What is IC card, Suica, ICOCA, Pasmo? How to use these cards?

Rail pass for residents
Suica is one of major IC cards in Japan. (C) suica card
by bitmask

If you do not intend to purchase any rail passes, you may think about using IC card. This card makes your trip be much easier.

IC card is a rechargeable smart card which is issued by the railway companies. It is getting very common ways to ride a train in these days. Once you have this card, you do not have to buy a ticket one by one. As long as you have some fund in your card, you can tap it at the ticket gate and tap again when you exit the station. The fare is deducted automatically. It gives you convenience. But there are many types of card available. And it is so hard to find which train and bus are covered by these cards.

In this post, I will show you the list of major IC cards, the difference of these cards, and coverage area.

The list of major IC cards

There are many kinds of IC card in Japan. Please see the image below.

Major IC cards interoperation map (C) ButuCC [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons (Click to view large)

The major cards are 10 of those in the image above. If you have of these 10 cards, you can use it to take a train, bus, subway, using coin lockers and shop at a convenience store in major cities throughout Japan. Please see the list below to find 10 major IC cards.

Card name
(Issuer)
Major dealer
Suica
(JR East)
JR East
Tokyo Monorail
Tokyo Rinkai Line
Izukyu Railway
Fujikyu Railway
ICOCA
(JR West)
JR West
JR Shikoku
Osaka Metro
Nankai Railway
Kintetsu Railway
Keihan Railway
Osaka Monorail
Sanyo Railway
Kyoto city subway/bus
Kobe city subway/bus
Kobe Portliner
Ainokaze Toyama Railway
IR Ishikawa Railway
PASMO
(Greater
Tokyo
Private
Railways)
Odakyu Railway
Keio Railway
Keisei Railway
Keikyu Railway
Tokyu Railway
Tobu Railway
Seibu Railway
Hakone Tozan Railway
Tokyo Metro
Tokyo Toei subway/bus
Yokohama city subway
Yurikamome
Tokyo Disney Resort Line
Yokohama Minatomirai line
Enoshima Railway
Kitaca
(JR Hokkaido)
JR Hokkaido
TOICA
JR Central
JR Cetral
manaca
(Greater
Nagoya
Private
Railways)
Meitetsu Railways
Nagoya city subway/bus
Toyohashi Railway
Aonami line
SUGOCA
(JR Kyushu)
JR Kyushu
nimoca
(Nishitetsu Railways)
Nishitetsu Railway
Kumamoto City Tram
Hakodate City Tram
Miyazaki Kotsu Bus
Hayakaken
(Fukuoka
City
Subway)
Fukuoka city subway
PiTaPa
(Kansai
Regional
Private
Railways)
Not available for overseas tourist

In these 10 cards, PiTaPa is not available for the tourist. Because you have to apply this card online and the card must be connected with the bank account in Japan. Other 9 cards are prepaid IC cards but PiTaPa is postpaid IC card. It is like a credit card. Basically other 9 cards are available for the tourist.

Welcome Suica

Welcome Suica is a sort of Suica. But this is simplified for the foreign tourists. All major IC cards include 500 yen deposit. But Welcome Suica does not include the deposit. However this card is valid for 28 days only. Other IC cards are valid for 10 years from the last usage. You can use same card if you go back to Japan in next 10 years. Once you use the card again, you can use same card for next 10 years. As long as you use the card once every 10 years, your card is valid almost forever.

But Welcome Suica does not require you to pay unnecessary deposit. It is valid for 28 days only but this is enough for most travelers. This is a good IC card for most travelers.

This Welcome Suica is sold in JR East Travel Center only. Please refer JR East official site:

JR East official site – Welcome Suica

Kansai One Pass

This is basically same as ICOCA. The difference are the following:

  • It is available for the short term visitor only.
  • 3,000 yen (2,500 yen fund + 500 yen deposit) is preloaded. 2,000 yen (1,500 yen fund + 500 yen deposit) is in ICOCA)
  • Discount offer available at many facilities. Please see the official site to get the details.

It is exactly same way to use as ICOCA. If you intend to use ICOCA, you may go for Kansai One Pass because of discount offer.

Interoperation coverage

Each cards have the coverage area. But these 9 cards are interchangeable. You can use Suica in ICOCA area, such as Osaka, Kyoto. You can use Kitaca in Kyushu, such as Hakata. I excluded PiTaPa. But you can use other IC cards in PiTaPa area too. I will tell you the coverage area later in this post. Anyway it does not matter which card in these 9 cards you use.

How to purchase and use IC card

Please watch the movie below by JR West. It shows you how to use and purchase ICOCA card. But it is same way to use other card too.

