IC cards are rechargeable tap-to-ride cards that save you from buying a paper ticket every trip. The good news: Suica, ICOCA and PASMO are basically interchangeable for travelers.
| Card | Issued by / region | Get one if you land in |
|---|---|---|
| Suica | JR East — Tokyo & east | Tokyo, Narita, Haneda |
| PASMO | Tokyo metros & buses | Tokyo (alternative to Suica) |
| ICOCA | JR West — Kansai | Osaka, Kyoto, Kansai (KIX) |
The simple rule
Don’t overthink it: get whichever card your arrival city sells, because all three work almost everywhere — trains, subways, buses, convenience stores and vending machines across major cities.
Get a Suica/Welcome card →Mobile vs physical
If you have an iPhone or a Suica-compatible Android, you can add a mobile Suica to your phone’s wallet and top up with a card — no physical card or deposit needed. Otherwise grab a Welcome Suica / ICOCA for tourists at the airport or station.
IC card vs JR Pass
An IC card covers day-to-day city travel. For long-distance shinkansen hops, see whether a pass pays off in our JR Pass guide. Many travelers use both: a pass (if worth it) for intercity, an IC card for local trains.