Rules checked with official pages on Oct 13, 2026
Which IC card should you get in Japan?
Answer 3 questions. You get one card to buy and how much to put on it.
How much to load
Good to know
Already in Japan? Check if you need to top up
Tourist IC cards compared
On a short trip, all of these work the same on trains. The difference is where you can buy them, the deposit, and whether you get money back.
| Card | Deposit | Valid | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Suica | None | 28 days including the day you buy it | No refund of the balance, ever |
| TOURIST PASMO | None | 28 days from the day you buy it | No refund, even if unused. Not reissued if lost |
| Welcome Suica Mobile | None | Balance valid 180 days | No refund of the balance |
| Regular Suica or PASMO | ¥500 | Works for 10 years after your last use | Return it at a JR East station (Suica) for the ¥500 deposit plus the balance minus a ¥220 fee |
Suica, PASMO, ICOCA and 7 other IC cards work on trains and buses with any of the 10 card logos across Japan. One trip cannot cross from one card area into another (for example Tokyo to Sendai). Limited express trains and Green Cars need a separate ticket. Shops in PiTaPa areas do not take the cards. Sources: JR East, PASMO Association and Apple pages linked above, checked Oct 13, 2026.
What we could not confirm
- Which foreign card brands can top up Suica in Apple Wallet (Apple and JR East do not publish a list)
- Whether topping up in Apple Wallet needs a data connection
- The exact first sales day of TOURIST PASMO (officially May 2026)
- Whether a Pixel 11 bought outside Japan can use Suica
FAQ
Suica or PASMO: which is better for tourists?
On trains and buses they work the same, in Tokyo and across Japan. Pick by where you land: TOURIST PASMO is easiest at Haneda (the machines take credit cards), Welcome Suica at Narita (it has its own machines). Both last 28 days and cost no deposit.
Can I get a refund on Welcome Suica or TOURIST PASMO?
No. Neither card refunds the balance, so do not load more than you will use. A regular Suica or PASMO returns the ¥500 deposit and the balance minus a ¥220 fee.
Do I need a physical card if I have an iPhone?
No. You can use the Welcome Suica Mobile app or add a Suica to Apple Wallet. With Express Mode you pass the gate without Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Can I top up with a credit card?
On physical cards, no: top-ups are yen cash only. You can pay by credit card when you buy a TOURIST PASMO at Haneda. On iPhone you top up with Apple Pay; JR East does not publish which foreign card brands work.
Can I just tap my credit card at the gate?
Since March 25, 2026, you can tap a contactless credit card at the gates of 11 Tokyo-area companies, including Tokyo Metro, Toei and Keikyu. JR East lines such as the Yamanote Line are not included, so most visitors still want an IC card.