You can purchase a card at the vending machine in the stations. The vending machine is available at most of stations in the cities, such as Greater Tokyo area, Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe). You also can purchase a card the ticket window. When you get new card, 2,000 yen is charged in the card. But 500 yen of 2,000 yen is a deposit. You can use only 1,500 yen in the card. You can charge more fund into the card in units of 1,000 yen. Maximum amount in the card is 20,000 yen.

You can use IC card to take a train and a bus. When you take a train, you can tap your card at the automated machine gate. You can tap your card when you exit and the fare is deducted from your card automatically.

When you take a train in the country side, there is no ticket gate and no station staffs. But as long as you travel in the coverage area, you can use IC card. There is a machine which you can tap your card in the train. It is same procedure. You can tap your card to enter the train and tap when you get off.

You also can use IC card to shop. Many stores in the station, such as a convenience store and Bento (box meal) store take IC card. You can buy something to eat and drink by IC card. In the major stations, you can use IC card for coin locker.

IC cards can be used for a coin locker. (C) Tennen-Gas / Creative Commons

Child IC card

Children fare is 50% of adult fare. It is applied to child who is 6 years old to 11 years old. Child IC card is available for these ages. If child use adult IC card, adult fare is automatically deducted. Do no use regular IC card for children. Child IC card is available at the ticket window only. In most of the vending machines, child IC card is not available and you cannot buy it at the vending machine.

Adult fare is applied to 12 years old or older. There is no youth or student discount.

You cannot use the card with other passengers.

As you watched the movie, you have to touch your card at the automated ticket gate. You cannot share your card with other passengers. One card is valid for one passengers only. However if you travel with child who is 5 years old or younger, you can travel with a child by one card because it is free of charge for small child. One adult passenger can take maximum two children without any extra charge. And also one child fare (6 to 11 years old) passenger can take maximum two children.

The Shinkansen and the limited express train ride

Basically you cannot use IC card to take the Shinkansen. When you take the Shinkansen, you may see some local travelers to use IC card at the Shinkansen ticket gate. Technically IC card can be used to take the Shinkansen ride. But the online registration is required and also these IC card is combined with the commuter’s pass. This is not feature for the overseas tourist.

You can use IC card to take a limited express trains. But IC card covers only the base fare. You must have a limited express seat ticket beside IC card. IC card does not cover an express train fee and a seat fee.

e.g.
If you take Narita Express from Tokyo to Narita Airport Terminal 1, a base fare is 1,320 yen and a reserved seat fee is 1,700 yen. You can use IC card for a base fare 1,320 yen portion. You can tap your card to enter Tokyo station and tap to exit at Narita Airport Terminal 1 station. But you must purchase a reserved seat fee ticket before you enter Tokyo station. You cannot use IC card for this portion.

Validity period

It is valid for 10 years from the last usage. If you plan to go back to Japan after your trip, you can keep it. It is valid for next 10 years from your trip.

If you want to return your card, the issuer company refund a deposit in your card to you.

Lost, stolen and reissue

You cannot get new card if you lost. But if you register your personal information when you purchase a IC card, you can receive new card. If you want to register, you have to purchase a card at the ticket window. You cannot get a register IC card at the vending machine.

If your card cannot be read at the ticket gate or the store, you can ask to change a card.

How to choose IC card

As I mentioned, it does not matter which card you use. You can use whichever you like. But most of you will arrive at the airport. When you arrive there, your selection is very limited. Because IC card is sold in each regions.

e.g.
Suica is sold in Greater Tokyo area, Sendai area and Niigata area
ICOCA is sold in Kansai region (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara), Hokuriku region (Kanazawa and Toyama), Chugoku area (Hiroshima and Okayama) and Kagawa in Shikoku.

Please see the table below to find which IC card is available in the major airports.

AirportAvailable IC card
Narita (Tokyo)Suica (JR East)
Pasmo (Keisei Railway)
Haneda (Tokyo)Suica (Tokyo Monorail)
Pasmo (Keikyu Railway)
Kansai (Osaka)ICOCA or Kansai One Pass
(JR or Nankai Railway)
Chubu (Nagoya)manaca (Meitetsu Railway)
New Chitose (Sapporo)Kitaca (JR Hokkaido)
FukuokaHayakaken (Fukuoka City Subway)

If you arrive in Chubu airport, you can purchase TOICA at Nagoya station if you do not buy it at the airport. But you cannot purchase TOICA at the airport.

In Fukuoka, you can purchase SUGOCA at Hakata station and nimoca at Tenjin station.

But as I mentioned a few times, it does not matter which card you use in these nine IC cards. If you need IC card, you can purchase the available IC card in the airport.

Major coverage area

I would like to show you the area where you can use IC card. But in Kanto and Kansai regions, many train and bus companies are covered. I show you major companies only.

