How to Use Suica in Japan: Where to Buy, Recharge & Pay (2026)
Wondering how to use Suica in Japan? This beginner-friendly guide explains how to get a Suica card, recharge it, and use it for trains, buses, convenience stores, and everyday purchases.
You’ll also learn where Suica works, how it compares with PASMO and ICOCA, and which mistakes to avoid when traveling around Japan.
Quick Answer: What Is Suica?
Suica is a rechargeable transportation IC card issued by JR East.
You can use it to:
- Ride many trains and buses
- Pay at convenience stores
- Buy drinks from compatible vending machines
- Pay at some restaurants, cafés, shops, taxis, and station stores
You simply add money to the card and tap it on the IC reader.
For short-term international visitors, JR East also offers Welcome Suica.
Where Can Tourists Buy Suica or Welcome Suica?
International travelers can buy Welcome Suica at selected JR East locations, including major stations and airport locations.
If you arrive through Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, look for JR East ticket machines or JR EAST Travel Service Centers that sell Welcome Suica.
Availability and sales locations can change, so it is best to check JR East’s official information before traveling.
Using Suica is very simple.
- Make sure your card has enough balance.
- Tap the card on the IC reader at the ticket gate.
- Take your train.
- Tap the card again when exiting your destination station.
The correct fare is automatically deducted from your balance.
You usually do not need to calculate the fare yourself.
How to Add Money to Suica
You can recharge your Suica at compatible ticket machines and other supported locations.
At many stations:
- Place or insert your Suica card as instructed.
- Select the Charge or recharge option.
- Choose how much money you want to add.
- Pay using a payment method accepted by that machine.
- Check the new balance before leaving.
Keeping enough money on the card before a long day of sightseeing can save time.
How to Use Suica in Japan: Trains, Buses and Shopping
Suica is accepted on many participating trains and buses throughout Japan.
It is especially convenient in major cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sapporo.
However, not every railway or bus route in Japan accepts nationwide IC cards, particularly in some rural areas.
Always check the IC card symbol before entering.
Where Else Can You Use Suica, PASMO and ICOCA?
You can use transportation IC cards in many places across Japan, not just on trains and buses.
Look for signs such as:
- IC
- 交通系IC
- 電子マネー (denshi manē / electronic money)
- Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, or other compatible IC-card logos
Check for a transportation IC-card logo at the register or payment terminal. If only a general electronic-money sign is displayed, ask staff whether Suica is accepted.
Common places include:
- 7-Eleven
- FamilyMart
- Lawson
- Vending machines
- Station shops
- Supermarkets
- Drugstores
- Cafés
- Restaurants
- Coin lockers
- Some taxis
Helpful Traveler Tip
You do not always need to look specifically for the word Suica.
Look for a 交通系IC logo or the logo of a compatible card such as Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA. A general 電子マネー (electronic money) sign alone does not guarantee transportation IC cards are accepted.
Keep some balance on your IC card even when you are not planning to ride a train.
It can be very convenient for buying water, coffee, snacks, onigiri, and other small everyday purchases.
Suica vs PASMO vs ICOCA: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most confusing things for first-time visitors, but the difference is actually quite simple.
Suica vs PASMO vs ICOCA: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most confusing things for first-time visitors, but the difference is actually quite simple.
Suica
Issued by: JR East
Main area: Tokyo and eastern Japan
A good choice if your trip starts in Tokyo, Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, or Yokohama.
PASMO
Main area: Tokyo metropolitan area
Widely used by private railways, subway operators, and bus companies.
It works in many of the same places as Suica.
ICOCA
Issued by: JR West
Main area: Western Japan
Especially useful around Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Hiroshima, and Kansai Airport.
Do You Need Different Cards for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka?
Usually, no.
If you buy a Suica or PASMO in Tokyo, you can normally continue using it on participating IC-card systems in Kyoto and Osaka. Likewise, ICOCA can be used in many participating areas in Tokyo.
Do You Need Different IC Cards for Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka?
No! One IC card is usually enough.
Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA work across many participating train, bus, and shopping networks throughout Japan.
- Tokyo → Kyoto: Keep using your Suica or PASMO.
- Osaka → Tokyo: Your ICOCA will work on many participating services.
- Traveling between cities: You generally don’t need to buy a new IC card.
You don’t need to carry all three cards. Just keep the one you already have!
IC cards cannot be used for every journey. For example, you generally cannot use an ordinary IC card to pay for a Shinkansen journey or travel directly across separate IC-card service areas. Check the ticket requirements before traveling.
Which IC Card Should Tourists Choose?
| IC Card | Best Starting Location |
|---|---|
| Suica | Tokyo and eastern Japan |
| PASMO | Tokyo and surrounding areas |
| ICOCA | Osaka, Kyoto, and Kansai |
Our Recommendation: Choose whichever compatible card is easiest to obtain when you arrive. For most travelers, all three offer similar everyday convenience.
Can You Recharge IC Cards at Convenience Stores?
Yes! You can recharge Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA at many participating convenience stores in Japan, including selected 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson locations.
