficial.
For train stations, like airports, you can buy them at the ticket machines near the entrance to the ticket gate. Beware, not all train stations will sell them, and not all ticket gates will have them. In addition, if you are heading more rural, outside of the city, then it is a good idea to get them before going out there. As the probability of finding them will be lower. Here are some popular stations that sell IC cards.
- Tokyo Station
- Shinjuku
- Shibuya
- Ueno
Traveling through these busy stations can be quite overwheling and confusing, JewelTours Japan can help you answer any questions you might have about these stations to ensure a smooth visit.
Difference between Prepaid IC card and train tickets
What is the difference between an IC card and a train ticket? Well, first It is important to note the two major railway companies in Japan, Japan Railway (JR) and Tokyo metro. In this case, we will be talking about JR East. That is the company that controls the trains around Tokyo. With an IC card, as long as you have enough money on it, you can go anywhere on any train route no matter the company.
Along with IC cards, you can buy a regular ticket. These are a fixed price and restricted only to their companies.
- JR East offers several different passes depending on the area you are visiting. For more information on each pass, look at JR East find your pass.
- Tokyo Metro has a lot of different options for tickets depending on your needs. From single use tickets to 72 hours tickets. For information about each ticket, look at Tokyo Subway Tickets.
Now the big questions, which one is better? That depends on the kind of traveling you are doing in Japan. If you know exactly what train lines you are using and if it is predominantly JR or Tokyo metro, then maybe having the specific train pass is better. Or, if you do not know where you want to go and want a flexible and convenient way to just hop on a train, then maybe an IC card is the way to go.
If you are confused or need help figuring out which option is best for you, JewelTours Japan is more than happy to consult with you.
Are there different IC cards for 8 regions of Japan?
Yes, there are. But they all work interchangeably with one another. Wherever you land in Japan, it is good to get the local IC card. That regional IC card is not region locked. So if you buy an IC card in Tokyo you can use it in Hokkaido. Below are the different IC cards for Japan.
- Hokkaido: Kitaca (JR Hokkaido) and SAPICA (Sapporo area).
- Tohoku: Suica (JR East) and icsca (Sendai area).
- Kanto (Tokyo area): Suica (JR East) and PASMO (non-JR operators).
- Chubu (Nagoya area): TOICA (JR Central) and manaca (Nagoya City Transportation).
- Kansai (Osaka/Kyoto area): ICOCA (JR West) and PiTaPa (non-JR operators).
- Chugoku/Shikoku: ICOCA (JR West) and regional cards like IruCa (Kagawa).
- Kyushu: SUGOCA (JR Kyushu), nimoca (Nishitetsu), and Hayakaken (Fukuoka Subway).
Physical IC Card
Now that you have your IC card, what do you do with it? You need to charge it. You can charge them at any train station. At the ticket machine there will be a チャージ (Charge) near a ticket machine. You can switch the machine to english and it will prompt you.
- Select charge on the ticket machine.
- Place your card in the designated place.
- Choose the amount you want. (10000 yen is the limit)
- Insert money. (Cash only)
- Wait for the machine to charge.
- Then take your IC card out.
The benefit to a physical IC card is that it is like a debit card. You can choose to put as much or as little on it. It is convenient and reliable for everyone no matter the age.
The challenge is that it could get lost or stolen easily. So make sure you know where it is. A good way to keep track of it is to get a card holder for it. It could be anything from a basic black design to some cute character. You can easily buy them at Daiso or other 100 yen stores. If you want something a little more high end, Loft ,Blue Bleuet, plus other boutiques around Tokyo sell them. Some with cute design, some that have multiple card holders, and with a cute character. Like Sanrio characters.
Then you attach your IC card to your bag, and have it in an easy to reach spot for train riding.
Pasmo and Suica
The two common and popular IC cards for the Kanto region (Tokyo) are Suica (JR East) and Pasmo (Tokyo Metro). One thing to note about these two is that though they are interchangeable, if you are commuting to a destination that has you go from a JR train line to a Tokyo Metro train line (or vice versa), you will need to tap out of the JR line and tap into the Tokyo line.
Other than the difference being they are from two different train companies, they are entirely the same.
The other thing that JR offers is a Welcome Suica. While a regular Suica has no length limit, a welcome suica is designed for tourists in mind. It is active for 28 days, then becomes a souvenir. However, if you are planning to return to Japan in the near future, then getting a regular suica is a better deal.
If you need more guidance on which IC card to get, JewelTours Japan can help you decide the best option for your trip.
H2: Electronic IC Card
When physical IC cards were suspended due to a chip shortage in 2023, electronic IC cards became more readily avoidable for tourists especially. In 2024, when the suspension was lifted, electronic IC cards were still growing in popularity.