Hokkaido

Sapporo (Kitaca area)

  • JR Hokkaido conventional lines (Sapporo – Otaru, Sapporo – Iwamizawa, Sapporo – New Chitose Airport, Sapporo – Tomakomai)

These following transportation companies are covered by local IC card, “SAPICA”. You can use these by major 9 IC cards. But SAPICA cannot be used in other areas.

  • Sapporo City Subway (all lines)
  • Sapporo Streetcar (all lines)
  • Sapporo City Bus
  • JR Hokkaido Bus (Local bus in Sapporo and Sapporo to/from Otaru)
  • Joutesu Bus (Local bus in Sapporo and surrounding area)
  • Hokkaido Chuo Bus (Local bus in Sapporo, Otaru, Yoichi, Niseko, Furano and some more places)

Hakodate (nimoca area)

  • Hakodate Streetcar (all lines)
  • Hakodate City Bus (all lines)

Any JR lines are not covered in Hakodate area.

Tohoku region

Sendai (Suica area)

  • JR lines (Sendai city and surrounding area)

This area includes Sendai, Sendai airport, Ishinomaki, Fukushima, Koriyama. And also, Yamagata, Yamadera, Aizu-Wakamatsu, Naruko-Onsen, Hiraizumi and Ichinoseki are outside coverage area but you can use IC card to enter and exit at the station. Please see the link below to find the coverage map of Suica/Pasmo.

Pasmo official site, Suica/Pasmo coverage map (PDF)

These following transportation companies are covered by local IC card, “icsca”. You can use these by major 9 IC cards. But icsca is designed to use in icsca area only. It cannot be used in other areas.

  • Sendai City Subway (all lines)
  • Sendai City Bus(all lines)
  • Miyagi Kotsu (local bus lines and express bus to Yamagata and Kamiyama)
  • Miyako Bus (local bus lines and some express bus lines)

BRT (Bus Rapid Transit system) are covered by local IC card, “odeca”. You can use these by major 9 IC cards. But odeca cannot be used in other areas.

  • Kesenuma BRT (Maeyachi – Kesennuma)
  • Ofunato BRT (Kesennuma – Sakari)

Niigata (Suica area)

  • JR lines (Niigata city and surrounding area)

This area includes Niigata, Nagaoka, Niitsu and Shibata. And also, Murakami, Sakamachi, Kashiwazaki and Naoetsu are outside coverage area but you can use IC card to enter and exit at the station. Please see the link below to find the coverage map of Suica/Pasmo.

Pasmo official site, Suica/Pasmo coverage map (PDF)

These following transportation companies are covered by local IC card, “RYUTO”. You can use these by major 9 IC cards. But RYUTO is designed to use in RYUTO area only. It cannot be used in other areas.

  • Niigata Kotsu (most of local bus lines)

Kanto region

Tokyo and surrounding area (Suica area)

These following railways are Suica area. Of course you can take these line by other IC cards, such as ICOCA, Kitaca.

  • JR lines (Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa and surrounding area)
  • Tokyo Monorail (Hamamatsucho – Haneda airport)
  • Tokyo Rinkai Line (Osaki – Shinkiba
  • Saitama New Urban Transit (Omiya – Uchijuku)
  • Izukyu Railway (Ito – Izukyu Shimoda)
  • Fujikyu Railway (Otsuki – Kawaguchiko)

JR lines area includes all JR lines in Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa. It also covers most lines in Chiba, Ibaraki, Gumma and Tochigi. These areas include Nikko, Nasu-Shobara, Ashikaga Flower Park, Katsuta (nearest JR station to Hitachi Seaside Park), Minakami, Yokokawa. Atami and Ito are in Shizuoka prefecture but these areas are covered. Chuo line between Tokyo and Matsumoto is also covered. Please see the link below to find the coverage map of Suica/Pasmo.

Pasmo official site, Suica/Pasmo coverage map (PDF)

Tokyo and surrounding area (PASMO area)

PASMO covers many train and bus. I show you the list of major train companies. Of course you can take these line by other IC cards, such as ICOCA, Kitaca.

  • Odakyu Railway (to Hakone, Enoshima)
  • Keio Railway (to Takao)
  • Keisei Railway (to Chiba, Narita Airport)
  • Keikyu Railway (to Haneda Airport, Yokohama and Uraga)
  • Tokyu Railway – Yokohama Minatomirai Line (to Yokohama, Yokohama Bay area)
  • Tobu Railway (to Tokyo Skytree, Kawagoe, Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen)
  • Seibu Railway (to Kawagoe, Chichibu)
  • Hakone Tozan Railway (Hakone-Yumoto to Gora)
  • Tokyo Metro and Tokyo Toei Subway (all subway lines in Tokyo)
  • Yokohama City Subway
  • Yurikamome (to Odaiba)
  • Tokyo Disney Resort Line (Monorail around Tokyo Disney Resort)
  • Enoshima Railway (to Kamakura, Enoshima)

There are many other railways which are covered. Please see the link below to find the coverage map of Suica/Pasmo.

