IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca)

IC cards are rechargeable smart cards for trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines, and many restaurants. They save enormous time versus buying paper tickets.

Suica (JR East, Tokyo area), Pasmo (Tokyo Metro/private lines), and Icoca (JR West, Osaka/Kyoto area) are interchangeable — buy any one and it works across almost the entire country.

Purchase at any JR ticket machine: insert cash, select 'New IC Card' (English button available). Deposit ¥2,000 — ¥500 is deposit, ¥1,500 prepaid. You'll get the ¥500 deposit back when you return the card.

You can also get IC cards on iPhone/Android Wallet — add Suica directly from the Wallet app with a Visa/Mastercard. Tap your phone at the gate. No deposit, no need to return.

Recharge at station machines or convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson). Say 'charge' (チャージ) or just tap your card at the register and hand cash to the clerk.