You can also recharge at compatible train station ticket machines. Keep some cash available, as payment options vary.
Can You Use Suica Outside Tokyo?
Yes! Suica works in many parts of Japan, not just Tokyo.
You can use Suica on participating trains, buses, and at shops in cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Nagoya.
However, some journeys require separate tickets, including:
- Shinkansen (bullet trains): A separate ticket or supported ticket-linked IC card service is generally required.
- Limited express trains: An additional express ticket may be necessary.
- Rural train lines: Some do not accept IC cards.
- Travel between IC-card areas: You generally cannot use a regular IC card for one continuous journey across separate service areas.
Look for the IC-card symbol at ticket gates and payment terminals. If you’re unsure, ask station staff before boarding.
Using an IC Card from Narita Airport
Arriving at Narita Airport? You can start using a compatible IC card on participating train services.
- Regular trains: Use your IC card on supported routes.
- Narita Express: A separate limited express ticket is required in addition to the basic fare.
- Keisei Skyliner: A separate Skyliner ticket is required.
Before leaving the airport, check whether your chosen train requires an additional ticket.
For detailed airport transportation options, read our Narita Airport to Tokyo Transport Guide.
Can You Recharge IC Cards at Convenience Stores?
In some cases, yes.
Depending on the card and store, you may be able to add money at participating convenience stores as well as station ticket machines.
If you are unsure, ask staff:
ICカードにチャージできますか？
IC kādo ni chāji dekimasu ka?
Can I recharge my IC card?
Can You Use Suica Outside Tokyo?
Yes, in many places.
Suica can be used across many compatible IC-card areas throughout Japan.
For example, a traveler who buys Suica in Tokyo can commonly use it on participating transport in Kyoto and Osaka.
But some journeys still require separate tickets.
Examples can include:
- Some rural train lines
- Certain express or reserved-seat services
- Some long-distance journeys
- Transport networks outside the nationwide IC-card system
If you are unsure, ask station staff before entering.
Using an IC Card from Narita Airport
If you arrive at Narita Airport, you may be able to start using your IC card immediately.
Before heading into Tokyo, read:
Narita Airport to Tokyo Transport Guide
and
How to Buy Train and Bus Tickets at Narita Airport
Using an IC Card from Haneda Airport
Arriving at Haneda Airport? Suica and PASMO make traveling into Tokyo easy.
You can use compatible IC cards on two popular airport train routes:
- Keikyu Line: Convenient for Shinagawa and connections to other parts of Tokyo.
- Tokyo Monorail: Connects Haneda Airport with Hamamatsucho Station.
Simply tap your IC card at the ticket gate when entering and exiting. You don’t need to purchase a separate paper ticket for an ordinary journey on these routes.
Make sure your card has enough balance before boarding. Some special services may require additional tickets.
Common IC Card Mistakes to Avoid
Using an IC card in Japan is easy, but first-time visitors should avoid these common mistakes:
- Forgetting to tap out: Tap your card when entering and exiting the station.
- Insufficient balance: Check your balance before traveling.
- Assuming every train accepts IC cards: Some rural lines and other services require separate tickets.
- Using only an IC card for special trains: Shinkansen and limited express services may require additional tickets or reservations.
- Ignoring card validity rules: Tourist cards such as Welcome Suica may have different expiration and refund conditions.
If your card doesn’t work at a ticket gate, ask station staff for assistance rather than repeatedly tapping it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Suica at convenience stores?
Yes. Many convenience stores accept transportation IC cards for cashless purchases.
Can I use PASMO at convenience stores?
Yes, at participating stores that accept compatible transportation IC cards.
Can I use ICOCA in Tokyo?
In many participating IC-card areas, yes.
Can I use Suica in Kyoto and Osaka?
In many participating transportation systems and shops, yes.
Should I buy both Suica and PASMO?
Usually not.
For most travelers, one compatible IC card is enough.
Can two people use one IC card for the same train trip?
No. Each traveler normally needs their own card when passing through train gates.
Do I need an IC card to travel in Japan?
No.
You can still buy individual train tickets, but an IC card usually makes everyday transportation much easier.
Final Traveler Tips for Using IC Cards in Japan
Not sure whether to choose Suica, PASMO, or ICOCA?
Don’t worry! All three are convenient for traveling around Japan.
✅ Choose what’s easiest to buy. You don’t need to search for a specific card if a compatible one is available.
✅ Recharge before traveling. Keep enough balance for trains, buses, and small purchases.
✅ Look for the IC card payment logo. Many convenience stores, vending machines, and shops accept compatible transportation IC cards.
✅ Keep your card handy. Simply tap it at compatible train gates and payment terminals.
Good to Know
- Each traveler normally needs their own IC card when passing through train gates.
- You can still buy regular train tickets without an IC card.
- Some transportation services and shops do not accept every IC card.
Our Tip: For most first-time visitors, the easiest option is to buy a compatible IC card when you arrive and use it throughout your trip.
Card availability, recharge methods, and acceptance can change. Check official information before traveling.