Pasmo official site, Suica/Pasmo coverage map (PDF)

Chubu region

Nagoya, Shizuoka and surrounding area (TOICA area)

These following railways are TOICA area. Of course you can take these line by other IC cards, such as Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, Kitaca, manaca.

  • JR Central (JR Tokai) conventional lines (Sekigahara-Gifu-Nagoya-Shizuoka-Kannami, Nagoya-Nakatsugawa, Nagoya-Yokkaichi, Numazu-Gotemba, Obu-Taketoyo, Toyohashi-Toyokawa, Mino Ota-Tajimi, Gifu-Mino Ota, Fuji-Nishifujinomiya)

Takayama, Ise, Toba, Shiojiri are in JR Central area but those places are not in TOICA area.

Nagoya (manaca area)

These following railways are manaca area. Of course you can take these line by other IC cards, such as Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, TOICA.

  • Meitetsu Railway (all lines)
  • Nagoya City Subway (all lines)
  • Aonami line (all lines)
  • Yutorito line (all lines)
  • Toyohashi Railroad (all lines)
  • Linimo line (all lines)
  • Meitetsu Bus (most of lines)

Kanazawa and Toyama (ICOCA area)

These following railways are covered by ICOCA. Of course you can take these line by other IC cards, such as Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, TOICA.

  • JR West conventional lines (Daishoji – Kanazawa, Takaoka – Johana)
  • IR Ishikawa Railway (Kanazawa – Kurikara)
  • Ainokaze Toyama Railway (Kurikara – Etchu Miyazaki)

Basically this area covers Kanazawa, Toyama and surrounding area. JR Himi line is not covered. Fukui is not in the coverage area either. However this area will be expanded in September and it will be combined ICOCA Kansai region area. Fukui, Tsuruga and other major stations between Kanazawa and Osaka/Kyoto will be covered.

Shizuoka

  • Shizuoka Railway (all lines)
  • Shizutetsu Just Line Bus (local bus lines)

These above transportation companies are covered by local IC card, “LuLuCa”. You can use these by major 9 IC cards. But LuLuCa cannot be used in other areas.

Mie

  • Mie Kotsu Bus (local bus lines)

Mie Kotsu bus is covered by local IC card, “emica”. You can use these by major 9 IC cards. But emica cannot be used in other areas.

Kansai region

Osaka and surrounding area (ICOCA area)

  • JR West conventional lines (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, Kobe, Himeji and surrounding area)
  • Keihan Railway (all lines)
  • Kintetsu Railway (all lines)
  • Nankai Railway (all lines)
  • Sanyo Railway (all lines)
  • Kobe Railway (all lines)
  • Kobe Portliner (all lines)
  • Nankai Railway (all lines)
  • Osaka City Subway and Bus (all lines)
  • Kyoto City Subway and Bus (all lines)
  • Kobe City Subway and Bus (all lines)

Osaka and surrounding area (PiTaPa area)

As I mentioned, PiTaPa is not suitable for overseas tourist. But you can use other IC card in PiTaPa coverage area.

  • Keihan Railway (all lines)
  • Kintetsu Railway (all lines)
  • Hankyu Railway (all lines)
  • Hanshin Railway (all lines)
  • Kintetsu Railway (all lines)
  • Nankai Railway (all lines)
  • Sanyo Railway (all lines)
  • Kobe Railway (all lines)
  • Kobe Portliner (all lines)
  • Nankai Railway (all lines)
  • Eizan Railway (all lines)
  • Randen – Keifuku Railway (all lines)
  • Osaka City Subway and Bus (all lines)
  • Kyoto City Subway and Bus (all lines)
  • Kobe City Subway and Bus (all lines)
  • Kansai and Itami Airport Limousine Bus (Some lines are not covered.)
  • Honshi Kaikyo Bus (Osaka-Awaji island-Tokushima Express Bus)
  • Nishinion JR Bus (all local lines)

Chugoku and Shikoku region

Okayama area (ICOCA area)

  • JR West conventional lines (Okayama and surrounding area)

This area includes Okayama, Kurashiki, Bitchu-Takahashi, Fukuyama, Onomichi, Mihara, Kojima and Uno.

These following transportation companies are covered by local IC card, “Hareca”. You can use these by major 9 IC cards. But Hareca cannot be used in other areas.

  • Okayama Tram (Streetcar)
  • Okaden Bus (local bus lines)
  • Ryobi Bus (local bus lines)

Hiroshima area (ICOCA area)

  • JR West conventional lines (Hiroshima and surrounding area)
  • JR West Miiyajima Ferry (Miyajimaguchi-Miyajima ferry service)

This area includes Hiroshima, Mihara, Kure, Miyajimaguchi and Iwakuni.

