01
Quick comparison
- Suica: JR East card, sold in Tokyo. Works on iPhone and Android.
- Pasmo: Tokyo private railway and metro card. Same network as Suica.
- Icoca: JR West card, sold in Kyoto and Osaka. Same network as Suica.
IC cards
Suica vs Pasmo vs Icoca: which IC card to buy in Japan
Suica, Pasmo and Icoca all work on the same nationwide IC card network. The right one usually depends on where you land and how you want to pay.
02
Where they work
All three work on trains, subways, buses, convenience stores and vending machines across Japan. The IC card area covers Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Sapporo and most major cities.
03
Which to choose
- Arriving in Tokyo: get Suica or Pasmo.
- Arriving in Osaka or Kyoto: get Icoca.
- iPhone or Android user: add Mobile Suica or Mobile Pasmo to your wallet instead.
04
IC cards and the JR Pass
Your IC card and JR Pass work together. Use the pass at the manned gate for shinkansen and JR trains, and tap the IC card for subways, buses and shops.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Are Suica, Pasmo and Icoca interchangeable?
Yes. They all use the same IC network and work in the same cities and shops.
Can I use Suica in Kyoto?
Yes. Suica works on Kyoto trains, subway, buses and most shops.
Do IC cards expire?
Plastic cards expire after 10 years of no use. Balance stays on the card until then.
Related articles
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