Suica vs ICOCA: Which IC Card to Get for Japan
A rechargeable IC card is the easiest way to pay for trains, subways and buses in Japan. You tap it at the gate instead of buying a ticket every time. This guide explains which card to get, how the deposit and refunds work, and the few things an IC card cannot do.
The short answer
For most visitors it does not matter much which card you get. Suica (issued by JR East, Tokyo area) and ICOCA (issued by JR West, Osaka and Kyoto area) are part of the same nationwide network. On most trains, subways and buses in major cities, either card works.
- Arriving in Tokyo? Get Suica, or Welcome Suica at the airport.
- Arriving at Kansai Airport (Osaka/Kyoto)? Get ICOCA.
- Have an iPhone? You may not need a physical card at all — see using your phone.
Buy the card where you land, and keep using it for the whole trip.
Suica, ICOCA and Welcome Suica compared
| Suica | Welcome Suica | ICOCA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issued by | JR East | JR East | JR West |
| Buy at | Tokyo area | Narita, Haneda | Osaka, Kyoto |
| Deposit | 500 yen | None | 500 yen |
| Valid for | 10 years after last use | 28 days | 10 years after last use |
| Balance | Refund minus fee | No refund | Refund minus fee |
| Works nationwide | Yes, in most major cities | ||
Fees and rules can change. Check the issuer’s official page or ask at a ticket office before you rely on a specific amount.
Using your phone instead of a card
On an iPhone, you can add a Suica to Apple Wallet and top it up with a card in Apple Pay. JR East also offers Welcome Suica Mobile, an iPhone app for visitors. Not every foreign-issued credit card can be used to top up, so have a backup.
Most Android phones bought outside Japan do not have the FeliCa chip that Japanese IC cards need. If you use Android, plan on a physical card.
A phone wallet needs a working phone with charge. If your battery runs out, you cannot get through the gate, so a physical card can be a safer choice on long sightseeing days.
How to use an IC card
- Top up (チャージ, chāji) with cash at a ticket machine. Most machines have an English button. Some convenience stores also top up at the register.
- Tap in on the IC reader at the ticket gate.
- Tap out at the gate when you leave. The fare is deducted automatically.
- If the gate closes because your balance is too low, use the fare adjustment machine (精算機, seisanki) near the exit gates.
On buses, the rules differ by city: in some you tap when you get on, in others when you get off, and in some both. Watch what the locals do or look for the sign by the door.
IC cards also work at most convenience stores, many vending machines and coin lockers, and in some taxis and shops. Look for the IC logo at the register.
What an IC card cannot do
- Shinkansen (bullet train): an IC card balance alone usually does not cover a shinkansen journey. Buy a shinkansen ticket at a ticket machine or office.
- Long trips across regions: you generally cannot tap in in one region and tap out in another, for example from Tokyo to Nagoya on one IC fare. Buy a regular ticket for long-distance trips.
- Reserved seats and limited express surcharges usually need a separate ticket.
- Some rural lines do not have IC readers. Carry some cash as a backup.
Deposits and refunds
A regular Suica or ICOCA can be returned at a ticket office in the area where it was issued (JR East for Suica, JR West for ICOCA). You get back the 500 yen deposit and your remaining balance, minus a small handling fee. If your balance is very low, it is often simpler to spend it at a convenience store first.
Welcome Suica has no deposit and cannot be refunded, so try to use up the balance before it expires after 28 days.
Many visitors simply keep their card as a souvenir and for their next trip. A card stays valid as long as it is used at least once every 10 years.
Where to get one
You can buy an IC card from ticket machines at major stations and airports. Welcome Suica is sold at dedicated machines and counters at Narita and Haneda airports. If you prefer to sort it out before you fly, you can book a Suica online and pick it up on arrival.
Before you go: get mobile data
Route search, station maps and finding a toilet in a busy station all work better with mobile data. A prepaid eSIM that you install before your flight is the simplest option for most visitors. Check that your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM first.
Big stations can be confusing. Our free map shows the nearest public toilets, inside and around stations.
Related: Where to find public toilets in Japan · How to use Japanese toilets
Sources: JR East – Suica sales notice (2025), JR West – How to use JR-West. Checked on 4 November 2026.