These following transportation companies are covered by local IC card, “Paspy”. You can use these by major 9 IC cards. But Paspy cannot be used in other areas.

  • Hiroshima Tram (Streetcar)
  • Hiroden Bus (local bus lines)
  • Hiroshima Astram Line (local bus lines)
  • Chugoku JR Bus (local bus lines, sightseeing route bus “Meipuru-pu”)
  • Hiroshima Airport Limousine Bus
  • Setonaikai Kisen Ferry Service (Hiroshima-Kure-Matsuyama route)
  • Miyajima Matsudai Kisen Ferry Service (another ferry service between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima)

Matsue, Yonago, Hakubi area (ICOCA area)

  • JR West conventional lines (Sanin line between Hoki-Daisen and Izumoshi, Hakubi line between Hoki-Daisen and Bitchu-Takahashi

Only major stations on Hakubi line are covered.

These following transportation companies are covered by local IC card, “Hareca”. You can use these by major 9 IC cards. But Hareca cannot be used in other areas.

  • Okayama Tram (Streetcar)
  • Okaden Bus (local bus lines)
  • Ryobi Bus (local bus lines)

Kagawa area (ICOCA area)

  • JR Shikoku conventional lines (Seto-Ohashi line, Yosan line between Takamatsu and Tadotsu)

These following transportation companies are covered by local IC card, “IruCa”. You can use these by major 9 IC cards. But IruCa cannot be used in other areas.

  • Takamatsu Kotohira Railway (a.k.a. “Kotoden”)
  • Kotoden Bus (local bus lines)
  • Shodoshima island “Olive Bus” (local bus lines)
  • Shodoshima Kokurai Ferry (Takamatsu-Shodoshima island ferry service)
  • Uchinomi Ferry (Takamatsu-Shodoshima island ferry service)
  • Shikoku Ferry (Takamatsu-Shodoshima island ferry service)

ICOCA’s Chugoku Shikoku area will be combined with ICOCA Kansai region areas in September 2018.

Kyushu region

Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Saga and Oita (SUGOCA area)

  • JR Kyushu conventional lines (Mojiko-Kokura-Hakata-Kumamoto-Yatsushiro, Tosu-Saga, Kokura-Beppu-Oita, and some local lines around Hakata, Kumoaoto, Oita, Kurume)
  • Kitakyushu Monorail (all lines)

Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Saga and Oita (nimoca area)

  • Nishitetsu Railway (all lines)
  • Chikuho Dentetsu Railway (all lines)
  • Nishitetsu Bus (most of local lines and express bus lines)
  • JR Kyushu Bus
  • Saga City Bus
  • Kumamoto Tram (streetcar)
  • Oita Kotsu Bus

Fukuoka (Hayakaken area)

  • Fukuoka City Subway (all lines)

Nagasaki (SUGOCA area)

  • JR Kyushu conventional lines (Nagasaki-Isahaya-Takematsu)

Miyazaki (SUGOCA area)

  • JR Kyushu conventional lines (Sadowara-Miyazaki-Tano, Miyazaki-Miyazaki airport)

Miyazaki (nimoca area)

  • Miyazaki Kotsu Bus (all local lines)

Kagoshima (SUGOCA area)

  • JR Kyushu conventional lines (Sendai-Kagoshima-Kokubu, Kagoshima Chuo-Kiire)

Travel completion rule in a single coverage area

If you use IC card, you must complete your trip in same coverage area from departure to arrival.

e.g.
Travel from Yokohama to Shizuoka by JR train
Suica covers from Yokohama to Atami and Toica covers from Kannami to Shizuoka. Atami station is located next to Kannami station. You seem to continue to travel but you cannot. You cannot cross the border in the trip. If you use start to travel in Suica area, you have to finish your trip in Suica area.

e.g
Travel from Utsunomiya to Sendai
Suica covers both areas. But Utsunomiya is in Suica Greater Tokyo area and Sendai is Suica Sendai area. Both areas are covered by Suica but these are different areas. You cannot continue your trip.

In addition, ICOCA has 200km rule. You have to make a trip more than 200km in one trip. When you make a long distance travel in Kansai region, the distance may be more than 200km. You cannot use IC card to make a trip more than 200km. However if you take Limited Express train, you can use it for more than 200km travel by one ride of limited express train. You cannot change limited express trains in the trip.

e.g.
Travel from Omishiotsu to Himeji by Special Rapid train
Both stations are in ICOCA Kansai region area. But the distance is 229.8km. You cannot use IC card for this trip.
Even if you use other than ICOCA, you cannot make more than 200km trip anyway. As long as you are in ICOCA area, you have to follow ICOCA rule.

e.g.
Travel from Tennoji to Kii-Katsuura by limited express Kuroshio
The distance is 247.1km but you will make this trip by limited express train. You can use IC card. But please remember that you must have limited express seat fee ticket beside IC card.

