Do IC cards work everywhere in Japan?


Do IC cards work everywhere in Japan? An IC card can be used for almost any public transportation in Japan. Both JR and private railway companies use IC cards, subways use IC cards, and most buses accept IC cards. There are some buses in more rural areas that do not offer this payment method, but in larger cities they are widely used.


Do I need both a Suica and JR Pass?

No visitor to Tokyo should be without a Suica card and no visitor to Japan should be without a JR Pass. The Suica card is convenient for intercity trains and buses while the JR Pass saves you time and money when traveling through the country.


Can I use ICOCA from Osaka to Kyoto?

Can you use Icoca in other parts of Japan? Yes. They're fully interchangeable with other prepaid card systems in Japan. Note, however, that you cannot use a Icoca to travel out of the Osaka train system into another region's train system.


Is Suica accepted everywhere in Japan?

The Suica card can be used in the majority of Japanese public transport: subways, buses and all local trains, as well as in buses and taxis displaying the Suica logo. Please note that the Suica card does not work on express trains, shinkansen, highway buses or airport shuttles.


Where is Suica accepted?

Examples of Participating Retailers (Outside of the Station)
  • Convenience Stores / Beverage Vending Machines.
  • Supermarkets / Shopping Centers.
  • Rice Bowl Restaurants / Fast Food Chains / Cafés, etc.
  • Electronics / Drug Stores.
  • Taxis / Rental Cars.
  • Sightseeing / Accommodations.
  • Entertainment.
  • Others.


Can I use my Suica in Osaka?

Smart cards like Icoca, Suica and Pasmo are generally valid across Japan, so don't worry about which one you buy. You can use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica for all trains, subways and buses in Osaka. You can also use Icoca/Pasmo/Suica at many shops, especially convenience stores.


Can two people use the same Suica card?

Each person needs one. Pasmo/Suica is read when touching the IC card reader upon entering and exiting a gate, and the correct fare is deducted from the card. The same card cannot be read entering twice at the same station.


Does Tokyo use Suica or Pasmo?

The only difference between PASMO and SUICA is who sells them. SUICA is from JR East, and PASMO is from Tokyo-area non-JR rail operators, including Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway. Wherever you can use SUICA, you can use PASMO, and vice versa.


Can I use my IC card for Shinkansen?

Just touch your IC card to the ticket gate and board the Shinkansen. A payment for the Shinkansen fare will be made from your registered credit card when making a reservation (not deducted from the balance of your IC card).


What is the difference between JR Pass and IC card?

The Difference Between the JR Pass and IC Cards The most important is that rail passes let you travel between different regions around Japan, whereas IC cards don't let you travel outside or between IC card areas (in most cases).


Do I need an IC card if I have a JR Pass?

Even if you have a JR Pass or other travel pass, an IC card is recommended because it can be used across transportation systems operated by many different transit companies, as well as for payment at convenience stores, restaurants, shops, vending machines, and other locations.


Can foreigners buy Suica?

Suica is the prepaid IC card by JR East for JR trains in the Greater Tokyo, Niigata and Sendai regions. A special version of Suica, called Welcome Suica, is available to foreign tourists. The special cards are valid for only four weeks, come without a deposit fee, but do not allow for refunds.


Which is better Suica or JR Pass?

The JR pass is only worth it if you travel through different cities, if you are just travelling to Tokyo to Kyoto for example, I would just pay on the Suica. You can do the online calculator or just use google to calculate which trip is easier - paying individually on Suica or getting a JR Pass.


Is it cheaper to buy JR Pass in Japan or online?

For a limited time only, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass from certain train stations and airports in Japan. Travelers should be aware it is more expensive to buy a JR Pass in Japan than to purchase the pass online.