Now, instead of trying to find the physical IC cards and purchase them and buy them, you can simply add it to your phone. The concept of it being lost or stolen was nonexistent.
Iphone + IC Card
Adding a Japanese IC card to your Iphone is an easy process. Just make sure your Apple wallet has a credit card linked to it.
- Open your Apple wallet, tap the “+” in the top right corner.
- Select the card type by pressing the “transit card” option.
- Add the amount of cash with the credit card that is linked to it. (A minimum amount is required)
- Finish and pay, tap “add” and you are ready to travel by trains.
When you want to recharge your IC card on your phone, it is a super convenient process.
- Open your wallet and tap on the desired IC card.
- Tap the “add money” button.
- Select the amount and tap add.
- Confirm your payment with FaceID or TouchID.
A few tips.
- Having an express transit set on your phone will make the process faster. Then you can use your IC card without having to unlock your phone.
- Make sure your Iphone is up to date on updates.
The rise of digital IC cards made it very easy for tourists to come prepared to immediately ride the trains even before coming to Japan. That eliminates stress and makes your vacation so much more enjoyable.
Android + IC Card
The options for android users are very limited for digital IC cards. It is only available for Japanese android phones. The best choice for visitors having an android phone is to use the physical IC cards.
Another option could also be downloading the app Mobile Icoca or Mobile Pasmo for IC cards. The one challenge is that the apps might be region locked. However, even though there was a suspension on physical IC cards, welcome suicas were still being given out. So if there is another suspension in the future, there are always other options. Hopefully, they will bring digital IC cards to all android users.
Challenges of Digital IC Cards
While digital IC cards are a great option, there are some challenges that come up. Sometimes there are issues with western credit card compatibility. Particular Visa credit cards. When trying to load or recharge it will block the transactions. So having another credit card like Amex or mastercard as a back up is recommended. However, sometimes there are still problems, so having a physical back up IC card is preferred.
Like anything with technology, cybersecurity risk is also a big issue. Scams and phishing sites can happen anywhere. Always being informed is a good rule of thumb.
The dependence on battery. If your phone is dead, you can not access your IC card. Buying a battery pack will help mitigate the challenge. They can be found in major electronic stores, like BicCamera or Yodabashi. Also at don quijotes.
More rural trains stations or older lines may have the ability to use digital IC cards. You may have to buy a ticket with cash at each local train station. Before coming to Japan, if you are traveling to more rural destinations, researching will be key.
How to check IC Card Balance
Checking your physical IC card balance is very easy. There are a few ways to do it.
- When tapping into a station, the ticket gate will display the balance on your IC card. When tapping out, it will display the remaining balance and the balance that was deducted.
- While charging them at the ticket gates terminal, it will display the current amount along with how much you want to add.
- There is also an app. The Japan Train Card Balance Check app can read your latest translation and balance by reading it with the NFC scanner on your phone. Just make sure to enable the NFC scanner on your phone.
Where can Prepaid IC cards be used?
IC cards can be used on more than just trains and buses. Ever since their launch in 2001, restaurants, attractions, shops and even vending machines have adapted to be able to pay using an IC card.
While paying at a restaurant, there might be an option to pay via IC card. Just tell the staff that you want to pay with an IC card, they will change the input accordingly. When doing self pay, the screen will give an option for an IC card payment. Note, paying with an IC card is not the same as with a credit card. Even though the same principles are being used. It is a different setting at payment.
At shops, the same principles are used when paying at restaurants. Just say IC card, and the staff will act accordingly.
If you are having trouble trying to found restaurants and shops to visit, feel free to contact us a JewelTours Japan to help you plan your vacation.
For vending machines, the process might differ depending on the make and model. However, the standard is as follows.
- Select the drink you want.
- Press your IC card over the sensor.
- The machine might beep at you, then your drink will follow.
Where can Prepaid IC cards not be used?
While IC cards can be used anywhere and interchangeably, there are a few places where they can not be used.
- Long distance intercity travel. Example:The Shinkansen: most shinkansen tickets are purchased via their website. However, having an IC card is still required to cover the base fee. Here is a video example from JR Central on how to use them. Plus, check out our article on how to buy shinkansen bullet train tickets.
- Highway buses require a purchase of tickets on their respective websites. Example: Fuji Q Highway Bus.
- Local rural buses might only take cash.
- Local rural trains might only have tickets sold at their train station.
- As a rule of thumb, hotels do not accept IC cards for payments.
All in all
Traveling with a prepaid IC card offers the most flexible and convenient way of getting around Japan. With the ability to also pay for things like food, vending machines and souvenirs, it can feel like you have the whole world at your fingertips.
Advice
It is also child friendly, instead of giving your child a credit card, or cash they might loose. You can give them an IC card filled with the amount of cash you want. Just give them a card holder, and they can feel more independent.