How to refund a deposit

IC card includes 500 yen deposit. You can get a refund before you leave Japan. However you can get a refund by issuer only.

e.g.
If you use Suica, you have to get a refund in Suica area, such as Tokyo and surrounding area. You can use Suica in other areas, such as Osaka, Sapporo. But you cannot get a refund other than Suica area.

When you get a refund, handling fee is charged. Handling fee is 220 yen in most of IC cards. But if you do not have much fund in your IC card, handling fee may be waived.

e.g.
If your balance is 1,000 yen in your IC card, you will get 1,280 yen.
1,000 yen (fund) + 500 yen (deposit) – 220 yen (handling fee) = 1,280 yen

e.g.
If your balance is less than 220 yen in your IC card, you will get 500 yen deposit only.

If you want to get a refund, try to use all funds in IC card to save a handling fee.

Compare rail pass and IC card

IC card does not offer the unlimited ride. IC card fare is a bit different from regular fare because 1 yen figure is rounded off in a regular fare for the customer’s convenience.

e.g.
Fare comparison of regular fare (cash payment) and IC card fare

DistanceRegular
fare
IC card fare
1-3km140 yen144 yen
4-6km190 yen185 yen

As you saw, it is almost same. If you use IC card, you will spend same amount of cash payment. It does not give you any discounts. You will get only convenience.

However Kansai One Pass offers a discount at many attractions. It is a bonus for the tourist.

By the way, there are many train passes available in Japan. If you make lots of trips a day or multiple days, you may use a train pass, such as Tokyo Subway Ticket, All Day Bus Pass in Kyoto, Enjoy Eco Card (subway pass in Osaka). Please see the links below to find more information.

Guide to take trains in Tokyo. How to choose the best deal and the best route by train to get the major spots?

How to choose the best train pass for sightseeing in Kyoto

How to choose the best train pass for sightseeing in Osaka

I hope this post helps you to learn about IC card.

Comments

  1. James says:

    Hi Takeshi-San

    Can I use SUICA to travel between Kobe and Kyoto? And between Kobe and Nara?

    (I don’t need to use the Shinkansen)

    Thanks

    James

  2. Kazzi says:

    Hello Takeshi-san. I bought Kitaca last Feb 2019 for Sapporo. Can I use it in Shizuoka and Tokyo so I don’t need to buy Suica and Toica?

    • Hi Kazzi san,

      Yes, you can use it Suica and Toica areas.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Kazzi says:

        Thank you for the response, Takeshi-san.

        I have another question, what would you recommend is the fastest route to go to Numazu in Shizuoka from Narita Terminal 2? We will be arriving at Narita Airport around 8pm.

        Thanks in advance.

        • Hi Kazzi san,

          You may not be able to get Numazu on arrival day. Because you must take the last departure of Narita Express at 21:46.
          Narita T2 21:46 (Narita Express 54) 22:46 Shinagawa 22:54 (Shinkansen Kodama 809) 22:39 Mishima 22:47 (Tokaido line local) 23:52 Numazu

          If you miss Narita Express 54, there is no ways to get Numazu. You must stay overnight in Tokyo or Narita.

          You cannot use Kitaca for this train connections. You must purchase a ticket at Narita T2 station. So you must complete everything in 1 hour 45 minutes. It is very tight and risky.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

  3. diana says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    I have a PASMO card that I bought in Tokyo (October 2015). can I use that card in Sapporo, Otaru, Lake Toya, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Sounkyo, Biei? I plan to go there in November 2019.
    I’m not sure about the balance, but if it’s not enough can I top up the card in Hokkaido? or should I just buy a new card that can cover all the places that I want to visit?

    Thank you in advance.

  4. Alina says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,
    I am interested to buy the JR Northern Kyushu Area to go on a day trip to Yufuin and Beppu. I just want to confirm whether the pass allows me to use the Yufuin No Mori train? Is it better to go Yufuin first and then Beppu or the other way? I read that there’s no direct train to Beppu from Yufuin and I have to stop in Oita. Am I right? Can I check the schedule from Hyperdia? Thanking you in advance.

    Alina

  5. Linda LMW says:

    Hi Takeshi San,

    I will be travelling to Japan the last week of Oct 2019 and would appreciate your advice on the most suitable JR Pass and travelling card within Tokyo to purchase as per itinerary below:
    1. 26 Oct – Arrive Tokyo morning via Narita Airport (visit Kamakura as day trip)
    2. 27 Oct – Tokyo/Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto (visit Matsumoto & Narai-juku)
    3. 28 Oct – Matsumoto to Tokyo/Shinjuku Station
    4. 29 Oct – Tokyo to Nikko, stay 2 nights
    5. 31 Oct – Nikko to Tokyo/Tokyo Station
    6. 1 Nov – Tokyo Station to Haneda Airport (either by limo bus or train)

    I found out that I can go to Nikko from Shinjuku Station or Tokyo Station, please advise which is the most convenient way based on the JR pass you would recommend.

    Thank you in advance and warm regards,
    Linda

    • Hi Linda san,

      You may use JR East Pass Nagano Niigata:
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-pass-niigata-and-nagano-flex-5-days-pass-in-14-days-period-to-cover-kanto-region-nagano-and-niigata.html

      You may take the limousine bus to get Haneda by the regular fare. Other 5 trips are covered by this pass.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Linda LMW says:

        Dear Takeshi san,

        Arigato gozaimasu. Keep up the good work!

        Cheers,
        Linda

        • No worries, Linda san.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Linda LMW says:

            Hi Takeshi san,

            I have bought the JR East Pass Nagano Niigata as per your advice and will exchange the voucher for the pass upon arrival in Japan. I want to reserve seats online for the limited express trains and shinkansen. Do I have to pay for the reserved seats fare if I show my pass when collecting the reserved seat tickets?

            For reserved seat ticket:
            1) Shinjuku to Matsumoto on Sun, 27 Oct and Matsumoto to Shinjuku on Mon, 28 Oct (Ltd
            Express Azusa)
            – Can I reserve online and pick up both reserved seat tickets on Sat, 26 Oct at Narita Airport

            2) Tokyo to Nikko on Tue, 29 Oct and Nikko to Tokyo on Thu, 31 Oct (Tohoku Shinkansen)
            – Can I reserve online and pick up both reserved seat tickets earlier on Sat, 26 Oct at Narita
            Airport or I can only pick them up only on 28 Oct at Shinjuku Station

            Look forward to your reply.

            Thank you and regards,
            Linda

            • Hi Linda san,

              You don’t need to pay. It’s covered by the pass.

              You can pick up all tickets when you exchange the pass at Narita airport station.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JPRail.com

              • Linda LMW says:

                Thank you very much, Takeshi san !

                • No worries, Linda san.

                  Cheers,

                  Takeshi / JPRail.com

                  • Linda LMW says:

                    Hi Takeshi-san,

                    I’m sorry to hear about the typhoon that hit your beautiful country, causing loss of lives and damages – my condolences to those affected. I will continue to travel to your country as planned.

                    Because of the typhoon, the Limited Express Asuza train service to Matsumoto has been suspended till further notice. I have reserved seats for this service on 27 & 28 Oct and supposed to pick up the reserved tickets at Narita Airport on 26 Oct. Should I cancel the reserved seats now or just check with JR Travel service center at Narita itself? I understand that charges will apply if cancellation is not done within 2 days from date of travel, even if I will have my JR East Pass

                    My other option to Matsumoto is using Hokuriku Shinkansen (Asama only) via Nagano.

                    Your advice will be much appreciated. Thank you very much.

                    • Hi Linda san,

                      Don’t worry. You can cancel the ticket at Narita Airport. It is very special case. You can cancel the ticket without any fees even if you cancel it when you pick up. The train does not run anyway.

                      However it’s still about 10 days away. If the restoration procedure will go smoothly, the train may run on this day. So do not cancel and see what’s going on. Other closed segments were open before expected date.

                      If Azusa will be suspended, you can cancel at Narita and rebook the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano and the limited express Shinano from Nagano to Matsumoto.

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

                    • Linda LMW says:

                      Hi Takeshi san,

                      I will keep the seat reservations for Azusa and will check again within these few days. For the Shinano Limited Express, is this covered by the JR East Pass although it is operated by JR Central? I didn’t see it as a selection in the JR East train reservation site and also it is not mentioned as part of the JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata) train services on their website.

                      Hope to hear from you soon and best regards,
                      Linda

                    • Hi Linda,

                      You can take the limited express Shinano between Nagano and Matsumoto only. This segment belongs to JR East. So you can take this train.
                      But you cannot reserve online for Shinano. You have to book it when you get Narita.

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

                    • Linda LMW says:

                      Hi Takeshi san,

                      Thank you so much for your clarification! It has eased my worries and helped me on my ‘Plan B’ to Matsumoto.

                      Warm regards,
                      Linda

                    • No worries, Linda san.

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  6. Khai-Wen says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    My itinerary is not really fixed yet, as I am trying to get as much information as I can. But basically is that I plan to cover around Kyoto- Osaka region for around 6-7 days duration.
    1. Just wondering if ICOCA card is a better option for me to suit my flexibility of schedule?
    2. And I was wondering if I am able to reload ICOCA card when credit inside the card runs out before I refund?

    I apologize if the itinerary is quite blurry. Thank you in advance.

  7. Ms Sy Lim says:

    Konnichiwa Takeshi San,
    My travel companion & I will be visiting Kyushu Fri 6 – leaving on 12 Sept 2019.

    Our itinerary :
    6 Sept – Arrive at Hakata
    7 to 8 Sept – Nagasaki
    9 Sept – Return to Hakata
    10 Sept – Day trip to Saga from Hakata
    11 Sept – Day trip to Kumamoto from Hakata
    12 Sept – Depart Hakata in morning

    My current understanding on how I should go about with the IC Prepaid cards + JR Kyushu Pass :
    1. Upon Arrival at Fukuoka International Airport,we can get 2 cards – 1. Hayakaken Card – which enables to take our subway to Hakata Station & I can continue to use it for subways in other cities & prefectures within Kyushu.

    2. Separately I should also buy a 3 Days Northern Kyushu JR Pass which covers :
    – JR Kamome Limited Express from Hakata to Nagasaki
    – Limited Express Train from Hakata station to Saga City
    – Shinkansen to from Hakata to Kumamoto

    While I understand SUGOCA Prepaid Card covers JR Pass, I’m still not sure if buying it is enough or I need to combine with a 3 Days Northern Kyushu Rail Pass.

    Look forward to your advise . Thank you

    Ms SY Lim

  8. Inna says:

    Hi. If I have an Icoca card and will ride a limited express non reserved seat, do I still have to purchase the additional fare or just the Icoca card? And if I need to purchase the additional fare, how will I know what amount to pay for the additional fare? Thank you!

  9. aldy says:

    Dear Takeshi-San,

    Thanks for the information shared on your blog. I am going to Japan next January and planning which pass will suit me best. I will arrive KIX around 21.20 and plan to stay in Namba area for 3 days and continue to stay in Kyoto for 3 days ( for Nara and Shirakawa-go), later on I will bound to Tokyo from Kyoto. My question :
    Which pass is a better combination for me?

    1. Plan to use ICOCA + haruka package from KIX to Namba area. The next day will use Osaka Amazing pass + Kintetsu 5 day passes.
    (considering Osaka Amazing Pass to cover Osaka subway and attraction, and Kintetsu rail 5 days pass to cover the rest trip in Kyoto, Nara, and Nagoya. Buy separate shinkansen ticket from Kyoto to Tokyo and later on use Tokyo Subway Ticket pass in Tokyo) or,

    2. Just use Kansai One Pass to cover the rest trip in Osaka – Kyoto – Nara – Nagoya and later on buy separate shinkansen ticket from Kyoto to Tokyo and use Tokyo Subway Ticket in Tokyo.

    3. Can I return and get a refund Kansai One pass or ICOCA at Kyoto Station?

    Your help and though would be very helpful and appreciated. Thank you in advance. Cheers.

    • Hi Aldy san,

      Before I recommend you the deals, I would like to make sure a few things.

      1. You are thinking to use Kintetsu Rail Pass. Are you going to visit Nagoya as day trip from Kyoto or Osaka? Nagoya is located between Osaka/Kyoto and Tokyo. You can drop by Nagoya on the way to Tokyo if you like.

      2. You mentioned that you want to visit Shirakawago. Do you want to visit there as the day trip from Kyoto?

      3. You will go to Tokyo. Are you going to leave Japan from Tokyo. Are you going to see only downtown Tokyo?

      There are many recommendations. Please make sure your trip plan and let me know.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

    • aldy says:

      Dear Takeshi-San,

      Thanks for your kindness reply, here are some rough itinerary that I made :

      1. 17 Jan arrive KIX around 21.20 and will stay in Namba until 19 Jan
      2. 20 Jan early morning will go to Kyoto
      3. 21 Jan early morning will go to Nara on a day trip
      4. 22 Jan early morning will go to Shirakawago from Kyoto ( as part of my research i have to reach Nagoya to go to Shirakawago using Meitetsu Bus?)
      5. 23 Jan from Shirakawago and back to Nagoya and stay a night
      6. 24 – 28 Jan from Nagoya to Tokyo ( leave Japan from Tokyo )

      What do you think is the best way to reach Shirakawago? Osaka – Nagoya (meitetsu) or Kyoto – Nagoya (meitetsu)?
      If i choose Osaka – Nagoya that means I will depart to Tokyo from Kyoto using shinkansen because I want to cover Nara and Kyoto before I go to Tokyo.

      or

      Do you think I can go to Tokyo from Kanazawa or Takayama? Which is better option? ( considering this option i won’t be coming back to Nagoya, will just choose either one city to stay one night and depart there to Tokyo)

      Thank you very much in advance.

  10. Jennifer says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I will be landing in Nagoya airport and heading straight to Osaka -> Kyoto -> Nagoya, is it advisable to get a Manaca card?

    Thank you in advance.

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